High Voltage: Generating Sparks at Electric Park
Exploring the newest addition to J. Rieger & Co.
All photos by Alyssa Broadus
Since 2019, J. Rieger & Co. has been injecting new life and energy into the East Bottoms. From a flagship distillery that houses their production and bottling operation, a stunning, 3,000 sq. ft. historical exhibit, incredible drinks and an entertaining corkscrew slide that warrants multiple trips down, this destination location has helped put Kansas City whiskey back on the map.
But recently, new electricity has filled the air in the East Bottoms. In October, J.Rieger & Co. unveiled its Electric Park Garden Bar — an 11,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose patio that serves as an extension of the distillery’s tasting room. Part open-air patio bar, part atrium, Electric Park is a beautiful environment to partake in all of Rieger’s delicious offerings.
While the new Electric Park is already generating sparks, the area has had historical significance for over a century. From 1899 - 1906, Electric Park was an amusement park owned and operated by the Heim Brothers, who also owned the Heim Brewery and bottled their beer in the distillery where Rieger resides. If the Heim name sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen it on Rieger’s menu. It’s the only beer served in-house and was painstakingly developed to replicate the original as closely as possible. To learn more about Heim’s history and influence on the Rieger brand, I highly recommend taking their tour. But for now, let’s refocus on Electric Park.
The atrium, which is open to the public year-round, is a prime location for enjoying a drink and the game with friends and family while braving the elements. For those warmer months, the patio is inviting and beautifully landscaped, giving off a park-like atmosphere that is incredibly overdue for our community. Fire pits, a swing set table (keep me away from these after a few Old Fashioneds) and lounge furniture create an upscale but familiar backyard feeling. Also, there’s a great, tucked-away pergola space that is rentable for those larger gatherings. Tree shading is included at no cost.
Electric Park’s drink menu speaks for itself and, knowing it was created by the Rieger team, needs no introduction. Familiar draft cocktails, like the KC Ice Water and aforementioned Old Fashioned, are available while the Electric Park Punch and Sundaze offer refreshing new options for this new space. Oh, and since I’m a whiskey guy, there’s a frozen Caffé Colada with Caffé Amaro, KC Whiskey, pineapple and coconut. Add it to your list.
Rieger has gone above and beyond with Electric Park. The distillery was already worth the visit but this stunning new addition is the whiskey-soaked cherry on top. Whether during the warm midwest summer or brisk Missouri cold, enjoy the inviting escape that it offers. But as usual, don’t take my word for it — gather your friends and follow the lights to one of Kansas City’s most energetic new spaces.
