Kansas City boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous breweries offering a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Here are ten standout breweries in the Kansas City metropolitan area that we believe beer enthusiasts should consider visiting.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Overview: Established in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company is Kansas City’s most iconic brewery and the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest.
Signature Brews: Known for its flagship Unfiltered Wheat Beer and the bold Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, Boulevard offers a wide array of year-round, seasonal, and limited edition brews.
Ambiance: The brewery features an impressive Beer Hall with over 30 taps, interactive experiences, and sweeping views of the city. The Rec Deck is perfect for casual gatherings with games like shuffleboard.
Tours: Daily tours give visitors a behind the scenes look at the brewing process, ending with generous tastings.
Why Visit: Boulevard seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit for beer lovers and history buffs alike.
Website: boulevard.com
Address: 2534 Madison Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108
More Details: Boulevard Beer Hall Review
BKS Artisan Ales
Overview: A hidden gem located in the charming Brookside neighborhood, BKS Artisan Ales is revered for its small batch, handcrafted approach to brewing.
Signature Brews: Their hazy IPAs, like Tiny Clouds, and Pacific Specific, as well as their Pivo Project Lagers are particularly popular among craft beer enthusiasts.
Ambiance: With a cozy taproom and a friendly atmosphere, BKS feels like a neighborhood secret shared among locals.
Unique Features: They release limited quantities of new beers almost weekly, making every visit a unique experience.
Why Visit: Perfect for those who appreciate quality over quantity and enjoy exploring unique beer profiles.
Website: bksartisanales.com
Address: 633 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64110
Alma Mader Brewing
Overview: Opened in 2019, Alma Mader quickly became a favorite for its dedication to crafting beers that strike a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Signature Brews: Alma Mader specializes in lagers and hop-forward ales, with highlights like Pacific Portal and Between Coasts IPAs.
Ambiance: The modern, industrial-style taproom on Southwest Boulevard is both inviting and spacious, ideal for gatherings. They also have an outdoor beer garden to enjoy when the weather permits.
Why Visit: Their approach to brewing is as thoughtful as it is flavorful, making it a go-to for those seeking well crafted, approachable beers.
Website: almamaderbrewing.com
Address: 2635 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108-2346
More Details: Alma Mader Brewing Review
City Barrel Brewing Company
Overview: Located in the Crossroads Arts District, City Barrel Brewing Company is a standout for its focus on hoppy, wild, and sour beers.
Signature Brews: Their Rad AF IPA and a rotating selection of stouts like Treat Yo Self are crowd favorites.
Ambiance: The vibrant, trendy brewery also houses a full service restaurant offering a menu of elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with their beer.
Events: They frequently host live music, trivia nights, and beer pairings.
Why Visit: City Barrel delivers not only exceptional beer but also a full culinary experience in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Website: citybarrelbrewing.com
Address: 1740 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108-1539 and 120 E. Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64114
KC Bier Co.
Overview: KC Bier Co. is dedicated to brewing authentic German style beers using traditional ingredients and methods.
Signature Brews: Their Dunkel and Hefeweizen are made with precision, staying true to German beer purity laws.
Ambiance: The brewery’s bierhalle and outdoor biergarten transport visitors to Bavaria, complete with long communal tables and a festive atmosphere.
Family Friendly: With plenty of outdoor space and a relaxed vibe, it’s a great spot for families to enjoy.
Why Visit: A slice of Germany in Kansas City, KC Bier Co. is ideal for fans of crisp, clean lagers and authentic European beer styles.
Website: kcbier.com
Address: 310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114
Crane Brewing Company
Overview: Nestled in Raytown, Crane Brewing Company is renowned for its innovative farmhouse ales, sours, and unique flavor combinations.
Signature Brews: Highlights include the Tea Weiss, a Berliner Weisse brewed with hibiscus tea, and the tangy Grapefruit Gose.
Ambiance: The unpretentious taproom is a cozy space to sample their creative offerings.
Sustainability: Crane prides itself on being eco-conscious, using sustainable brewing practices and locally sourced ingredients.
Why Visit: Perfect for adventurous beer drinkers who love bold, unexpected flavors. Crane is located a short drive from Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums, so if you’re in town for a game, stop by for a beer while you’re in the area.
Website: cranebrewing.com
Address: 6515 Railroad St, Raytown, MO 64133-5210
Stockyards Brewing Co.
Overview: Located in the historic Stockyards District, this brewery draws inspiration from Kansas City’s rich history.
Signature Brews: Their Black IPA and Fox Trotter Brown Ale reflect a balance of tradition and modernity.
Ambiance: The rustic taproom features exposed brick and wood accents, offering a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Regular live music events add to the lively vibe.
Why Visit: Stockyards offers a blend of quality beer and Kansas City history, making it a unique stop for locals and tourists alike.
Website: stockyardsbrewing.com
Address: 1600 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102-1005
More Details: Stockyards Brewing Review
Torn Label Brewing Company
Overview: A craft beer trailblazer in Kansas City, Torn Label Brewing Company emphasizes bold, adventurous flavors.
Signature Brews: Their Monk & Honey, a Belgian inspired ale brewed with local honey, and the hoppy Alpha Pale Ale are top picks.
Ambiance: Located in the East Crossroads District, the brewery’s laid back taproom is perfect for intimate gatherings.
Why Visit: Torn Label’s focus on high-quality ingredients and bold recipes ensures there’s always something exciting to try.
Website: tornlabel.com
Address: 1708 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64108-1524
More Details: Torn Label Review
Casual Animal Brewing Co.
Overview: This community focused brewery prioritizes fresh, approachable beers.
Signature Brews: Casual Animal’s offerings rotate frequently, with highlights like their Treat Yourself Honey Wheat and hazy IPAs. If they have their Vanilla Porter on tap, be sure to give it a try!
Ambiance: Their taproom fosters a sense of community, with local artwork adorning the walls and communal seating.
Why Visit: For a welcoming, no-frills craft beer experience, Casual Animal is hard to beat.
Website: casualanimalbrewing.com
Address: 1725 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108-1423
More Details: Casual Animal Review
These are some of our favorites, but there’s many more great breweries in the KC area. Kansas City’s brewery scene is as diverse as its people, offering something for every palate, from classic German lagers to experimental sours. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these breweries promise unforgettable experiences.
If you would like to visit multiple breweries, the following ones listed below are near each other. (Walking distance for most people.):
Boulevard and Alma Mader
City Barrel and Torn Label
KC Bier Co. and BKS Artisan Ales
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