All Aboard! Exploring Downtown on the KC Streetcar

The KC Streetcar has not only streamlined the way we make our way around downtown, it’s opened up the possibility for all of us to explore areas of Kansas City we’ve never been. Whether you’re jumping on for the first time or a seasoned streetcar savant, here are a few of my favorite spots within walking distance of each stop. Hop on and happy discovering!

Union Station | Pershing & Main

Union Station | 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108

As one of the most picturesque buildings in Kansas City, Union Station is also one of the most enjoyable places to visit. Amongst the great things to do at this century-old culture hub are exploring the educational exhibits at Science City, catching the latest flick at the Regnier or City Stage theaters, visiting their world-class art exhibitions (currently of Genghis Khan), enjoying the serenity of the grand hall or, my personal favorite go-to, revering the Model Railroad Experience. Restaurants like Pierponts or Harvey’s are great for a weekend family dinner or date night and don’t forget to make your way up to the second and third floors to learn more about Union Station and its place in Kansas City’s history.

National WWI Museum and Memorial | Penn Valley Park, 2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO, 64108

Steeped in a sacred history, this beloved museum and memorial is dedicated to sharing the stories of those who lived and served during the First World War. While the National WWI Museum and Memorial is widely recognized by anyone in our community, the museum tucked below is even more impressive, gaining its own global following. It’s expansive, providing both interactive exhibits, educational programs, and “boozy history” events that highlight diverse WWI-era issues and cultural revolutions. The museum is currently recognizing the centennial of WWI (which occurred from 1914-1919), so now is the perfect time to set aside an afternoon to explore, learn and become involved. There’s a reason this museum is both a local and national treasure - the curation and overall experience is exemplary and well worth your attention and the price of admission. When you’re done, make sure to head to the top of Liberty Memorial tower for a breathtaking, 360-degree view of Kansas City.

Crossroads | 19th & Main

Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room | 1830 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108

With a dark and alluring ambiance, the dimly-lit Corvino Supper Club offers modern American cuisine in a mood-driven setting. Live music on a nightly basis helps heighten the atmosphere and has always added a nice touch when enjoying drinks and dinner with family and friends. The plates, developed around the idea of community and shareability, are based on seasonal offerings and, regardless of what time of year you visit, are equally delicious and beautiful. If you also choose to spring for a nice red or white for the table, the in-house sommelier can walk you through their extensive wine list for that perfect bottle. But if you don’t want to make a full night of it, their happy hour from 4-6 pm has a number of excellent cocktail and food options - which will definitely hit the spot when unwinding from a long day at work or meeting up with friends. Don’t take my word for it though - hop on the streetcar and check out Corvino for yourself.

Kauffman Center | 16th & Main

Streetcar Grille & Tavern - 1580 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108

As a sports fanatic, I always find myself looking for a great bar to watch the Chiefs or Jayhawks play. Regardless of where your team loyalty lies, Streetcar Grille & Tavern hits the spot when it comes to everything you need in a good sports bar. Streetcar opened its doors in mid-July and boasts a high-energy environment with high caliber appetizers and entrees. Offering local spirits from Tom’s Town, Rieger and Union Horse, along with beers on tap from KC Bier Co., Boulevard and others, Streetcar provides a local, neighborhood feeling to all those who walk through its doors. So the next time you’re downtown or looking for a great spot to watch the game, look no further than SG&T.

Tannin Wine Bar - 1526 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108

Tannin is one of my favorite spots in Kansas City. Anyone that knows me understands that I appreciate warm, inviting environments where I can have good conversation with friends and loved ones. Tannin provides that and so much more. “Cozy” doesn’t seem adequate when describing its ambiance because the subtle amber glow will make you feel warm on a cold, winter’s night. Their food menu is extensive and only pales in comparison to the vast wine and drink selection they offer. New specialty cocktails, including The Bishop’s Wife, Apple Chai Punch and Proving Grounds, shouldn’t be missed as they’re beautifully crafted and easily drinkable during these short fall and winter days. And since we’re approaching the holidays, if you’re looking for a last minute holiday gift for the wine connoisseur in your life, I’d highly recommend the Tannin Wine Club membership, which offers fantastic benefits to those involved - including monthly bottles, wine club tastings, a personal wine locker and more. All this to say that Tannin offers a great escape that warms both spirit and mind, so hop off the streetcar at the Kauffman stop and make your way to one of the best wine spots in Kansas City.

Power & Light | 14th & Main

County Road Ice House | 100 E. 14th St., Kansas City, MO, 64106

Like most Kansas Citians (and midwesterners as a whole), I love barbecue. And anyone from this city knows that Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is one of the best offerings we have. So it’s great for us downtowners that County Road Ice House is nestled a block from the streetcar in Power & Light, serving up the same award-winning barbecue from Joe’s. The interior is large and spacious and gives off a backroad, country feel (in the best possible way). The beer and frozen cocktails are ice cold and they serve up a robust selection of tacos, sandwiches and burgers if barbecue isn’t your thing. Hang out and enjoy the atmosphere or take it to go - either way, enjoy some of the best local barbecue that Kansas City has to offer.

Metro Center | 12th & Main

Made in KC Cafe & Taproom - 1114 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64105

I get it. Plugging the Made in KC Cafe on a Made in KC Explore story seems disingenuous - but have you visited the Cafe? It truly makes for a fun, cozy experience. The Insta-worthy tile floors and “Meet Me for Coffee” neon sign are two of its more unique attributes but the coffee/pastries/sandwiches are fantastic, especially during these brisk fall and wintry days. There are plenty of local wares to peruse, from clothing to candles, screen prints to spirits - all of which would be great gifts during the holiday season. And make your way to the very back room for a tucked away taproom with a great selection of beer and cocktails available. Whether grabbing a coffee or meeting friends for happy hour, this personal favorite spot is well worth your time to visit.

Tavernonna Italian Kitchen - 106 W. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105

Hotel Phillips is a historic building that graces our downtown skyline and while I’ve often boasted about how fun the basement speakeasy is to visit, Tavernonna should not be overlooked. Their rich, authentic Italian dishes feel directly sourced from the checkered tablecloths of Rome, adding a modern take on traditional cuisine. Tavernonna showcases fresh pasta made from scratch and can be enjoyed in a luxurious setting - and you know how much I love ambiance. The staff is friendly and always happy to provide recommendations if you’re inept at narrowing down a full menu to a final option. So the next time you’re craving authentic Italian, just hop off at the Metro Center stop and make your way to Tavernonna.

Library | 9th & Main

Banksia Bakehouse - 105 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105

Banksia is one of those special places downtown that you want to tell all your friends about because of how quaint and fun it is. Down under in Australia, a thriving cafe culture has been cultivated for years, so we’re fortunate to have such an authentic installment of Australian cuisine in our very own backyard. Australian specialties are found on the menu along with eclectic dishes inspired by different flavors and cultures from around the globe. Paired with a charming aesthetic and cozy interior, the coffee will start your morning off on the right foot and keep you warm during the chilliest of days. Easily put, Banksia is a fusion of culture and cuisine where you’ll enjoy sophisticated food in a warm and casual environment.

Milwaukee Delicatessen | 101 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105

On the corner of 9th and Baltimore, Milwaukee Deli is a great spot in town that has quite the storied history. Originally opened in the same location in the early 1900s, it was recently brought back to life in 2010 - mere weeks from the building being torn down and lost forever. The beer on tap is mostly of the local variety and their pizza/breadstick combination is one of the best in town. Located a block from the Library streetcar stop, make your way west and don’t miss out on this historic Kansas City gem.

North Loop | 7th & Main

Take a Breather

The vast majority of buildings off the North Loop stop are primarily apartment complexes and parking garages, so this is the perfect time to catch your breath and look south. Admire the beautiful perspective of downtown Kansas City, especially pretty as the sun rises and sets. It’s good that you just caught your breath because downtown KC might just snatch it right back.

City Market | 5th & Walnut

I’m going to take the easy way out with the City Market stop and name multiple locations you should visit. There are far too many quality options and I found it incredibly difficult to narrow down to just two. So, here we go. Visit all these places. Now.

Brown & Loe
Harry’s Country Club
Kansas City Taco Company
Local Pig
Arabia Steamboat Museum
KC Soda Co.

River Market North | 3rd & Grand

City Market | 20 E. 5th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64106

Sure, it’s getting cold outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t still partake in some of the best, freshest produce in town. The farmer’s market in River Market goes strong throughout the winter months, open Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 3pm through March. Not only can you support local but you can provide your body the rich, healthy nutrients that it needs to function properly. The farmer’s market is always a fun time, so I highly recommend going to the River Market’s if you haven’t been. Not sure of what to buy? Check out my girl Amy McDaniel’s MIKC guide to farmer’s markets.

Strange Days Brewing Co. | 316 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO, 64106

Kansas City has quite the strong showing when it comes to distilleries and breweries - each offering its own unique take on our favorite spirits and adult beverages. So when jumping off the streetcar in the River Market, you should absolutely wander to Strange Day’s Brewing Co. Steeped in the belief that beer is communal and helps bring us all together, Strange Days has quite the array of delicious drinks to choose from. Regardless of whether you enjoy a light and crisp variety, something a bit darker, on the hoppier side or anything in between, Strange Days has you covered. Best part, once you’ve enjoyed a few, you can hop back on the streetcar and make your way home. Always remember, friends - stay safe!

River Market West | 4th & Delaware

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream | 412 Delaware Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Betty Rae’s! Pretty sure that’s how the rhyme goes. Whenever ice cream is around, it’s tempting to snag a few scoops. Whenever Betty Rae’s ice cream is around, it’s an absolute no-brainer. Even during chillier weather, there’s always room for their delectable flavor combinations and warm atmosphere - filled with bright colors, ice cream-inspired decorations and a photo booth to commemorate the trip. Whether an off-the-cuff sweet snack or delectable dessert to follow dinner, Betty Rae’s is a must-visit while riding the streetcar.

Tribe Street Kitchen | 316 Delaware Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105

Bringing diverse and eclectic flavor to the River Market, Tribe is just a few steps away from the RMW streetcar stop. Offering specials throughout the week - including Industry Night Tuesdays where pretty much anyone who works in any industry can get a discount - there’s always a good reason to visit. Not only do they offer generous daily happy hours (2-6 pm, then 10-close), their street food-inspired cuisine and drinks are worth the trip. I highly recommend their Ripper or Pear of Cins cocktails because Tribe has partnered with Bombora Vodka and makes a donation to help save the Great Barrier Reef every time you order one - and I’m all for saving the GBR. Grab your friends, pull up a seat at the bar or snag a table and enjoy a night out at Tribe.