KC Sipps: Juicy double column with three openings, Korean picnic fare, free fries, and new chocolate tours

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

Summit Summer Crawl: Tell your friends that the Summit Summer Crawl is back and get those happy hour plans on the calendar. Visit Summit Grill in Waldo, Boru, and South of Summit and purchase one app and one drink from the happy hour menu at each location, and receive a stamp on the passport provided at the first restaurant on your crawl. A completed passport is good for a $25 gift card for future visits to any aforementioned restaurant!

Christopher Elbow Chocolates: Christopher Elbow is entering its Willy Wonka era. Guests can now book a Cacao Experience Tour and Tasting at the Crossroads retail location. Tours are available for booking on Fridays, and the $10 fee includes a welcome drinking chocolate, three tastes of cacao origins, a tour, a classic fleur de sel bonbon, a one-time $5 store credit, and a $5 donation to an organization dedicated to supporting sustainable cacao production and farmers.

Opening

Penrose: East Crossroads’ beloved spot, Novel, is opening a sister concept in the same building. Penrose, an espresso bar and pastry counter, opens July 5. Stop by for local Cielo Coffee Roasters coffee and espresso the mornings of Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Grand Coffee Company: I’ve shared before that Grand Coffee Company near Crown Center is one of my favorite spots to work. However, the convenience of a drive-through can be so clutch when you’re on the go. Grand Coffee has opened a second location, this one in Shawnee, on Shawnee Mission Parkway just off Neiman, and this has a drive-through. The local coffee roaster and Italian-inspired cafe will celebrate a grand opening on July 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. My favorite order is a simple one of a French Press of medium coffee and a blueberry scone.

Sushi Kodawari: A new, intimate, and unique dining experience is opening in Crossroads. Sushi Kodawari is accepting reservations for its soft opening phase now–keep an eye on their reservation site. This new Japanese spot features an eight-seat hinoki sushi counter. Guests do not order food from a menu, but are fed based on the chef’s expertise and what is freshest that day, omakase-style. The interior features a lively mural from local artist Katie Lee. 

Closing

Gilhouly’s Tavern: Gilhouly’s Tavern on 39th Street has closed after nearly 30 years. Citing “We don’t own the building, & the new Landlord refused to renew the lease,” Gilhouly’s last day of service was June 29.

July 5

Pitchside Coffee: Be among the first to try a new coffee cart from “full-time soccer players, part-time baristas.” Pitchside Coffee is owned and run by six KC Current players: Kristen Hamilton, Vanessa DiBernardo, Elizabeth Ball, Mallory Weber, Hailie Mace, and Desiree Scott. They will be parked at Women Leaders in Sports (20th & Baltimore) from 4 – 6 p.m. during First Fridays. The menu will include espresso drinks, strawberry lemonade, iced tea, and a limited run of merch. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with their next coffee pop-up—it just won’t be on a game day!

July 6

The Black Pantry: The Black Pantry is introducing a new farmers market to Midtown. Fresh aims to support urban farmers and vendors, as well as bring more produce to the neighborhood. Shop the freshness from from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., the first Saturday of each month. 

Chingu: From 4 – 8 p.m., Chingu in Westport will feature a special menu inspired by picnicking with friends. They’re putting their own Korean spin on American classics, like a Kimchi Chilli Cheese Dog, Gochujang Ribs, Korean Buffalo Wings, and more.

July 7

Big Rip Brewing: Cauldron Collective is teaming up with Chef Hera from 12 – 3 p.m to offer homemade focaccia sandwiches at North KC’s Big Rip. Options include basil parmesan pesto with tomatoes or sunflower seed cheese with roasted peppers and cucumbers. Panzanella salad is also available with tomato, cucumber, and focaccia. 

Johnny’s Tavern: Boulevard is celebrating Tank 7’s birthday with Lo’eau LaBonta guest bartending to toast to the beloved 8.5% brew. Starting at 3 p.m. at Johnny’s Power and Light location, the celly-brations also feature Tank 7 specials and giveaways! 

July 10

715: Party on the patio, Southern style, in Lawrence with a Low Country Boil at 7:30 p.m. Dive into a Southern feast with pimento cheese and crackers, sausage, corn and potatoes, peel and eat shrimp, and strawberry ice cream sandwiches. Tickets are $45 each, and drinks are available for additional purchase.

Afterword Tavern & Shelves: AIGA KC, the Professional Association for Design, is hosting a Cocktails with Creatives networking night at Afterword in East Crossroads. From 6 – 8 p.m., the free event is your chance to mingle and soak up creative energy from fellow artists, creators, writers, and more over Afterword’s high-quality cocktails. You do not have to be an existing member to attend, but an RSVP is required.

July 11

Bliss Books & Wine: In Hyde Park, Bliss Books & Wine invites you to join a wine event. Each $35 ticket grants access to an expert-led wine tasting and education session with five wines, Girl Scout Cookie pairings, live music, and networking with like-minded wine and book fans. If signing up to do something new to you feels just outside of your comfort zone, then you should reward yourself by buying a new book or two!

July 12

Whataburger: For National French Fry Day, customers who order on the Whataburger app can snag a free order of medium fries. If you are an existing app customer or download it before July 12, they will preload an order of medium fries AND one free Whataburger. The Whataburger app offer may be redeemed in-store, at the drive-thru, or curbside pickup or delivery. 

Vignettes: Vignettes is bidding adieu to T Swift and introducing a new concept, Cartoon Bartoon, tonight. The 90s animated extravaganza featured themed drinks and nightly activities like trivia and bingo. From Dexter’s Lab (my favorite) to The Powerpuff Girls and more, this pop-up is oozing nostalgia for the 30+ crowd. Friday and Saturday are 21+ so keep your lil Rugrats at home. Make your reservations now and prepare for a blast from the cartoon past!

Strang Hall: One-fifth of our July cover band, Hembree, will be performing at Strang Hall in Overland Park from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Garrett Childers performs around the metro frequently, but this is a spot where your group can listen and dine from a variety of menus and cuisines all in one spot. 

July 13

Strang Hall: The 4th annual Strang Hall Beer Fest in Downtown Overland Park will take place from 2 – 5 p.m. Sample over 45 beers from your favorite local breweries, enjoy live music, and eat some delicious food with a 20% discount at the variety of restaurants inside Strang Hall. Tickets are $55 for general admission, and designated driver tickets can be purchased for $10. 

Legends of Whiskey Summer Festival: The first annual Legends of Whiskey Summer Festival at Children’s Mercy Park offers exploration and education with a variety of whiskey companies. They will be showcasing their finest selections to anyone 21+—you won’t want to miss it! Tickets start at $50 for whiskey aficionados.

July 15

The Pitch Burger Week: Our annual burger week is comin’ in hot! We are partnering with favorite local restaurants to offer half-price specialty burgers July 15 – 21. From a sriracha honey burger at Brick House, to a smash burger with candied bacon from Bizz & Weezy, we have it all. As always, no coupons or codes necessary, just show up and tip generously.