KC Sipps: Free coffee February, a “new” Mexican restaurant, and daiquiris to benefit KC Pet Project

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!

Something New

City Barrel Brewery & Kitchen: To celebrate five years of City Barrel, the Crossroads brewery is throwing a party from now through February 24. 18 new beers are being released, and every purchase earns a scratcher ticket for a chance to win free beer for a year!

SERV: Free coffee alert! SERVFun is showing the love in Overland Park by offering free drip coffee for the rest of the month at their Go Joe container-cafe. Stop by on foot or in the drive through between 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. every day of the week. By the way, they serve locally roasted Messenger Coffee. 

Taco Republic: Through April 2, a percentage of the proceeds from each queso dish sold at Taco Republic will be donated to Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Stop by the Prairie Village restaurant any day of the week.

KC Craft Ramen: For only five days, KC Craft Ramen is collaborating with an esteemed Japanese restaurant, Shishimaru, from Nagoya, Japan. Advance tickets are required, and the $16.50 fee covers your meal–four ramen options–and reserves your seat at the time of your choosing. The event runs from February 28 – March 3 and nearly 2,000 tickets have already been reserved.

Opening

Red Kitchen KC Cien Por Ciento Mexicana: The authentic Mexican restaurant formerly in Lenexa Public Market, Red Kitchen, is now open in Overland Park. It has been in a soft opening phase for a while, but new signage makes the spot officially visible. If you’re not sure what to start with, try the Godinez Meal for $15.99 that includes a soup of the day, your choice of entree (such as tinga or picadillo), a side of beans and rice, agua fresca, and a small dessert.

Closing

Dave’s Stagecoach Inn: Longtime Westport dive bar, Dave’s Stagecoach Inn, has closed.

February 23

Cội Nguồn Origin Coffee House: Origin began serving Vietnamese coffee last summer and has gained traction with regular pop-ups at the Donutology trolley. Starting today, you can find Origin coffee at the Café Cà Phê spot inside 12th Street Post in West Bottoms every Friday. Café Cà Phê will still be there too, each weekend and on First Fridays, but that just means you should get two coffees! Or buy one to treat the many staffers inside the bustling 12th Street Post building. Count me in when you need peer-pressured to treat yourself. Origin’s Cà Phê Muối, or Vietnamese Salted Coffee will be my first order!

February 24

Big Rip Brewing Company: In North KC, Big Rip is heating up your Saturday afternoon. From 4 – 6 p.m., they are hosting a “Chili and Wings Taste-off”. With the purchase of a Big Rip brew or drink you get unlimited free samples and the option to cast a vote for your favorite! If you’re interested in competing with your go-to chili or wings recipe, email kathy@bigripbrewing.com ASAP. 

KC Black Owned: KC Black Owned is hosting a “Black Futures–Restauranteur Edition” event from 5:30 – 9 p.m. Held at the Evergy Community Center in downtown KC, this networking, vendor market, and panel discussion event highlights Black entrepreneurs in the food and drink spaces. Honoree Alan Kneeland of the Kansas City Restaurant Association will be one of many features helping to connect and uplift those in the restaurant industry. Service industry workers and entrepreneurs can purchase tickets in advance for $10.

February 25

Mean Mule Distilling Co.: On both February 25-26 Mean Mule is hosting a free retreat for service industry workers. The event will be held at Casual Animal Brewing Co. in Crossroads. Read my full write-up on the event for more details.

Plan Ahead

Blendwell Community Cafe: Independence’s Blendwell Community Cafe is hosting a “Black History Month: Let’s Talk: Panel Discussion” from 2 – 4 p.m. on February 27. In addition to the panel, a Black History Month art showcase is also free to attend anytime the cafe is open.

Louie’s Wine Dive: Whether you consider yourself a dabbler or are searching for a wine to be your new favorite, Louie’s has the perfect event for you. On February 28, Louie’s Wine Dive in Overland Park is hosting Eat, Pray, Love Italian Wines for a tasting event. Tickets are $45 and include eight tastings, appetizers, and a full pour of your chosen favorite. 

Nighthawk: To raise funds for KC Pet Project, Nighthawk in downtown KC is hosting a Daq Off cocktail competition. On February 29, bring your best daiquiri recipe and compete against some of the best bartenders in KC to be judged on speed, taste, and presentation. Registration is free but must be done in advance, and the event is free and open to the public. All donations and $1 from every Bacardi cocktail sold will be donated to KC Pet Project.

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