KC Sipps: Six new food & drink spots open, Snake Saturday, and “little luxuries”

KC Sipps logo by Theodore Rosen

Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.

That’s where I come in. 

I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!

Something New

News Bites: Wednesdays just got a little fancier. Blanc Champagne Bar in Midtown (conveniently on the new KC Streetcar line) is now offering a special Wednesday feature. The Little Luxuries menu consists of fried chicken, pomme frites, veggies with hummus, and a dab of caviar, all on a small board, plus a mini bubbly flight for $30. Reservations are encouraged but not required, and this deal is offered all day on Wednesdays. 

Opening

Dear Donna: The KC couple with multiple James Beard Award semifinalist nods to their name, Helen Jo and Johnny Leach, have breathed new life into the former Happy Gillis restaurant. The corner spot in Columbus Park is now open, Thursdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dishes like a cabbage and lemon pepper salad, Dutch baby with fried chicken, meatloaf melt, and more make up the approachable menu. 

ThaiThai Sushi Restaurant: In part of a former K-Mart building, ThaiThai Sushi Restaurant has opened in the Platte Woods neighborhood of Kansas City. No menu or details are available online yet, but its sister restaurant, Pho La La in Lee’s Summit, boasts high customer ratings.

Bel Air Coffee & Cafe: A new coffee shop has opened at 95th and Nall in Overland Park. Bel Air Coffee & Cafe has a music-themed aesthetic and is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Q39: One of KC’s top BBQ joints has expanded to Lawrence. Just off Mass St., Q39 opened earlier this week just in time to share the annual March special: Rob’s Reuben. It is available for walk-ins and reservations seven days a week, and happens to be on the same block as Free State Brewery and Squishington’s Candy for a complete outing. 

Hemma Hemma Dinette: If downtown KC feels a little homier during the workweek, it’s because Waldo-based Hemma Hemma opened a new location in the former Strang Chef Collective space in Lightwell. The new and slightly different concept serves breakfast and lunch, but expects to offer weekend hours later this spring. Pop in for coffee and smoothies, salads, soups, and handhelds from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cleo Club: A new walk-in-only cocktail bar has opened in Crossroads. Cleo Club has a dark and rich-textured aesthetic, and Pitch writer Alexander Omorodion gave it a strong early review. “An early candidate for best bar of 2026, in my opinion,” Omorodion told me. All house cocktails–of which there are many–are $13, and beer is $6. Cleo Club opens at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays. 

March 14

Snake Saturday: Snake Saturday is major in North Kansas City. The 42nd Annual Snake Saturday parade and festival kicks off at 11 a.m. Afterwards, stop by Restless Spirits and the new Up North Brewery at Iron District for some more on-theme festivities. 

March 16

Fern Bar: The Crossroad’s agave bar, Fern Bar, is hosting a fundraising evening for AIRRKC and Eye of an Immigrant. It will feature Latino bartenders from bars across KC, DJs, and salsa instructors, plus food from Chivos Food Truck and Mariposa Provisions. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. with a how-to from AIRRKC on community building. No tickets are required–it is first-come, first-served through midnight.

Plan Ahead

Kanbe’s Markets: Kanbe’s Market is kicking off spring with a party at their Midtown warehouse. Tickets are available for the Louisiana-style seafood boil & Kansas City BBQ party on March 22. Local sponsors such as Buck Tui BBQ, Muni, Billie’s Grocery, and Mike’s Liquor are helping to make this a delicious, casual fundraiser. Tickets are all-inclusive for food and drink and cost $85.