Best 20 Breweries in Kansas City KS: A Comprehensive Guide
Kansas City, KS, is home to some of the best breweries in the Midwest. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, the city has something to offer. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which breweries to visit.
Boulevard Brewing is a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers in Kansas City. Founded in 1989, it has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. One of the most unique features of Boulevard is its beer hall, which offers free tours that give visitors an inside look at its brewing process. Boulevard’s beers are sold in nearly 40 states coast-to-coast, making it a household name for beer enthusiasts.
Another popular brewery in Kansas City is BKS Artisan Ales. Known for its experimental and unique beers, BKS offers visitors a chance to try something new. The brewery also has a cozy taproom where visitors can relax and enjoy a pint or two. With a constantly rotating selection of beers, BKS is a great spot for those looking for something different.
Kansas City and Its Brewery Culture
Kansas City is a city known for its rich culture, jazz music, and of course, its microbreweries. The city’s brewery culture has been growing steadily over the years, with new breweries popping up regularly. The city boasts a vibrant beer scene that attracts beer lovers from all around the world.
The city’s brewery culture is deeply rooted in its history. The city has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to the 1800s. Back then, breweries were small and locally owned, but today, the city is home to several large breweries that produce beer for distribution across the country.
The city’s jazz culture has also played a significant role in shaping its brewery culture. Many of the city’s microbreweries feature live music, and some even have jazz bands playing regularly. This combination of jazz and beer has become a hallmark of the city’s brewery culture.
Kansas City’s brewery culture is also known for its innovation. Many of the city’s microbreweries are known for experimenting with new flavors and brewing techniques. This has helped to keep the city’s beer scene fresh and exciting.
Top Breweries in Kansas City
Kansas City has a thriving craft beer scene with a variety of breweries to choose from. Here are some of the top breweries in Kansas City:
Boulevard Brewing Co
Boulevard Brewing Co. is a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers in Kansas City. Founded in 1989, it has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in Midwestern America. One of the most unique features of Boulevard is its beer hall, which offers free tours that give you an inside look at its brewing process.
Website: https://www.boulevard.com/
Address: 2501 Southwest Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64108
Crane Brewing Company
Crane Brewing Company is known for its sour beers and unique flavor combinations. Located in Raytown, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City, Crane Brewing Company has quickly become a destination for beer lovers.
Website: https://www.cranebrewing.com/
Address: 6515 Railroad St, Raytown, MO 64133, United States
KC Bier Co
KC Bier Co. is a German-style brewery located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its authentic German beers and traditional Bavarian cuisine. The brewery has a large beer hall with communal seating, making it a great spot to gather with friends.
Website: http://kcbier.com/
Address: 310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114, United States
Brewery Emperial
Brewery Emperial is a small craft brewery located in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular farmhouse ale.
Website: http://www.breweryemperial.com/
Address: 1829 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
BKS Artisan Ales
BKS Artisan Ales is a small, family-owned brewery located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its experimental and innovative beers, including its popular sour and farmhouse ales.
Website: http://www.bksartisanales.com/
Address: 633 E 63rd St #120, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States
Alma Mader Brewing
Alma Mader Brewing is a small, independent brewery located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular hazy IPAs and fruited sours.
Website: http://www.almamaderbrewing.com/
Address: 2635 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Torn Label Brewing
Torn Label Brewing is a small craft brewery located in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Monk & Honey Belgian Dubbel.
Website: http://tornlabel.com/
Address: 1708 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Fringe Beerworks
Fringe Beerworks is a small, independent brewery located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular hazy IPAs and fruited sours.
Website: http://www.fringebeerworks.com/
Address: 224 SE Douglas St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063, United States
Stockyards Brewing Co
Stockyards Brewing Co is a small craft brewery located in the West Bottoms district of Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Stockyards Gold Ale.
Website: http://www.stockyardsbrewing.com/
Address: 1600 Genessee St #100, Kansas City, MO 64102, United States
City Barrel Brewing
City Barrel Brewing is a small, independent brewery located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts.
Website: http://www.citybarrelbrewing.com/
Address: 1740 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Martin City Brewing Company
Martin City Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery located in Martin City, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Hardway IPA.
Website: http://martincitybrewingcompany.com/
Address: 410 E 135th Street, Kansas City, MO 64145
Cinder Block Brewery
Cinder Block Brewery is a small craft brewery located in North Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Northtown Native American Brown Ale.
Website: http://www.cinderblockbrewery.com/
Address: 110 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, United States
Border Brewing Company
Border Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Border XPA.
Website: http://www.borderbrewco.com/
Address: 512 E 18 St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Big Rip Brewing Company
Big Rip Brewing Company is a small craft brewery located in North Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Hoptometrist Double IPA.
Website: http://www.bigripbrewing.com/
Address: 216 E 9th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, United States
East Forty Brewing
East Forty Brewing is a small, independent brewery located in Blue Springs, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Hazy Daisy IPA.
Website: http://www.eastfortybrewing.com/
Address: 1201 W Main St, Blue Springs, MO 64015, United States
Grains & Taps
Grains & Taps is a small, independent brewery located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Mango Habanero Wheat.
Website: https://grainsandtaps.com/
Address: 310 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063, United States
The Big Rip Brewing Company
The Big Rip Brewing Company is a small craft brewery located in North Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Ghost of the Great Highway Porter.
Website: http://www.bigripbrewing.com/
Address: 216 E 9th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, United States
Pathlight Brewing
Pathlight Brewing is a small, independent brewery located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Pathlight Pilsner.
Website: http://pathlightbrewing.com/
Address: 11200 W 75th St, Shawnee, KS 66214, United States
3 Trails Brewing Co
3 Trails Brewing Co. is a small craft brewery located in Independence, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Trailblazer IPA.
Website: http://www.3trailsbrewing.com/
Address: 111 N Main St, Independence, MO 64050, United States
Apex Aleworks
Apex Aleworks is a small, independent brewery located in Independence, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including its popular Apex IPA.
Website: https://www.apexaleworks.com/
Address: 4356 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055, United States
Unique Beer Flavors and Styles
Kansas City is home to many breweries that offer unique beer flavors and styles. From classic lagers to sour beers, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most unique beer flavors and styles that can be found in Kansas City breweries:
Grapefruit Beer
Grapefruit beer is a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity beers. This beer has a refreshing taste and is perfect for summer days. Many breweries in Kansas City offer grapefruit beer, including Calibration Brewery and Boulevard Brewing Company.
Sours
Sour beers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and many breweries in Kansas City have started to offer their own versions. These beers have a tart taste and are often made with fruit. Some of the best sour beers in Kansas City can be found at Torn Label Brewing Company and Crane Brewing Company.
German-Style Beers
Kansas City has a strong German heritage, and many breweries in the area offer traditional German-style beers. These beers are often lagers or pilsners and have a crisp, clean taste. Some of the best German-style beers in Kansas City can be found at KC Bier Co. and Strange Days Brewing Company.
West Coast IPAs
West Coast IPAs are known for their hoppy flavor and are a favorite among beer enthusiasts. Many breweries in Kansas City offer their own versions of this classic style, including Double Shift Brewing Company and Boulevard Brewing Company.
Triple IPA
Triple IPAs are a newer style of beer that have become popular in recent years. These beers are known for their high alcohol content and intense hop flavor. Some of the best triple IPAs in Kansas City can be found at Crane Brewing Company and Torn Label Brewing Company.
Czech-Style Pils
Czech-style pilsners are a classic beer style that originated in the Czech Republic. These beers have a light, crisp taste and are often served in a tall, thin glass. Some of the best Czech-style pilsners in Kansas City can be found at KC Bier Co. and Boulevard Brewing Company.
Hazy American Classic
Hazy American Classic is a newer beer style that has become popular in recent years. These beers are known for their hazy appearance and tropical fruit flavors. Some of the best Hazy American Classic beers in Kansas City can be found at Double Shift Brewing Company and Strange Days Brewing Company.