• Flight of beers
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KC Brewery Guide

Explore KC's expansive brewery scene with this guide. 
Just trust us...

There’s no better feeling than sipping a locally made craft beer on a beautiful day in Kansas City. Our region’s brewery scene is hoppin’ with dozens of breweries across the metro - each with its own unique story and handcrafted brews. 

KC Breweries’ Rich History
Kansas City’s brewery scene began in the Pre-Prohibition era when Muehlebach Brewing was founded in 1869 in the Crossroads Arts District. 

KC-made beer made its modern resurgence in 1989 when the first ever keg of Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Pale Ale sold out in one night at Ponak’s on Southwest Boulevard. 

The growth of Downtown KC in the early 2000’s allowed for many new breweries to thrive. The future of KC’s brewery scene is bright - with breweries continuing to pop up across the city at an impressive rate, including the opening of Vine Street Brewing, the first black-owned brewery in the region. 

Here’s a flight of some of KC’s faves 🍻: 

 

Notables in the Northland

  • Big Rip Brewing Co.: Big Rip was founded by a group of friends interested in making unique brews for everyone, even sci-fi nerds like themselves.
  • Callsign Brewing: Founded by a Veteran, his mission is to honor Veterans and first responders - each batch is dedicated to a lost military aircraft.
  • Cinder Block Brewery: With a balanced beer and hard cider menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

 

Kansas Creations

  • Brew Lab (Overland Park): Brewery, taproom, kitchen, live music and trivia, what else could you need?!
  • Limitless Brewing (Lenexa): From yoga and running clubs to volunteer events and holiday meals - you’ll find much more than a brewery in this neighborhood hot spot.
  • Transport Brewery (Shawnee): Shawnee’s first brewery, this community-centered brewery serves up electric, flavorful beers.

 

Crafts in the Crossroads

  • Brewery Emperial: Well known for its signature taps, expansive patio and delectable food menu.
  • City Barrel: Specializing in sours and IPAs, along with exquisite seasonal dishes.
  • Double Shift Brewing Company: High quality, small batch beer made by brewers living double lives - brewers by day; musicians, video game and tattoo-enthusiasts by night.
  • Border Brewing: From IPAs and stouts to their light and sweet Strawberry Blonde, there is something for all levels of beer drinkers here. 
  • Torn Label Brewing: Created by a group of beer lovers with a lifelong dream of opening a brewery, here you’ll find  weekly trivia nights and an eclectic menu in a newly renovated space.

 

Award Winners

 

Not Your Typical Brewery

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the vibrant kombucha brewery scene in KC - if you don’t know, kombucha is a sweetened, fermented tea drink that’s taking the brewery scene by storm.  Here are our favorites to check out:

  • Tea-Biotics: Based in Olathe, KS, this taproom has 56 different flavors of kombucha to sample from.
  • Artisan Kombucha: Brewed in small batches for the full length of time, never using juices from concentrates or chemical additives, you are sure to feel the power of this kombucha.

 

Sample the Sours
Love a good sour? Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Love Child and Crane Brewing’s Grapefruit Gose are top sellers for KC locals. Nimble Brewing in the Crossroads and Servaes Brewing Company in Shawnee are also popular for their array of ever-evolving sours.

 

Favorite Festivals
Kansas Citians love coming together to celebrate our region’s beer culture. Here are some of the top events surrounding craft beer: 

  • KC Summer Beer Fest: This beer festival at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in May features 60 breweries, 150 beers and food trucks.
  • Boulevardia: Taking place in June at Crown Center, Boulevardia is a music festival that serves up local brews, eats and a good time.
  • Innovation Festival: Enjoy a flight from a local microbrewery and taste the biosciences of the Midwest at this three-day festival bringing breakout companies, technologies and artists together in August at Crown Center. 
  • Pint Path North KC: A pub crawl in North KC where you can walk, run, bike or scooter to nearly two dozen independently-owned taverns, taprooms and restaurants.

 

Pro Tips: 

  • Check out this guide for a breakdown of KC’s breweries by area. 
  • There are also plenty of guided experiences available - from walking and bus tours to pedal hoppers. Check out Kansas City Magazine’s top 5 picks.
  • Buy the KC tap tour pass for just $10 for deals and discounts at 24 breweries all season. It really is a steal! 🤯

 

Cheers to craft brews and happy exploring! Let us know your favorite spot to grab a beer by tagging #KCHeartland.