Dish & Drink KC: New Year tamales at Taco Naco and miniBar’s Chili Tuesday’s
Chili Night at miniBar. // Photo by Tyler Shane
miniBar’s Chili Tuesdays
Tuesday Chili Night is our (and probably John Mellencamp’s) favorite night of the week at miniBar. After all, it’s hard not to love a bowl of chili offered with a shot—yes, you read that right. The chili combo consists of a bowl of chili served alongside a Hamm’s beer and your choice of shot for $12. The chili is homemade, with a delicious vegan option available that is sure to appease meat-free eaters and carnivores alike.
Hot dogs are always offered during the $5 Happy Hour (discounting natural wines and draft beer), but on Tuesday, you can refine your dog with a heaping spoonful of chili. It’ll be dressed to the nines with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a drizzle of chili mayo, making for one indulgent yet satisfying bar meal.
miniBar seems to have figured out the ideal bar food menu—quick-bite options that are familiar yet elevated. If the bar isn’t slinging the spicy stew, it’s offering the usuals, including pimento grilled cheese, salt and vinegar kettle corn, and pickle plates.
miniBar is located at 3810 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. – 3 a.m.
New Year tamales at Taco Naco. // Courtesy Taco Naco
Taco Naco’s New Year tamales
Taco Naco has been making waves since it debuted as a vendor at the award-winning Overland Park Farmers Market. Since opening their restaurant in a strip mall in downtown Overland Park, the taqueria features an extensive menu of mouthwatering tacos, salsas, burritos, and bar beverages. Nevertheless, the Mexican market within the taco shop showcases more seasonal grab-and-go options that are not to be overlooked. To celebrate the New Year, the most recent creation includes the traditional holiday favorite—tamales.
The pork tamales are available wrapped in either corn husks or banana leaves. The banana leaf-wrapped tamales are subtly sweet with their encasing and have the extra salsa added to the filling for a kick of heat. The masa is fluffy, with the pork and chiles being delightfully straightforward. No frills are necessary with these pork-filled delights, and they certainly don’t need assistance in flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the peanut macha salsa is unique, hot, and heavenly.
Taco Naco is located at 8220 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66204. Their pop-up can be found at the Overland Park Farmers Market at 7950 Marty St., Overland Park, KS 66204.
