KC Sipps: Nine delicious debuts to add to your Kansas City restaurant list

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: In Parkville, The Parker Hollow has added a new patio space in partnership with Holladay Distillery and Fever-Tree. “The Parker Pavilion” is a temporary setup that takes up space in Pocket Park next to the restaurant and features a seafood-focused menu. Seating at the pavilion is weather-permitting and first-come, first-served. 

Opening

Press’d: The River Market just got even fresher. Press’d, a juice bar and cafe, is now open in the former Freestyle Poke spot on Delaware. This summer, they’re offering 25% off any pastry with the purchase of a drink on match days during the big tournament. 

Afterword Tavern & Shelves: The beloved Crossroads bar and bookstore combo has reopened in Midtown. In the former Brewer’s Corner space, Afterword now has a larger space for serving drinks as well as hosting book clubs and events.

Casa Ama: From the team behind Billie’s Grocery, Casa Ama opened in Prairie Village last week. Pitch writer Jordan Baranowski has the details. 

Bar Phoebe: A new East Crossroads bar is in a soft opening phase, starting June 19. The bar is atop the Holtman building and is the first completed project by Molzer Development. Bar Phoebe’s menu features casual Midwestern fare like wings, a burger, hot dog varieties, and more, plus a bar menu with prices ranging from $5-16. Follow along on their social media for specific hours.

Vietnam Cafe: After 29 years of being a Columbus Park staple, Vietnam Cafe has opened a second location in Overland Park. This family-owned restaurant, known for its pho, is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. 

District Biskuits: After experiencing delays before its planned opening in late May, District Biskuits is now celebrating the grand opening of its second location. On June 20 at 10:00 a.m., the doors open to the new spot near 63rd and The Paseo. It has taken over the recently closed District Fish & Pasta House space. The morning event will feature DJ FK Menace, a coffee cart, special throwback square biscuits, and goodies for the first 100 people in line. Keep an eye out for the Howlin’ Fowls menu and extended hours, expected to be added to the new location later this year.   

Current State Coffee: Once or twice a year, I find myself announcing that downtown Shawnee is getting even better. Here we are again. Current State Coffee is now open seven days a week from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. It has an earthy and airy aesthetic, and the menu features house-roasted coffee (which you may have already enjoyed if you’ve ordered a coffee from Billie’s Grocery in the last few months) as well as pastries from Aurora Bakery and Crows Coffee. Plus, it’s within a two-block walk of some of the KC metro’s favorite establishments, including Drastic Measures, Hank’s Garage and Grill, Tiki Taco, District Pour House, Wild Child, and more. 

Bar Ojo: From the James Beard Award semifinalist, Diana Condori, comes Ojo–a mobile bar in a vintage Airstream. In its debut weekend, Ojo will be at Beckett’s sports bar on June 18 from 4 p.m. to sellout, and then at Incline on 9th in West Bottoms on June 19 (starting at 2 p.m.) and June 20 (starting at noon). These weekend events are in partnership with Patron and will feature cocktails, wine, beer, and music. 

Closing

Craft Putt: Craft Putt has closed its Lee’s Summit and Overland Park locations. The putt-putt spot offered pub food and a variety of events and fundraisers.

Lucky Boys: The West Bottoms bar and lounge, Lucky Boys, has closed. No specific reasons were shared, but the neighborhood favorite lasted ten years. That’s an achievement to be proud of.   

June 20

Good Karma: The Black-owned midtown coffee shop is hosting a Juneteenth celebration from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event features local vendors, an ice cream social, a DJ battle, and more, but the drinks alone are worth a visit.