The Crossroads building that sits at 1924 Main St. has housed some of the most notable restaurants in KC’s dining scene – most recently the Rieger Hotel (which closed during the pandemic) and has been vacant until now.
This month, a new restaurant is bringing it back to life – a neighborhood Italian joint called The Wise Guy.
“We wanted it to be the type of Italian tavern you might see in New York or Chicago — a place that kind of takes you back to a different time,” The Wise Guy co-owner Zach Marten told The KC Star.
With its dimly lit interior, large bar and seven wall TVs, The Wise Guy comes across as an upscale Italian sports bar – casual but with a substantial menu, filled with pizzas, pastas, cocktails and wines.
While the classic Rieger floor tiles remain, the interior looks starkly different from the former restaurant. Dark wood and red leather banquettes and bar stools give the space a classic neighborhood tavern feel, while oldies music from the ‘50s and ‘60s echoes the old school vibe.
The menu keeps it classic with items like bruschetta, garlic knots, chicken parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs. More pub-style offerings include carbonara deviled eggs, fried parmesan chicken sandwiches and Chicago-style pizzas.
Happy hour consists of $15 pizzas, $10 house cocktails and $5 beers.
Marten and Springs also own Rockhill Grille and are partners in Joe’s Kansas City and County Road Ice House in Power & Light.
