Dish & Drink KC: First time charm at Vye Cocktail Lounge and Char Bar

Vye Cocktail Lounge // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Have you ever had that feeling on a first date where dinner just isn’t enough to wrap things up? Like the night has more to offer, and you’re not quite ready to call it? That’s how we felt. 

After dinner, we knew we wanted to grab a drink somewhere, just hadn’t figured out where. It was one of those “let’s see where the night takes us” moments. And at the last minute, we ended up at Vye Cocktail Lounge—no plan, no expectations, just good vibes and a shared sense of adventure.

The lounge itself was more spacious than expected, and the vibe? Seductive without being stuffy. They also had a DJ playing a perfect mix of songs that made you subtly dance in your seat without realizing it. Not quite a party, not quite background noise—just the sweet spot in between.

There’s a rooftop patio, which we clocked for future visits, but this time, we stayed grounded quite literally. The downstairs felt like a secret you’re glad you stumbled into—polished, inviting, and full of that easy energy that makes you want to stay for one more round. And maybe one after that.

When we were ready, the bartender slid us the spring cocktail menu—which was short but interesting. I went for the Vye On Fire ($20), which showed up looking like it had a story to tell. Reposado tequila, lime, agave, mango cordial, and a brûléed Mezcal and Grand Marnier float on top. I thought it might be too smoky, but it was a low, warm kind of smoky. Some sweetness made this the cocktail version of a hot little romance.

My date ordered the Ginger Bee ($12), which might’ve been the sneaky favorite. Bramble gin, lemon juice, ginger beer—simple, bright, with a little zing that made you want to sip it slow even though it was way too easy to drink fast. We’ve both been chasing that flavor ever since, asking bartenders across the city to recreate it. Spoiler alert: no one’s nailed it like Vye did.

The whole night just worked. No pressure, no script—just good drinks, easy conversation, and that soft buzz in the air that says, “Yeah, we’re coming back here.”

Vye Cocktail Lounge is located at 2018 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64108.

Char Bar // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Some days, your house just won’t let you work. Maybe it’s the walls closing in, maybe it’s your brain refusing to cooperate—or maybe, just maybe, it’s the sunshine flirting through your windows, begging you to log off and go live a little.

That was me. I started the day with good intentions and a laptop at a coffee shop, but by lunchtime, it was clear: I needed food, fresh air, and a break from pretending I was going to be productive. So I texted a friend and made a spontaneous detour to Char Bar in Westport.

Now, here’s the twist: I’d never been. Wild, right? I’ve driven past it countless times, always catching glimpses of people having the best time out on that big patio. Laughter, yard games, drinks clinking—pure summer energy. I’d mentally bookmarked it as a spot to try, and finally, it was time.

Since Char Bar is a BBQ joint and I don’t eat a ton of barbecue, I was hoping for something that would tempt my curiosity without leaning too heavy. I landed on the Jumbo Smoked Chicken Wings ($15) from the Snack section, because when in doubt, wings always win. Whole wings, brined in red-eye coffee and glazed in a spicy BBQ drizzle, they were smoky, juicy, and full of unexpected depth.

And listen—shoutout to our server, who might as well have been the MVP of the whole lunch. We peppered him with questions about nearly everything on the menu (because, decisions), and he handled it like a pro! Quick, clear, and with the kind of confidence that made us trust every recommendation. Thanks to him, choosing what to eat and drink was actually fun, not stressful. That kind of service? Chef’s kiss.

Char Bar is located at 4050 Pennsylvania Kansas City, MO 64111 and 15348 Old Town Dr., Parkville, MO 64152.