*Photos courtesy of the restaurant’s Facebook pages
Bibibop Asian Grill
Columbus, Ohio-based Bibibop Asian Grill (505 W. 75th St., KCMO. bibibop.com) is now open in Waldo in the former Pizzeria Locale space. The fast-casual concept allows guests to customize their meals a la Chipotle. Bibibop bowls are inspired by the traditional South Korean bibimbap dish: Diners choose a base of white rice, purple rice (Korean multigrain rice), japchae (glassy sweet potato noodles) or salad, then add their pick of protein (chicken, beef or tofu) and colorful toppings (carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, corn, kale, daikon and kimchi). There are a number of condiments and sauces to choose from, as well as wraps, salads and miso soup. The tidy interior offers ample seating for dining in. This month, two more locations will open up — one near Oak Park Mall and one off 135th street near Von Maur.
Rise Southern Biscuits
Chicken and biscuits will never go out of style. Rise Southern Biscuits (6947 Tomahawk Road, Prairie Village. risebiscuitschicken.com), a North Carolina chain founded in 2012, understands that better than most, which is why it expanded its empire to Prairie Village. Stop by for a buttery, made-from-scratch biscuit stacked with a fried egg, cheese and Rise’s “Righteous Chicken” — juicy, buttermilk-brined fried chicken breast — or opt for the pork sausage on a glazed blueberry biscuit. You can also enjoy biscuits and gravy, chicken strip baskets and an array of donuts and pastries.
PH Coffee
Northeast KCMO neighborhood Pendleton Heights has a stylish new coffee shop. PH Coffee (2200 Lexington Ave., KCMO. ph.coffee) was opened recently by a group of friends who were interested in providing the gentrifying neighborhood with a community gathering space. The modern spot has long community-style tables and a bright window-facing bar. Menu items feature everything from single-origin pour-overs to espresso milkshakes, plus pastries from KC Baking Co. and donuts from Eleos Coffee.
Mickey’s Hideaway
After over two decades in the heart of Westport, the owners of McCoy’s Public House decided the restaurant had run its course. Partners James Westphal and Mark Kelpe opted to close the space at the end of 2018, overhaul the interior and revamp the menu. Mickey’s Hideaway (4057 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO. mickeyskc.com) is now open, and the aesthetic has little in common with the former brewpub. The new restaurant has a bright and open interior with light wood accents and caramel leather upholstered barstools, plus plenty of TVs, pool tables and a foosball table. The menu offers a wide range of elevated bar food, plus Detroit-style pizza and vegan entrees.
