Neighborhood Guide: Brookside
Brookside houses a delightful collection of businesses– both time-tested favorites and fresh, new finds!
Photos by Anna Petrow
The hardest part about writing a Brookside neighborhood guide is knowing that there are SO many more outstanding businesses that could have easily been highlighted. When you walk out the door of any one of the businesses on this list, look to your right and your left and explore the other unique gems this neighborhood has to offer.
Eat & Drink
Earl’s Premiere | 651 E 59th St, KCMO
This intimate, neighborhood oyster bar has become a local favorite - and for good reason. Earl’s offers a well-curated menu of both seafood and land-based delights. A platter of oysters is always the right move to get things started. If gin and tonics call your name, don’t skip the frozen G&T. They go down easy - almost too easy - on a warm summer day.
French Custard | 5905 Main St, KCMO
Your evening walk along the Trolley Trail is about to get more delicious with the addition of French Custard, the permanent home for Jessica and Alex Woods’ popular ice cream pop up. As of writing, their Instagram account was teasing the first batch, so it will likely be open by the time you read this. Prepare yourself for 16 rotating flavors of the creamiest custard you’ve ever tasted.
Bella Napoli | 6229 Brookside Blvd, KCMO
The best place to eat Italian food is at your Italian grandmother’s table. If you (like me) don’t have an Italian grandmother, the next best place is Bella Napoli. You’ll feel like family when you enjoy the traditional recipes for pizzas, pastas, and deli sandwiches. Mark your calendar for $8 pizza night on Mondays (4pm to close; dine in only) or handmade gnocchi on Thursdays. Pair anything you order with the grilled and chilled eggplant to complete your meal. And unlike Grandma, Bella Napoli will never make you do the dishes.
Brookside Barrio | 6227 Brookside Plaza, KCMO
Is there anything better than an afternoon on the patio with chips and salsa and a margarita? Brookside Barrio is great any time of the day, but happy hour is my personal favorite. Weekdays are always happier when you can grab $5 margaritas and discounted appetizers all afternoon (Mon - Thurs 2:30 - 6:30; Fri 1:30 - 6:30). If weekends are more your style, check out their brunch for favorites like the Chilaquiles Rojo and Carnitas Hash.
Sayachi | 6322 Brookside Plaza
If you’re a fan of Carlos Falcon’s Mexican seafood restaurants, Jarocho and Jarocho South, you won’t want to miss the sushi restaurant he has both dedicated to and manages with his wife, Sayaka Falcon. The patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends. Start with sake and Yaki Gyoza (pan fried pork dumplings) and move on to a mix of sushi with a side of Shrimp & Blue Crab Fried Rice. You won’t be disappointed.
Heirloom Bakery | 401 E 63rd St, KCMO
There is perhaps no better place to spend a weekend morning than Heirloom Bakery in East Brookside. The cheddar chive biscuits are a mouth-watering base for breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, or on their own. Homemade pop tarts, cookies, scones, and more will tempt your taste buds as you order at the counter. I recommend fully leaning into temptation.
Charlie Hoopers | 12 W 63rd St, KCMO
Want to watch a game with friends? Hoopers. Afternoon drinks? Hoopers. Late night shenanigans? Hoopers. The answer is always easy when you’re looking for a laid-back spot to pass the time. Charlie Hoopers has become a go-to watering hole in Brookside. With daily specials like $3 off burgers on Mondays and $12.99 steak night on Tuesdays, it’s easy to see why.
Shop
Sierra Winter Jewelry | 6245 Brookside Blvd, KCMO
“Hey good lookin’!” The friendly Sierra Winter shop window will call you in as you walk down Brookside Blvd. Sierra pours her midwest heart into her designs, and the outcome is a well-balanced blend of badass and high class. She’s known for her jewelry, but her shop has many more offerings from cards to clothing to candles–and many unexpected delights. Stop in next time you’re looking for a gift–even if (or especially if) it’s just for yourself.
SKiN | 6247 Brookside Plaza, KCMO
We all want better skin, right? SKiN has created a line of products with natural and organic ingredients to nourish your skin. Pop into the shop to get tailored advice on products or try out known favorites like the Calendula Healing Salve and Citrus Body Butter. You’ll be glowing in no time.
LADYCO | 314 W 63rd St Suite A, KCMO
LadyBye and Coco merged to become LADYCO, a go-to shop for unique clothing and accessories. With inclusive sizing from XS - 3XL, the shop caters to all body types and styles. LADYCO is always filled with the latest denim and unique looks you won’t see over and over again in the big-name stores. The store associates are always helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help finding your new favorite outfit.
Jorjy | 320 W 63rd St, KCMO
Jorjy has everything you need to give your home a fun, vibrant vibe. It specializes in unique items that will add flair to any spot. But this colorful home decor shop doesn’t stop at furnishings. Jorjy offers design services to help curate the perfect look for your home.
Homesong Market | 6213 Oak St, KCMO
Homesong Market sells homegoods with intention– simple, well-crafted items sourced mindfully. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your cleaning supplies, finding sweet crafts for the kiddos, or even just scooping up a clean candle, Homesong Market has a lovely selection to choose from.
EB and Co. | 326 W 63rd St, KCMO
Looking for some affordable, fun accessories? EB and Co. is the perfect one stop shop for gifting friends, family and coworkers alike– or treating yourself! From headbands and hairclips, to seasonal earrings, you can find it all here.
