Eight Spots Proving Kansas City Belongs on Any Cool Person’s Bucket List

“The East Bottoms of Kansas City has seen quite a resurgence of late, partially thanks to Urban Provisions. They have an incredibly well-curated selection of stuff that always feels fresh, while walking the line between handmade and high design. There’s always something fun going on, like shopping happy hours with mimosas, succulent bars, and some amazing window displays.”

“This was originally a hotel in the early 1900s, owned by the son of Kansas City whiskey pioneer Jacob Rieger. Now, it’s an amazing restaurant and bar, with the original monogrammed tile floor from the 1915 hotel. They have even relaunched the Rieger whiskey brand and recipe, which they now make in-house.”

“The speakeasy hidden below the Rieger is small, but the aesthetic is amazing and the drinks are strong—like can't-find-your-house strong.”

“It was here where we first learned how amazing black coffee can be. In fact, they don't serve it any other way. They roast their own beans a few doors down, and the amazing smell covers a three-block radius. As such, you can't drive by without stopping. Coffee service comes out on a wood plank with a glass science beaker and an accompanying coffee cup. This place pretty much started the specialty coffee boom in Kansas City.”

“It still amazes us how few people know about this place, and we aren't really complaining. Two giant arrows proclaiming BEER and COFFEE lead the way down an alley, so if you're in the area, it's hard to miss. Once inside, you'll find a small, quiet, but well-designed little place with a bit of an old schoolhouse vibe—it’s run by James Beard-award dinner Celina Tio. They have pages of the snobby beers in the cellar that we love a little too much, and a great rotating selection on draft.“

“Hands down the best barbeque in the city, and it's in a gas station. No, not some cool-looking, out-of-business station from the ‘40s that was converted into a restaurant; this is a fully functional Shamrock Station. Gas was $2.25 when we drove by the other day. You can go inside and pay for gas, beef jerky and lotto tickets or wait in the line that wraps around the building for amazing barbeque.”

“Right next door to Urban Provisions is Local Pig, a great butcher shop. Their meats are amazing, and their space is quietly beautiful. Long fluorescent bulbs, giant glass meat cases, and walls lined with counters and metal bar stools. Their food truck, Pigwich, is always parked outside—one of the best burgers we’ve ever had comes from here.”

“This is the pride and joy of Kansas City, if you drink beer. Take a free tour at the beautiful facility, and enjoy the tasting room afterwards. Their Smokestack series of beers is sold in beautifully designed champagne bottles that are almost too pretty to open. For three days each summer, Boulevard shuts down the streets to hold one heck of a party called Boulevardia. They bring in a smorgasbord of amazing bands, craft breweries, food trucks, and makers from all across the country for an event that you won't forget, depending on how much you drink.”