Dish & Drink KC: Off-menu magic at Mean Mule and fried favorites at Thirsty Bull Saloon

Mean Mule // Photo By Tiffany Watts

‘Tis the season for day drinking and weekday bar hops—all in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. Someone has to do the hard-hitting cocktail research, and this time, that someone was me. On a recent sip-filled stroll through some of Kansas City’s best bars, I made a necessary pit stop at one of my Crossroads favorites: Mean Mule Distilling Co.

Tucked away in one of Kansas City’s hotspots, the Crossroads, Mean Mule has long been known for its commitment to craft. But what I didn’t expect on this visit was how creative and accommodating they’d be when I came in with a challenge: no cane sugar.

As I scanned the spring cocktail menu—fresh, fruity, and very on-brand for the season—it became clear that none of the featured drinks were a match for my dietary needs. I peppered my server with questions: “Can I remove this and sub that?” “Is this blueberry-lemon from actual fruit or syrup?” After a little back-and-forth, she gently let me know that if I needed to avoid cane sugar or any of its derivatives, the seasonal drinks were a no-go.

That’s when things got interesting.

First, she suggested a Ranch Water, a classic sugar-free staple, but it wasn’t quite the vibe I was going for. After a brief pause, she offered up something off-menu: the Cowtown Martini ($15). Before I could even ooh at the name, she broke it down. Mean Mule’s fire-roasted poblano spirit, a splash of mezcal, house-made cactus brine, a pinch of salt, and instead of olives, pickled cactus spears as garnish. Not a trace of added sugar, just bold, savory goodness.

I ordered it immediately. And I must say, this cocktail was a whole moment. Smoky, briny, and layered with depth, the Cowtown Martini was refreshingly vegetal with just the right kick. The cactus brine brought a tangy, almost pickle-like brightness that paired beautifully with the smokiness of the spirits. Each sip was a reminder that cocktails don’t need sugar to be interesting or delicious.

But Mean Mule isn’t just a cocktail lounge, they’re a full-blown agave distillery with their own lineup of spirits. Their portfolio includes Silver, Gold, Heritage, Gin, the Poblano Spirit (which stole the show in my martini), a 2½-year-aged Reserve, and even a ready-to-drink canned Paloma. It’s clear these folks know agave like the back of their hand—and they’re having fun with it.

The space itself is a whole vibe. During the day, it’s airy and relaxed. But when the sun dips down and the candles flicker to life, it transforms into something sultry and low-key. 

Pro tip: don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might just end up with something off-menu and unforgettable.

Mean Mule is located at 1733 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Thirsty Bull Saloon // Photo By Tiffany Watts

I’ll be honest—I was this close to gatekeeping this place. But with its blend of country-chic charm and unapologetic cowboy energy, Thirsty Bull Saloon is simply too good not to share. Tucked inside an unassuming strip mall in the northland, this Western-inspired gem comes complete with rustic flair, a mechanical bull, and a menu full of crispy, golden Southern comfort.

Before walking in, I had already scoped out the menu and knew exactly what I wanted to try. Fried okra ($8)? Check. Fried green tomatoes ($11)? Double check. Fried pickles? Say less. And to top it off, it just so happened to be open mic night, so we walked in to a gentleman on stage, guitar in hand, singing his heart out. As a live music lover, I knew we’d picked the perfect night to visit.

Our server greeted us warmly, and I immediately put in an order for the fried okra and fried green tomatoes. Partly because my friend had never tried either, and partly because I couldn’t wait one more second. While we waited for the apps to hit the table, we wandered around the space and took it all in. The bar is decked out with fun, Instagrammable backdrops and neon signage. The real star of the show, though? The women’s restroom. It might sound odd to mention, but it’s the cutest bar bathroom I’ve seen in a long time—think pinks, funny but cute pictures hanging on the walls, and long, flattering mirrors. It’s giving rodeo glam in the best way.

When the apps arrived, I lit up like a kid at a carnival. It’s been far too long since I’ve had fried okra, and this batch reminded me why I love it. Crispy, not greasy, perfectly golden, and addicting. The fried green tomatoes came topped with a tasty drizzle of sauce and sliced green onions, which added a great finish. I will say the tomatoes themselves could’ve used a touch more seasoning, and the tartness of the tomato was a bit strong, but paired with the sauce, it still worked.

For entrées, I ordered the Thirsty’s KC Hot Chicken Sandwich ($14), which comes with fried chicken tenders, their house-made hot sauce, lettuce, and usually pepper jack cheese (I opted to skip that). It’s served on a toasted bun with their crispy Freedom Fries. The chicken was juicy on the inside, with a nice, crunchy coating on the outside. Once I finally hit the pocket of hot sauce, it came through with a bold, smoky heat that tied everything together. The bun was soft and held up well, and the fries were hot and crispy. Classic bar food comfort at its best.

My friend ordered the Trailblazer Tenderloin Sandwich ($13) with a side of fried pickles. The sandwich came loaded with a fried pork tenderloin that was golden and massive with a crunchy edge and tender middle, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It had great texture and bite, and the pickles added a really nice little zing.

However, our only small gripe—offered kindly—is that neither sandwich had much sauce. Mine was supposed to be “smothered” in Thirsty’s hot sauce, but it was more like a whisper than a shout. My friend’s sandwich only had a light dab of mayo, which left it dry. When we asked for more sauce, there was a $0.50 charge. My suggestion: ask for your sandwich extra saucy right away. It’ll make a big difference in the flavor experience.

That said, when I did finally reach the saucy middle of my sandwich, it was delicious. Very flavorful and everything I wanted from a hot chicken moment. And with those crispy fries on the side, they totally hit the spot.

Thirsty Bull Saloon is located at 8132 NW Prairie View Rd. Kansas City, MO 64151.