Quench your thirst for Kansas City breweries. Kansas City’s microbreweries are micro-communities with big hearts and big purposes. Sure they brew the best beer this side of the Mississippi, but they also support our troops, serve as our extended family, and several Kansas City breweries are saving the planet through their green practices.
This post was updated on December 20 to feature ten more great area breweries.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Kansas City Crossroads Breweries
- Dog-Friendly Kansas City Breweries
- Green Kansas City Breweries
- Kansas Breweries
- Veteran or First Responder Owned Breweries
- Best KC Breweries to Watch the Chiefs
- Suburban Kansas City Breweries
If you feel overwhelmed by the brewery options around Kansas City, consider picking a category above and taking a self-guided brewery tour of just those maker spaces. You can save a few bucks by purchasing a Kansas City Tap Tour pass from VisitKC.
You can also go on one of these Kansas City brewery tours:
Kansas City Crossroads Breweries
Border Brewing (new location)
512 E. 18th
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Strawberry Blonde, Ribbon Cutter, Patio Pale Ale, Shiftie IPA
One of the best Kansas City breweries in the Crossroads District.With beers like Blackberry Prairie Fire Chile Saison, your heart will warm instantly to this microbrewery in Kansas City. Yes, Border Brewing has a taproom. Yes, you’ll hear live music. Yes, a groovy garage door opens during warm weather so you can drink in the urban surroundings.
Go enjoy a flight of beers and say hi to Eric, the owner, and Tracy, the manager.
Nimble Brewing
1735 Oak St
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: IPAs, such as double dry-hopped Kid A NEIPA and Visions/Louise
A craft brewer 26 years in the making, Nimble Brewery makes beer one barrel at a time in their microbrewery. If beer is not your thing, their selection of spirits and wine will ensure everyone has something to drink. Along with their own artisan beer, you can find a small selection of beers from other local breweries brought in.
There is no food on-site, but they encourage patrons to bring food from the abundant local restaurants nearby to enjoy. They will even help you choose if there is an indecisive group member.
They may be small, but you can rent out an area for private events. This space is also used for the tasting events the brewery hosts.
Experimenting with flavors and growing their own herbs and garnishes, this is a place you will want to check out.
Rochester Brewing & Roasting
2129 Washington St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Coffee Stout, DDH Hazy IPA, American IPA, Black Currant Sour
Emily is part of the Rochester Brewing and Roasting company team. Photo credit: @JanaMariePhotosPart brewery and part coffee shop, this stop on your Kansas City craft beer tour won’t disappoint. Rochester Brewing was founded in 2019 by four friends with a passion for the art and science of brewing beer and roasting specialty coffee from all over the world.
We hope this list of locally-owned KC breweries makes your mouth water for a pint, a pizza, and a peek behind the scenes of some of the most creative entrepreneurs and makers in the city. The list isn’t inclusive by any means.
Alma Mader Brewing
2635 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
Try These Beers: Brave Noise // Juicy Pale Ale
Opened in 2019, this brewery offers a line of craft beers, as well as some staples. The brewers here try to stick with some traditional bases and add their own flair to the flavor combinations. You can order 4-packs to go, or head inside and meet the friendly staff. They do not have food on-site, so be prepared to look elsewhere for a bite to eat with your beer. There are plenty of places in the area to fulfill the need for food. There is also a tasting room on-site to give you options.
Casual Animal Brewing Co.
1725 McGee St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Hazy IPA, Honey Wheat, Peanut Butter Stout, India Pale Ale
Casual Animal stands for the small-batch, fresh as hell, local approach. Owners Kyle and Lara Gray say, “Casual Animal Brewing is focused on quality over quantity and community involvement over self-interest.”
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The brewmaster couple goes one step further with their community-mindedness. They give $2 for every pint sold to a local Kansas City non-profit. Supporting the local Kansas City community is important to the owners and their “Taproom Animals”, as they’re so fondly called. Based on Casual Animal Brewing’s Local Motive program, everyone involved in the brewery gets input on the charities the brewery supports.
Dog-Friendly Kansas City Breweries
Crane Brewing Company
6515 Railroad St.
Raytown, MO 64133
Most Popular: Trailsmith, Farmhouse IPA, Omar, Tea Weiss
Crane’s Taproom is one of many Kansas Breweries serving food via a partner, Greg-Co BBQ food truck, and using reclaimed wood in its decor.Crane Brewing is located in Raytown, a suburb of Kansas City. The brewery is best known for its sours, Tea Weiss, magenta-colored Beet Weiss and Grapefruit Gose, and farmhouse ales. Try its Farmhouse IPA as a starter.
Torn Label Brewing
1708 Campbell St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Alpha Pale Ale, Monk & Honey
Producing more than 1,600 barrels of beer annually, Torn Label Brewing comes in at #5 for the top craft beer producer in KC.
Torn Label knows how to have fun and please a crowd with new releases like Memory Foam. Memory Foam is a New England IPA featuring Simcoe, Citra, and Azacca hops for soft, well-balanced flavors of exotic fruits. Scoot on down to the Crossroads District to see what’s on tap today.
Cinder Block Brewery
110 E. 18th Ave.
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Most Popular: Northtown Native, Prime Extra Pale Ale, Block IPA, Pavers Porter
Enjoy some artisan beer in Kansas City’s northland. Cinder Block Brewery was established in 2013 out of the joy of handcrafted beers. Cinder Block originally started in its founder’s garage. Its success led to its current Northtown footprint, including a taproom, production brewery, and kitchen that opened in 2016.
Cinder Block dedicates itself to local ingredients from Harmony Farms. Spend some time playing cornhole on the patio of this Kansas City Brewery.
Big Rip Brewing
215 E. 9th Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64116
Most Popular: Raspberry Gluten-Free, Umbrella Kolsch, Hefe the Killer, Groovy Pale Ale
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Sample at least 12 local brews at this nano-brewery with a taproom where you can order food from the neighborhood BBQ joint, Hawg Jag BBQ.
Big Rip Brewing was rated one of the 21 Can’t-Miss Breweries Across the Midwest by TripAdvisor.
Strange Days Brewing
316 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64114
Most Popular: Episodes Single Hop Pale Ale, Sonny Delight, Strawberry Sunday, Le Petit
Photo by Brenda GeigerStrange Days is located right off the streetcar line in the historic River Market. Under the direction of head brewmaster Damon Arredondo, Strange Days Brewing was created and inspired by the strange-ness around us. The brewery’s name is meant to capture the times we are living in with beer as an outlet.
Green Breweries in Kansas City
Fringe Beerworks
224 SE Douglas St.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Most Popular: Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Wheat, Madam X w/ Coffee
Fringe Beerworks, to our knowledge, is the only all-electric brewery in the Kansas City metro. All-electric businesses emit a lot fewer carbon emissions due to cleaner electricity. Its owner Eddie Pease says Fringe Beerworks upcycles its spent grain and recycles wherever they can. The all-electric aspect of his brewery provides consistent temperatures, which are ideal for producing quality, craft brews.
Fringe Co-owner, Eddie, tips one back.Fringe Beerworks serves craft brew from a building that’s been around since 1926. Sip while you enjoy a taste of history served from the first brewer in Lee’s Summit. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a milkshake or grapefruit beer.
Boulevard Brewing Co.
2501 Southwest Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Popular Beers: Unfiltered Wheat, Tank 7, Space Camper, Easy Sport
Boulevard Brewing is the 2nd largest brewery in MO, behind Anheuser-Busch, and the largest in Kansas City with 150 employees. Boulevard cracked open the door for Kansas City breweries back in 1989 when it was the only game in town.
Boulevard Brewing started the process of becoming a Zero Landfill company in 2010. Boulevard now recycles or composts nearly all of its waste. The fraction that can’t be recycled or composted is incinerated by a local cement manufacturer to generate energy, with the ash used as an ingredient in concrete. We love that Boulevard Brewing set its sites on being sustainable and tasty over profits and size.
Today Boulevard Brewing helps Missouri ranks 13th out of 50 states, according to Beer Connoisseur. Boulevard sets the standard to make Kansas City a cool beer-drinking mecca overshadowed only by Denver or Portland.
Boulevard’s national popularity prompted a need to boost beer production and to build a Tours and Recreation Center in 2016 on its 30th anniversary. The center’s 25,000 square feet beer hall also serves as a launch point for brewery tours.
Congratulations to Boulevard for taking the gold medal in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category with Tank 7 at the 2020 GABF competition!
Kansas Breweries
There’s a Missouri side of Kansas City and Kansas side, which for the purposes of this post, includes Overland Park, Olathe, and Topeka, Kansas.
Martin City Brewing Co.
410 E. 135th
Kansas City, MO 64114
Most Popular: HardWay IPA, Belgian Abbey, Belgian Blond, Sideway
Photo Credit: Martin City Brewing Facebook PageEnjoy a pint with a pizza or signature Bloody Mary burger. Martin City Brewery is on the south cusp of the city and offers a membership program so you can reserve your own keg when needed.
Free State Brewing
636 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Most Popular: Festivus, Northern Lights, Alieu
Starting out in 1989, Free State Brewing was the first in the state to be legal in over 100 years. Bringing people together for good conversations and community.
This brewery has a bit of everything for everyone. They have rotating flagship, seasonal and limited beers on tap and in bottles, something for everyone’s taste. Their extensive menu also presents an option no matter what mood you’re in. Online reviews rave about the food, but caution that you may have a bit of a wait.
After you’ve had your fill, take a brewery tour and find out just how your favorites are made on site.
Blind Tiger Brewery
417 SW 37th St.
Topeka KS 66611
Most Popular: Maibock, Top Gun IPA, Holy Grail Pale Ale, County Seat Wheat
Photo Credit: Blind Tiger Brewery & RestaurantBlind Tiger brews and serves six flagship beers. The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is named for the Prohibition-era custom of illegal drinking establishments displaying stuffed tigers or china tigers to alert potential patrons to the availability of illicit alcohol after hours. In southern dialect, a “tiger” was a roaring party. These “tigers” were “blind” because the authorities, at least officially, did not know they existed. Not coincidentally, Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant sponsors the Topeka Zoo’s tiger exhibit.
Blind Tiger is also the employer of John Dean, the award-winning brewmaster who joined the Blind Tiger Brewery in 2001. Since Dean joined the brewery, it has won 21 national and international awards.
Brew Lab
7925 Marty St.
Overland Park, KS 66204
Most Popular: Tinta Davila Mexican Stout, Peer-Reviewed Caramel Mocha Latte Stout, BL Squared Black Raspberry Braggot
Brew Lab is a brewery, taproom and kitchen. Brew Lab’s Techs will teach you how to brew your own craft beer and supply you with all the ingredients to continue brewing your own at home. The kitchen serves American and Tex-Mex fare. Enjoy $5 Happy Hours and specials Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 pm.
Veteran & First Responder
Owned Breweries
Callsign Brewing
1447 Gentry St.
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Most Popular: FIghter Pilot Ale and Lifter Irish Red
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Callsign Brewing was founded by Steve Sirois and his sons as a way to pay it forward for lost military members and their aircrafts. Both Sirois and his son are members of the 180th Airlift Squadron, a Missouri Air National Guard unit in St. Joseph, Missouri. Sirois is also a 27-year veteran of the Air Force.
Callsign Brewing is a 10-barrel brewery and taproom. What it lacks in size, it makes up in heart and support of the military.
Double Shift Brewing
412 E. 18th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Tessellation Mosaic IPA, Tin Foil Hat Rye & Oat Farmhouse, Sister Abby Dubbel, River Pirate Hoppy Oatmeal Stout
Photo by Brenda GeigerDouble Shift Brewing was started by a beer-loving firefighter named Aaron Ogilvie and several friends in 2015. The small but mighty brewery is located in Brewer’s Alley in the Kansas City Crossroads. Double Shift runs a five-barrel brewhouse that focuses on unique beers that are approachable by all. Their taproom is located in an old bicycle shop in the East Crossroads in Kansas City, MO.
Red Sash (new Crossroads Brewery)
406 E. 18th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
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Red Sash will be Veteran and First Responder friendly but inclusive to all craft beer patrons. Owner Pat Mitchell graduated from West Point in 2006 and served eight years as an officer in the Army. Mitchell plans to open Red Sash in August and has hired Damon Arredondo as his brewmaster. His goal is to connect to the local military community on a deeper level in the Crossroads district and neighborhood.
Outlaw Cigar and Brewery
309 E 10th Ave
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Most Popular: Black Bart, Decibel Up, El Bandito, Wit, Whistling Pete
Outlaw Cigar and Brewery is owned by Kendall Culbertson and his wife Leecil. Neither have a military background, but supporting military members is part of their business. The company sends more than $40,000.00 in cigars annually to troops overseas. The Northland Outlaw Cigar is a giant hangout for people who no longer enjoy GenX bars with pounding music. Outlaw Cigar aficionados enjoy the family atmosphere, comfy leather recliners and ample big screens for the big game of the day.
The humidor in Outlaw Cigar sells approximately 1,800 cigar varieties. Outlaw Cigar is the biggest, baddest place to go for a drink and a smoke in Kansas City.
Best Breweries to Watch the Chiefs
Amerisports Brew Pub
3200 N. Ameristar Drive
Kansas City, MO 64161
Most Popular: Special Reserve Saison, Doppeldunkel
Kansas Citians love to drink and gamble. Enter Amerisports Brew Pub as the heavyweight favorite place to watch sports. The bar has a 52-screen audiovisual system, small-batch craft beer, and barrel-aged brew. Be prepared to wait in line on all-you-can-eat crab leg Fridays.
KC Bier Company
310 W. 79th St.
Kansas City, MO 64114
Popular Beers: Dunkel, Hefeweizen, Helles Lager, Pils
Photo Credit: KC Bier Facebook PageKC Bier’s family-friendly beerhall and biergarten in the Waldo neighborhood makes for an ideal place to watch the KC Chiefs.
When Belgian-based Duvel Moortgat acquired Boulevard in 2013, KC Bier became the largest locally owned Kansas City Brewery. KC Bier specializes in German-style beers produced with traditional ingredients sourced from Germany. Wash down pretzels with drafts of Dunkel, Pils, Helles, or Der Bauer Farmhouse Ale. Grab a souvenir for the road. Pets are welcome at KC Bier Company.
Brewery Emperial
1829 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Biscuit, Pilsener, Emperial IPA, Kolsch
Photo credit: Brewery Emperial Facebook PageKeith Thompson started Brewery Emperial in 2016. Keith and his crew serve up a mix of American and European beers, including bitters and saisons.
The brewery has a killer beer garden with a fabulous urban view of Kansas City’s skyline. It’s also the perfect venue to scream as loud as you want when the Kansas City Chiefs score a touchdown.
Stockyards Brewing Co.
1600 Genessee #100
Kansas City, MO 64102
Most Popular: West Bottoms IPA, Cerveza Royale, West Hef Hefeweizen, Black IPA
Short Round Stringband playing tunes in the taproom at Stockyards Brewing.Head to the bottoms, otherwise known as Kansas City’s Stockyard District. Inside the walls where the famous Golden Ox Restaurant steakhouse operated from 1949 to 2014.
Stockyards Brewing is a locally-owned brewery production and taproom that delivers big taste and community. You’ll be embraced by the original bar, woodwork, and vibe of days gone by. Drop by on Sundays to enjoy a Chiefs game or live bluegrass.
Want to sample some brew? Choose the Flight Plan by picking any of 4 of the dozen beers on tap.
City Barrel Brewing
1740 Holmes St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Most Popular: Rad AF, Ninja Dust, Dad Jokes, Foundation
Unlike many breweries in Kansas City, City Barrel Brewing has a full food, wine, and craft cocktail menu in addition to its craft beer selections. Enjoy seasonal entrees prepared by Chef Benjamin Wood. City Barrell specializes in hoppy, wild, and sour beers. Try a brew named Adulting, which uses Japanese rice to add spice into the lager.
City Block’s outdoor patio is the prime spot to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs. Or take a six or twelve-pack of RAD AF home for your watch party.
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Suburban Kansas City Breweries
3 Trails Brewing Co.
111 N. Main
Independence, MO 64050
Most Popular: Trail Dragger Stout, Bess’s Bock, Not Deflated NIPA
With over 16 craft beers on tap, a golf simulator, and event space, you can’t get bored at 3 Trails Brewing located in an east Kansas City suburb called Independence – former home of President Harry Truman. Order beer by the glass or flight and BYOF (bring your own food) in case you get hungry.
BKS Artisan Ales
633 E. 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64110
Most Popular: Award-winning Clouds Double IPA
Started in 2017, and nestled in the heart of Brookside, BKS Artisan boasts a tasting room and production facility that specializes in a unique beer experience. Their artisan selections are experimental and something to be experienced. Visitors can taste on site or take some from the to-go selection, which is updated weekly.
They have limited hours, so expect a small crowd in their tasting room as many people are enjoying their offerings. No food on premise, so be prepared to grab a bite to eat before or after your visit.
East Forty Brewing
1201 W. Main St.
Blue Springs, MO 64015
Most Popular: Dog Days Wheat, Sunrise Saison, Quarter Quarter Pale Ale, Big Head Red
Located in downtown Blue Springs, this brewery was voted best brewery, best bar, and the place to go for the best craft beef in Eastern Jackson County, Mo. It also won runner-up for the best chili. Go for the community and beer. Stay for the food and music.
Grains and Taps
10 SW 3rd St.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Most Popular: Orange Sherbet, Neon Kittens, Puppies with Lasers, Duality Project
Grains & Taps co-owners Brad Boehm and Brian Bixby opened as a homebrew supply store in 2013 and then expanded to a nano-brewery. Lee’s Summit has become a microbrew destination since then. Schedule time to visit all three breweries in the quaint town of Lee’s Summit.
Smoke Brewing Co.
209 S. Main St.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64068
Most Popular: Keltic Kross Irish Red Ale, Narcissist India Pale Lager, Black Udder Milk Stout
Smoke Brewing is a family affair between a father and his two sons. Papa Smoke, Jeff Edwards, is a retired marine and home builder. Jeff’s son Josh has 10-years of brewing experience and is the founder of Building Smoke BBQ Team. Lanni Edwards rounds out the team. The restaurant and barrel room are located in Lee’s Summit, Mo., an eastern suburb of Kansas City.
Dubious Claims Brewing Co.
451 S. Thompson Ave.
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Most Popular: DCBC Blueberry Wheat, DCBC Kolsch, DCBC IPA, DCBC Milk Stout
Excelsior Springs is the home of the Hall of Waters, and thanks to head brewer Taran Winnie it’s been using those healing waters to brew great beer since 2018. The sales of the so claimed healing water of the springs in Excelsior Springs eventually dried up, thus the brewery’s name – Dubious Claims. However, Dubious Claims can heal your woes with a round of their ales. Check their social media channels for frequent fundraisers and specials.
Transparent Brewing Company
14501 White Ave
Grandview, MO 64030
Most Popular: Kickstand, Lucient Galaxies, Tippin, Oiu, Bit Fancy, ChickityCheck
Like its name suggests, Transparent Brewing Company is open and honest with its customers about its beers. What started as a college passion for Nolan Brown, became a reality when he opened his doors in 2020. With most offerings being under 7% ABV, they strive to give a tasting experience to patrons they will enjoy.
They pair their creations in partnership with food from The Chive. Owner Michelle Brown uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible to stay true to the transparent reputation of the brewery. They have created an environment that drinkers and non-drinkers alike can enjoy.
Lost Evenings Brewing
8625 Hauser Square
Lenexa, KS 66215
This brewery strives to create a family-friendly atmosphere, boasting a full line of craft beer, local wine, cider, kombucha, and craft sodas. They pride themselves on creating beer for their customers, and not letting others tell them what to do. A menu of cocktails and other drinks accompany the beer and give something for everyone.
A change of pace from most service industry establishments, the staff does not rely on tips for their income. With that in mind, any tips collected get donated to local charities.
Pathlight Brewing
11200 W 75th St
Shawnee, MO
Though this brewery has only been open for about 17 months, it has made quite the name for itself. David and Beth Harris, along with Tanner Vaughn, have created something special in Kansas City.
Pathlight Brewing does not offer traditional food selections, but just enough of something to satisfy a nosh. This includes some nuts, dips, and snacks, though an adult lunchable is available if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, and sometimes food trucks come to serve.
Their drink menu, on the other hand, is quite extensive. A vast selection of beer and bourbon drinks, including non-alcoholic beers. That’s not something you see often. For the nondrinkers, there is also a small selection of craft soda, juice, and other items.
Stop in and see the light.
Rockcreek Brewing
5880 Beverly Ave
Mission, KS 66202
Most Popular: Beverly Ave. Belgian Blonde or Mabon IPA
This laid-back location opened in the middle of the Covid pandemic and has not disappointed the locals. They have created an industrial ambiance by using an old car garage as their building. Whether you sit by the fireplace and look into the brewery or sip your beer out on the patio, this is a place to check out. A little bit everything, and something for everyone, RockCreek Brewing boasts a full line of craft beers at the bar.
If you’re headed out, don’t forget to try their popcorn! People are raving about it. The owners of this establishment also own Charleson’s Popcorn.
Atlas Saloon
100 West Broadway Ave,
Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024
Try These Beers: Siloam Irish Stout. Stout – Irish Dry · Crystal Lithia Kolsch. Kölsch
This small brewery is hidden inside a saloon in the historic Excelsior Springs area. It has been at this location since 1894. They may be small, but they make every patron feel special. From friendly service to Happy Hour Tuesdays, this brewery is all about the experience. You will find pool tables and shuffleboard among other games and activities.
Any Questions?
There’s so much action going on in the Kansas City beer and brewery scene, you’d need a book to know the full story. Fortunately, author Pete Dulin has written that book: Kansas City Beer: A History of Brewing in the Heartland. It’s yours for $21.99.
Q. What Kansas City breweries are open on Sunday?
A. All of the above. Aren’t you lucky?
Q. Where’s the best Kansas City brewery to watch a Chiefs game?
A. The one with your favorite craft brew or the ones listed here with killer patios and deck.
Q. What awards have local Kansas City brewers won?
A. Crane Brewing was named best brewery by Feast Magazine in 2021; Boulevard Beer was runnerup.
Dunkel, a Munich-style brown lager, was named the Best Local Lager in Kansas City in The Pitch Best of KC Awards in 2019 by more than 40,000 voters. Helles Lager was named one of the 19 Best Beers of 2019 by Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine.
Boulevard’s Tank 7 claimed gold in the Great American Beer Festival in 2020.
BKS Artisan Ales won the best beer of the year in 2019 from Kansas City Magazine for its Tiny Clouds hazy pale.
Q. What are the newest breweries in Kansas City?
A. Transparent Brewing Company in Grandview
Red Sash and Nimble in the Crossroads (veteran/first responder owned section)
Lost Evenings Brewing in Lenexa
Pathlight Brewing in Shawnee
Rockcreek Brewing in Mission
What did we miss? We’re going to take a beverage break while we wait for your comments.
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