John, We’re ten short days away from We Are the Change: The 2019 PFLAG National Convention (and if you're not registered, there's still time), and we’re getting excited! To be sure you have the best time possible in Kansas City, we wanted to share a few favorite places, as curated by two staffers who call KC home: Executive Director Brian Bond and Chapter Engagement Manager - Web & Database Brooke Smith. BBQ -
Gates Bar-B-Q. This great place has been a staple of Kansas City since 1946; the BBQ sauce alone is to die for! gatesbbq.com -
Arthur Bryant’s BBQ. Created by the legendary King of Ribs, Arthur Bryant, these are Brooke’s favorite ribs of all time. Arthurbryantsbbq.com -
Q39. Get the judge’s plate and don’t forget the brisket. Q39kc.com -
Jones’ BBQ. Run by sisters Deborah and Mary, they are true pitmasters. Make sure to add a side order of baked beans. They’re made from scratch daily with pure love. facebook.com/pages/Jones-BBQ/1672589259696683 -
Wabash. Located in the old Wabash Train Depot, Cheri McCullough and Mitch Dickey refurbished the historic site to smoke their award winning ribs and chicken. wabashbbq.com -
Joe’s KC. Be prepared to wait in line for an incredible BBQ born out of this former gas station. The sandwiches are worth the wait. Try the Z-Man or the turkey. joeskc.com To Eat and Drink -
Happy Gillis. Nestled in the Columbus Park neighborhood in Kansas City, Happy Gillis is a cute little cafe that lets the ingredients shine. Open for breakfast and lunch. happygillis.com -
The Brick. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, The Brick is famous for its meatloaf sandwich and Boulevard Beer battered hot dog. As a bonus, you can watch live music while you enjoy your meal. thebrickkcmo.com -
Missie B’s. Missie B’s opened its doors in April 1994 as a piano/karaoke bar with special entertainment and drag shows. It’s Kansas City’s premier bar for the LGBTQ community and allies. missiebs.com -
Westside Local. When you go to Westside Local, you’ll find a cozy and comfy space with fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes often, so check out the website for the latest creations. Thewestsidelocal.com -
The Ship. Originally opened after the end of Prohibition and run by Ethel Mae Wright (purported mistress of Kansas City mayor and mob boss, Tom Pendergast), The Ship is the place to go for a cocktail and music. Theshipkc.com -
Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen and Bar. Ponak's has been a family tradition for over 40 years. Amazing Chips and Salsa, and everyone says the margaritas are the best in town. ponaksmexicankitchen.com -
Cafe Gratitude. Vegans, check it out! It’s environmentally and socially responsible -- and all organic. cafegratitudekc.com/ -
LaMar’s Donuts. Splurge with the basics and health food be darned: if you go there in the morning when the donuts are hot, you can’t close the lid on the box or they will melt together like a brick. Bigger than Tasty Kreme, and now has grown to over 25 stores in five states. Don’t check the calories - just enjoy the taste!lamars.com -
Winstead’s. Great old fashioned (diner-like) burgers and shakes and floats for over 75 years. winsteadssteakburger.com To Visit -
Kaleidoscope. There are stations with different crafts and projects, this art space is sponsored by Hallmark and is completely free. Hallmarkkaleidoscope.com -
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Home to resident organizations the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony, and other innovative programming, Kauffman Center embraces a variety of audiences with different tastes, interests and passions. kauffmancenter.org -
Negro League Baseball Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its profound impact on the social advancement of America. nlbm.com -
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. This museum is a true treasure of Kansas City, with exhibits on African, American, American Indian, Ancient Architecture, Design & Decorative Arts, Chinese Contemporary, European, Japanese Modern, and Photography. Bonus? Free admission! nelson-atkins.org -
World War I Memorial and Museum. This is the only WWI museum in the United States. The grounds of the memorial represent the beautiful art deco style of Kansas City, while the museum’s life-size trenches guides visitors through a comprehensive journey of the Great War. theworldwar.org Also? Our friends at Lyft have provided a discount code for attendees. Download the Lyft app to your phone, and use code PFLAG19 to get 20% off of two rides, up to $5 per ride. We hope you’ll find time to take advantage of the great sites--and eats--in Kansas City! | |
