Dish & Drink KC: Milkshakes, masterpieces, and a must-try BBQ spot

Creative Culture Craft Studio & Milkshake Bar// Photos By Tiffany Watts

Milkshakes and crafting at Creative Culture in Westport

If you’re a foodie and a lover of DIY projects, let me introduce you to the ultimate combination: massive, over-the-top milkshakes and a crafting experience like no other. 

Recently my daughter and I visited Creative Culture, a DIY craft studio and milkshake bar, for our weekly mommy-daughter date night. We showed up excited to craft our little hearts out and taste the famed milkshakes that everyone’s been talking about. 

These indulgent treats are stacked with an assortment of goodies like Rice Krispies, Oreos, cookies, and more, depending on which one you choose. The experience is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

My daughter opted for the “It’s Lit” milkshake ($14), a s’mores-inspired masterpiece piled high with all the fixings of the classic campfire treat—think marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and graham crackers. I indulged in the “Local Love,” a cookie dough milkshake ($14) that’s fully loaded with cookie dough chunks, Oreos, and sprinkles. Trust me when I say these are not just milkshakes—they’re works of art in themselves.

Creative Culture Craft Studio & Milkshake Bar// Photos By Tiffany Watts

But the fun doesn’t stop at the milkshakes. As we sipped on our decadent treats, we got ready to dive into the other half of Creative Culture’s charm: crafting! With a fully stocked paint bar and step-by-step instructions for a variety of creative projects, it’s the perfect place to let your artistic side shine. We chose to paint, gathering all the supplies and paint colors we needed to create our mini masterpieces.

What I appreciated most is that Creative Culture takes a minimalist approach to creativity, providing a blank canvas through various art mediums to help you unleash your inner artist.  Plus everything is self-guided, with detailed instructions available, and their tool wall offers an extensive selection of design products, so you can customize each project to your liking.

Creative Culture is located at 207 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111, as well as 5235 W 116th Place, Leawood, KS 66211.

3 Halves Brewpub & BBQ // Photos By Tiffany Watts

Beyond BBQ at 3 Halves Brewpub and BBQ in Liberty

When you think of 3 Halves Brewpub and BBQ in Liberty, Missouri, barbecue might be the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason—they’re hailed as one of the best BBQ spots in the Kansas City area. But I was on a mission to explore what else they had to offer and let me tell you, they’re killing the food scene beyond just BBQ.

I decided to dive into their jumbo wings (6 for $18), which are smoked, deep-fried, and tossed in your choice of sauce. I went with the buffalo sauce, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Their buffalo isn’t your average wing sauce—it’s a perfectly seasoned, flavorful creation that elevates the whole dish. Pair those wings with a side of fries, and you have a meal that’s so good, that you could easily eat every piece of food on your plate.

I dined with my little sister, who’s usually all about their famous brisket, but since we were branching out, she ordered the Members Only Club sandwich ($13). This masterpiece features house-smoked turkey and ham, bacon, onion, lettuce, tomato, and raspberry chipotle aioli, all served on a ciabatta roll. The sweet and smoky flavor from the raspberry chipotle aioli made this sandwich a standout, and we both agreed it was a winner.

Now, while the food at 3 Halves is incredible, the other half of the experience lies in their beer. 

3 Halves Brewpub & BBQ // Photos By Tiffany Watts

Head brewer Bucky is crafting some of the best brews in Kansas City, and it would be a disservice not to dive into their beer selection. We ordered a flight, which is the perfect way to sample a variety of their in-house creations, and each one was a distinct experience.

First up was the 3 Halves Kelce Caught a Kolsch, a light and crisp brew that’s perfect for those who love a refreshing beer with subtle malt sweetness. It’s the kind of beer that goes down easy, especially when paired with the smokiness of the wings. Then we had the Cervesa Peligrosa, a Mexican lager that’s clean and smooth with a touch of citrus and malt—ideal for anyone who enjoys a straightforward, no-frills lager with a little zing.

But the real showstoppers for me were the 3 Halves Barrel-Aged Unstaved Stout and the Lemon Blackberry Sour. 

The stout was rich and decadent, with deep notes of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of oak from the barrel-aging process. It’s a heavy hitter, perfect for those who love bold, full-bodied beers that linger on the palate. The Lemon Blackberry Sour, on the other hand, was bright and tangy, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour. The blackberry flavor was fresh and fruity, while the lemon added just the right amount of tartness to keep things interesting.

While I don’t consider myself much of a beer drinker, I was blown away by the complexity and range of flavors in their brews. Honestly, between their perfectly smoked wings, indulgent sandwiches, and expertly crafted selection of beers, I’m sure I’ll be heading back for more soon. 

3 Halves Brewpub & BBQ is located at 110 East Kansas Street, Liberty, MO 64068.