KC Sipps: Four restaurant and bar openings, football meets fashion at Blip Roasters, and a bourbon festival

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: Hemma Hemma, the cozy and nutritious Waldo restaurant, now has dinner service! I attended a preview and left feeling satisfied but still light and energetic after enjoying a matcha-rum cocktail ($14), pickle bacon ranch salad ($17), grilled cheese and tomato soup ($14), and two delightful desserts. Okay, I shared all of that with my sister. We loved the s’mores pot de crème ($8) because the chocolate pudding tasted exactly like our mom’s homemade version. Reservations for dinner are encouraged in this early stage of the new offerings. 

Opening 

Kohinoor: Kohinoor, a new cocktail bar in downtown KC, is now open. Jordan Baranowski gave us an inside look at the woman-owned bar earlier this summer. The menu focuses on traditional Latin American spirits like tequila and mezcal, but there is a little something for everyone. Reservations are recommended, at least for now. It is open Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m.

Class Act: The student-run coffee shop in Gladstone is now open for the fall. Operated by students of the North Kansas City School District as a business and hospitality education program, Class Act Coffee serves coffee and tea drinks, smoothies, and baked goods on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Brass Monkey Lounge: Less than three blocks from Kohinoor is the new Brass Monkey Lounge, which celebrated its official opening last weekend. It is billed as a hidden, almost speakeasy, type of bar and lounge. Check out writer Jordan Baranowski’s story about it tomorrow on our site.

Car No. 551: The Donutology Trolley closed a couple months ago, but the eye-catching River Market spot has reopened, as of today, as Car N. 551! Now, on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., diners can swing by for a menu of five sandwiches served with chips and a soda for $12-17. I expect the menu will expand over time. My first pick will be The Classic Car BLT with smoked bacon, housemade mayo… I realize that it is fall now, but I simply didn’t get enough of the fresh summer sandwich.

September 25

Lei Away: Lei Away returns with three days of events at HiTides, Cezanne KC, and Tiki Huna at Iron District. This weekend-long celebration of the tropics and Polynesian community in KC and beyond features events and specials spread throughout local businesses where you can sip on themed cocktails and food, enjoy themed music, dance, seminars, vendors, and more. Tickets are $20 and up, depending on the event. A portion of the proceeds supports the Polynesian community and events in Kansas City, in addition to the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center, Kolua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund, Maui Agriculture, and The Maui Humane Society. 

September 26

Kansas City Scottish Rite: Celebrations for Durga Puja, a Hindu festival, kick off today through September 28. The Kansas City Bengali Association is bringing musicians and performers from India and KC for the celebration, plus dinner and more to the Kansas City Scottish Rite Temple. Tickets start at $70 for adults.

September 27

Blip Roasters: It’s not every day that fashion and celebrity collide in the West Bottoms. But this weekend, it’s all happening at Blip Roasters. The coffee shop is hosting a pop-up event between American Eagle and Tru Kolors, Travis Kelce’s sportswear and lifestyle brand. From 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Blip will be the spot for shopping the clothing line, DJ sets, giveaways, and, of course, coffee. No tickets or registration is required for this event, but I anticipate long lines. 

Bourbon in the Park: Taking over English Landing Park for the evening is Bourbon in the Park: A Midwest celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month. General admission tickets are $69.86 all-in, and include bites from Chef Andrew Longres of Acre, a Glencairn tasting glass, sampling of over 45 bourbons, and live music. Additional stations include hand-rolled cigars, a dessert station specifically designed for bourbon pairings, an ice luge, and more. This event is for ages 21+, and offers discounted tickets for designated drivers.

Plan Ahead

Muni: To celebrate pop culture icons Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift, Muni in River Market is throwing a Damsels and Showgirls party on Wednesday, October 1. No ticket is required, and they don’t do reservations, so plan to show up for dinner or drinks, and bring your party attitude to celebrate with some of the artist’s favorite food and drinks, plus iconic songs lighting up the playlist. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out my list of pop queen-themed events.

Boys Grow: Four KC restaurant-scene icons are coming together for one night to benefit Boys Grow. The organization mentors urban youth through agricultural entrepreneurship. Controlled Burn, happening on October 5, is a collaborative dinner between the talent at Clay & Fire, Corvino, Fox and Pearl, and Noka. Tickets start at $161.90, and include a guided hearth-focused dinner experience, farm tour, cocktails and beer, live music, plus auction and raffle opportunities. This event is expected to sell out. 

KC Restaurant Festival: Switch shifts with the newbie on your team and take the afternoon off… the 2025 KC Restaurant Festival returns to Children’s Mercy Park on October 8 from 2 – 6 p.m.! This free event is for restaurant industry workers, from servers to chefs, owners and managers to baristas–everyone front and back of house. This is a chance to catch up with coworkers of past and present, learn new skills, meet vendors, win prizes, and sample food and drink.