KC Sipps: Restaurant celebrations, festivals, and closure news this week

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: Congratulations to KC’s own Jeffrey Workman of Green Dirt on Oak and Workman’s pop-ups, who was selected as a member of the 31st Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change® cohort with the James Beard Foundation. The group receives thorough training to take action towards policy decisions that impact our food system on the local and national level.

From September 12-19, dining at a few of KC’s beloved restaurants will have an extra-positive impact on the community. Butter KC Catering, Jerusalem Cafe, Ruby Jean’s Juicery, and The Russell on Main are participating in For the Love Restaurant Week, where a portion of the week’s proceeds will go to University Health Foundation. 

City Barrel is celebrating Oktoberfest-style brews with a whole week of Septemberfest. From September 11-19, stop by for German-inspired beer releases and food specials. The festivities culminate in a party on September 19 with a free stein-holding competition and other games, kids’ activities, and more.  

The Lawrence Cocktail Trail kicks off today, running from September 10 – 20. As a benefit for the Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, Lawrence Cocktail Trail features cocktails at 16 participating locations. $1 from each featured cocktail goes to the Hospitality Workers Relief Fund. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, I recommend Culinaria, Northside Social, or 715.

Closing

Pitchside Coffee: Don’t be alarmed. Pitchside Coffee is closing, but only so they can move from the existing East Crossroads location to a new spot at Current Landing. The move makes sense for a business owned and run by former/current KC Current players. The final day in Crossroads will be September 27, but they will operate out of their original coffee cart in Current Landing during the transition. Service at the coffee cart began September 8, with hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily. I recently stopped by for the housemade peanut butter caramel latte, and wow, it is a must-try for peanut butter fans.  

Casita de lil Chingu: The kitchen takeover of Novella (formerly Garden House Cafe) and Sagebrush is coming to a close. Lil Chingu’s summer residency ends after service on September 13. Plans are underway for a continued collaboration, but this is your last chance to enjoy the full menu of weekend breakfast at Novella and dinner at Sagebrush. 

Patio: Patio in Independence has closed. In a social media post, the restaurant and lounge cited financial issues as the reason for closing.

Le Champion: The Kansas City Star broke the news that Le Champion is closing. The Westport cafe and bar opened last year, but will soon be converted into an izakaya-style bar under new ownership.

September 10

King G: The Crossroads bar deemed “best bar to meet people” by 2026 Pitch readers is turning five years old. Starting at 5 p.m., King G will celebrate the occasion by unveiling a new mural, new food and drink menus including new local collaborations, as well as a raffle to benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Johnson County Old Settlers Days: Old Settlers Days returns this weekend, with events held Thursday through Saturday. This volunteer-run event is held in downtown Olathe, and features free concerts from artists like Phil Vassar and The Phil Collins Experience, kids’ activities, arts and crafts booths, a carnival, eats from 15+ food booths run by Johnson County nonprofit groups, and more. The event is free to attend and open to all. 

September 11

Kansas City Greek Festival: The 64th annual Greek Festival held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church kicks off today for three days of authentic food, music, and more. The festival is free to attend and offers order-ahead options for food.

Fiesta Hispana: From September 11 – 13 at the American Royal, Fiesta Hispania returns to bring a celebration of Hispanic heritage to Kansas City. The event, put on by the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Heritage Committee, is free to attend and includes food vendors, live performances, a health fair, art, and more.

September 12

Homer’s Coffee: Homer’s Coffee is celebrating an impressive 25 years of caffeinating downtown Overland Park. From 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. there will be vendors on site plus prizes and special-edition drinks, and then live music starting at 6:30 p.m. 

Kanbe’s Markets: Kanbe’s is hosting another event for Hunger Action Month, and this time YOU get fed while also connecting with KC Food Hub, KC Can Compost, and Urban Produce Push. This morning Kanbe’s is serving a pancake breakfast, complete with coffee and fruit rescued via their own program, and tickets are $15. Stop by for a casual breakfast and to check out Kanbe’s and the other food-related organizations for yourself. 

A Taste of Leawood: The foodie festival at Park Place is back for another evening of food, drink, and entertainment. About 28 vendors will offer unlimited tastings, including Booth Creek Wagyu, Aahaa Modern Indian Cuisine, Tuk Tuk Thai, Kata Nori, and more, while The Ragged Heirs take the stage. Tickets start at $100 for this 21+ event. 

Kansas City Whiskey Festival: Taste, learn, and revel in all things whiskey. At the Historic Rumely Tractor Building in West Bottoms, the Kansas City Whiskey Festival features familiar nationwide names like Woodford Reserve alongside local favorites such as Union Horse Distilling, Holladay Distilling, Bootleg Bourbon Balls, and more for sampling and education. Tickets start at $65, or $20 for designated drivers.

September 13

Mildred’s: It’s time for another Crossroads Flea! At Mildred’s Crossroads location (not the one near the downtown library), Mildred’s and a variety of vendors will feature food and bev, local produce, goods, vintage, and more from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Think of it like a miniature First Friday experience. And if you’re in the mood for more fresh dishes and vintage finds, make your way down to City Market afterwards. Just be sure to snag some of Mildred’s banana bread–which uses Kanbe’s redirected bananas! 

Plan Ahead

The Pitch Dessert Week: Half-price desserts start Monday! We love partnering with area restaurants and bakeries on our food weeks, but this one is extra sweet. Between fried Oreos and apple nachos, there’s something for every sweet tooth. I always recommend checking each spot’s hours before stopping by.

The Fix: Smoochie’s Supper Club by The Fix is back on September 20 for another decadent plant-based dinner. Bid farewell to the season with their Summer tasting menu, with dishes like courgette soup, squash with green curry, and a lemon meringue with raspberry. Tickets are $85, with an optional wine pairing add-on.