KC Sipps: Two new downtown spots, Rat Pack crooning at Black Dolphin, and a pancake-eating contest

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

Tailleur: Those hoping to lunch at Tailleur in Midtown will now be directed to sister spot, Enchanté. The bakery is directly across the street from Tailleur. While Enchanté has breakfast and lunch covered, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tailleur will now exclusively focus on dinner during the week. Brunch at Tailleur will be available on Fridays and Saturdays.

21c Museum Hotel: In the spring, I toured the new exhibit at 21c Museum Hotel, The Future is Female. It will be in downtown KC through 2024, and now there is a fun way to transform an art gallery viewing into a date night or gals night out. This Friday, and additional future dates, enjoy a guided tour of the art while sipping a cocktail inspired by one of the featured artworks. Tickets are $20 and the intimate capacity of the event means you should purchase tickets in advance. 

Q39: Chow down like Chiefs Wide Receiver, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. He has partnered with Chef Phillip to create the Hollywood Rib Sandwich available through August. The sandwich features smoked & grilled pork ribeye, garlic aioli, pickles, shaved onion, Q39’s Honey BBQ Sauce, and thin sweet potato straws on a hoagie roll for $15.

Opening

Mineral Lounge: From the team behind Tannin, Mineral Lounge is now open just steps away from the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts. The minimalist wine bar accepts reservations and walk-ins and offers comfortable seating. At a preview last week, my husband and I were each able to order our preferred red wine varietals, and the focaccia plate with burrata was a decent value for $15. 

The Nook: As if the downtown KCMO public library wasn’t already enticing enough with its iconic parking garage facade, rooftop, giant chess board, and magical kid’s book area… Now you can sip on a latte while you peruse the historic spot. An outlet of Prospect KC has taken over the cafe space, and The Nook opened on August 7. 

Closing

Privee: Privee—the combination restaurant, bar, and lounge space on Southwest Boulevard—is currently under a temporary closure.

Hereford House: The Leawood location of Hereford House has permanently closed. The spokesperson cited financial troubles due to recent events, likely related to the fallout after charges were filed against a former employee for intentionally contaminating food.

August 8 

Black Dolphin: Take a trip back in time at the Black Dolphin in Crossroads. A $20 cover grants entrance to the Post Modern Rat Pack show, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. If you’re looking for drink inspo, I suggest the Lady Loves Chai. 

August 9

Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop: Lulu’s and The House in Westwood are making the most of a mild weather week and hosting a seafood boil extravaganza starting at 5 p.m. $20 gets you a plate for the seafood boil, plus I recommend adding on a s’mores kit, too! The event also serves as a school supply drive for for Frank Rushton Elementary. Bring new school supplies to donate, and receive a coupon for $10 off your next visit to Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop. 

MAPS Coffee and Chocolate: In Lenexa, MAPS Coffee and Chocolate is throwing a summer concert from 6 – 9 p.m. This free event features live music from Doglava, Happy Belly Food Truck, Limitless Brewing beer, MAPS beverages, and more. Bring lawn chairs and the whole family!

August 10

DoubleTap VR Bar: At 6 p.m., the Chiefs kick off their preseason with a game at Jacksonville. Double Tap VR Bar in River Market is celebrating with specials on food and drink, plus a DJ to drown out commercial breaks. This weekend, enjoy $3 shots when the Chiefs score, $9 smash burgers and fries, and more. 

August 11

The Big Biscuit: Move over, Olympics. We’ve got some serious competish right here. The Big Biscuit’s Westport location is holding a Stuff Your Face breakfast-eating competition as part of its Stuff The Bus school supply drive. Apply online to eat for your chance to win a free Big Biscuit for a year, plus a gold medal. 

Cafe Cà Phê: Personally, I can hardly remember a Kansas City without the vibrancy and activism of Cafe Cà Phê. But it has only been two years since opening the brick-and-mortar location in Columbus Park. They are throwing a free, graduation-themed celebration in the DIY skate park behind their shop. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., the fun will include food trucks, raffles and giveaways, and skating. 

Plan Ahead

Tannin: Tickets are available now for Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen’s annual Harvest Dinner on August 13. Tickets are $90, but I recommend upgrading to the $125 tier, which includes a half-glass wine pairing with each course. The meal highlights local farmers and sources like Odd Bird Farm, Hemme Brother Cheese, and more.

Margarita Experience: Join The Pitch crew and community at The Guild in Crossroads on August 16! We’ll be sampling margaritas and snacks from area restaurants and more, plus vibing with a DJ, live art, and a giant raffle to benefit Harvesters. Presented by Don Julio. VIP and GA tickets are available, starting at just $15 in advance!