KC Sipps: New waterfront eateries and the return of patio dining

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: The James Beard Foundation announced the finalists for this year’s restaurant, chef, bar, and other award categories. From the six semifinalists in KC that were announced in January, only one made the next round. Congratulations to Anjin for being up for Best New Restaurant among nine others for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards! Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15. 

Now that spring has officially sprung, restaurants are slowly getting back to full operation after having to adjust to consumers’ winter behaviors. Jim’s Alley Bar in Crossroads is now open for lunch Thursdays through Mondays, as well as weekend brunch, which is not to be overlooked! The indoor/outdoor combo of Varsity Club and Disco Burger in River Market added lunch service to Fridays, and sweetened the pot by offering happy hour specials all the way from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. for a cool weekend kickoff. 

To continue the patio vibe, Blanc Champagne Bar in Midtown has opened its rooftop Sun Club, and reservations are available now. Affäre in Crossroads is now open an extra day, with dinner service on Tuesdays; plus they’re debuting a new fútbol food collab at Casual Animal Brewing during First Friday (April 3). And last but not least for this week’s access update, Dear Donna has expanded their operating days mere weeks after opening. Dear Donna in Columbus Park is now open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., in addition to Thursdays through Sundays. 

Opening

Rock Island Bridge: The long-anticipated opening of Rock Island Bridge has arrived. The new, over-water venue has a little bit of everything, including a few dining options. Rock Island Eats walkup window is open daily from 11 a.m.  – 10 p.m. for grab and go sodas, beer, and “all-American eats.” River House Restaurant is a more traditional indoor restaurant and bar on the bridge’s main deck, and is open daily from 3 – 10 p.m. Last but not least is The Royal Bar on the upper deck, paying homage to the American Royal. No admission or purchase is required to access the bridge, and more public access and facilities are planned to open this year. Guests can utilize free street parking or the West Bottoms Garage for a fee, and the east entrance, on the Hy-Vee Arena side, is the only way to enter the Bridge.

Closing

Squishington’s: The candy store on Mass Street in Lawrence has announced closure as of March 31. Squishington’s was full of personality and will be missed, as will its sister business, Jungle House, which also closed. Squishington’s opened in late 2023 in the former Liberty Hall Video space. 

April 4

Eat Local and Organic Expo: As an unofficial kickoff to farmers market season in the Midwest, more than 30 KC Food Circle farmers will be at Lenexa Old Town Activity Center from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., selling their greens, herbs, meats, eggs, and more.  This is also an opportunity to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for weekly shares of locally-grown produce. 

Neighbors Coffee: At the Marlborough Heights neighborhood coffee shop, Neighbors, Fullproof Donuts will pop up from 10 a.m. to sell out. Fulllproof is a microbakery that offers $5 filled sourdough donuts. This month, the menu features flavors like mango pineapple, brown sugar cinnamon, and more, including a savory option. 

Plan Ahead

Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches: On Monday, April 6, Bay Boy is celebrating its 8th birthday. To bring us all in on the fun of the milestone, they’re offering sandwiches from the original menu at original menu prices! The deals will run from April 6 – 8.