KC Sipps: Hot Dog Festival, free croissants, and more restaurant news

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

Hank’s Garage and Grill: Hank’s in Shawnee may not be open–not even close–the expected opening is at the end of this year at best. However, you can get a hint of their style and flavor with their new collab with Alma Mader Brewing. “Hank”, an American Lager in 12oz cans, is available exclusively at Alma Mader Brewery, Jim’s Alley Bar, and eventually as the house beer at Hank’s Garage and Grill. 

Vignettes: It’s difficult for me to choose a favorite of the cartoons featured right now at the North KC pop-up bar. But if I had to, I’d say Detxter’s Lab. Now through July 28, sneak into (okay, make reservations) the secret la-bor-a-tory for theme-within-a-theme shots and “ingenious” concoctions. Next weekend–Rugrats!

Q39: Add some local flavor to your next grill sesh. Q39’s sauces and rubs are now available at over 100 locations, including area Price Choppers, Hen Houses, Hy-Vees, Rally Houses, Fareway Markets, Made in KC, MCI Airport, and specialty stores. My picks are the Honey BBQ Glaze and the Q39 Steak Seasoning. I reach for that seasoning more than my standard salt and pepper.

July 26

Made in KC Cafe: Today only, celebrate the Olympic kickoff with a free croissant with a purchase of Paris of the Plains. This signature drink is a latte with honey, vanilla, and cinnamon–pairing well with a light croissant. 

Black Dog Coffeehouse:  Pizza night at Lenexa’s Black Dog is back. From 5:30 p.m until sellout, swing by for fresh local ingredients and hand-crafted crust from Ibis Bakery.

J. Rieger & Co. Distillery: Can’t make it to Paris for the Olympics? Kick off the event with a Parisian experience right here in East Bottoms. Beneath the distillery, the Hey! Hey! Club is hosting a Night in Paris experience with an elegant three-course French-inspired meal from 4 – 10 p.m. The meal features dishes such as escargot, beef tenderloin with seared foie gras, and tart Tatin. Tickets start at $60, or choose to add on cocktail pairings for $30… it is J. Riger & Co. Distillery after all!

July 27

Celebrate Ameri’kana: This free, day-long experience of the Making Movies-curated music and arts festival is located at Concourse Park. From 1 – 8 p.m. in the Historic Northeast neighborhood in KC, the event celebrates the rich diversity of our community, and the Mercado will feature local artists, creators, growers, and small businesses. Food and drink partners include J. Rieger Distilling Co., Vine Street Brewing, Cafe Cà Phê, and more. 

July 28

Take Care Coffee: For Take Care Coffee by Oleo’s WOOD Barrel-Aged Coffee release, they will collaborate with Tacos Valentina and Caramelo for a pop-up on their shaded back patio. From 8:30 a.m. until sell-out, they will serve breakfast tacos, WOOD on drip and in retail bags, and WOOD in cold brew bottles.

Plan Ahead

Casual Animal: The Politics & Pints event at Casual Animal offers a casual way to become informed on primary elections. On July 31 at 6:00 p.m. KCUR’s Lisa Rodriguez, will be moderating a panel with KCUR’s Celisa Calacal and Kansas News Service’s Zane Irwin discussing races in Kansas and Missouri. 

Fern Bar: To kick off Rum Month 2024, the Crossroads’ Fern Bar is partnering with Bacardi to host the Rum Race on July 31. This event features four cocktails from four bartenders: Roxie Stiglitz from Blue Palm, Kennedy from Prime Social, Caleb James from Monarch, and Tavarus Pennington from Fern Bar. For every cocktail sold, $1 will be donated to Big Brother Big Sisters of KC, with Bacardi matching $250 in donations. 

2024 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is hosting the 2024 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival, presented by Hy-Vee. On August 3 from 3 – 11 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, food, and more. This event is happening in the 18th & Vine District with all proceeds going to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

KC Wine Co: Okay, this is planning way ahead. But who doesn’t love a good deal! KC Wine Co’s annual event, Oktoberfest, will be held September 7 at their sister farm, KC Pumpkin Patch. Right now, tickets are 50% off for a pre-season sale. This 21+ only day at the pumpkin patch is a perfect outing for a friend group or date.