KC Sipps: Two spots closing soon, plus all-you-can-eat BBQ festivals

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

Banksia: Downtown KC’s Australian bakery and brunch spot has reopened in a larger location. Just a few blocks from the original location, Banksia is now open at 12th and Main St., and they will validate parking at two downtown parking garages. Easy peasy. There is currently construction fencing around most of the restaurant, but it is indeed open. I recommend the Almond Frangipane Croissant, but their savory pies are also great.

Closing

Chuy’s Tex-Mex: Chuy’s at the Country Club Plaza announced immediate closure as of June 10. 

Wild Way Coffee: Wild Way Coffee announced that it is closing after six years of serving the KC area. The coffee cart will remain open every Saturday and Sunday until a final celebration on June 30 at 56th & Brookside Blvd. 

Michael Forbes Grill: June 30 will also be the final day for Michael Forbes Grill in Brookside. The neighborhood favorite will close after 39 years.

June 12

FlipSwitch VR: In Crossroads, FlipSwitch VR has transformed, for two days only, into a retro sci-fi immersive experience. Food and drinks, dancing, and games all themed around aliens are available for reservation on June 12 – 13. Tickets for “Eat Like an Alien” start at $40 for a three-hour time block.

June 14

Servaes Brewing: Shawnee’s Servaes Brewing is hosting a Queens for a Cause drag performance at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are required. Plus, $2 from every full pour of beer on tap will be donated to Pride Haven KC. 

Mainstreet Tavern: In Crossroads, Mainstreet Tavern is hosting a Boulevardia after-party with no cover on Friday and Saturday nights. There will be a DJ, specials on Boulevard beers, and patio games from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. 

June 15

ReRoll Tavern: Moirafest is back, bébé! Don your wigs, your best black couture, or garb from the superfluous but sensible citizens of Schitts Creek for a celebration of all things Moira Rose. Themed cocktails, trivia, a costume contest, and more will honor the beloved star of Sunrise Bay & The Crows Have Eyes 3. Tickets start at $10.

June 18

The Antler Room: For a special Tuesday night dinner, Antler Room is giving Chef Sam Edelson free rein (and all of the proceeds). Reservations are almost all claimed for this unique feature titled Chubby Traveler Pop-Up Dinner.

June 19

Nighthawk: Honor Juneteenth with an event from Uncle Nearest featuring local band, The Phantastics. Tickets are just $5 for the event at 7 p.m. at Nighthawk in downtown KC. Uncle Nearest is a highly awarded American whiskey and bourbon brand named after the formerly enslaved man, Nathan “Nearest” Green, who trained a young Jack Daniel in the craft of distilling in Tenessee. 

Plan ahead

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle:  The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle kicks off on Friday, June 21 at 4:30 p.m. in the Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Each $5 admission fee includes live music, food vendors, and free children’s activities. The main competition continues on Saturday morning with free entry to the event. Think you’ve got great meat? Register here.

Howl at the Moon: On June 22, Crawl With US invites you on the 7th Annual Pride Bar Crawl starting at Howl at the Moon in Power & Light. There will be exclusive drink specials and 20% of the proceeds will go to Kansas City Pride Community Alliance. Each ticket includes at least two drinks, party favor cups, photography, and more starting at $25.

The Q BBQ Fest: All-you-can-eat BBQ from award-winning pitmasters from across the country: it can only be The Q BBQ Fest. Taking over GEHA Field June 21-22, tickets for the feast start at $69.  Local pitmasters include Buck Tui BBQ, Meat Mitch, Arthur Bryant’s, SMOAK Craft Barbecue+, and more.