The Belfry
The taps at chef-cicerone Celina Tio’s The Belfry are dominated by carefully curated IPAs. Bottles include Jolly Pumpkin, Evil Twin and 3 Fonteinen. Food runs the gamut from hoppy pickles to steak frites to pork ramen. 1532 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 816-471-7111, thebelfrylounge.com. Evenings on weekdays, until midnight on weekends.
Tower Tavern
Midtown’s Tower Tavern is named for the TV tower overhead and is a popular gathering spot for local muckety-mucks. The tavern has 16 taps of regional beer dominated by sessionable offerings, plus a diverse roster of bottles and cans. Tower has a laid-back setting, plentiful televisions and daily food specials. 401 E. 31st St., Kansas City, Mo. 816-931-9300, towertavernkc.com. Lunch to late daily.
Harry’s Country Club
Harry’s Country Club is the rare re-creation that could pass for the real thing. The cozy downtown bar opened in 2003, but this stately brick building hung with old photos could pass for a cowtown speakeasy where politicos divvied up bribes and plotted downfalls. 112 E. Missouri Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 816-421-3505, harryscountryclub.com. Lunch to late daily.
Beer Kitchen
An oasis of calm in sometimes rowdy Westport, Beer Kitchen pairs a menu of upscale Americana with a well-chosen taplist. If you want chicken, waffles and a fresh keg from St. Louis’ stellar Four Hands, this is the spot. 435 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo. 816-389-4180, beerkitchenkc.com. Lunch to late on weekdays, breakfast to late on weekends.
MO Brew
MO Brew holds court on Restaurant Row, a cluster of locally owned businesses in Midtown. Casual with a neighborhood vibe, the bar offers two dozen craft beers on tap plus numerous bottled and canned beers. 1403 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo. 816-492-6183, mobrewkc.com. Lunch to late daily.
