Neighborhood Guide: Martini Corner
Martini Corner is making its comeback!
Martini Corner - at 31st Street and Gillham - is a hot spot for patios, happy hour, and brunch. Grab your friends to explore this vibrant neighborhood day or night, thanks to a great mix of neighborhood institutions and new hot spots alike!
Photos by Kelly Bunch
Barrio Taqueria | 408 E 31st Street
Street tacos, queso, and margs - oh my! Bring the whole crew for Mexican-inspired eats and refreshing cocktails. Happy hour is a great way to try several dishes. Grab a few tacos, the Loaded Queso, and the BBQ Burnt End Quesadilla to get the table started.
Brewer’s Kitchen | 3107 Gillham Road Suite 100
Not many restaurants can make the claim that everything is 100% made from scratch, but that’s exactly how Brewer’s Kitchen does business. The team works each morning to grind local beef for the day’s burger supply and makes all sauces from scratch. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, so pick your favorite and swing by for the freshest burger around.
Brick House | 400 E 31st Street
If bottomless mimosas and patio games don’t pull you in, perhaps an extended happy hour would pique your interest? Brick House is a Martini Corner staple for anyone who likes to have a good time. Daily food and drink specials make it easy to find a great value, and brunch is always a good idea. Pair anything with the Loaded Tater Kegs (tater tots stuffed with cheese, onion, and bacon - topped with sriracha aioli) for a satisfying meal.
Cliff’s Taphouse | 3044 Gillham Road
Everyone’s welcome at Cliff’s Taphouse, a friendly neighborhood joint focused on great food and service. With a wide-ranging menu from salads and flatbreads to sandwiches and pasta, Cliff’s has something everyone will enjoy - including many vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Ludo’s | 325 E 31st Street
It’s not every day that you find the perfect hangout with tasty drinks, old-school pinball, and - the star of the show - shuffleboard. Book a lane in advance, grab a frozen Tang-o (tequila, mango, lime, orange), and watch your cares slip away. The only worry you’ll have is keeping your biscuit out of the kitchen. If you have no idea what that means, don’t fret. The friendly staff will teach you everything you need to know about shuffleboard. Newbies welcome!
Made in KC Neighborhood Shop & The Black Pantry | 325 E 31st Street
While you’re eating your way through midtown, pop into this combo shop to snag the new KC tee you’ve had your eye on or Black-owned mocktails (or cocktails if you like!). Focused on supporting and celebrating local makers and Black makers, this stop has everything you need.
Photo by Anna Petrow
Noka | 334 E 31st Street
From one of the minds that brought us The Russell, Noka adds a unique Japanese farmhouse to the KC dining scene. Stepping into the earthy atmosphere feels like walking into another place and time - you can feel owner Amante Domingo’s family farming roots that brought this concept to life. The menu features creative and well-executed dishes such as the popcorn hamachi and the dry aged duck breast with szechuan honey carrots. Join the community table to leave with a full belly and new friends.
Prefix Coffee | 325 E 31st Street #101
Great coffee and community is a tough combo to beat. One of four KC locations, this midtown coffee shop is a delightful stop as you make your way through your day. While you’re there, grab a pastry from Fox & Bull Baking Co - a local business created out of Prefix Coffee and now operating on its own.
The Fix | 600 E 31st Street
Just a block east of the Martini Corner core, The Fix is serving up vegan comfort food. The Carolina Chicken Sammie and Fried Burrito are crowd favorites, but don’t be afraid to go the “Build Your Own Sammie” route - you can’t go wrong. This is a spot for the whole family - a kids menu is available for any littles in your life.
Tower Tavern | 401 E 31st Street
Catch a game at Tower Tavern with charred wings or a bacon cheeseburger stromboli - both crowd favorites. Daily specials keep things fun. Fish Friday offers your choice of 3 hand battered cod options - Fish & Chips, Fish Sliders, or Fish Tacos. Grab a cold beverage or two to cap off a tasty meal.
Photo by Anna Petrow
BONUS: ANTIQUE SHOPPING
POPULUXE KC | 3109 Gillham Rd
urban mining | 3111 Gillham Rd (first fridays weekends only)
Just east of Martini Corner, a renowned stretch of antique shops has been popping up: Urban Mini and Populuxe have the corner (get it?) on some of the city’s best mid-century modern finds.
While Populuxe is open every weekend, you’ll have to tine your visit to Urban Mining with First Fridays weekends. Hot tip: the store opens up on Thursday evenings, when the cream of the crop is ready for the picking!
