Openings KC Bier Co. (kcbier.com) KC Bier Co., a Waldo staple since it opened in 2014 offering traditional German style brews, recently broke ground on its biggest project to date. The brewery began construction on its second location in Lenexa. The Lenexa site is expected to be “one of the largest authentic Bavarian-style Biergartens in… Continue reading Small Bites: Openings, Closings & Other Restaurant News
A Kansas City restaurant staple is expanding. Vietnam Cafe, a locally-owned establishment considered one of Kansas City’s best Vietnamese restaurants, is opening a second location in Overland Park. The new site, which joins the location in Columbus Park, will be located at 135th and Switzer Road (9500 W. 135th St. Overland Park, KS) and will… Continue reading Vietnam Cafe Is Opening A Second Location
Here are nine things to do in KC this weekend, July 31—August 3 including Fitz and The Tantrums, ULAH-Palooza and Festival of Butterflies.
These prominent golden-agers talk about lifelong achievements, what they learned through the years, what they are planning on next and how living longer is a rewarding daily adventure. Bobby Bell Birth date: June 17, 1940, Age: 84 Interviewed by David M. Block, David Hodes and Pete Mundo “My dad told me, ‘Don’t be doing anything… Continue reading 8 OVER 80: Bobby Bell
Bar K has closed. The beloved establishment, which sits just north of the River Market and includes a bar, restaurant and dog park, was a hot spot for dog owners looking to let their pup run off-leash while enjoying some food and drink (501 Berkley Plaza). However, Bar K published a statement on their website… Continue reading Bar K Announces Immediate Closure
Of the many Mexican eateries and cantinas dotting Southwest Boulevard, Ponak’s has been open the longest. Celebrating 50 years today with a fiesta, the popular restaurant opened its doors in 1975. Pop by the longstanding Mexican restaurant (2856 Southwest Blvd., KCMO) today and you’ll see a menu full of anniversary specials, t-shirts being given away… Continue reading Southwest Boulevard Staple Ponak’s Celebrates 50th Anniversary
When gourmet popcorn shops with dozens of flavors first started popping up, it might have seemed like an overly niche fad that wouldn’t last long, but popcorn culture has survived even during recent tough economic times. At least that’s what Justin and Melody Woo, owners of Popculture in Parkville, have experienced. The husband and wife… Continue reading Poplicious
We scoured the history books, took a look at the last 180 or so years of Kansas City history and cherry-picked the moments and movements that shaped the city we live in today. Some events called for instant celebration or quick action, others for somber reflection and disciplined planning, but each moment in time led us to where we find ourselves now.
KC Bier Co. has been a Waldo staple since it opened in 2014, offering traditional German style brews, an indoor taproom and outdoor Biergarten great for families and celebratory events. The brewery has expanded its distribution past its taproom over the past decade, selling its beers throughout the city, but recently it broke ground on… Continue reading KC Bier Co. Is Opening An Authentic Bavarian-style Biergarten In Lenexa
It’s official, after more than five years the former Houlihan’s in Fairway will have a new restaurant. The restaurant group W. VinZant Restaurants, who owns popular restaurants Gram & Dun, Louie’s Wine Dive and other local brands will open an upscale American dining concept at the location (2820 W. 53rd St.) called American Fire. The… Continue reading American Fire coming to the old Fairway Houlihan’s
Despite being landlocked, there’s plenty of summer sailing to be had in the greater Kansas City area, and local sailing enthusiasts are eager to pass along their knowledge. Check out some of the ways you can learn to skipper your own rig. Jacomo Sailing Club Founded in 1958, a year before Lake Jacomo was completed,… Continue reading Lake sailing in KC? Yes.
Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, July 24—27 including Ain’t Too Proud, Celebrate Ameri’kana and Legends Celebrity Softball Game.
Said to be one of the most photographed doors in Kansas City, the “Hobbit-styled” door looks as if it’s from another world. Known as the Mineral Door, it is an historic representation of Art Nouveau architecture, so it’s fitting that this notable door is now a part of an art institute. Mineral Hall, which features… Continue reading KC’s Most Photographed Door
These prominent golden-agers talk about lifelong achievements, what they learned through the years, what they are planning on next and how living longer is a rewarding daily adventure. Written by David HodesInterviewed by David M. Block, David Hodes and Pete Mundo Fred Broski Birth date: August 22, 1936, Age: 88 “We should meet everybody with… Continue reading 8 Over 80: Fred Broski
As told by Curt Diebel, owner of Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery: “We had multiple days of rain going into this, so the ground was saturated. The actual event was a hurricane-like drenching that started after dark. My wife and I were at the Royals game, so I want to say it started, like, eight o’clock or something. We were in the middle of… Continue reading Remembering the epic 1977 flood that wreaked havoc and death on Kansas City
Big Cedar Lodge Ridgedale, Missouri Big Cedar Lodge is a world-famous resort dripping with natural beauty and offering every conceivable amenity. It’s routinely named the best resort in the Midwest by national travel pubs. The resort recently opened the first public golf course in the country designed by Tiger Woods. Among the lesser-known lodging options… Continue reading If you’re planning an Ozarks trip, these 7 stays have you covered
Normally, when you see a frozen cocktail machine sitting at a restaurant’s bar, you can safely bet that it’s a margarita sloshing between its rotating blades. But recently, barkeeps have begun experimenting with more thrilling concoctions, riffing on sophisticated classics and turning them into sophisticated icy refreshers. A Frozen cocktail is like a cup of… Continue reading Looking For A Way To Cool Off? Try A KC Frozen Cocktail At One Of These Hot Spots.
Finding Latin dishes for $15 or less around the city is easy, but the real thrill lies in uncovering those hidden gems often overlooked. We’ve crafted this list with a focus on the hole-in-the-walls, strip mall treasures, and off-the-beaten-path spots while still enjoying some KC classics. Some of Kansas City’s best food is also some… Continue reading Cheap Eats: Top 5 Latin Bites In KC For $15 Or Less
Openings Zen Donkey Wellness Cafe & Juicery (2812 W 53rd St., zendonkeyfarms.com) Known for its delicious line of raw organic cold-pressed juices and unique mission of rescuing donkeys, Zen Donkey Farms is expanding. Locals will be able to purchase their favorite Zen Donkey products and more at its new wellness cafe, Zen Donkey Wellness Cafe… Continue reading Small Bites: Openings, Closings & Other Restaurant News
Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, July 17—20 including KC Fringe Festival, Earth Wind & Fire and Nelson-Atkins Lawn Party.
Fringe is at the forefront. So says the executive director of KC Fringe Festival, Audrey Crabtree. We sat in a Crossroads coffee shop on a perfect early summer day. Dressed in black and radiating love for her work, Crabtree told me some of the common misconceptions folks have about fringe fests. First, she says, is… Continue reading KC Fringe Festival executive director Audrey Crabtree revels in the upcoming event
The Kansas City Zoo’s annual after-hours party, Jazzoo, is one of the city’s most popular fundraising events. The “creative black tie” event is held the first Friday in June, and this year’s theme, Safari Soiree, is sure to bring out all the party animals. Every year, thousands come to roam around the zoo and nibble… Continue reading Party Animals
The 2025 KidsTLC Open raised a record-breaking $155,000 to support vital mental and behavioral health for kids and families at KidsTLC. The charity golf tourney was held at Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe. The nonprofit was founded in 1972 by the Johnson County Young Matrons to fund emergency shelter for abused and neglected children.… Continue reading Hole In One
Last week, Dolce Bakery posted an Instagram picture of the Plaza, teasing a potential second location, or so we thought. As it turns out, Dolce will not be opening another storefront, but lovers of the bakery still have reason to get excited. The bakery recently began a partnership with Made In KC and will be… Continue reading Dolce Bakery Begins Sweet Partnership With Made In KC
Before Tyler Harp knew what he wanted Harp Barbecue to be, he knew exactly what he didn’t want it to be. “I’d been to about 80 or 90 barbecues in Kansas City, and I knew I didn’t like sweet barbecue,” Harp says. Growing up around the competition scene and working at Hereford House, Harp believed… Continue reading Best Craft Barbecue: Harp Barbecue
Former Broadway performer Talya Groves is a Kansas City music scene star. Nearly every Friday night, Groves and her band, Talya & Her Boyfriends, command the stage. Singing anything and everything from showtunes to jazz standards to pop songs, Groves’ magnetic presence seems to always captivate the room. Although originally from KC, the singer called… Continue reading A Kansas Citian and Broadway alum shines on her own terms
Barbecue has historically always been a “no frills” cuisine, but Q39’s late owner Rob Magee proved that the meaty genre can, in fact, be dressed up. When you’re making competition-quality meats with such precision, why not have a dining experience to match? Chef Patrick Peluso took over Q39’s smokers in March. He’s no stranger to… Continue reading Best Upscale BBQ Restaurant: Q39
Scott Umscheid’s chipotle ghost pepper cheese sausage has been the talk of his restaurant for years now, and yes, he knows the name is a mouthful. We’ll skip the debate on whether a sausage wrapped in a soft hoagie bun is technically a sandwich. The juicy sausage is the stuff of legends, and it sits… Continue reading Best BBQ Sandwich: Scott’s Kitchen’s Chipotle Ghost Pepper Cheese Sausage on a Hoagie
Known for its delicious line of raw organic cold-pressed juices and unique mission of rescuing donkeys, Zen Donkey Farms is expanding. Locals will be able to purchase their favorite Zen Donkey products and more at its new wellness cafe, Zen Donkey Wellness Cafe and Juicery. The cafe sits in the Fairway Shops in Fairway (2812… Continue reading Zen Donkey Farms Is Opening Its Wellness Cafe Next Month
Don’t get it twisted. Even with the new wave of clean and unfussy craft-style barbecue permeating the scene, KC ’cue runs on sauce. It’s controversial, really, with naysayers and those with, ahem, Texas-sized attitudes claiming the use of sauce is to hide imperfections in the meat. But anyone who has tasted a hint of Gates’… Continue reading Most Iconic KC Sauce: GATES BAR-B-Q
Chris Goode, owner and founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery, has been very busy. Within the last few years, Goode’s business has grown exponentially, with his juices being sold in over 100 Whole Foods locations nationwide as well as spots closer to home, like the Kansas City Current’s CPKC stadium. The widespread growth represents Goode’s dedication… Continue reading From community gardens to children’s books, Chris Goode of Ruby Jean’s Juicery is helping his community put health first
The secret to Hayward’s is one simple word: consistency. Owner Eric Sweeney started working for founder Hayward Spears when the restaurant first opened in 1972. Asked what hedoes differently from Spears since he took over in 2013, Sweeney answers with another single word: “nothin’.” He bought the recipes for the rubs and sauce and has… Continue reading Best old school: Hayward’s
At Chef J BBQ, every day might as well be Picture Day. Whether it’s an individual meat plate (one to four meats, plus two sides) or one of their gargantuan family platters, every tray that crosses the West Bottoms counter is dressed to impress, ready for its Instagram debut. “You eat with your eyes first,“… Continue reading Best place for platters: Chef J BBQ
Here are ten things to do in KC this weekend, July 10—13, including The Wiz, WeekEnder and Social Distortion.
Barbecue is messy. There’s no denying it. It has a way of getting all over everything, including the local food scene. There are over 100 barbecue joints across the metro, but there are still plenty more restaurants working Kansas City’s culinary calling card into their menus. Here are four great unexpected spots to grab some… Continue reading Barbecue Dishes at Non-Barbecue Restaurants
Longtime art teacher and carpenter Jacob Matz’s sustainable furniture company Wicked Grain was born out of a school fundraiser for an art program. Students crafted side tables and step stools using aged wood salvaged from the district’s old baseball bleachers. “I liked it so much that I would go home and do it on the… Continue reading A former art teacher turns reclaimed wood into stylish and sturdy patio tables
The Pearce brothers didn’t set out to open a restaurant. “Competition barbecue started as a way for Mike and I to get together and just cook barbecue,” Joe Pearce says. But when their team, Squeal Like a Pig, started winning, including a runner-up finish on Destination America’s show BBQ Pitmasters in 2013, they began to… Continue reading Best Competition BBQ: Slap’s BBQ
Openings Cosmo Burger (1815 Locust St.) Even though Cosmo Burger has always found itself within the walls of larger establishments like Waldo’s Dodson’s Bar and the Lenexa Public Market, the burger maker has gained a reputation as one of KC’s best smash burgers, despite not ever having its own dedicated space. That all changed last… Continue reading Small Bites: Openings, Closings & Other Restaurant News
Near the corner of Nichols Road and Central Street on the Plaza stands a whimsical bronze statue with a story—and a twin that once belonged to the King of Pop. The artist behind “Monkey Business,” Mark Lundeen is a Colorado-based sculptor whose work appears across the country. From the iconic astronaut statue at Denver International… Continue reading This lifelike KC statue was also in Michael Jackson’s collection
Tim and Lauren York have brought a popular East Coast delight right here to Kansas City: Italian ice. A cross between sorbet and shaved ice, Italian ice is refreshing and perfect for hot, muggy KC summers. The couple is serving up their icy treats from a pink and orange pastel-hued trailer emblazoned with their business’s… Continue reading Ice Ice Baby
Forget the competing regional styles of barbecue. A few local pitmasters and chefs are looking to their roots to influence their smoked meats. Others are just getting creative. Either way, these joints are straying from KC-style ’cue and making something uniquely delicious. One of the most interesting trends in Kansas City barbecue in recent years… Continue reading Don’t say fusion: a look at the NEW WORLD of blended BBQ
Sieglinde Othmer woke up and she was 80. Her husband was dead, buried across the lake from their Parkville home. Her children lived far away. “How was I going to be joyful?” she asked herself. Othmer, who has a Ph.D. in social sciences from the University of Hamburg in her native Germany, had worked alongside… Continue reading Parkville Author and Octogenarian Says Joy Is Contagious
Pickled veggies are a great element to cut barbecue’s smokey richness, but at Smoke ‘n’ Seoul, you won’t receive the usual go-to of pickles and onions on your meat platter. Instead, you’ll be served glorious, tangy and funky kimchi. Husband and wife Greg and Nancy Stears’ Korean barbecue food truck relies heavily on Korea’s most… Continue reading Best BBQ Food Truck: Smoke ‘n’ Seoul
Birthed from the happy marriage of chorizo pork sausage and “pan” (bread), the choripán is a simple, satisfying sandwich usually made with chorizo, lettuce and tomatoes and served between crisp baguette style bread. In North Kansas City, just south of the airport, lies Los Hornos Argentinian Flavors (10004 N.W. Executive Hills Blvd., KCMO), owned and… Continue reading The Argentinian sandwich you didn’t know you craved
Kansas City was Hollywood’s new production sweetheart in the 1990s. Local producer Patti Broyles (né Watkins), who had moved to Los Angeles from Kansas City to work on feature films, got a call from then-mayor Emanuel Cleaver’s office to come home and set up a film commission office. It was 1994. “I flew back and… Continue reading Kansas City’s filmmaking heyday was in the ’90s, and it looks like a sequel might be in the works. We sat down with five local movie-making veterans and asked them what it was like.
The sky is set to sparkle this Independence Day with fireworks lighting up all corners of the metro. Some celebrations are going big, pairing pyrotechnics with food trucks and live music. Others are keeping it simple with just a lawn chair and a sky full of color. Whether you’re in it for the all-day fun… Continue reading Here are 7 spots to catch fireworks in KC this weekend
Here are nine things to do in KC this Fourth of July weekend, July 3—6, including Stars and Stripes Picnic, West Side Story and Lorna Kay’s Country Club.
Around 650,000 people are expected to descend on the KC metro over a two-week period to watch six world-class soccer matches at Arrowhead Stadium for the World Cup. Kansas City is just one of 16 North American cities in Mexico, the United States and Canada to host 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the… Continue reading With the World Cup happening in just about a year, Kansas City has started prepping for the big event in earnest
Across Kansas City, the vibrant work of Phil Shafer’s Sike Style Industries punctuates his decades-long career in public art. Whether it’s the Raised Royal mural near Boulevard Brewery or the tribute to A Tribe Called Quest on the old Josey Records, you have likely seen his work adoring downtown walls. A graduate of the Kansas… Continue reading Phil “Sike Style” Shafer and the Buck O’Neil Bridge
Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Festival honors the trailblazing aviator in her birthplace In 1997, community members in Atchison, Kansas, decided to commemorate hometown hero Amelia Earhart’s 100th birthday with a celebration. The centennial event drew attendees from around the region and quickly gained widespread attention, earning mentions in publications like The New York Times and The… Continue reading The best things to do this month in KC: July 2025
