Holiday pop-up bars and markets bring good cheer to Kansas City this year
After a year like this in Kansas City, it might be time for a toast. Not a long, drawn-out affair, but an intentional drink or two to celebrate the holidays with that one friend or special person who is in your pod.
Making a reservation at one of the many socially distanced indoor or outdoor tables at a fun holiday pop-up bar might be just the thing to put you in the holiday spirit. Spots are going quick, so don’t delay – make your reservations now.
Support the spaces you love, as many restaurants and bars are counting on the holidays to see them through the long, cold winter months ahead. If you can’t visit in person this year, check to see if there are carryout cocktails on offer or food you can enjoy at home. Gift cards to your favorite places are always a thoughtful gift and slip neatly into any standard holiday greeting card.
Remember to wear your mask while you are not actively eating or drinking to keep you and those around you safe. This year, keep your celebrations short, small and safe.
Holiday Bar at Café Trio
For close to 17 years, Café Trio owners Chris Youngers and Tai Nguyen have put their heart and soul into holiday decorations, making them the original holiday pop-up bar in Kansas City. The restaurant's dining room, bar and covered patio are absolutely covered in festive décor including lights, Christmas trees, ornaments and much more. You have to see it to appreciate it. Café Trio is open Monday through Saturday from 4 to 10pm. Eat, drink and be merry with socially distant views of the Country Club Plaza. Seating is limited to 50 percent capacity, masks are required to enter and when not eating or drinking at a seat, and tables are spaced appropriately according to CDC guidelines. (Photo courtesy of Café Trio)
Make reservations on Tock.
Elf’d Up at The Conductor’s Club inside Union Station
The Conductor’s Club is a new cocktail lounge by Pierpont’s in Union Station. Located on the second floor, with sweeping views of the main hall below, this private event space has been turned into a holiday wonderland with room for seating in five separate areas of the space to keep things socially distanced. The Bow Wall Booth seats 7 to 10 people, Present Wall #1 and #2 seat 2-6 people, Merry Christmas Corner seats 2-5 people and the Gallery Wall seats 2. Seating is available from 4 to 10pm with a 1.5-hour maximum stay per party. Festive holiday cocktails and food from Pierpont’s is available. Weekends are filling up fast, but the bar just added reservations on Thursdays. Guests can also be asked to be added to a waitlist. Inquire about Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve availability now. (Photo courtesy of The Conductor's Club)
Make a reservation via a DM request through Instagram or Facebook.
Garmischer Platz at Grünauer
Putting its outdoor patio to good use during the pandemic, Grünauer is hosting a holiday open air art market, featuring several local artisans across Kansas City selling their wares to assist you with your holiday shopping. The market is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8pm through Dec. 19. Guests can also enjoy a special food and drink menu that includes a warming pot of cheese fondue served with bread, potato, pickled onions and cornichons, along with a few other menu items. To drink, choose from wine or beer along with cherry or pear schnapps, a Hot Toddy or warm mulled wine spiked with dark rum to keep you in high holiday spirits. No reservations are needed. (Photo courtesy of Grünauer)
For more information, visit grunauerkc.com.
Sippin' Santa at Julep
Julep is proud to be hosting Beachbum Berry's Tiki-inspired holiday cocktail pop-up, Sippin’ Santa,again this year. This holiday, the popular Westport bar is also providing the ultimate in private cocktail experiences. Guests will be transported to their very own tropical island by reserving Julep’s Sippin’ Santa Holiday Cabana. With room for 6, the cabana features bottle service cocktails and snacks from Beachbum Barry's Sippin' Santa menu with a $200 minimum spend required. Prefer to celebrate at home? Purchase all that you need to get the full holiday Tiki experience from their pop-up shop. Julep also provides carryout snacks for you to take home and enjoy. Masks are required for entry. (Photo by Anna Petrow)
Make reservations on Tock.
Miracle
Miracle is back in Kansas City for a third year, with a new third location in Leawood, Kansas. The popular holiday bar features all of your favorite festive themed holiday cocktails served in Miracle glassware, including Santa mugs and reindeer Collins glasses. Miracle at Rockhill will return to the second-floor lounge of The Rockhill Grille in Kansas City's Crossroads District, and Miracle on the Plaza will return to former home of The Oliver on the Country Club Plaza. Miracle on 135th Street, the newest location, will take place in a former BRGR location at 5031 W. 135th St. in Leawood. To maintain a socially-distanced, fun and festive environment, all locations will be available to guests by paid reservation only. All Miracle locations will be open every day, including Christmas Day, from 4pm to midnight. (Photo courtesy of Miracle)
Make reservations at miraclepopupkc.com.
Nine Zero One Igloo Bar at The Fontaine Hotel
Kansas City now has its own chilly new pop-up experience perched on the rooftop terrace of The Fontaine Hotel. Nine Zero One Igloo Bar, named after the address of the hotel, is a holiday pop-up bar that allows guests the option to reserve a seat in the Mylar-covered bar area meant to mimic the icy tundra or book one of four clear igloos that can seat up to 4-6 people, each with their own vibe and décor. Guests can safely enjoy high-quality cocktails made with local spirits designed by Adam Caparelli and tapas to eat. The bar is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 10pm and Sundays from 1 to 8pm. Reservations are available for 90-minute intervals, with a rental fee for $120 for each igloo. The igloos are completely sanitized between reservations. The themed bar will be here through Valentine’s Day, so there will be plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the icy experience before the big thaw. (Photo courtesy of Nine Zero One)
Reserve a GA spot in the bar or an igloo at thefontainehotel.com/eat-and-drink/igloo-bar.
Santa’s Bakeshop by Martin City Brewing Co.
This brand-new Kansas City holiday pop-up experience is brought to you by Martin City Brewing Co. Santa’s Bakeshop is now serving up holiday-inspired cookies and ice cream in festive flavors like pistachio, eggnog and gingerbread along with mugs of hot chocolate for those looking for a sweet place to take the family or just your own sweetie. Santa's Bakeshop is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9pm. No reservations are needed to enjoy this fun experience. Plan to pick up dinner and beer to-go from Martin City Brewing Co. or The Original Pub just across the street, then stop by Santa’s Bakeshop and have a picnic at one of the outdoor picnic tables. Dessert is only a few steps away. (Photo by Jordan Baranowski)
For more information, visit Santa’s Bakeshop on Facebook.
Mistletoe at The Ballast Bar
Meet your friend under the mistletoe. There's a new holiday pop up in town located in the beautiful brand-new Ballast Bar inside The Martin City Event Space out south on 135th Street. Mistletoe serves cheerful cocktails and delicious appetizers in a festive speakeasy vibe and is open Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 2. Social distancing measures will be in place. (Photo courtesy of The Ballast Bar)
Make reservations on Tock.
Christkindlmarkt at The Campground
The creative couple behind The Campground continue to amaze with their ability to dream up new ways to keep guests happy and safe outside during the pandemic. With their own dining room closed to guests, co-owners Christopher Ciesiel and Cristin Llewellyn went back to their roots, purchasing small outdoor sheds they have magically converted into a mini Christmas market right in their own parking lot. Guests can enjoy fireside food, hot drinks and shop for locally made gifts. A glass of warm mulled wine or a boozy Mexican hot chocolate pairs well with soft Bavarian pretzels from Heirloom Baking that they sell with Stag beer cheese and fancy mustard. The Campground’s homage to Christkindlmarkt brings the experience straight to the West Bottoms. It's open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 10pm this month, ending on Sun., Dec. 20 from noon to 4pm. No reservations are needed. Remember face masks must be worn when up and about, ordering food and drinks, entering to use the restroom and visiting with vendors. (Photo courtesy of The Campground)
For more information, visit thecampgroundkc.com.
Tinsel Town at Tom’s Town Distilling Co.
The brand-new Tinsel Town holiday pop up from Tom's Town is located on the second floor of the downtown distillery, featuring live music, holiday-themed cocktails and a room full of socially-distanced sparkle and shine. Get into the holiday spirit every Friday and Saturday night from 4 to 1pm and Sundays from 2 to 8pm (There will be no live music on Sundays.) For your comfort and safety, Tom’s Town has also installed an air purification system in its building, and masks are required for entry. (Photo courtesy of Tom's Town Distilling Co.)
Make reservations on Yelp.
Jenny Vergara
Jenny is Feast's contributing editor for Kansas City. She brakes for chef's coats.
