KC Sipps: Two restaurant weeks, 20 years of salads, and bars leaning into Dry January

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: Kansas City Restaurant Week wraps up this weekend. Read all about it here, or pass GO and make your reservations now if you haven’t already–I recommend using the KCRW app if you’re making lots of plans. I just enjoyed the $20 lunch special at Fannie’s West African Cuisine, and it was a great choice.

Congratulations to The Mixx for celebrating its 20-year anniversary recently. Now with two locations, The Mixx was founded in 2005 by Jo Marie Scaglia to feed people, including those with dietary restrictions, using whole and local foods. I’ve picked up many a salad from the OP location, but I always order the charred Brussels sprouts.

Dry January is great for livers, bad for bars. However, a few establishments have chosen to lean in to the movement and go out of their way to promote n/a options. Goat and Rabbit offers mocktails, zero-proof wine, and THC drinks at happy hour prices all day long. Transport Brewery in Shawnee has a relatively extensive lineup of n/a beers, and The Dub launched two new n/a cocktails to expand their menu. And last but never least, Gnarly Hussle in Raytown is a great spot to consider trying some n/a beers or a canned THC drink in an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like a bar. That’s because it’s a thrift and vintage store first and foremost. 

Opening

Tian Tea House: Columbus Park has become even more of a fun bevvie destination. Tian Tea House is now open, right across the street from Cafe Cà Phê. There is a wide selection of teas and a small and often-changing menu of small bites. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closing

La Fonda El Taquito: After 47 years of serving in the Westside neighborhood, La Fonda El Taquito will close. January 31 will be the last day of operation before the owners enter retirement. Until then, they remain open Thursdays through Sundays, and will celebrate the final day with live music on site. 

Barrio Taqueria: The Midtown/Martini Corner location of Barrio, known as Barrio Taqueria, has closed less than two years after opening. The team said on a brief Instagram story that they are refocusing on the other three locations in Brookside, Briarcliff, and Red Bridge. 

Bizz & Weezy Confections: The Crossroads chocolate shop and restaurant, Bizz & Weezy, closed in late December. After 10 years, an “unhealthy relationship with the landlord” was cited as a reason for closing, but there is a possibility that the confectionery creations will continue elsewhere in the future. 

January 15

Lawrence Restaurant Week: Eat, drink, and be Larry. Lawrence Restaurant Week, bringing a celebratory awareness to local restaurants and raising money for Lawrence Hospitality Workers’ Relief Fund, runs now through January 25. Establishments create their own menu and price points to showcase what they’re most proud of. To further support the folks behind the fabulous Lawrence restaurant scene, a community raffle is open through February 1. Not sure where to start? Check out 715 (especially the dessert menu), Culinaria, or The Burger Stand at the Casbah .

January 19

Disco Burger: Calling all service industry folks. Disco Burger and Varsity Club in River Market are going a bit dressier than usual and throwing a gala to support ​Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR). This event is specifically for hospitality workers, but no ticket is required. The fun kicks off at 5 p.m., and raffle prizes will be drawn around 9 p.m.