Story by Dave Eckert / Intro photo courtesy of Beer Kitchen
There aren’t too many things I enjoy more than a good Happy Hour. I mean, what’s not to love about good food, good drinks, and good company-all at reduced prices! Well, the food and drinks anyway. Kansas City has some great ones, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites-starting with the historic, beautiful, and delicious Pierpont’s, which is celebrating 25-years in 2024!
Photo courtesy Pierpont’s
“Formerly the women and children’s waiting room in Union Station, Pierpont’s was transformed into a grand restaurant, featuring one of, if not the, most spectacular bars in Kansas City, two main dining rooms, and dining rooms in our wine cellar on the lower level,” Co-owner Mary Holland shared. As for the cuisine, Holland says it measures up to the restaurant’s physical beauty. “You will find a wide range of cuisine at Pierpont’s. We feature prime steaks and fresh seafood as well as one of the largest selections of spirits in the city. Our award-winning wine list is expansive and deep with flavors and labels to appease any palate,” Holland said.
Pierpont’s Happy Hour is a great way to sample all of that. “Happy Hour is offered daily from 3 to 6 pm, and all night on Tuesday in the lounge. On Wednesdays, we feature $1.50 oysters on the half shell. Our bar menu features a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and draft beers. The menu has something for everyone from our famous “Jezebel Martini” to Pierpont’s classic “Old Fashioned Revolution” and more! From the culinary side, our Happy Hour menu features some of our best appetizers, sides, and handhelds along with our very popular steak frites with blue cheese cream or steak frites Oscar – a five-ounce center cut filet served with our special blue cheese cream or Oscar style (lump crab and bearnaise), and our very popular rosemary fries!” Holland exclaimed.
Photo courtesy Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen
Another personal favorite meeting spot of ours is Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen – an excellent watering hole with equally tasty cuisine. “Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen is an independent, locally-owned neighborhood restaurant and wine bar that features artisanal, small production wines and carefully sourced, local and regional cuisine,” Tannin’s Barry Tunnell stated.
I asked Tunnell to elaborate a bit on Tannin’s Happy Hour. “We offer a rotating selection of small production wines that match the textures of the season, as well as a few refreshing beers and aperitif-style cocktails. In addition, we offer small plates that make great appetizers, but are also well-suited for sharing and socializing,” Tunnell said. “It’s Monday – Friday, 4 to 6 pm and on Saturday – Sunday, 2 to 5 pm and it’s offered to everyone who visits Tannin during that time, regardless of seating preferences.”
Photo courtesy of Beer Kitchen
You’ll find another great Happy Hour in the heart of Westport at Beer Kitchen. Marketing Manager Jocelyn Contreras was eager to share the details. “Our Happy Hour food and drink specials are available every day from 3 pm to 6 pm. Our pricing is broken down into tiers of $4, $5, $6, and $7,” Contreras stated.
So, what should consumers know about Beer Kitchen? “Beer Kitchen is Kansas City’s first true gastropub. We feature award-winning food, classic pub favorites with a modern twist, and a carefully selected beer menu filled with local brews and rare finds. From hearty burgers and sandwiches to flavorful small plates and shareable appetizers, each dish is crafted with care using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate” Contreras told me.
Having just shared a Happy Hour there with my lovely wife, I can confirm all that Contreras says is 100 percent accurate.
Photo courtesy Extra Virgin
Finally, another Kansas City classic – Extra Virgin, owned and operated by James Beard award-winner Michael Smith and his wife, Nancy. “We opened Extra Virgin in 2008 to bring our love of Mediterranean food to Kansas City – both the bright and diverse flavors and the Spanish culture of sharing tapas around the table. This communal feel complements Extra Virgin’s vibe: friendly and casual,” Michael Smith stated. “It’s the perfect place to meet friends for lunch or dinner and enjoy favorite dishes or new options over great cocktails and wines.”
Smith says it’s the same vibe at Happy Hour with one big advantage – reduced prices. “Our happy hour makes trying new dishes even more tempting with special prices for several of our most popular menu items (marked on the menu), including $2 off cocktails, wines by the glass, and select beers. We host happy hour Monday – Friday from 4 to 6 pm and all-day Tuesday.”
There you go, four great choices for you to stay happy!
