KC Sipps: Three local restaurants add new locations, a Pride Month pre-party, and a free three-day Italian festival

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: Another girl dinner just hit the scene. Tom’s Town in the Crossroads neighborhood just introduced ‘grl dinner,’ but this one has a leg up on others… It’s on Monday nights. A common lament around town is that not enough local/independent restaurants are open on Monday nights. And we thoroughly respect their need for rest and time off. But add Tom’s Town to the list of spots that are not only open on Mondays but also offer a special deal or menu to kick off the week with a bang. $25 (and a reservation) gets you a choice of martini, a choice of salad, plus a mini charcuterie plate and Parmesan herb fries.

Congratulations to Café Corazón, which was just named 2026 Small Business of the Year by The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Café Corazón has three Latin and Indigenous coffee house locations and is known for being active participants in and hosts for the community. Another eatery, Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate, was named Emerging Small Business of the Year.

Opening

The Laos House: Chef Kay Pee has expanded The Laos House. Now, beyond its Parlor location, Laos House dishes are ready to satisfy late-night cravings at The Levee. On May 31, a grand opening celebration is planned for 6 p.m. and continues through closing at 2:30 a.m. That’s right, actual late-night food. Enjoy the popular Laoritos and more from inside the bar or from the walk-up window on 43rd Street. 

Café 333: A sober person, a comedian, and a jazz musician walk into a bar… except it’s not a joke setup; it’s the premise of Café 333. This new spot in Crossroads is in a soft-opening phase and will announce operating times on its social media. Café 333 is a sober space that aims to provide a dressy night out “that you actually remember,” with a menu of mocktails and small plates, plus nightly entertainment of jazz and comedy. 

District Biskuits: One of the casual breakfast and brunch spots that I recommend most, District Biskuits, is opening a new location. On May 30 at 10:30 a.m., there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new spot near 63rd and The Paseo. It has taken over the recently closed District Fish & Pasta House space. Since it is primarily a breakfast sandwich spot, the doors open at 8 a.m., and the first 100 people will receive free “goodies” from the restaurant. The KC LIVE! biscuit with chicken sausage, cheese, and pepper jelly is my current pick, but it’s the Howlin’ Fouls evening menu of hot chicken that sees me there for carryout most often. The Howlin’ Fouls menu and extended hours are expected to be added to the new location later this year. 

Joe’s Next Door: Across the street from Joe’s KC original gas station location, Joe’s Next Door is now open. The “neighborhood hangout” provides a welcoming spot to linger over a game on TV or a patio night. Familiar items like the Z-Man, of course, are available, but the menu also includes a full bar. It is open daily.

Closing

Harp Barbecue: Harp Barbecue in Overland Park is closing as of May 30. The restaurant cites rising costs of meat as a primary reason. However, this is not the end of their signature style that leans less sweet than many other local spots, plus the sides that Pitch writer Patrick raves about. First, you can catch Harp BBQ popping up at Sound Bite Social (part of Warehouse on Broadway) on June 6 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Also, a GoFundMe has been set up by a community supporter to help carry Harp BBQ on to its next chapter, likely in partnership with a brewery or bar, owner Tyler Harp says in an Instagram post.

May 29 

Festa Italiana: The free Italian festival at Zona Rosa kicks off tonight at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday at 5 p.m. Admission is free, but funds raised overall go toward the UNICO KC scholarship program, with over $60,000 to be awarded during Sunday’s ceremony. The festival features wine tastings, a cannoli-eating contest hosted by Jasper Mirable, multiple restaurant pop-ups, an Italian motorsports show, live musical performances, shopping, kids’ activities, and more. Don’t leave without picking up a variety pack of cookies from Scola’s Original Italian Cookies & Pastries. 

May 30

The Dub: The Dub is throwing a Pride Month pre-party. Stop by before the KC Current game for spirited face painting, stay to watch it at 12:30 p.m., or pop in later because the fun lasts all day. Multiple DJs, vendors, and even a burrito pop-up will offer something for everyone while NWSL and WNBA games light up the screens. 

Betty Rae’s: The River Market location of Betty Rae’s invites you and your furry friends for a sweet visit. From 2 – 4 p.m., Three Dog Bakery will be on site with their new ice cream-flavored Lick’n Crunch! Cookie for dogs. The dog-focused bakery opened in 1989 in Kansas City and is now carried nationwide in stores like Walmart, Walgreens, pet stores, and more. For humans, I recommend Betty Rae’s natural mint chocolate chip ice cream.