Kansas City

Julep Cocktail Club owner and bartender Beau Williams gives you an in-depth tour of his town, Kansas City. This is his definitive guide for where to eat, drink, shop, and take in a bit of culture. Make sure to drop by and see him behind the stick for a cocktail or two.

MORNING | Coffee

Oddly Correct Coffee Bar

"One of the best coffee spots in town. Their roasts are on the lighter side which allows the nuances and fruitier notes to shine. Word to the wise: don't ask for sweetener for your cup of joe here, because it's not gonna happen."

3940 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
www.oddlycorrect.com

MORNING | Breakfast & Brunch

Happy Gillis Cafe & Hangout

"Our favorite brunch and breakfast spot in town. Family-owned and operated by Josh and Abby Jo Eans (you might even catch their oldest son bussing tables or cooking eggs), Happy Gillis takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. The biscuits and gravy will change your life!"

549 Gillis Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
T: 816.471.3663
www.happygillis.com

Niecie's

"One of the most eclectic crowds in KC. A family-owned diner that makes damned fine fried chicken. My wife is a total fried chicken snob and loves the chicken and waffles. I can't stop ordering the chicken fried steak. It ain't fancy, but it's delicious. And the staff makes everyone feel like family."

6441 Troost Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64131
T: 816.444.6006
www.nieciesrestaurant.com

FARMERS MARKETS

The City River Market

"The city's biggest farmers market is open on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Wonderful, fresh Midwestern produce throughout the summer. Must haves: tomatoes, peaches, black walnuts, and morel mushrooms."

20 East 5th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
T: 816.842.1271
thecitymarket.org/farmers-market/overview

Overland Park Market

"This market is much smaller than the City River Market, but the quality is great and it's open on Wednesday mornings to help get you through to the weekend."

7950 Marty Street
Overland Park, KS 66204
T: 913.895.6353

SHOPPING

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Canning at Mid Coast Modern

We Are Sincerely Yours

"A good friend and Birdies' alum Danielle Meister and local fashionista Leslie Kinsman opened this boutique late last year and it has already bailed me out a couple of times when it comes to gifts for my wife. From cool to quirky, this little gem has that perfectly unique gift for your significant other."

2711 Troost Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64109
T: 816.304.6507
www.wearesincerelyyours.com

Mid Coast Modern

"There is no better place for knick-knack shopping here in KC. It's such a great place for a KC souvenir, a hand-made bar of soap, or a card that let's someone know how important they are to you. And if you like t-shirts, good luck not buying all on offer here."

314 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
T: 816.699.4506
www.midcoastmodernkc.com

Birdies

"Located in the Crossroads, Birdies is a great place to buy something a bit risque for the lovely lady in your life. Peregrine Honig has a sixth sense for sizing and always seems to make me look like prince charming on our anniversary."

116 West 18th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.842.2473
www.birdiespanties.com

Houndstooth

"The finest mens boutique in the metro. Beautifully tailored suits, custom clothing, or casual attire, you can find something truly one-of-a-kind for your favorite fella."

507 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
T: 816.216.1425
www.houndstoothkc.com

LUNCH

The Peanut

"What you're having: an ice cold bottle of Coors Banquet and the wings."

5000 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
T: 816.753.9499
www.peanutkc.com

Arthur Bryant's

"There's nothing more controversial than taking a side when it comes to the two barbeque giants of KC: Gates and Bryant's. I personally eat at Gates more often due to convenience, but Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn may be my favorite restaurant of all time. And if you don't trust my opinion, it's President Obama's choice, y'all! Must have: beef sandwich with fries. The original sauce is the most vinegar-forward here in KC, but I prefer the Rich and Spicy version."

1727 Brooklyn Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64127
T: 816.231.1123
www.arthurbryantsbbq.com

Chai Shai

"A mother-son team heads up this operation that makes the best pakora I've ever had. If you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this Pakistani food paradise."

651 East 59th Street
Kansas City, MO 64110
T: 816.260.5203
www.chaishaikc.com

Kitty's Cafe

"A literal hole in the wall in midtown that has the finest pork tenderloin sandwich I've ever had. When they ask if you'd like hot sauce on yours, the correct answer is 'yes please'."

810 1/2 East 31st Street
Kansas City, MO 64109
T: 816.753.9711

AFTERNOON | Sweets

Christopher Elbow Chocolates

"Modern, inventive, world-class, gorgeous chocolates from a KC icon. They go great with whiskey by the way."

1819 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.842.1300
www.elbowchocolates.com

Glacé Artisan Ice Cream

"I'll let you in on a little secret: I love ice cream. A few of my favorite flavors here: Fleur de Sel Caramel, Salted Pretzel, and the Spiced Chocolate are all game changers. Oh, and the best Root Beer Float I've ever had was from here -- and I hate root beer, so that's saying something."

4960 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
T: 816.561.1117
www.glaceicecream.com

Photograph courtesy of Natasha's Mulberry and Mott's

Natasha's Mulberry and Mott's Cirque de Sucre (Food Truck)

"Salted caramel chocolate chip cookies, massive French macaron ice cream sandwiches (did I mention I love ice cream?), madeleines, and eclairs. If you love traditional French pastry, you've got to track these guys down."

216 West 73rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64114
T: 913.216.4093
www.cirquedusucre.com
www.natashasmulberryandmott.com

Betty Rae's Ice Cream

"They make the best waffle cones of all time. From the dairy-free chocolate made with coconut cream to the brown butter pecan, you simply can't go wrong here."

7140 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64114
T: 816.237.1168
www.bettyraes.com

AFTERNOON | Boozy Tours

Photograph courtesy of Boulevard Brewery Company

Boulevard Brewing Company

"This brewery is a KC staple. I have a Boulevard Pale Ale everyday just to make sure these guys keep the doors open. Great people whose love for beer is ever apparent and close to contagious."

2501 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.474.7095
www.boulevard.com

Tom's Town Distilling Co

"A gorgeous space with a state-of-the-art distilling operation. Stay for a drink or two afterwards at their bar and lounge area."

1701 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.541.2400
www.toms-town.com

AFTERNOON | Culture

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

"A beautifully curated selection of works that span across a variety of mediums. My place for zenful moments."

4420 Warwick Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111
T: 816.753.5784
www.kemperart.org

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

"We love the new Bloch Building (both the building itself as well as the curated works). A picnic on the lawn is never a bad idea either."

4525 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
T: 816.751.1278
www.nelson-atkins.org

EVENING | Happy Hour

Bluestem

"This is our favorite spot for happy hour in town. It's a great way to experience KC's best restaurant without breaking the bank."

900 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
T: 816.561.1101
www.bluestemkc.com

COCKTAILS

Julep Cocktail Club

Visit Beau Williams right here at his own bar.

4141 Pennsylvania Avenue #104
Kansas City, MO 64111
T: 816.216.7000
www.julepkc.com

Ça Va

"Around the corner from us at Julep is this quaint Champagne bar with some very tasty bites. I love all the esoteric, affordable bubbles scattered across this list."

4149 Pennsylvania Avenue
Kansas City, MO 6411
T: 816.255.3934
www.cavakc.com

The Monarch

"A few drinks at KC's sexiest new cocktail joint is a must. The snacks are wonderful as well."

4808 Roanoke Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
T: 816.437.7912
www.themonarchbar.com

The Ship

"I love the ice cold Hamm's in a can with a shot of JTS Brown Bourbon; my wife loves the frozen Painkiller; and everyone loves the juke box and live music."

1217 Union Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64101
T: 816.471.7447
www.theshipkc.com

DINNER

Cafe Provence

"If you love well-executed French food in a charming atmosphere, this is your place. The Quillec family treats you like family. Well worth the drive to the 'burbs."

3936 West 69th Terrace
Prairie Village, KS 66208
T: 913.384.5998
www.cafeprovencekc.com

Novel

"This is one of our personal faves in KC. It's in a beautiful Victorian era home on the West Side, and when the weather cooperates, the patio is lovely. The pork chop and the hamachi crudo can't be beat."

815 West 17 Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.221.0785
www.novelkc.com

Antler Room

"Family-owned and operated, this isn't your typical 'mom and pop' restaurant. Nick and Leslie Goellner boast an amazing pedigree that's clearly reflected in the unique wine list and world-class cuisine. A gem."

2506 Holmes Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.605.1967
www.theantlerroomkc.com

LATE NIGHT

Town-Topic

"Open 24 hours. Everybody loves the burgers, but I'm a sucker for the late night breakfast. Pancakes the size of your face, hash browns cooked in lard, and eggs cooked the way you like 'em. If this place had a decent cup of coffee, I might move in."

Open 24 Hours
2021 Broadway Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
T: 816.842.2298
www.towntopic.com

Cover photo by Paul Sableman [flickr]

Lucky Boys

"Do you like dive bars? Because I love dive bars. And this one nears the top of my list. Paintings on crushed velvet, a pool table, and plenty of cold beer in cans. The fried chicken sandwich is pretty damned awesome."

Open until 1:30am
1615 Genessee Street
Kansas City, MO 64102
T: 816.442.8131
www.facebook.com/Lucky-Boys