KC Sipps: Kansas City bars get creative; and three restaurant closures

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: The Dub has joined forces with one of my favorite KC entities, ADHDIY Craft Cafe, for a creative new date night plan. The downtown KC women’s sports bar has a special deal through the month of February: $89 for two crafts, two cocktails, and one appetizer. That means you and your date (romantic or otherwise) can catch up over a leisurely evening of working with your hands on a small embroidery hoop, carving a stamp, painting a canvas, and more. 

Fern Bar is jumping on an incredibly boring trend. And I love it. A few social media posts went viral for “admin night parties,” where friends gather to accomplish mundane tasks they’ve been putting off, but in the presence of others for accountability and camaraderie. Think: switching car insurance, making doctors’ appointments, etc. Basically, Millennials and Gen Z finding ways to add whimsy and pomp to ordinary situations, because why not. Fern Bar has created “Admin Hour” on Tuesdays, from 4 – 8 p.m., offering happy hour pricing and a dedicated time for checking off your personal to-do list in case you need some peer pressure and a cocktail to get through it.

Jerusalem Cafe just dropped a strong new dine-in deal. $25 for one mezze, two sides, and two entrees. In my experience, that’s a generous meal for two people. I don’t think you can go wrong on what to order, but it’s a great spot to up your fiber and enjoy a meatless meal.

Jerusalem Cafe // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Opening

Stockyards Brewing Co.: After opening Stockyards Brewing in West Bottoms in 2016, then debuting a space inside the new airport, Stockyards is now expanding south. At 103rd St & 69 Hwy, Stockyards will open in Overland Park on January 30. 

Closing

Plate: According to a sign on the door, Plate’s Brookside location has closed. The Leawood restaurant remains open. Plate has removed any mentions of the Brookside location, which was open for ten years, from its website. 

Story: After 15 years in Prairie Village, Story has closed. The space won’t be down for long, though. As of February 1, Scratch Gourmet Kitchen will take over the restaurant space that Story occupied and begin a transition. Scratch is another Prairie Village restaurant known for its wine list and scratch-made Italian and American cuisine. A grand re-opening is planned for March 1, when Scratch will celebrate the considerable expansion as they go from 38 seats in the current Scratch location to 95 seats in the new space. 

Bōru Asian Eatery: In a social media post on Monday, Bōru Asian Eatery in Waldo announced that it will be closing. The final day of service is February 28, so there’s time for at least one last visit if this was one of your favorite spots. 

January 29

The Roost: Happy Kansas Day! The Roost in Lawrence is donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to Friends of the Kaw and Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. Lean in and fill up with “the Kansan” breakfast combo or simply pop in for a sweet treat before 2 p.m.

Brian Roberts of Good Karma // Photo by Sarah Sipple

January 31

Good Karma: Congrats on rounding out one year of bringing Good Karma to Kansas City! Special celebrations will take place today from 4 – 7 p.m. and on February 1 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The February drink menu will feature favorites from the past year, which happen to include a couple of my favorites: the banana pudding latte and three on a match.

ICE Out: If you’re out and about today, you may notice that some businesses are closed. Many individuals and some businesses are participating in a national general strike and/or spending blackout to stand in solidarity with the Minneapolis community against ICE. There are a few opportunities for protesting, while others are using the time to volunteer. Here is one resource for information in the Kansas City metro and beyond. For solidarity purposes, if you must go shopping or eat out, using cash and only shopping at locally-owned establishments is recommended.

February 1

The Campground: Two West Bottoms staples, The Campground and Amigoni Urban Winery, are partnering for a special dinner. Tickets are $113 for a four-course meal with wine pairings. Limited seating times remain, so book now for a strong start to the new month. 

February 2

Goat and Rabbit: The esteemed cocktail bar on West 39th is getting creative in a helpful and resourceful way. From 4 – 7 p.m., they are hosting a clothing swap. No tickets or reservations are required, but items to trade sure are. Bring new or like-new (and clean) clothing, jewelry, and accessories to trade with others. All sizes and ages are encouraged, but only ages 21+ can attend. You may or may not leave with new treasures, but you can leave a little happier after enjoying 25% off drinks. Any leftover items will be donated to area family shelters