KC Sipps: This week is overflowing with new eateries, two closings, and a celebrity chef brunch

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

Filling Station Coffee: Afternoon treats just got a little better. The midtown location of Filling Station now offers gourmet hot dogs! Frankly, the two options both sound good. But I’m leaning towards the Midtown Dog: a smoked Polish kielbasa with mustard aioli, Wickles relish, and scallion on an Ibis brioche bun. Pair it with a tea or a new Blueberry Lavender Matcha Latte and you’ve got yourself a decadent lunch.

Mr. D’s Coffee: Inside Lenexa Public Market, Mr. D’s Coffee (yes, and donuts) now serves Cien Por Ciento Mexicana Red Kitchen breakfast burritos. Two varieties are available seven days a week, starting at 7 a.m. I was just there, on invitation from Mr. D’s themselves, sampling this season’s new beverages. I think the The Cookie Butter (Speculoos) Latte would pair fabulously with a breakfast burrito.

Opening

The Wise Guy: Yesterday, The Wise Guy opened in downtown KC. Nestled in the brick-walled former Rieger Hotel building on Main, The Wise Guy is the latest eatery from the team behind Rockhill Grille. The dimly lit interior gives the vibe of a historic NYC pizza joint, with Rat Pack music and sports playing on multiple TVs giving it an approachable feel. The menu is Italian-inspired, with a focus on pizza and martinis. One unsuspecting element that I can’t get over is the Calabrian Chili Aioli! It was served with the house-made chips and fries, and ticked all the perfect condiment boxes: sweet, spicy, tangy, cool… Between that dipping sauce and the house-made Spicy Honey, they’ve already set themselves apart.

The Davenport: Strawberry Hill has a new social sports pub. The Davenport opened on Monday and now invites you in for drinks, sports on TV, and a relaxed atmosphere. Check out the historic building. Grab dinner before or after at Breit’s Stein & Deli or Delights of Honduras Restaurant within walking distance.

Palacio Maya Mexican Restaurant: A third location of Palacio Maya Mexican Restaurant has just opened in Lenexa at 97th and Quivira. This is an expansion of their Independence and Gladstone locations. The menu features fajitas, tamales, and lunch specials.

The Five Four: The Independence location of 54th Street Bar and Grill has been revamped from the inside out and reopened as The Five Four Restaurant & Drafthouse. Diners can expect the same scratch-made 54th Street Bar and Grill menu, but in a more polished, slightly upscale atmosphere. The restaurant features 54 beers on tap, a covered patio with firepits, and decor from local artists.

Sweet Peaches: Sweet Peaches, found at pop-ups and in area Price Choppers, Cosentino’s Markets, HyVee’s, Sunfresh, and more, can now be spotted on the go! Sweet Peaches now has a food truck. The bright blue, shiny new truck is making the rounds on April 13, first at Blue Spring HyVee from 12 – 3 p.m. and at Cosentino’s Price Chopper on 103rd St in KCMO from 4 – 7 p.m. There are a few options on the sweet menu, but the classic Nana’s Kitchen Peach Cobbler can’t be beat.

Closing

Westport Ale House: Yesterday, Westport Ale House announced an immediate closure. The closure is permanent, and rising costs such as rent and food prices were cited as the reason.

misc: North KC’s misc. cocktail bar and event space announced a permanent closure. Last August, misc. Announced the closure of their flight-focused cocktail bar, but eventually reopened for themed months like Awkward Family Thanksgiving and 90’s Rom Com. This announcement includes no mentions of return or of private rentals remaining available. Instead, they’re turning their focus to family time. Join misc. for a farewell party this Saturday from 5 – 11 p.m.

April 11

Atomic Cowboy: In both Westport and Overland Park, celebrate the 2024 Masters Tournament with Augusta-inspired specials and tremendous TVs at Atomic Cowboy. This Thursday and Friday, snacks like Pimento Cheese Biscuit Sando ($4) and a Peachy Keen Cocktail ($6) will help you feel like you’re on the green. 

Restless Spirits: Calling all kids at heart (with IDs proving they’re not a kid)… From 6 – 8 p.m., Restless Spirits in North KC is hosting Builders & Bricks, a grown-up night of creativity and cocktails, including a LEGO™-themed cocktail featuring Builders Botanical Gin (get it?), plus a raffle to win LEGO™ Botanical Collection accessories kits. This is actually a kick-off event and the fun will continue each second Thursday of each month. No sign-ups or reservations are required–just show up and get creative!

April 12

Vine Street Brewing: The weekend is full of events at Vine Street Brewing at The Gem Theater, all centered around a documentary called One Pint at a Time. The film follows eight Black brewers and influencers blazing a path for minority involvement in the beer industry. Events throughout the weekend include a panel, bottle sharing, a live podcast, and more. These are ticketed events starting at $50.

April 13 

Pint Path: Heroes and Villians (and costumeless beer fans) are taking over North Kansas City for this year’s Pint Path. The 11th Annual Pint Path Pub Crawl includes a fun ride for bikers, but on foot is just as good. Tickets start at $25 and include deals and events at over a dozen area pubs and breweries, plus possible prizes.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art: Learn the art of kimchi from Charlotte Street 2023 fellows Sean Nash and SunYoung Park. The free, hands-on fermentation workshop will fill up on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 2 p.m. It is inspired by the Korean tradition of Kimjang, which involves a communal gathering for kimchi-making and sharing. 

April 14

The Spot: Chef Kenny Gilbert, known for appearances on Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay will be sharing dishes and inspiration from his acclaimed cookbook, Southern Cooking, Global Flavors at The Spot. The event is a fundraiser for The Prospect KC’s efforts to combat food insecurity and empower aspiring chefs in the training program. The celebrity chef’s brunch includes Fried Catfish with Sweet Corn Grits, The Korean Chicken Biscuit, Guava Duff Cake, and more. Tickets start at $150.

April 15

Barbacoa: Celebrate (or commiserate) your tax deadline with a collaboration from Barbacoa and Disco Burger. Starting at 6 p.m. at Barbaoca in the Troost Corridor, Disco Burger will be serving their iconic burgers, plus Rodeo Melts, Sonoran Dogs, margaritas, and more.

Plan ahead

Westport International Food Week: Plan ahead for the return of Westport’s 2nd Annual International Food Week, taking place from April 15 – 21. Restaurants will have special menus to showcase the diverse and authentic flavors from around the world represented in the Westport area. Spots like Chewology, Brix, and Chingu take reservations, so I recommend snagging one now.

Vivlore: In Independence, Vivilore is under new ownership (specifically, Pitch writer Jollene Hastings!) To celebrate the transition, Vivlore is hosting a Taste of the Mandarin dinner on April 17. Tickets start at $100 for this four-course dinner, each featuring oranges in a creative way. The menu is an ode to the Hasting’s Asian heritage while staying true to the fresh cuisine diners expect at Vivilore.  

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