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Day: August 2, 2023
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Best Of KC 2023
We asked you, our readers, everything from where to score the best bloody mary to where to let Fido run free. And for good measure, we picked a few of our own KC favorites, too, such as KC’s best piano man and the perfect spot to read a book. Here are the results. Take a peek.
FOOD & DRINK
Want to know the best spot in town for brunch, according to your neighbors? Or perhaps who across the metro is serving up the best burnt ends? Maybe you just want a perfect slice of lemon meringue pie. Well, we’ve got you covered.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Doughnut
LaMar’s Donuts
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden Ray Lamar began perfecting his doughnut recipe at seventeen years old when he began working for the Jack Frost Donut Company. It wasn’t until 1960 that he decided to open up his own Kansas City shop in a converted gas station on Linwood Boulevard. Soon, people were lined out the door waiting for fresh, hot doughnuts. LaMar’s soon became a KC institution, and Lamar and his wife decided to franchise their popular bakery in 1990. LaMar’s Donuts have been recommended by Zagat’s Survey, The New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine. Kansas City magazine’s staff pick is definitely the blueberry cake doughnut, though you can never go wrong with an original simple glazed doughnut and a cup of coffee. lamars.com
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Sushi
Blue Sushi
Photography provided by Blue Sushi. Blue Sushi prides itself on serving fresh and sustainable seafood at its two metro locations in Westwood, Kansas, and Power and Light. A section of the menu is dedicated to listing where the fish is sourced and how it’s quickly transported from the coasts to the heart of America. Blue Sushi’s menu offers items for those a little squeamish about eating raw fish, but there are plenty of items for sushi purists. The Japanese-themed establishment has a fun, celebratory feel and makes dining there feel like a party. bluesushisakegrill.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Pasta
The Antler Room
Photography by Zach Bauman. There’s nothing static about The Antler Room’s menu. It’s seasonal and continuously changing with what’s fresh and new. As its website states, “The evolving cuisine changes often, but always retains a level of reverence for the ingredients in each and every dish.” You really can’t go wrong with any pick, whether it’s the savory crepe cake made with a chicken liver mousse or the fazzoletti, a braised land dish. But it’s the pasta that keeps this Kansas City magazine editor coming back for more. From their ricotta ravioli to their bucatini, The Antler Room’s chefs always have an interesting take. One of the best tortellini dishes I ever had was made with black garlic pasta dough, confit gizzards, crispy chicken skin and chicken schmaltz. theantlerroomkc.com
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Pizza
Minsky’s
Photography by Zach Bauman For more than forty-five years and with seventeen locations, Minsky’s has proven itself as one of KC’s most favored pizza joints. It’s been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s food scene for years. And even though the most popular choice is the Minsky’s original hand-rolled dough topped with 100 percent Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, pizzas can be made with gluten-free, cauliflower or low-carb Keto crusts, too. While there’s always the option to create your own pizza, the restaurant is also known for its signature “gourmet” pizzas, such as Spicy Thai or the White Cheddar Bacon Mac N Cheese. minskys.com
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Burger
Town Topic
Photography by Zach Bauman Established in 1937, Town Topic is more than just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Kansas City history. The now-iconic diner, which originally served burgers for just five cents, still makes its food the same way it did seventy-five years ago, in keeping with its old-fashioned diner vibe. KC’s original greasy spoon on Broadway is open twenty-four hours, seven days a week, and people can be seen standing in line late at night for double cheese burgers and malts and malts after a night at a local bar. towntopic.com
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Ramen
Bōru Asian Eatery
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden The best bowl of ramen can be found at the Asian fusion restaurant Bōru in KC’s Waldo neighborhood. This establishment has gone through a few iterations since opening as a ramen bar back in 2017. Now, items such as sushi, kimchi French fries and bulgogi lettuce wraps are on the menu, but a perfect, soul-satisfying bowl of ramen can still be had. The noodle dish consists of a broth base, long thin noodles and various toppings. The Bōru bowl is Asian comfort food at its best: a bowl of noodles in Shoyu bone broth with pork belly, soy-pickled Shiitake mushrooms, garlicky greens and an egg. borukc.com
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Cheesesteak Sandwich
Grinders
Photography by Zach Bauman Established in 2004, Grinders is both a restaurant and a live music venue. Located in KC’s Art District, the restaurant’s been featured on Guy Fieri’s popular TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and is famous for its South Philly cheesesteak. For a classic Philly cheesesteak, make sure to get it with ribeye and Cheese-Wiz. Insider tip: Order with a side of garlic parm tots. grinderskc.com
SHOPPING & WEDDING
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or a vintage sideboard for your breakfast nook? Here are the best spots in the greater KC area to find exactly what you need.
READERS’ CHOICE
Best BOOKSTORE
RAINY DAY BOOKS
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden Nearing its fiftieth anniversary, Kansas City’s oldest independent bookstore, Rainy Day Books, is as popular as ever. Vivien Jennings founded her book shop in 1975 in the same Fairway, Kansas, shopping center that it resides in today. When she opened her original four-hundred-square-foot shop, she probably didn’t think she would one day be hosting nationally recognized author events, or that the shop would grow into such a beloved part of the community. If you’re a book lover, stepping into Rainy Day is like being a kid in a candy store. The “treats” here are endless. A little over a year ago, Jennings sold her business to Made in KC, whose mission to support local businesses makes their purchase of Rainy Day a perfect match. rainydaybooks.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Cooking Class for Adults
Culinary Center of Kansas City
Photography by Zach Bauman With more than six hundred cooking classes, there’s something for everyone at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. Whether you want to learn knife skills, how to cook with shellfish or how to make the perfect risotto, this cooking school boasts classes for everyone from the kitchen novice to professional chefs in training. The hands-on learning environment caters to all skill levels. You can even host private events for team building or celebrate special occasions like weddings at the venue. kcculinary.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Cooking Class for Kids
Taste Buds Kitchen
Photography by Zach Bauman While this cooking school offers classes for all ages, it’s the kids’ classes that really stand out. From a class that encourages kids to “taste and learn things” to a semester-long Junior Chefs program, the school’s courses give kids a new appreciation for food, confidence in the kitchen and the ability to make dishes from scratch. Everything from homemade pasta and sushi to cupcakes and bread are taught through weekly classes and even summer camps. tastebudskitchen.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Place for a Turkish Coffee and Baklava
Baba’s Pantry
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden After immigrating to the United States, Palestinian refugee Yahia Kamal—“Baba” to everyone that knows him—found he missed the food and culture of his home country. He began calling his mother over the phone to get recipes for various comfort foods and cooking them himself, and the rest is history. Baba’s Pantry serves a variety of authentic Palestinian-American foods, including velvet-smooth hummus, but its dark, rich Turkish coffee and flakey, buttery baklava are what set this family-owned and operated deli apart. babaspantrykc.com
SERVICES & HEALTH
Pushing your own lawn mower just isn’t cutting it anymore. Besides, it’s killing your back. We found the best yard maintenance company, the perfect place to get a deep tissue massage and everything in between.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best New Disc Golf
Black Hoof Park
Photography by Shutterstock Two brand new disc golf courses opened at Lenexa’s Black Hoof Park. Whether you’re looking for a competitive course that will test your skills or a laid-back family-friendly game, Black Hoof Park delivers. One course is a championship-level eighteen-hole timber course, and the other is an easy nine-hole course meant to provide fun for people of all ages. The championship-level, ten-thousand-foot-long course stretches across eighty acres of rugged terrain and includes multiple teepads and basket locations, which offer course variations for players. The smaller nine-hole course is shorter and more accessible to families and beginners.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Place to Read a Book
The Rooftop at KC Central Public Library
Photography by Shutterstock. KC bookworms, head down to the rooftop at the Kansas City Public Library Central Branch on a sunny day and soak in the downtown atmosphere while you get into your latest read. As you make your way to the rooftop, enjoy the one hundred and thirteen-year-old building’s architecture, including a converted bank vault which now serves as a movie theater, where the library screens movies every Saturday. The library also hosts Family Fun Events every Friday, where families can come together for acting workshops, scavenger hunts and rock painting. kclibrary.org
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Wedding Officiant
Timmy Gibson
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden Timmy Gibson works as a matchmaker, relationship coach and dating coach; hosts a relationship podcast; and is a wedding officiant extraordinaire. “I want to accomplish one thing in my life—besides having a great head of hair: I want to help peoples’ lives be beautiful by helping them have happier, healthier relationships,” says Gibson, who does have a great head of hair. The tattooed, earringed, long-haired wedding officiant has been in the wedding business for years, first as an evangelical preacher. He left the priesthood years ago and now works full time as an all-things wedding guru. Known for his humor and outsized personality, he brings a sense of joy, humor and, of course, love to any ceremony. timmygibson.com
Nightlife
Kansas City definitely comes alive when the sun goes down, and there are plenty of places to listen to music and imbibe. From dive bars down alleyways to swanky cocktail lounges, the choices are many. Not sure where to start? Here’s what readers say.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Piano Man
Will O’Keefe
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden New York-born Will O’Keefe has always had a love for music. A former orchestral percussionist and Broadway touring drummer, he is now the resident piano player at Voo Lounge, a swanky cocktail bar located in the basement of the 1930s-era Muehlebach Hotel. “Playing as the resident pianist on an actual baby grand in Kansas City—this is a special kind of chapter in life,” O’Keefe says. He now refers to himself as a human jukebox because of his piano playing and singing abilities. He truly makes Voo Lounge come alive. vookansascity.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Side Hustle of 2023
Travis Kelce
Photography by Shutterstock The two-time Super Bowl winner graced the SNL stage early this March, showing us that he’s as funny as he is athletic. In his sketches, Travis Kelce played a mysterious American Girl Cafe customer, a grieving nurse and reality TV show contestant. Jason, Travis’ brother and recent Super Bowl rival, made a cameo during the opening monologue, too. Kelce is only the third NFL player to host the iconic comedy show, but we hope we’ll be seeing more of him on our screens.
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Place to Stargaze
Powell Observatory
Photography by David Young For your next summer date night, head to the Powell Observatory in Louisburg to look at the night skies through one of the largest telescopes available to the public in the Midwest. Just twenty-five miles south of KC, the view of the skies is much clearer than it is in the city. Every night, visitors can use different telescopes to view the stars while listening to a space-themed presentation. The observatory is open to the public every Saturday until October. It’s free to attend, but they encourage a $5 to $10 donation to “help maintain and operate the observatory.” askc.org
CULTURE & CITY LIFE
Kansas City is a vibrant city with much to experience. From 5ks and over-the-top music to nationally known art instruction and petting zoos, the greater metro area is continually proving there is something for everyone.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best place to take a selfie
Selfie WRLD
Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebbeca Norden Are you looking for the perfect Instagram shot? No need to look further than Selfie WRLD Kansas City. This interactive art pop-up in Lee’s Summit has twenty trendy set designs so you can create the ultimate Insta-worthy pic. The bold and often brash backdrops in this do-it-yourself photo studio promise to upgrade anyone’s selfie game. From a pink-hued room with a matching vintage phone and a bright-red neon-lit room celebrating the Chiefs to a retro record wall or bright-yellow smiling emoji backdrop, Selfie WRLD doesn’t disappoint. Go ahead and act as if you’re dancing the night away in the disco room, lounge on a lip-shaped couch, or dive into an orange ball pit. Tickets are $20 for one hour, so grab your phone and strike a pose. selfiewrldkansascity.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best Upgrade
New KCI Airport
Photography by Zach Bauman The new KCI Airport was one of the most anticipated Kansas City upgrades, with an approximately $1.5 billion price tag and over five years of planning and construction. The shiny new terminal is definitely something to brag about. It represents the future of air travel and celebrates the city with stunning art installations—including Leo Villareal’s “Fountain,” an homage to the City of Fountains—and local shops and restaurants like Boulevard Brewing Company, Made in Kansas City Marketplace, City Market Food Hall, Messenger Coffee and The BBQ Spot. It also has a sensory room, Variety KC Inclusive Play Zone, a quiet room, service animal relief areas and a Kansas City Air Travel Experience room. flykc.com
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Best KC Flex
NFL Draft
Photography by Jeremey Theron Kirby Football fans from across the country gathered at Union Station in April to watch the newest NFL picks begin their professional careers. Fans were able to practice NFL drills, take pictures with all fifty-six Super Bowl rings and listen to performances from bands Mötley Crüe, Fall Out Boy and Thundercat. KC has already established itself as the place to be for sports fans—the city has hosted two Super Bowl parades in the past three years and is scheduled to host the 2026 World Cup. The NFL draft only added another feather in our cap.
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Athlete
Patrick Mahomes
Photography by Jeremey Theron Kirby It’s no surprise that the Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, was voted KC’s best athlete by our readers. Not only is he widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls and being named Super Bowl MVP twice, but he’s also a great and proud Kansas Citian. With his stake in the KC Royals and the Kansas City Currents, Mahomes is showing up for KC in more ways than one.
READERS’ CHOICE
Best Coach
Andy Reid
Photography by Jeremey Theron Kirby Kansas City Chiefs’ Head Coach Andy Reid has been ranked as the NFL’s top coach by CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus. Under Reid’s leadership, the Chiefs have achieved ninety-eight total wins since 2013, the second-highest in the league during that period. As the Chiefs aim for another Super Bowl appearance, Reid’s coaching legacy continues to grow.
Readers’ Choice: Food & Drink
Coffee Shop
Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery
Gelato
SPIN! Pizza
Brunch Spot
The Farmhouse
Gyro
Mr. Gyros Greek Food & Pastry
Smoothie/Juice Bar
Ruby Jean’s Kitchen & Juicery
Cinnamon Rolls
McLain’s Bakery
Chef
Michael Smith, Farina and Extra Virgin
farinakc.com, extravirginkc.com
Hospitality Professional
Nancy Smith, Farina
Patio
Gram & Dun
Chocolatier
Christopher Elbow Chocolates
Food Truck
On the Hook Fish and Chips
Farmers Market
Overland Park Farmers’ Market
opkansas.org/recreation-fun/farmers-market
BBQ Rub
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Ribs
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
Barbecue Sauce
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Sandwich Shop
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying
The Capital Grille
Indian
Taj Mahal
Korean
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
Pie
The Upper Crust
Barbecue
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant
Cafe Gratitude
Pho
Vietnam Cafe
Pub Food
The Peanut
Seafood Spot
Bristol Seafood Grill
Burnt Ends
Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
Barbecue Sandwich
Z-Man, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Italian
Garozzo’s
Tacos
Taco Naco
Breakfast
The Big Biscuit
New Restaurant
Urban Egg
Thai
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Hot Dogs
QuikTrip
Steak House
J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood
Mexican Restaurant
Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Food Pop-Up
Taco Naco
Ice Cream
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Food Bargain
Aldi
Restaurant for Kids
Fritz’s
Bloody Mary
Char Bar
Special-Release Beer
Boulevard Ginger Lemon Radler
Cocktail Program
Drastic Measures
IPAs
Boulevard Brewing Company
Distillery
J. Rieger & Co.
READERS CHOICE: SHOPPING
Pop-Up Shop
Strawberry Swing
Home Goods Store
HomeGoods
Antique/Vintage Store
River Market Antiques
Craft Studio
Scraps KC
Eyeglass Shop
Brookside Optical
Hardware Store
Westlake Ace Hardware
Plant Store
Family Tree Nursery
Grocery Store
Hy-Vee Grocery Store
Clothing Resale Store
Plato’s Closet
Shoe Store
DSW
Butcher Shop
Fareway Meat & Grocery
Maker’s Market
Made in KC
Car Wash
Waterway Car Wash
Women’s Boutique
Amelia’s Boutique
Men’s Boutique
Ulah
Local Clothing Store
Charlie Hustle
Record Store
Mills Record Company
Florist
Fiddly Fig
Garden Supply/Nursery
Family Tree Nursery
Jewelry Store
Tivol
Local Sports Store/Outfitter
Scheels
Toy Store
Brookside Toy and Science
Hotel
The Elms Hotel & Spa
Car Dealership
Hendrick Automotive Group
CBD Store
CBD American Shaman
Bike Shop
Erik’s Bike Shop
Wine Shop
Mike’s Wine & Spirits
Bottle Shop
Gomer’s Fine Wine & Spirits
Green Business
Boulevard Brewing Company
Custom Countertops Company
Rocktops Granite & Stone Fabrication
Fitness Class
Revive Indoor Cycling
Climbing Gym
RoKC
Gym
Nick Bolton Fitness
Crossfit Gym
CrossFit on Track
Pilates Studio
Pure Barre
Cycling Studio
Revive Indoor Cycling
Yoga Studio
Power Life Yoga, Barre Fitness
LEGAL
DUI Attorney
Jungle Law
Law Firm/Lawyer
Grover Law Firm
Family Law Attorney
Kelli Cooper, Johnson County Divorce Lawyer
Personal Injury Attorney
Mark Grover, Grover Law Firm
WEDDING
Wedding Planner
Dana Ashley Events
Wedding Band
Twice on Sunday
Hand Letterer
Script Your Event
Wedding Florist
The Bloom Co.
Wedding Venue
The Brim
Bachelor Party Venue
Kansas City Power & Light District
Bachelorette Party Venue
Funky Town
Tuxedo Shop
Todd’s Clothiers & Tailoring
Wedding Photographer
Enlow Productions
Alterations
Bridal by SHL
Wedding DJ
Icon Event Group
Wedding Cake Maker
Sugar Whipped Bakery
Wedding Videographer
Enlow Productions
Bridal Shop
True Society
Wedding Caterer
Brancato’s Catering
Place for Rehearsal Dinner
Lidia’s
Readers’ Choice: Services & Health
Pets
Pet Patio
Bar K
Pet Groomer
For Pet’s Sake
Veterinary Practice
Pet Resource Center of Kansas City
Doggie Day Care
Happy Dog Ranch & Resort
Dog Trainer/School
The Pet Connection
Local Pet Shop/Dog Treats
Three Dog Bakery
ER for Pets
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
Overnight Kennel
Happy Dog Ranch & Resort
BEAUTY
Nail Salon
Luxe Nail Spa in Overland Park
Eyebrow Waxing
Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness
Med Spa
Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness
Tanning Salon
Recreating Rays
Tattoo Parlor
Grimm Tattoo
Barbershop
Noggins Men’s Shop
Makeup Studio
Lumiere Aesthetics Center
Cosmetic Dentist
Chase Alexander Tomcala, Westwood Aesthetic Dentistry
westwoodaestheticdentistry.com
Microblading
Cassidy Drace, Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness
Lashes
Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness
Spa
Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness
Injector
Ashley Williams, Monarch Plastic Surgery
Hair Stylist
Kassidi Upton, The Hairapy Co.
Hair Salon
Collab
Hair Removal Salon
AesthetiCare Medspa
Plastic Surgeon
John Michael Quinn, Quinn Plastic Surgery
Esthetician
Brielle Mead, Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness
Home
Real Estate Agent
Jonas Barrish, Compass Realty Group
Best Roofing Company
Christian Brothers Roofing
christianbrothersroofingllc.com
Best Electrician/Company
A.B. May
Best Lawn Maintenance Company
Ryan Lawn & Tree
Best Plumber/Company
A.B. May
Senior Living Facility
Tallgrass Creek
Property Management Company
Price Brothers
Neighborhood Community
Brookside
Apartment Complex
Deer Creek Apartments
Interior Designer
ML Designs
Landscaper
Ryan Lawn & Tree
Moving Company
You Move Me
Basement Waterproofing Company
Thrasher Foundation Repair
Home Security Company
ADT
General Construction Company
KCBR
Pest Control
Pete’s Pest Control
Realty Company
Compass Realty Group
Real Estate Team
GRID | Jonas Barrish and Betsy O’Brien
Handyman Service
Candor Upkeep Handyman Services
Home Builder
James Engle Custom Homes
Chimney Cleaner
Fluesbrothers Chimney Service
Mortgage Company
Prosperity Home Mortgage
Home Inspection Company
Barnett Home Inspections
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Counselor
Caleb Adegoke, KC Well Co.
Personal Trainer
Justine Tapp, Tapp Into It Fitness
Dentist
Michael LeBlanc, LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children
Massage Therapist
Katie Brock, Haven Wellness + Spa
SoakingPool/Float Tank
The Spa at Briarcliff
Chiropractor
Vita Chiropractic
Marriage and Family Therapist
Amanda Hindson
Premarital Counselor
Kieri Olmstead, Simple Empathy
Naturopath
Grace Charles, Kansas City Integrative Health
Acupuncturist
Sacred Chiropractic + Acupuncture
Orthodontist
Jeremey Fry, Fry Orthodontic Specialists
Group Therapy Practice
KC Well Co.
Service
Best Insurance Agency
Lockton
Best Travel Agent
FlyOver Travel
Best Auto Repair Shop
Otto Service
Best Disabilities Nonprofit
The Whole Person
Readers’ Choice: Nightlife
Westport/Midtown Bar
Kelly’s Westport Inn
LGBTQ+ Bar
Missie B’s
Brewery
Boulevard Brewing Company
Locally Owned Missouri Brewery
Boulevard Brewing Company
Locally Owned Kansas Brewery
Martin City Brewing Company
Liquor Store
Lukas Wine & Spirits Superstore
Hotel Bar
Crossroads Hotel
Cocktails
Drastic Measures
Margaritas
Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Missouri Suburb Bar
The Peanut
Jazz & Blues Club
Green Lady Lounge
Jazz Act
Lonnie McFadden
Country Music Venue
Knuckleheads Garage
Club DJ
DJ Munch
Place to See Local Hip-Hop
Mosaic
Comedy Club
The Comedy Club of Kansas City
Place to See Local Music
Knuckleheads Saloon
Music Venue
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Jam Night
Knuckleheads Saloon
Live Theater Production
Starlight Theatre
Rock Music Club
Knuckleheads Saloon
Fundraiser Gala
Jazzoo
Casino
Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
Sommelier
Christina Corvino
Bar Staff
Drastic Measures
Karaoke
Offkey Karaoke Lounge & Suites
New Bar
Jim’s Alley Bar
Mixologist
Bryan Arri
Bar Pop-Up
Fern Bar
Date Bar
The Campground
Trivia Night
Gaels Public House & Sports
Speakeasy
Swordfish Tom’s
instagram.com/swordfishtoms.kc
KCK/Wyandotte County Bar
The Mockingbird Lounge
Limo/Party Bus Company
Party Express Bus KC
Dance Party
Funky Town
Happy Hour
Extra Virgin
Johnson County Bar
Drastic Measures
Plaza/South KC Bar
The Monarch
Bar with Live Music
Green Lady Lounge
Downtown KCMO Bar
John’s Big Deck
Winery
KC Wine Co.
Local Band
Jimmy Harris Band
Fundraising Event
The Big Slick
Readers’ Choice: Culture & City Life
Drag Show
Hamburger Mary’s
Local Actress (Live Theater)
Valerie Chamberlain
Local Actor (Live Theater)
John Rensenhouse
Art Instruction
Kansas City Art Institute
Weekend Getaway Spot
Weston
Live Theater Venue
Starlight Theatre
Music Festival
Boulevardia
Golf Course
Kansas City Country Club
Art Gallery
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Tribute/Cover Band
Bound & Determined
@boundanddeternined on Facebook
Arts Festival
Plaza Art Fair
Recording Studio
Strange Music
Movie Theater
Screenland Armour
Cultural Event
Kansas City Irish Fest
Arcade
Up-Down KC
Local Author
J. Alexander Greenwood
Daycare
Hillcrest Christian Early Learning Center
Public Park
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Water Park
Oceans of Fun
Summer Camp
The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City
Swimming Pool
Black Bob Park
Private School
St. James Academy Catholic High School
Public School
Shawnee Mission East High School
Family Fun Center
Science City
Haunted House
Edge of Hell
Museum
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Library
The Kansas City Public Library Central branch
Christmas Attraction
Union Station
Running Event
Hospital Hill Run
Preschool
A Better Choice Preschool
CITY LIFE
Local TV News Station
KMBC News Channel 9
Local Morning Talk Show
The Morning Drive with Mike Kellar and Jenny Matthews, Q104
Education Nonprofit
Operation Breakthrough
Tour Company
Kansas City Fun Tours
Country Club
Kansas City Country Club
Local Politician
Mayor Quinton Lucas
KCMO Neighborhood
Brookside
Place to Work
Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care
Local TV Sports Anchor
Len Jennings, KMBC
Place of Worship
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Philanthropist
Travis Kelce
Local TV Commercial
Hy-Vee (with Mahomes and Kelce)
Johnson County City
Village or Town
Overland Park
Local Podcast
The Dana and Parks Podcast
Fountain
Fountain in Mill Creek Park
Local Radio Show
Dana and Parks, KMBZ 98.1
Civil & Human Rights Nonprofit
KC Tenants
Missouri Suburb
Parkville
Local TV Anchor
Lara Moritz, KMBC Channel 9 News
Local Meteorologist
Bryan Busby, KMBC Channel 9 News
Local Landmark
Union Station
Financial Institution
Community America Credit Union
Local Band
The Elders
Health Nonprofit
Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care
Radio Personality
Jenny Matthews, Q104
Community Activists
KC Tenants
Radio Station
Q104 KBEQ
Festival
Plaza Art Fair
Local Blogger
@nomastayinkc
instagram.com/nomastayinkc
Local Mascot
KC Wolf, Kansas City Chiefs
FOOD & DRINK
Sports Bar
The Peanut
Claiming to be Kansas City’s oldest bar and grill, The Peanut is a favorite neighborhood hangout, with eight locations dotting the metro. For more information about the original two locations, visit peanutkc.com or to learn more about the new spots visit peanutmidwest.com.
SHOPPING
Best kitchen store
Pryde’s
Known as the hardware store for cooks, Pryde’s is packed from floor to ceiling with kitchen gadgets. If you can’t find it there, it probably can’t be found. prydeskitchen.com
SHOPPING
Best pop-up shop
Strawberry Swing
This highly curated conglomerate of goods handmade by local vendors, otherwise known as an indie art fair, can be found at different times and locales around the metro.
thestrawberryswing.comSERVICES
Best Dog Park
Shawnee Mission Park Off-Leash Area
A pooch paradise with forty-four acres of free roaming space where Fido can run wild.
jcprd.comSERVICES
BEST POOL COMPANY
SWIM THINGS
Since its inception forty years ago, Swim Things has grown into the area’s largest all-things-pool-related business. Not only does Swim Things build pools and maintain them, but they also outfit many of the local youth swim teams in the greater Kansas City area. swimthings.com
NIGHTLIFE
Best new bar
Jim’s Alley Bar
Located in Art Alley in the East Crossroads, Jim’s Alley Bar is the quintessential dive bar, with a hipster mentality and a summer shuffleboard league.
CULTURE & CITY LIFE
Best Vocalist
Jimmy Harris
Having followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, native Kansas Citian Jimmy Harris has been playing music since he was thirteen years old. When he’s not belting out his version of country-funk and rock ‘n’ roll around town, he’s in Nashville recording. jimmyharrisband.com
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The best events in Kansas City: August 2023
The Chicks Are KC bound
Enduringly popular three-piece women-fronted band The Chicks are embarking on their world tour this year, with singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Ben Harper opening. The Chicks have kept up with the times in their nearly thirty-year-long career. They changed their name in 2020 from The Dixie Chicks to keep up with modern sensibilities, and they continuously play with the themes of passionate female rage and aching heartbreak. On their upcoming stop in KC, The Chicks will be performing both new and old favorites like “Gaslighter” and “Goodbye Earl.” Harper was at the height of his career in the late nineties and early aughts, playing an exciting mix of blues, folk, reggae and rock, and he’s still best known for his guitar skills and sultry voice. He’s opening on tour in support of his newly released album, Wide Open Light.
GO: August 29. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Jagged Little Pill
August 1–6. 8 pm.
The new-ish musical Jagged Little Pill borrows its title from singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album of the same name. Many of the themes from the album—joy, pain, healing and humanity—appear in this show that centers on a “perfectly imperfect” family living in a suburban neighborhood in Connecticut. August 1–6. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
The Front Bottoms
August 2. 7:30 pm.
New Jersey-based emo-rock band The Front Bottoms made a name for themselves in the underground indie scene with their self-titled 2011 album. Now, with Kevin Devine opening, they are on an extensive U.S. tour in anticipation of their new album, You Are Who You Hang Out With. August 2. 7:30 pm. Grinders.
PBR KC Outlaw Days
August 3–5.
The second season of the groundbreaking PBR—Professional Bull Riders—Team Series from The Outlaws will return to T-Mobile Center. The Outlaws are KC’s first professional bull riding team, and they will be competing in the PBR Team Series, which takes bull riding from an individual sport to a team competition. In this season, each of the eight teams will compete in nearly thirty riding games held across ten events, and the team with the highest score will win. August 3 & 4, 7:30 pm; August 5, 6:45 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Sam Hunt
Photography by Shutterstock. August 4. 6:30 pm.
Sam Hunt has gained widespread popularity in recent years for his smooth vocals and croony lyrics that are reminiscent of country greats—who he was a songwriter for—like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. In his Summer On The Outskirts Tour, he will be playing country-radio hits like “Body Like a Back Road” and “House Party.” August 4. 6:30 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Matilda the Musical
August 4 & 5.
Originally based on the beloved book Matilda by Roald Dahl, this adaptation for the theater is directed by Lana Gage. In this fresh musical, Matilda is a girl with curiosity and a fantastical imagination, but unfortunately has terrible parents and a cruel principal. Emboldened with passion to overcome the obstacles, Matilda leads revolting classmates to challenge the status quo and become free. August 4 & 5. 2 & 7 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
Ed Sheeran
August 5. 6 pm.
Radio-hit superstar Ed Sheeran is making a stop at Arrowhead on his North American stadium Mathematics Tour. Sheeran will play his newest album, Subtract, in its entirety, with a full band, in reference to all of his full-length studio albums, including Equals. Sheeran’s tour stop in KC will include pop-R&B American Teen chart-topper Khalid and newcomer Cat Burns. August 5. 6 pm. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Culture Club
August 8. 7 pm.
Eighties pop-music icons Boy George and Culture Club are making a stop in KC for their The Letting It Go Show, which features guests Howard Jones and Berlin. They will be performing all of their catchy hits like “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” and “Karma Chameleon.” August 8. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
August 9. 8 pm.
RuPaul’s insanely successful Drag Race franchise returns with its annual Werq the World Tour, in which favorites from current and past seasons go on tour to remind audiences why they are fan favorites, with elaborate costuming, death-drops and dirty puns. August 9. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
Blues Traveler
August 10. 7 pm
Ultimate “Dad” jam band Blues Traveler is coming to KC with Big Head Todd. New Jersey-based blues-rock band Blues Traveler has been around for over thirty-five years, with hits from the nineties like “Run-Around” and “Hook.” They are also known for their long segues during live performances and are often considered a major figure in the re-emergence and subsequent popularity of jam bands during the nineties. August 10. 7 pm. Grinders.
Ben Folds
August 10. 8 pm.
The frontman and pianist of alt-rock trio Ben Folds Five is returning solo on his What Matters Most Tour, following his 2023 album of the same name—his first studio album in eight years. On the tour, Folds will be playing old and new favorites like “The Luckiest” and “Exhausting Lover.” August 10. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Hip-Hop 50 KC
August 12. 6 pm.
Produced by 18th and Vine Lives with journalist Shawn Edwards, Hip-Hop 50 KC is a celebration in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop. Celebrate the genre that changed the world with local rappers, DJs, graffiti artists and dancers who have helped put KC’s hip hop scene on the map. August 12. 6 pm. Gem Theater.
The Wallflowers
August 17. 8 pm.
Rock band The Wallflowers is best known as being fronted by singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and legend Bob Dylan’s son, Jakob Dylan. After a few sporadic albums over the last thirty-plus years and an ever-changing rotation of non-Dylan band members, the timelessness of hit “One Headlight” endures. August 17. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks
Photography by Shutterstock August 19. 7 pm.
The Piano Man himself Billy Joel is joining fellow music legend and Fleetwood Mac member Stevie Nicks for a stadium tour. The seemingly at-odds duo will meld Joel’s New York pop on hits like “Uptown Girl” with Nicks’ croony, West Coast hippy songs like “Landslide” for an unforgettable night with two of the most influential musicians of all time. August 19. 7 pm. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Lil Durk
August 19. 7 pm.
Chicago-native rapper, singer and songwriter Lil Durk has quickly made a name for himself in recent years after being featured on songs by big names like Drake and DJ Khaled. He’s making a stop in KC with uber-popular rappers Kodak Black, NLE Choppa and DD Osama in support of his star-studded newest album, Almost Healed. August 19. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Incubus
August 19. 7:30 pm.
California-based Incubus has everything we needed from a rock band in the late nineties: a skinny, long-haired frontman in Brandon Boyd, care-free, beach-dude vibes and a radio hit in “Drive.” Now, without a new album or radio hit in recent years, the band is back touring, seemingly with the motto of their 2011 album titled If Not Now, When? August 19. 7:30 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Soulja Boy
August 20. 9 pm.
Ask any millennial: Soulja Boy’s music takes us back to a simpler time where choreographed dances accompanied most songs and one-hit wonders could play on the airwaves or at a middle school dance with equal success. Although Soulja Boy hasn’t had hits like he did in the mid-aughts, he knows we need him now more than ever. He’s coming to KC with support from S.O.D. Money Gang. August 20. 9 pm. The Truman.
The Black Keys
August 25. 8 pm.
2010’s The Black Keys have an instantly recognizable sound that has kept them semi-relevant while many other rock bands of their time have faded into one-hit-wonder obscurity. At the show, the band will play hits that are still often heard on 96.5 Not-the-Buzz like “Howlin’ For You,” as well as songs from their latest album, Dropout Boogie, which has a more basic, blues-rock style from their early days. August 25. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Goo Goo Dolls
August 27. 7 pm.
After nearly forty years, Buffalo-based Goo Goo Dolls are still going strong. Now on their The Big Night Out Tour, the band will be playing classic hits like “Iris” and “Slide,” as well as some of the lesser-known songs from their catalog, with lesser-known rock-reggae opener O.A.R. August 27. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Come From Away
August 28–September 3. 8 pm.
This 2013 musical from Irene Sankoff and David Hein is based on the events in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, during the days following the 9/11 attacks. In the events that Come From Away is based on, nearly forty planes carrying seven thousand passengers are ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. The characters are based on real-life Gander residents and the stranded travelers they helped, and the show is a reminder of humans’ ability for kindness and resilience in the hardest of times. August 28–September 3. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Zach Bryan
August 30. 8 pm.
Oklahoma-based country singer-songwriter Zach Bryan has gained widespread popularity in the last few years, drawing on his past as a Navy veteran by using his croony voice and heartfelt lyrics to skyrocket to fame. Bryan will be joined by Trampled by Turtles and J.R. Carroll for his stop in KC on the Burn, Burn, Burn tour. August 30. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
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Nine Things To Do In KC This Weekend, August 3-6
Here are nine great things to do in KC this weekend, August 3-6, including: Matilda the musical, Sam Hunt and Ed Sheeran.
Jagged Little Pill
The new-ish musical Jagged Little Pill borrows its title from singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album of the same name. Many of the themes from the album—joy, pain, healing and humanity—appear in this show that centers on a “perfectly imperfect” family living in a suburban neighborhood in Connecticut.
August 1–6. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Jagged Little Pill. Courtesy image. Innovation Festival
This regional meeting of music and innovation is coming to KC this weekend. Innovation Festival’s conferences will showcase new technologies, advancements and discoveries, as well as provide opportunities to network with others in the industry. Alternative rock musicians will also be performing throughout the festival and there will be a night market showcasing local artisans’ work which is free for the public to attend.
August 3–5. Crown Center Square.
PBR KC Outlaw Days
The second season of the groundbreaking PBR—Professional Bull Riders—Team Series from The Outlaws will return to T-Mobile Center. The Outlaws are KC’s first professional bull riding team and they will be competing in the PBR Team Series, which takes bull riding from an individual sport to a team competition. In this season, each of the eight teams will compete in nearly thirty riding games held across ten events and the team with the highest score will win.
August 3 & 4, 7:30 pm; August 5, 6:45 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Matilda the Musical
Originally based on the beloved book Matilda by Roald Dahl, this adaptation for the theater is directed by Lana Gage. In this fresh musical, Matilda is a girl with curiosity and a fantastical imagination, but unfortunately has terrible parents and a cruel principal. Emboldened with passion to overcome obstacles, Matilda leads revolting classmates to challenge the status quo and become free.
August 4 & 5. 2 & 7 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
Juice Jamz
KC’s favorite Ruby Jean’s Juicery is hosting a free family-fun summer event. This is part of their new “First Friday healthy kickback” series aimed to engage with the KC community in a healthy and meaningful way. There will be a unique pop-up conscious street food menu, healthy libations in partnership with neighbors The Combine, along with numerous local vendors, games, art and a photo booth. There will also be live music by DJ Tee Leche, Royal Chief and Kadesh Flow.
August 4. 6–10 pm. Patio 3000.
Sam Hunt
Sam Hunt has gained widespread popularity in recent years for his smooth vocals and croony lyrics that are reminiscent of country greats—who he was a songwriter for—like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. In his “Summer On The Outskirts” Tour, he will be playing country-radio hits like “Body Like a Back Road” and “House Party.”
August 4. 6:30 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Sam Hunt. Courtesy image. Ween
Pennsylvania-based rock band Ween was formed nearly forty years ago by Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, better known by their stage names, Gene and Dean Ween. Their catchy, upbeat and unexpected music has stood the test of time, with whimsical numbers like “Ocean Man” and “Tried and True.”
August 4. 8 pm. Grinders.
National Oyster Day at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Oyster lovers unite! National Oyster Day is this Saturday and this year Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is celebrating by offering specials like hot oyster flights and fried oyster rolls. Jax will also be offering a special “Merroir x Terrior” pairing that will showcase their recently updated menu, curated with wines from coastal regions to pair perfectly with the brine, minerality and sweetness found in oysters.
August 5. 3:30 pm–close. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar.
Photo courtesy Big Red F Restaurant Group. Ed Sheeran
Radio-hit superstar Ed Sheeran is making a stop at Arrowhead on his North American stadium Mathematics Tour. Sheeran will play his newest album, Subtract, in its entirety, with a full band, in reference to all of his full-length studio albums, including Equals. Sheeran’s tour stop in KC will include pop-R&B American Teen chart-topper Khalid and newcomer Cat Burns.
August 5. 6 pm. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
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What’s new in kansas city food & drink: August 2023
KC’s First Vietnamese Coffee Shop Adds a Second Location
The wildly popular Cafe Cà Phê (916 E. Fifth St., KCMO) has been steadily growing since its 2020 pop-up origins in the West Bottoms, opening its first brick and mortar shop last August not far from the City Market. Now, after a successful first year, the business is bringing it back to its West Bottoms roots with a second location in the 12th Street Post building (1501 W. 12th St., KCMO).
The 12th Street Post building houses six different “badass” businesses that offer plants, home goods, jewelry and, now, coffee. While the local business hub is open every day of the week, Cafe Cà Phê will only be open on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A new location means a new exclusive coffee drink—the 12th Street Cold Brew infused with yuzu honey. “Expanding to a mini second location is a dream come true,” says owner Jackie Nguyen. “We are so excited to bring a little more of our culture and coffee, even if it’s just for the weekends. We are thankful to our ally 12th Street Post who believes in giving us a platform, no matter how big or small, to continue to spread love for Asians through our coffee.”
Westport Café’s New Chef Brings a Mediterranean Flare
Photography provided by Westport Cafe. Westport Cafe’s (419 Westport Road, KCMO) longtime executive chef Romain Monnoyeur recently brought on chef Thomas Milesi, a fellow Frenchman who has worked in France, Switzerland and Boston, to elevate the beloved bistro’s traditional menu. Milesi is from Menton in the south of France and brings a Mediterranean sensibility with him.
More refreshing fare such as marinated and slow-braised pork belly, shrimp scampi and steamed halibut with Japanese-inspired Dashi bouillabaisse are featured on the summer menu. For the loyal clientele, favorites such as steak frites and the truffle risotto with seared scallops also remain.
In an effort to switch up the French bistro’s usual dishes, Monnoyeur and Milesi collaborated on their first menu for summer.
Some of the menu’s highlights are baby artichokes pan-seared with basil pesto sauce and escargots tarte served with roasted shishito peppers. For dessert, thin layers of puff pastry delicately sliced in front of guests and crepes suzette flambéed tableside are a definite treat.
Post Coffee Company Introduces a Bar Menu with a Ruby Jean’s Juicery Collab
Photography provided by Post Coffee. Post Coffee Company moved into the former Monarch Coffee on Broadway (3550 Broadway Blvd., KCMO) in November last year. This month, the coffee shop introduced a bar menu and a daily happy hour.
The bar program was curated by The Mercury Room’s Levi Roye. Classics like aperol spritzes and mimosas grace the menu, but there are a few drinks with a caffeinated twist, like the cold brew martini and a negroni with coffee liqueur. The Ruby Jean’s mimosa (available only on Saturdays and Sundays) is a fruity blend of Gigi Splash juice from Ruby’s (strawberries, orange juice, apple, lemon, pear and pineapple) and bubbles.
Happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and includes $5 beers, $7 wines and $9 cocktails. The wines include oranges, natural reds and prosecco. Discounted happy hour small bites include goat cheese fig dip and a charcuterie board.
However, the bar and small bite menu is available during all of Post’s operating hours.
“[Post Coffee Company] serves both coffee and bar drinks all day because we never know when you have a day off,” says owner Katie Holland.
The new location comes with a few new gigs that go beyond the menu.
“We will be starting to host guest mixologists,” Holland says. “We have so many friends in both industries and would love to invite them in and highlight their talent and their signature drink, which would be available that month.”
The coffee shop just hired an art curator to host local artists in the basement level. The underground space, which will also be available to rent for events, will be named Arts On Broadway.