KC Sips: J. Rieger perks, tour Vine Street Brewing, plus coffee and crafts

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 local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around KC. Cheers!

Something New

KC Wine Works: Through the month of February, they’re featuring wine-based cocktails themed around love. No reservations are needed— just bring a special someone and celebrate the moment. KC Wine Works is located in Crossroads and is open Wednesday through Saturday.

J Rieger & Co.: J. Rieger & Co. distillery just launched a membership program for fans of their spirits and hip headquarters in the northeast industrial district. The free membership tier includes a free drink, tour, tasting pass, and shopping discounts. For $199/year, VIP members receive a full-size bottle and merch each quarter, plus additional passes and discounts.

Closing

Zócalo has closed after 11 years at Country Club Plaza, citing pandemic-related changes in consumer behavior. Also, District Pour House will close after its final day in Waldo on February 19. Plans are in the works for a new location in Shawnee later this year.

February 2

Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company: The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents Brews and Bebop at Crossroad’s Rochester Brewing from 5:30- 7 p.m. Enjoy a casual performance from the orchestra’s jazz trio, plus local craft beer, coffee, and snacks. It is open to all ages, and kids 12 and under get in for free.

February 3

Vine Street Brewing Co: Tour the historic 2000 Vine building that houses Vine Street Brewing, artist Warren Harvey, The Prospect KC, and others! From 6-9 p.m., preview the space and enjoy samples, live art, and more. 

The Chambers of Gomez & Morticia: Bring your friends to the latest creepy and kooky concept from Apparition! The Addams Family drinks, snacks, and decor will be a lovingly spooky antidote to the plush red and pink themes everywhere else this month. The chambers are accessible Thursday, Friday, & Saturday nights, February 3 through March 18 at 9th and State in West Bottoms. Reservations are encouraged. 

February 4

Made in KC: Visit the Midtown location for a double celebration! The Made in KC Cafe will be throwing a one-year birthday bash from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with Swoon Cookie Crafters and iconic Red Cereal Milk Lattes. Then, down the hall in the same building, celebrate Galentines with The Black Pantry! From 1-3 p.m., they’ll host a wine tasting, desserts, and shopping.

Bubbles Wine and Spirits: At their Parkville location, Bubbles Wine and Spirits is hosting a tasting of locally produced spirits and beers. From 12-7 p.m., stop by for free samples from Una Familia Tequila, Restless Spirits Distilling, Limitless Brewing, Stone Hill Winery, and many more.

February 5

Cafe Cà Phê: To honor one year of Mooyuei Baker in business, Cafe Cà Phê in Columbus Park is giving away free muffins with any latte purchase until supplies last. Mooyuei Baker makes Thai-style cakes, cookies, and more, which are often available for purchase at the cafe counter as well as pop-ups around KC. 

Whiskers Cat Cafe & Coffeehouse: Cats, coffee, and crafts. For a registration fee of $25, you can join cats and creatives to make a wooden craft at Whiskers in Midtown. The activity is for ages 10+ and runs from 5-6:15 p.m. 

Plan Ahead

Sandwich Week: Check it out! We just hit publish, so you can see the scrumptious sandwiches from restaurants featured in this year’s Sandwich Week. Make a plan to hit up the deals during February 20-26.

Valentine’s Day: Plan ahead for an intimate dinner at home with the help of these local makers. Cupini’s has an Italian meal for two available for pre-order now, and Quarantine Cookie offers a gift set featuring sweets and treats from local makers. 

Bizz & Weezy Confections in Crossroads has chocolate-covered strawberries and macarons available for pre-order, and they even hand-deliver within 18 miles. Dolce Bakery in Prairie Village has darling conversation-heart cookies and cakes available for pre-order. 

+More Decadent Ideas: For the gift that keeps on giving, show your love with bacon. The Local Pig in River Market has butcher bundles featuring pork, premium steaks, and burgers from locally-raised animals available for pick-up and delivery. 

Lastly, for a romantic staycation, check out this deal from Loew’s in downtown KC. The Let’s Get Cozy promo includes prosecco, chocolate-covered strawberries, dining and movie credits, and late check-out for more time in the sheets. Do. Not. Disturb.

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