Kansas City may be best known for barbecue, but we also have a pretty impressive craft beer scene. As a longtime Kansas City local, I’ve visited breweries all across the metro, and this guide will help you find some of the best breweries in Kansas City.
You’ll find everything from small neighborhood taprooms and experimental craft breweries to German-style bier halls and Boulevard Brewing Company, the Kansas City brewery almost everyone knows.
Instead of simply giving you one long list of KC breweries, I’ve organized this guide by neighborhood and area. This makes it easier to find a brewery near where you’re staying or, even better, plan your own Kansas City brewery crawl.
🍺Tip: Looking for breweries in a particular part of Kansas City? Use the table of contents above to jump directly to the neighborhood or area you’re visiting.👇
Exploring Kansas City’s Best Breweries
Kansas City’s brewery scene stretches across both sides of the state line, with great options in downtown neighborhoods and throughout the suburbs. Whether you’re looking for a brewery with great food, a sunny patio, or simply a really good beer, there’s something for just about everyone.
I’m starting with the biggest name in Kansas City beer, Boulevard Brewing Company, before working my way through the metro neighborhood by neighborhood.
This guide includes 40 brewery and taproom locations across the Kansas City metro, organized by neighborhood to make it easy to find one near you.
1. Boulevard Brewing Company: The Kansas City Brewery You Can’t Miss
Neighborhood: Southwest Boulevard / Westside | Food: Yes | Other Locations: Boulevard beer is widely available in stores and restaurants
If you’re visiting Kansas City and only have time for one brewery, start with Boulevard Brewing Company. This is KC beer. Founded in Kansas City in 1989, Boulevard is easily the most recognizable brewery on this list and also one of my favorites.
The Boulevard Beer Hall is impressive, with a huge space, views of Kansas City, and 30 rotating taps featuring year-round favorites, seasonal beers, and brewery exclusives. You can also grab snacks and small bites, but I wouldn’t plan on a full meal here.
If you have time, try one of the brewery tours or tasting experiences. It’s a fun way to learn more about Boulevard and the brewing process while sampling some beer along the way. I recommend booking ahead, especially on busy weekends.
Crossroads Breweries
The Crossroads is one of the best places to explore Kansas City’s brewery scene, especially if you want to visit several breweries in one outing. You can easily combine a few of these with the neighborhood’s restaurants, galleries, and street art. This area is easy to explore on foot or by using the free KC Streetcar.
2. Casual Animal Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Casual Animal is one of my favorite breweries in Kansas City. I love the huge taproom filled with plants and greenery and the welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to hang out for a while. There’s usually plenty to choose from on tap. It’s an easy brewery to recommend even when everyone in your group likes something different.
Another reason I love Casual Animal is its Local Motive Program. One of the taps is dedicated to a rotating beer and local nonprofit, with $2 from every pint sold donated directly to that organization. Since starting the program in 2018, Casual Animal has donated more than $110,000 to local nonprofits.
🍽️There isn’t a full kitchen, so plan on eating elsewhere in the Crossroads.
3. Brewery Emperial
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: None
Brewery Emperial is another one of my KC favorites, especially when I want good beer and a meal. Unlike many taprooms, Brewery Emperial has a full kitchen with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other dishes.
One of the best features is the large outdoor beer garden. On a nice day, it’s one of the best places in the Crossroads to grab a beer outside.
4. Border Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Border Brewing is a smaller neighborhood brewery that has been part of the Crossroads beer scene since 2015. Its tap list usually includes a mix of approachable beers along with more creative options.
5. City Barrel Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: Brookside
City Barrel is another good choice if you want to combine a brewery visit with a full meal. It’s known for IPAs and sour beers, but you’ll find other styles on the tap list too. The brewery also has a full restaurant at both locations.
6. Torn Label Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: No | Other Locations: None
Torn Label sits on the eastern side of the Crossroads and has been part of Kansas City’s craft beer scene for years. Expect a rotating selection ranging from IPAs and lagers to more experimental beers.
7. Rochester Brewing & Roasting Company
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: Yes | Other Locations: Parkville
Can’t decide between coffee and beer? Rochester gives you both. It’s a brewery and coffee roaster, making it a particularly good stop when you’re with someone who isn’t as interested in beer.
You’ll find house-roasted coffee alongside Rochester’s beers, plus light food options. I visited for the coffee and loved the atmosphere and wide-open space. I’d love to go back soon to try the beer! Rochester also has a second location in Parkville, which I’ll cover later in this guide.
8. BKS Artisan Ales — Crossroads
Neighborhood: Crossroads | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Brookside
BKS Artisan Ales expanded beyond its original Brookside brewery with a second taproom in the Crossroads. It’s especially well known locally for its IPAs, although the tap list extends beyond hoppy beers. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for something beyond the usual brewery lineup.
I’ll cover the original BKS location when we get to Brookside.
🍺Local Tip: If brewery hopping is your goal, the Crossroads is one of the easiest places to do it. Plus, the KC Streetcar and nearby hotels make it easy to explore without having to drive.
👉Check out my Where to Stay in Kansas City guide for neighborhood and hotel recommendations.
18th & Vine Breweries
Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District is best known for jazz and baseball history, but it’s also home to one of the city’s newer breweries. This is an easy brewery stop to combine with the neighborhood’s museums and attractions.
9. Vine Street Brewing Company
Neighborhood: 18th & Vine | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: None
Vine Street Brewing Company opened in 2023 as Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery. The brewery occupies a restored historic building and has plenty of indoor and outdoor space, giving it a fun community feel.
You can also get a full meal here from Vine Street Chicken Co., with fried chicken, sandwiches, wings, and sides on the menu.
If you’re already planning to visit the American Jazz Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, or explore 18th & Vine, Vine Street is an easy addition to your day.
River Market Breweries
The River Market is another easy neighborhood for combining sightseeing, food, and local beer. Visit the City Market, hop on the free KC Streetcar, and stop at one or both of these breweries while you’re here.
10. Strange Days Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: River Market | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Strange Days is a quirky neighborhood brewery just a few blocks from the City Market. It’s become a second home for soccer fans looking for a place to watch a match. I love the quirky, retro vibe, eclectic decor, and wall of old-school TVs. You’ll find a rotating selection of house-brewed beers on tap.
11. River Bluff Brewing
Neighborhood: River Market | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: St. Joseph, Missouri
Located right by the City Market and KC Streetcar, River Bluff is an easy stop while exploring the River Market. The brewery serves a variety of beer styles in a historic brick building and has its original location in St. Joseph.
I haven’t made it to this one yet, but its beers have won plenty of awards, so it’s on my list!
🍺Local Tip: The River Market has plenty of places to eat, so it’s easy to grab food in the neighborhood before or after your brewery stop.
West Bottoms & Westside Breweries
The West Bottoms and Westside offer a couple of very different brewery experiences, including Stockyards in the historic West Bottoms and Alma Mader near Boulevard.
12. Stockyards Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: West Bottoms | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Overland Park and Kansas City International Airport
Stockyards Brewing fits right into the historic West Bottoms, with a taproom inside a former steakhouse that perfectly suits the neighborhood’s historic character. I love the West Bottoms for its historic warehouse buildings and the mix of antique shops, local businesses, and art spaces tucked inside them. The whole area has a unique, creative feel that you just don’t find anywhere else in KC. Stop in for a beer while you’re exploring the neighborhood.
I’ll mention its Overland Park location again later in this guide.
13. Alma Mader Brewing
Neighborhood: Westside | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Alma Mader is a smaller brewery specializing in carefully crafted lagers and hop-forward beers. It’s also just down the street from Boulevard, so it’s easy to pair the two for both a big-name KC brewery and a smaller local taproom.
Alma Mader really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. If it were closer to me, this is one I’d definitely visit more often!
Nearby: Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard is also located nearby. Since I covered it as #1 above, I won’t repeat everything here, but Boulevard + Alma Mader makes an easy two-brewery stop.
Waldo & Brookside Breweries
Head south of downtown for two longtime neighborhood favorites with very different styles.
14. KC Bier Co.
Neighborhood: Waldo | Food: Yes, German-inspired menu | Other Locations: Lenexa
If you love German beer, KC Bier Co. is a must. The brewery specializes in traditional German-style beers and has both an indoor Bierhalle and outdoor Biergarten. Pair your beer with German-inspired food like sausages and pretzels for the full experience.
KC Bier Co. recently opened a second location in Lenexa, which I’ll cover later in this guide.
🍺Love Oktoberfest? KC Bier Co. also hosts KC Oktoberfest at Crown Center, Kansas City’s largest traditional Oktoberfest. Modeled after Munich’s celebration, it features KC Bier Co.’s German-style beer, Bavarian food, live entertainment, games, and more.
👉Learn More About KC Oktoberfest
15. BKS Artisan Ales
Neighborhood: Brookside | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Crossroads
BKS Artisan Ales started in Brookside and is especially known for its IPAs and other hop-forward beers. The small neighborhood taproom has become a favorite among local craft beer fans.
BKS now has a second taproom in the Crossroads, which I covered earlier in this guide.
North Kansas City Breweries
North Kansas City has developed a great little brewery scene of its own, and these two are both easy stops just north of downtown KC.
16. Cinder Block Brewery
Neighborhood: North Kansas City | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Cinder Block is one of North Kansas City’s best-known breweries, with a spacious taproom and outdoor patio. You’ll find everything from IPAs and lagers to porters and seasonal beers, along with its locally made cider.
17. Callsign Brewing
Neighborhood: North Kansas City | Food: Full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Callsign Brewing has strong ties to the military and was founded by an Army veteran. The aviation and military theme carries through the brewery, including beers named in honor of service members. It’s a unique stop with a story that goes well beyond what’s in your glass.
My co-workers love this place, so I’ve been several times, and it never disappoints.
Downtown Shawnee Breweries
Downtown Shawnee is one of my favorite areas for an easy brewery crawl. These three breweries are all along Johnson Drive and within a short walk of each other, so you don’t have to choose just one!
The downtown area has really come to life in recent years, with new breweries, restaurants, bars, and shops making it a very inviting and walkable place to spend an afternoon or evening.
18. Servaes Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Downtown Shawnee | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Atchison, Kansas
Servaes is one of my favorite breweries in the KC area. It’s a female-owned brewery known for creative beers and a tap list that’s constantly changing. If you like trying something a little different, this is a fun one. They often have a wide variety of beers and unique flavors, including multiple variations of seasonal favorites like pumpkin beer.
If you only pick one brewery in Shawnee, this is the one I’d choose!
19. Transport Brewery
Neighborhood: Downtown Shawnee | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Gardner, Kansas
Transport offers a wide variety of approachable craft beers, and its Shawnee taproom is just steps away from Servaes.
I love the building this brewery occupies, and they also have a fun Oktoberfest celebration. However, the beer here isn’t one of my personal favorites. It’s still good and definitely worth a stop, but it just goes to show how much individual tastes and preferences can vary when it comes to craft beer.
20. Friction Beer Company
Neighborhood: Downtown Shawnee | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Friction rounds out Shawnee’s walkable trio of breweries. This music-soaked brewery has a fun British influence, from the atmosphere to beers like Best Bitters and Pub Ales. Music is a big part of the experience here, giving Friction a personality all its own.
🍺Local Tip: Don’t drive from brewery to brewery here. Park once and walk between Servaes, Transport, and Friction. They’re all clustered together in downtown Shawnee. There are also plenty of places nearby to grab a meal, including District Pour House + Kitchen, Mother Clucker, Tiki Taco, and Hank’s Garage and Grill.
Staying overnight? There aren’t really hotels within walking distance of this brewery cluster, so Uber or another rideshare are probably your best bets if you don’t want to drive. You may also be able to find an Airbnb within walking distance.
🍺 Exploring KC Breweries? Get the Free KC Tap Tour Pass
Before you start brewery hopping, sign up for the free KC Tap Tour. This digital passport includes 45+ Kansas City taprooms. Check in as you visit participating breweries, earn points, and redeem them for prizes or discounts along the way.
It’s free, so there’s really no reason not to sign up!
👉 Get Your Free KC Tap Tour Pass
Mission Breweries
Mission may only have a couple of breweries, but I love both of them. They’re also close enough to easily visit together.
21. Sandhills Brewing
Neighborhood: Mission | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Hutchinson, Kansas
Sandhills is a great smaller brewery in the area. The Mission taproom is small and welcoming, with a rotating beer selection that gives you plenty of reasons to come back and see what’s new.
22. Rockcreek Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Mission | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Rockcreek has one of the best brewery patios in KC, with a large outdoor space that’s perfect for spending an afternoon or evening over a beer. They often have a food truck available if you need a bite to eat. All tips at Rockcreek are donated to local charities, which is just another reason to love this brewery.
🍺Local Tip: Sandhills and Rockcreek are close to each other, so it’s easy to visit both in the same outing.
Overland Park Breweries
Overland Park’s brewery scene is more spread out than some of the neighborhoods closer to downtown KC, but there are still a few good options worth checking out.
23. Discourse Brewing
Neighborhood: Overland Park | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Discourse is a small brewery that’s all about experimenting with different flavors and beer styles. The tap list changes frequently, so there’s usually something new to try. Outside food is welcome, and the brewery also hosts visiting food vendors.
A local run club also meets here regularly, and it’s free!
👉Check them out here!🏃➡️
24. Stockyards Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Overland Park | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: West Bottoms and Kansas City International Airport
Stockyards Brewing also has an Overland Park taproom, giving Johnson County beer drinkers an easier way to try this KC brewery without heading to the original West Bottoms location.
Prairie Village Breweries
Prairie Village recently welcomed a big addition to the local brewery scene with Big Grove Brewery.
25. Big Grove Brewery
Neighborhood: Prairie Village | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: Multiple locations in Iowa
Big Grove is an Iowa-based brewery that recently expanded into the Kansas City area with a large location at The Shops of Prairie Village. It has a full restaurant, plenty of Big Grove beer, and a large outdoor beer garden. I can’t wait to try this new-to-KC brewery.
Lenexa Breweries
Lenexa has several breweries worth checking out, including a longtime local favorite and some newer additions to the beer scene.
26. Limitless Brewing
Neighborhood: Lenexa | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: None
Limitless is a family-owned brewery with a community-focused taproom and a good variety of beers. They regularly host food trucks and events, and you can also bring in your own food. The beer at Limitless isn’t at the top of my personal favorites list, but the brewery has one of the best spaces and patios around. They also bring in some great live music, so I still really enjoy visiting.
27. KC Bier Co.
Neighborhood: Lenexa | Food: Yes, German-inspired menu | Other Locations: Waldo
KC Bier Co. recently brought its German-style beer experience to Lenexa with a second Bierhalle and Biergarten. This location is a lot bigger than the original, but you can expect the same focus on traditional German-style beers, along with German-inspired food.
28. Martin City Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Lenexa | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: Multiple locations around the KC metro
Martin City Brewing combines its locally brewed beer with a full restaurant menu, including its popular stone-fired pizzas.
I’ll cover Martin City Brewing in more detail when we get to its original Martin City location.
Olathe Breweries
Olathe has a couple of breweries worth checking out, whether you’re looking for a full meal with your beer or a more laid-back outdoor setting.
29. Red Crow Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Olathe | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: None
Red Crow is a family-owned brewery with a large taproom and a full food menu. It’s a great choice when you want dinner along with your beer. You’ll find a variety of beer styles along with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and other casual favorites.
Red Crow also hosts bingo and fun food events, including grilled cheese nights featuring several different varieties.
30. Tall Trellis Brew Co.
Neighborhood: Olathe | Food: Yes, food available | Other Locations: None
Tall Trellis offers something a little different with its outdoor space and working hopyard. Grab a locally brewed beer, something to eat, and enjoy the patio and live music when it’s offered. The outdoor setting also makes this a fun, family-friendly brewery.
Martin City, South KC & Grandview Breweries
Head farther south in the metro for a couple more local breweries, including one of KC’s most established brewery-and-restaurant combinations.
31. Martin City Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Martin City / South KC | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: Multiple locations around the KC metro
Martin City Brewing started in its namesake Martin City neighborhood and has since expanded throughout the KC metro. It’s known for combining locally brewed beer with a full menu, especially its popular stone-fired pizzas.
You’ll also find Martin City locations in Lenexa, Lee’s Summit, Mission Farms, the South Plaza, and other parts of the metro.
32. Transparent Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Grandview | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: None
Just south of Martin City, Transparent Brewing is a smaller local brewery with a spacious taproom and plenty of outdoor seating. You can pair your beer with tacos and other food from its on-site kitchen.
Parkville Breweries
Historic downtown Parkville is worth a visit on its own, and you can add a local beer or coffee while you’re exploring.
33. Rochester Brewing & Roasting Company
Neighborhood: Downtown Parkville | Food: Yes, light meals and pastries | Other Locations: Crossroads
Rochester’s Parkville location combines two of my favorite things: craft beer and coffee. You’ll find Rochester’s house-brewed beers alongside freshly roasted coffee, plus sandwiches, breakfast items, and pastries.
The downtown Parkville location is also close to the shops and English Landing Park, one of my favorite parks in the Kansas City area. Rochester’s original location is in the Crossroads, which I covered earlier.
Lee’s Summit Breweries
I don’t make it out to Lee’s Summit breweries as often as some of the other areas in this guide, but there are several worth checking out.
34. Diametric Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Lee’s Summit | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: None
Diametric pairs its craft beer with Burn Theory Fire Kitchen, a scratch kitchen specializing in smoked barbecue and pub fare. With plenty of house-brewed beers on tap, this is a good choice when you want both beer and a full meal.
35. Fringe Beerworks
Neighborhood: Downtown Lee’s Summit | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Independence
Fringe Beerworks is a small brewery in the heart of historic downtown Lee’s Summit with a rotating selection of creative beers. Its downtown location makes it easy to combine with the area’s restaurants and shops.
36. Smoke Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Downtown Lee’s Summit | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: None
Smoke Brewing combines two things Kansas City does particularly well: beer and barbecue. This downtown Lee’s Summit brewpub serves its own beer alongside barbecue and a full restaurant menu.
37. The Goat Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Lee’s Summit | Food: Food trucks | Other Locations: None
The Goat Brewing Co. brews a mix of American, Belgian, and German-style beers along with ciders, meads, and seltzers. Food trucks regularly visit, so check the schedule if you want to eat while you’re there.
38. Martin City Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Lee’s Summit | Food: Yes, full menu | Other Locations: Multiple locations around the KC metro
Martin City Brewing also has a Lee’s Summit Pizza & Taproom, where you can pair its locally brewed beer with stone-fired pizza and a full menu. See #31 above for more about Martin City Brewing Company.
Independence Breweries
Independence doesn’t have as many brewery stops as some other parts of the metro, but its local beer scene is worth a mention. The city is also famously the hometown of President Harry S. Truman, and the Truman Presidential Library and Museum is one of my favorite museums in the Kansas City area.
39. 3 Trails Brewing
Neighborhood: Independence | Food: No | Other Locations: None
3 Trails Brewing has deep ties to Independence. It opened on the historic Independence Square in 2019. Its name pays tribute to the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California trails that began here.
The taproom is currently closed, with 3 Trails focusing on brewing and distributing its beer around Missouri. You can still look for 3 Trails beer locally, but check its current status before planning a visit specifically to the brewery.
40. Fringe Beerworks — North
Neighborhood: Independence | Food: No full kitchen | Other Locations: Downtown Lee’s Summit
Fringe Beerworks also has a newer Independence brewery and taproom on Noland Road. I covered Fringe in more detail in the Lee’s Summit section, but its Independence location gives you another place to try its beers along with a rotating selection of guest taps.
How to Plan a Kansas City Brewery Crawl
With breweries spread throughout the metro, the easiest way to plan a Kansas City brewery crawl is to choose one neighborhood rather than trying to cover the entire city in a day.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to group them:
- Best for Walking: Crossroads. Start with Casual Animal and add Brewery Emperial, Border, City Barrel, BKS, or another nearby brewery. The Crossroads has one of the highest concentrations of breweries in KC.
- Easiest Three-Brewery Crawl: Downtown Shawnee. Park once and walk between Servaes, Transport, and Friction along Johnson Drive.
- Best for First-Time Visitors: Start at Boulevard for the Beer Hall or a brewery tour, then head down the street to Alma Mader. Boulevard offers several different tours and tasting experiences.
- Best for German Beer: KC Bier Co. in Waldo or Lenexa. The Waldo location has a traditional Bierhalle and Biergarten along with German-style beer and food.
- Best for Beer + Food: Brewery Emperial, City Barrel, Martin City, Red Crow, Vine Street, or Tall Trellis.
🍺Local Tip: If you are visiting breweries in the Crossroads and River Market, you can ride the free KC Streetcar. There are also several hotels in the area.
👉My Where to Stay in Kansas City guide has some great recommendations.
Kansas City Beer Festivals
Another fun way to experience Kansas City’s beer scene is at one of the area’s beer festivals. These events give you the chance to sample beers from multiple breweries all in one place.
A few to watch for include KC Brew Fest at Union Station, which brings together local, national, and international breweries, and the Parkville Microbrew Fest, a large outdoor festival with beer, food, and live music. These are in addition to several Oktoberfest celebrations around the metro each fall, including the ones mentioned above.
🍺Local Tip: I’ve attended KC Brew Fest in the past, and it’s a fun way to try a lot of different beers without hopping from brewery to brewery.
FAQ
Here are quick answers to a few of the most common questions about KC breweries, brewery hopping, food, tours, and more.
What is the most famous brewery in Kansas City?
Boulevard Brewing Company is easily the most famous brewery in Kansas City. If you’re visiting KC for the first time, this is where I’d start. Visit the Beer Hall or, even better, book a brewery tour.
What area of Kansas City has the most breweries?
The Crossroads is one of the best areas for breweries in Kansas City, with several taprooms within a relatively small area. It’s my top choice if you want to visit multiple breweries without driving all over the metro.
Can you walk between breweries in Kansas City?
Yes, in certain neighborhoods. The Crossroads is particularly good for a walkable brewery crawl. Downtown Shawnee is another great option because Servaes, Transport, and Friction are all within a short walk of each other.
Which Kansas City breweries serve food?
Several KC breweries have full kitchens, including Brewery Emperial, City Barrel, KC Bier Co., Martin City Brewing Company, Red Crow, Smoke Brewing Company, Vine Street, and others. Some breweries without kitchens regularly host food trucks or allow you to bring in outside food.
Does Boulevard Brewing offer tours?
Yes. Boulevard offers several brewery tours and tasting experiences. I recommend reserving your tour in advance, particularly if you’re visiting on a weekend.
What are the best Kansas City breweries for first-time visitors?
I’d start with Boulevard Brewing Company, then choose breweries based on where you’ll be exploring. Casual Animal and Brewery Emperial are two of my favorites in the Crossroads, while KC Bier Co. is a great choice if you like traditional German beer.
Are Kansas City breweries family-friendly?
Many Kansas City breweries allow children, especially during the day, but policies can vary by brewery and event. Check with the individual brewery before visiting with kids.
Which Kansas City breweries have great patios?
Rockcreek Brewing Company has one of my favorite brewery patios in KC. Brewery Emperial is another favorite when I want to sit outside, while KC Bier Co.’s Biergarten and Tall Trellis are great options for outdoor beer drinking too.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City’s brewery scene has grown so much over the years, and one of the things I love most is how different each brewery can be. You can tour one of KC’s most recognizable breweries at Boulevard, spend an afternoon brewery hopping through the Crossroads, enjoy German beer in a Biergarten, or discover a small neighborhood brewery tucked away in the suburbs.
My personal favorites include Boulevard, Casual Animal, Brewery Emperial, Servaes, Sandhills, and Rockcreek, but part of the fun is getting out and finding your own favorites.
With new breweries and locations continuing to open around the metro, I’m sure I’ll be adding to this list!
I hope you found this guide to the best breweries in Kansas City helpful. If I missed one of your favorites or you have a question, drop me an email at TravelandTinsel@gmail.com. I love hearing from readers!
More Kansas City Guides
Planning more time in KC? I have plenty more local guides to help you explore my hometown:
- Free Things to Do in Kansas City — Discover museums, attractions, outdoor spaces, and other fun things you can do without spending a dime.
- Kansas City Coffee Shops — Find some of my favorite local coffee shops around the metro.
- Best Brunch in Kansas City — More of my favorite local spots, organized by neighborhood.
- Unusual Things to Do in Kansas City — Find hidden gems, quirky attractions, and experiences beyond the usual KC must-sees.
- Where to Stay in Kansas City — Find the best neighborhood and hotel based on what you plan to do.
- Is Kansas City Safe? — My local guide to neighborhoods, safety, and what visitors should know.
- All Kansas City Travel Guides — See all of my Kansas City articles in one place.
