KC Sipps: Updates on restaurant openings and closures, local Dry January choices, and additional food-related news.

Living in Kansas City is quite a treat. There's so much happening that it can be challenging to choose the best places to visit and what delicious dishes to sample.

That's where I step in. 

I've put together this weekly roundup of happenings, new launches, promotions, and festivities to keep you informed. Enjoy!

A Fresh Perspective

Kansas City Restaurant Week: Friday marks the return of Kansas City Restaurant Week, running from January 10-19. I’ve got reservations with friends at Story and T’ÄHÄ but plan to hit up some casual spots for walk-ins. See the rest of our staff picks here.

For many diners, KCRW was seen as a way to try restaurants at a discount. Mathematically, this isn’t often the case, but that doesn’t negate the entirety of KCRW. Sure, 10% of proceeds go to a few local charities which is great, but the point that has always clicked for me is simply supporting restaurants. This time of year is tough for restaurants (and other small businesses), so this dedicated week offers an excuse to get out and support an old fave or try somewhere new.

Should you decide to look into the available options, I suggest you download the KCRW app.

Introduction

Baba’s Bakery: Baba’s Pantry, the award-winning Palestinian restaurant, bakery, and pantry, has expanded! Right next door is the new Baba’s Bakery. It is currently in a soft-opening phase with limited afternoon hours, so be sure to check their social media before planning a visit. The bakery offers a selection of fresh-made treats like kanafeh, babanoli, olive oil cake, pistachio halva chocolate chunk cookies, pistachio rose cinnamon rolls, and more.

Conroy’s Public House: The KC-founded Irish pub and restaurant has added a fourth location. The newest Conroy’s is open now and located on 151st in south Overland Park. Around this time last year, our former Dish & Drink KC writer, Lauren Textor, covered some of her Conroy’s favorites. 

Mildred’s: A third location of Mildred’s opens on January 10 at 7 a.m. The breakfast and lunch spot first opened in Overland Park over 25 years ago.  Now in South Plaza, Mildred’s has expanded on its Crossroads and downtown locations. For an easy morning treat, I recommend black coffee and chocolate chip banana bread (in partnership with Kanbe’s Market). For lunch. I can’t resist a seasonal soup and sammie–with the cranberry turkey sandwich being my current fave.

Conclusion

Since this column’s last release, several local restaurants have closed. Most recently The Pairing, a boutique liquor store, wine bar, and grocer in Crossroads announced closure BUT not until later this spring. Yum Boutique Bakery in Midtown will close at the end of January. Spots that have already closed include the Lightwell and Plaza locations of Strang Chef Collective and Harold’s Drive-In. Kansas City Canning Co. recently announced closure, but it may not mean the end of the canned pickles, preserves, and cocktail fare you may have come to expect at local grocers and Made in KC stores.

Tip of the Day

Are you partaking in Dry January? If so, there’s no need to skip the breweries in KC! Alma Mader Brewing recently released a sparkling hop water, and River Bluff Brewing has an updated version of their own sparkling hop water. Even Boulevard has a few non-alcoholic options. If you’re more on the Cali-sober side of dry January, check out the CBD/THC options like Plift and Mighty Kind at places like Westside Local, In The Lowest Ferns, and more.

January 12th

Big Mood Natural Wines: Little Butter Bakery and Gude Food will pop up at Big Mood Natural Wine in Crossroads from 12 – 2 p.m. Warm up while supporting small local businesses–these happen to offer soup, sammies, and a cool selection of wine.

Prepare in Advance

Onesie Bar Crawl: On January 18, bundle up in your finest onesie and brave the cold for the sake of beer. The Onesie Bar Crawl is a real hoot for you and your friends… and everyone else who gets to see you. This route includes local spots like DoubleTap VR Bar, Border Brewing Company, Johnny’s Tavern, and more. Tickets start at $20.

Incline on 9th: Head to the West Bottoms for a new drag brunch! Reservations are available now for the January 19 drag brunch at Incline on 9th. The new-ish restaurant’s brunch menu features a large selection of eggs benedict, breakfast classics, and creative takes like breakfast soup. Tickets are $5 in advance.