KC Sipps: Two downtown restaurant openings + local collabs worth waiting in line for

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!

Opening

Muni: From the owners of Buck Tui and Waldo Thai, Muni is now open in the former Tribe Street Kitchen space in River Market. Muni’s kitchen is open 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., offering another much-desired late-night option for the area. The menu combines Thai and Mexican flavors for dishes like Thaiquitos, Birria Dumplings, and Thom Yum Pozole.

Modern Market Eatery: A second KC location of Denver-based Modern Market Eatery has opened, this one in the Power and Light district. To celebrate, the scratch kitchen is offering half-price entrees this week at both KC locations (Prairie Village and P&L). The scratch kitchen offers pizzas, customizable protein bowls, and my current favorite: Salmon Curry with marinated kale and coconut sweet potato curry.

Closing

Prefix Coffee: Prefix Coffee announced plans to shut down two of their four locations that currently reside on IHOPKC properties (the religious organization, not the breakfast diner). Prefix is not owned or managed by IHOPKC, but still wishes to distance themselves from the organization. The Red Bridge location will close in approximately three months and the Grandview location will shutter within a year. The Midtown and Downtown locations will remain open.

March 22

West Bottoms Whiskey Co.: At the InterContinental KC Hotel on the Plaza, tickets are still available for On The Rocks & Rolled event. This “educational soiree” blends all things bourbon, cigars, and mixology. Representatives from West Bottoms Whiskey Co. and La Cultura Cigar and Social will provide samples and education. Tickets start at $75.

Vignettes: “Bears. Beets. Best pop-up ever.” North KC’s rotating theme bar, Vignettes, has bid farewell to Dolly and transformed into an office. No, THE office. Assistant to the Regional Pop-Up Bar opens today. Honor the famed show with pretzels, an ode to Kevin’s chili, and more comical cocktails. Reservations are encouraged for this pop-up on the weekends. All ages are welcome Sunday through Thursday, and it is exclusively 21+ on Friday and Saturday. Vignettes focuses on visually interesting cocktails and decor while offering games, live music, and other special events.

KC Wine Co: South Olathe’s KC Wine Co has created adults-only Easter festivities. The Easter Hop-up Bar opens tonight at 4 p.m. There is no cover charge. The drink menu includes themed cocktails, KC Wine Co wines, plus hard cider and beer.  

The Davenport: Sneak a first glimpse at Strawberry Hill’s new sports bar before it officially opens. Stop by between 7 – 10 p.m. for samples of local spirits from Holladay Distillery and Una Familia Tequila and live music.

March 23

In The Lowest Ferns: West Bottom’s newest lounge, In the Lowest Ferns, is hosting a brunch with Baba’s Pantry. Enjoy dancing or socializing in the well-curated space–ferns included. Entry tickets start at $12.46 after taxes and fees, or go all out with entry and authentic Palestinian-American brunch for $31.16.

Kinship Cafe: The bakery pop-up that has patrons lining the block wherever they go, Slow Rise, will be at Kinship Cafe in Strawberry Hill starting at 10 a.m. Slow Rise’s handcrafted filled sourdough doughnuts sell out quickly so I recommend grabbing a coffee from Kinship as soon as it opens at 8 a.m. to get a prime spot in line for Slow Rise. A variety of other vendors will also be on site.

Blue Palm Tiki: For a chance to preview the anticipated Blue Palm Tiki menu, catch them at Blip Roasters in West Bottoms from 4 – 7 p.m. Blue Palm Tiki bar is expected to open in Strawberry Hill within a few months, but for now you can help them hone their cocktail menu at this pop-up.

March 24

Oddly Correct Coffee: Be among the first to try out Chef Hera’s foods at their first pop-up! Hera will be serving focaccia sandwiches at Oddly Correct Coffee in South Hyde Park from 12 – 3 p.m. You may have already enjoyed Hera’s work without knowing it, as sous chef at Bacaro Primo.

Plan Ahead

Lonnie’s Reno Club: On Wednesday, April 3, Lonnie’s Reno Club in downtown’s Ambassador Hotel is switching things up from their standard dinner-and-a-show. On this night only, Tour de Vino–A Sonoma Wine Dinner Experience includes five courses and six wine pairings, plus live jazz entertainment. Tickets are $130 and the event starts at 6:30 p.m.

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