Dish & Drink KC: The annual agave party pairs well with Burger State

Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen

Last year’s event set the bar high, and this year’s Oh Hey, Agave! at The Guild brought that same excitement back to Kansas City. This time with even more agave-fueled flair. I only made it to the first night, but what a night it was.

Presented by Mike’s Wine & Spirits and benefitting Kanbe’s Market and The Tequila Interchange Project, the kickoff event on December 6, known simply as “The Party,” transformed The Guild and Paradise Garden Club into a full-blown agave playground. The energy was high, the cocktails were flowing, and the El Tesoro VIP Lounge was buzzing thanks to Kanbe’s “Iron Bartender” competition, featuring some of the city’s most talented mixologists.

Photo by Tiffany Watts

My personal standout of the evening? Lágrimas. This agave spirit was incredibly smooth—so smooth, in fact, I wouldn’t dream of chasing it. It’s the kind of tequila made for sipping: clean, elegant, with a silky finish that lingered beautifully. Sure, you could add it to a cocktail or take a shot, but this one deserves to be enjoyed slowly.

Oh Hey, Agave! delivered big on flavor, atmosphere, and community. Even if I only made it to night one, it was more than enough to leave a lasting impression. Until next year. Salud!

Oh Hey, Agave! was presented by Rose Productions KC.

Photo by Tiffany Watts

Not every meal worth talking about starts with a grand plan. Sometimes, it’s just about being hungry, picking a spot, and hoping for the best. That’s how I ended up at Burger State.

I opted for the turkey burger, topped with crisp lettuce, plenty of raw onion, and a generous helping of pickles. I added mustard, a personal must-have, which tied everything together with just the right amount of tang. The best part was that the patty was juicy and well-seasoned. The second I bit into that burger, juice hit the tray, and flavor hit my taste buds. That’s exactly how a burger is supposed to be. 

Photo by Tiffany Watts

Alongside the burger came a side of seasoned fries ($17 total), which were a standout in their own right. They were crisp with a bold, savory seasoning blend, which meant there would be no fry left behind.

My friend went for the vegan burger ($21), and it turned out to be just as satisfying. With a hearty plant-based patty and thoughtful toppings, it was proof that Burger State knows how to do flavor, no matter the base.

Burger State is located at 8920 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114.

Categories: Food & Drink