Iron District: KC's Newest Shipping Container Park
Food, drinks, shopping and great hangs await at North KC’s newest hot spot: Iron District.
Photo by Hannah Berry
Over the past couple of years, North Kansas City has exploded with new food, drink, and entertainment businesses. The newest to hit the scene is the Iron District– an outdoor shipping container restaurant and retail park dreamed up by the owner of the Cuban-inspired food truck, Plantain District.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Located at 16th & Iron in NKC, the Iron District aims to help food and retail startups by providing short-term, flexible leases, big kitchen equipment, and a stationary space– all with less overhead than a brick-and-mortar location. The District is currently made up of businesses that operate out of a colorful collection of repurposed shipping containers, including restaurants, boutiques, and a tiki bar, that all surround a courtyard/communal dining area with plenty of picnic tables and high tops.
The businesses are generally open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, making it a great work day pit stop for those working in NKC. It’s also a great stop for brunch on Saturdays, and for happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Many of the restaurants offer call-ahead and curbside pickup, as well as catering. In the winter months, delivery will also be an option. The dining area has heaters for chilly days, and co-developer Rachel Kennedy says there are plans to add a tarp to the seating area for rainy days. They also intend to add some upper level indoor seating in the future. More plans to look forward to: in the warmer months, they will have showcase live music.
Photo by Hannah Berry
In short, there is definitely something here for everyone! So why not take an hour or so one day to peruse all that the Iron District has to offer?
Kind Food - A 100% plant-based, vegan vendor that appeals to both meat eaters and non-meat eaters alike. I’ve had their Meta Burger twice now, and it is definitely one of the best veggie burgers I have ever had! Their cashew queso and breakfast hash are also amazing!
Tiki Huna. Photo by Anna Petrow
Tiki Huna - A fun little tiki bar in the heart of NKC featuring classic cocktails and original creations. Go for brunch and try the passion fruit or guava mimosas. Delish!
Safe Bakes - A bakery that offer donuts, cookies, cupcakes, and other tasty treats that are completely allergen free. I highly recommend their donuts. So yummy!
Bohème. Photo by Hannah Berry
Bohème - A boho boutique offering candles, jewelry, woodworks, stained glass, and other artist-made items. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop in and take a whiff of their amazing soy candles! Some of my favorites are Almond, Lil’ Pum’kin, and Tan Lines.
3&Me Boutique - A local purveyor of women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories, as well as home goods. They also carry my favorite mix and match bracelets from Erimish!
Photo by Hannah Berry
Plantain District - A former well-loved food truck that has now found a home without wheels in a shipping container. Stop by for Cuban-inspired food that is all locally sourced. The empanadas are a great place to start, and the Cubano sandwich is a definite must.
Other vendors at the Iron District include Avobite, Kansas City’s first avocado bar, featuring bowls and stuffed avocados; Wasteland Society, an offbeat apparel company; Morning Day Cafe, formerly on the Liberty Square, serving up breakfast, pastries, tea, and espresso drinks; and B-Rads, featuring burgers, noodles, tacos, soups, and other comfort foods.
The Iron District also has a special wellness container, that offers spots to wellness practitioners during the week (think yoga, personal training, massage) and to local pop ups on the weekend, and an inBOX conference room, which is a shipping container transformed into conference room space, complete with all the bells and whistles.
Plus still to come, from Made in KC Marketplace favorite, ice cream BAE, is SNO·BUH, soon to be doling out soft-serve ice cream and craft drinks.
Overall, the vibe here is chill, the food is unique, and all the owners are friendly. I think this is a great addition to Northtowne, and I look forward to seeing this place packed!
