From the Great American Beer Festival to the James Beard awards, KC’s food and drink scene continues to be recognized. Our innovative hospitality industry shows no signs of slowing down. KC cocktail bar and downtown Shawnee’s newest bar Wild Child was just named one of the top five bars in America.
The recognition comes from Punch, an award-winning media brand dedicated to drinks and drinking culture. For their roundup, Punch explored cocktail bars across the country. KC cocktail bar Wild Child joins the list alongside Chicago’s Nine Bar, Philadelphia’s Post Haste, Portland, Maine’s Room For Improvement and New York City’s Superbueno.
Wild Child opened in July and immediately stood out with with its dedication to upping the mocktail game. Owner Jay Sanders, who also helms the James Beard finalist cocktail bar Drastic Measures, and his team create their own nonalcoholic spirits. This, and a few other tricks, make their mocktails not only maintain a similar flavor and bite that a traditional cocktail would have, but also cost effective. Whether you’re ordering it stiff or n/a, Wild Child’s drink menu is a game changer in KC’s drink scene.
Punch gave a shoutout to the Wild Child’s kakigori-style drinks, served as both n/an and alcoholic versions. The frozen cocktails are piled high with shaved fluffy ice pulled from their imported ice machine. The Cucumber Fernojito was also spotlighted, a riff on the classic mojito but with dealcoholized Fernet Branca Menta, clarified cucumber juice and lime.
Reservations can be made for Wild Child here.
