KC Sipps: Five restaurant openings, five Oktoberfest events, and double dessert news

KC Sipps logo by Theodore Rosen

Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.

That’s where I come in. 

I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!

Something New

News Bites: Dessert Week is here! From the Northland to Leawood, half-price treats abound this week. Be sure to check out each spot’s hours before visiting, since many bakeries and unique shops don’t always have standard hours. As with all of our food weeks, there are no codes or coupons; just show up and enjoy the deal on the featured dessert!

Speaking of desserts, it has now been announced that McLain’s Bakery is behind a majority of the dessert menu at the new 1587 Prime Steakhouse. I didn’t know that when I first lauded the cheesecake I ordered on my preview visit. In addition to fantastic cheesecake, you can expect McLain’s-quality carrot cake, chocolate cake, and apple pie with cupcookie pecan streusel. The local bakery also makes a buttercake for the restaurant, which is a Noble 33 specialty.

Yesterday I sampled the other treats, and… well, now I don’t know if I’d reorder the cheesecake or the apple pie. Both are massive in size and are top-tier versions of the respective desserts. However, you don’t have to be at 1587 Prime to enjoy some of these. The chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting is available at all McLain’s locations, as is a similar (smaller) version of the cheesecake. The carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is available for special order from the Waldo location, and the apple pie (maybe my new obsession?) is planned to be available to the public around Thanksgiving.

Vintage ‘78 Wine Bar: Overland Park’s Vintage ‘78 Wine Bar recently received an award for the World’s Best Wine by the Glass List (without Coravin) for the second year in a row at the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards in London. Congratulations!

Oktoberfest(s): It’s abrewt that time. Some jokes work better verbally. Oktoberfest events provide opportunities for friends to gather around new and familiar beers all over the city. Riverwood Winery is celebrating all weekend, but Force of Nature Brewing and Transport Brewery (Shawnee location) are playing big on Saturday. Border Brewing Co. is literally unearthing historic traditions on Sunday. The biggest event, KC Oktoberfest from KC Bier Co., takes place on October 3 – 4 at Crown Center, and tickets are still available. 

Opening 

Clementine’s Ice Cream: A woman-owned, St. Louis-based ice cream shop is coming to Prairie Village. This ice cream is dreamy, thanks in part to a higher butterfat content, and I predict it will quickly become a fan-favorite around here. However, it also might be some of the priciest. I haven’t seen the prices at the new KC shop yet, but I have paid $14 and $17 per pint when I’ve tried it before. The new location opens Friday, September 19, from 12 – 11 p.m.

1587 Prime Steakhouse: The joint venture between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce opens today, but reservations are booked through November. When the hype dies down and you want to give it a try, you could go all out and spend hundreds of dollars on a major meal, or, sit at the bar to enjoy a cocktail or two and split the fried chicken shareable or a dessert, and get out of there for under $100. Those were some of my favorite things at a preview dinner.

Morning Rounds Bakery: Crossroads has a new bakery! Morning Rounds is in the process of opening just off Southwest Boulevard near Made Mobb and Café Corazón. Soft opening hours are now through this Saturday, from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check their Instagram or call for updated hours next week.

QZ Poke Ramen: A fifth location of KC’s QZ Poke Ramen joins the chat. The latest spot opens in Olathe today at 135th and Mur-Len. For order inspo, check out Tiffany Watts’ experience at the Zona Rosa location earlier this year. 

LaPez Mod Mex: From the team behind Session Taco (formerly Mission Taco Joint) comes LaPez Mod Mex, a new contemporary Mexican restaurant in the Park Place shopping district of Leawood. The restaurant is open now, with menu features like enchiladas, carne asada, short ribs, and more.

September 18

Manny’s: While it’s exciting to celebrate the new, the reliable neighborhood favorites that have earned a spot in locals’ rotations deserve to be celebrated. Places like Manny’s on Southwest Boulevard in Crossroads. This weekend, Manny’s is celebrating 45 years of Manny and Vivian Lopez’s legacy with live music and food specials. 

September 19

Kansas City Whiskey Guild: Tickets are available for the Kansas City Whiskey Guild’s 5th Anniversary Whiskey Festival. Held at the Historic Rumely Tractor Building in West Bottoms, the event features large and small whiskey brands, food, a cigar lounge, vendors, and more. Tickets start at $40, or $15 for designated drivers. 

September 20

Food Truck Frenzy: The Juneteenth KC organization is hosting a Food Truck Frenzy at 18th & Vine from 12 – 8 p.m. Over a dozen food vendors will be there–some even competing for categories like Best Dessert, Best Beverage, and more–plus other makers and vendors. This event is free to attend, and food will be available for purchase.