KC Sipps: Four new bar and restaurant options, plus Dino & Vino

Art by Cassondra Jones

Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!

Opening

HomeGrown: The newest location of Wichita-based HomeGrown Breakfast & Lunch Eatery will open on Tuesday, May 28. In addition to Brookside, Liberty, and Leawood, HomeGrown will now have a spot in Power & Light. Reservations are not available, but there is an online waitlist, plus some pickup and delivery options. Pitch writer Stephen Roberson recommends the coffee cake.

Drinkaway Camp: Last fall, the team behind Drinkaway Camp at Big Rip Brewing put on my absolute favorite spooky pop-up. This summer, they’re back with Drinkaway Camp 2: Those Meddling Kids. The immersive experience combines a bar, escape room, and choose-your-own-adventure, all thoughtfully planned by the former theater kids of Signal Horizon Entertainment. Reservations are encouraged because the event is likely to sell out starting May 24. Entry is $20 with drinks available for an additional purchase.

Waldo Bar & Rec: Expanding the Westport Bar & Rec, Waldo Bar & Rec will open on Friday, May 24, at 5 p.m. It will offer dozens of free-play games and 100+ beers, and is open only to those 21 and older. 

T’ÄHÄ: T’ÄHÄ is now open on the Country Club Plaza. The family-owned spot took over the former Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar location. Diners can expect upscale Central Mexican dishes with local influences, plus a craft cocktail menu. The Däzabi cocktail made with white rum, mezcal, lime, orange liqueur, agave, and guava will be my first selection. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends at this buzzy new joint.

Special alert

Mainvest: The crowdfunding-style investing platform that many local restaurants rely on recently announced that it is shutting down next month. Restaurants like Barbacoa and King G, plus up-and-comers KC Mushroom Culture, Orange by Devoured, Hank’s Garage & Grill, and many more are affected by this unexpected shutdown. The full effects are not yet known, but as a diner, there’s no better time to bop in and enjoy a meal at these establishments. 

May 24

Green Dirt on Oak: Do yourself a favor this weekend and book a spot at Green Dirt on Oak. The new Crossroads spot is an extension of Green Dirt Farm in Weston. Starting at 6 p.m., Kadesh Flow kicks off the Rhythm on the Roof series on the brand-new rooftop patio. $35 tickets include an artisan cheese grazing table featuring house-made cheeses as well as access to live music. Drinks are available for purchase at the event. This event is close to selling out, which is not a surprise. Both Kadesh Flow and Green Dirt are local treasures. 

XO: Be among the first to preview XO, a new hi-fi lounge and cocktail bar in Westside. Preview events are held on May 23 and 24 in the evening. Tickets are $25 per guest and include two of our food offerings and an hour and a half of curated music. Each guest will also receive one complimentary highball cocktail.

May 25

The Mandarin: At The Mandarin, an event space in Independence that is part of Vivilore, there will be an AANHPI Heritage Market from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop Asian-women-owned small businesses like Origin Coffeehouse, Sugarfold, Helen’s Hot Chili Oil, and many more.

KC Wine Co: Leave the kids at home and give your own inner child a unique experience. Olathe’s KC Wine Co & KC Pumpkin Patch are serving up wine, ciders, beers, slushes, and flights alongside prehistoric friends for the special Dino & Vino event. Tickets are $30 and required for admission. Admission includes entry and 30+ farm attractions and activities

Plan ahead

Ales West Craft Beer Festival: At Coleman Hawkins Park in downtown St. Joe, HyVee, ShowMe Beverages, River Bluff Brewing, and more are putting on the Ales West Craft Beer Festival. Tickets start at $35 to sample a variety of brews from homebrewers and local/regional breweries on June 1. This is the sixth year of this non-profit festival.

Jazzoo: As a volunteer on the Restaurant Steering Committee, I am shamelessly encouraging you to join the fun of Jazzoo on June 7! Jazzoo is one of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s most decadent annual fundraisers–all centered around local food and live music. Sample food, drinks, and treats from over 65 local restaurants, all while exploring the zoo in a special adults-only time. Funds raised here provide food for the animals (specifically highlighting the sea otter this year) as well as educational opportunities for the youth of our community.