So an apple walks into a bar... 🍎

Brick River Cider Company opens in Crossroads

Can’t decide? A flight cost us $12. | Photo by KCtoday

There’s a new kind of craft beverage fermenting in the Crossroads, and it’s the apple of our eye. Brick River Cider Company has been open for a month (its first day was Dec. 17), although it has already weathered closures due to extreme cold and busted water mains.

The Kansas City cidery — at 1701 McGee St., KCMO — is actually an expansion of a St. Louis company. Its KC location used to be a mid-1900s auto repair shop. Yet, it’s right at home in one of KC’s most concentrated beverage + entertainment districts.

“We’re local, and we want to stay local,” proprietor Conrado Moni told KCtoday. “All we care about is our community and providing a good product. Something that people can actually enjoy and know is of the best quality.”

Photo of the Brick River sign — We saw the sign. Have you?

Why cider?

Conrado and the Brick River bartenders described cider as a versatile drink that anyone can appreciate.

🍺 Beer fans: Cider is a carbonated drink with lots of experimentation opportunities. Try the dry-hopped winter cider (one of our favorites).
🍷 Wine fans: Cider is made the same way, and you can experience dry vs. fruity ciders + fruit-infused flavors.
🥃 Cocktail fans: Along with locally sourced spirits, try sipping the Double Barrel Apple cider with house-made brandy (more on that below).
🚫 Non-alcoholic: Brick River’s apple soda is caramely and rich (and low-key, high on our list).

“Everything’s all natural,” Conrado said. “No artificial flavors. No concentrates. Fresh-pressed fruit brought back to the traditional ways.”

Photo of cider fermenters — Tanks for the cider — much appreciated.

Specific to Kansas City

Aside from delicious cider (tested by yours truly) and a great atmosphere, Brick River KC has two things you won’t find in St. Louis.

First, Brick River is making an apple brandy only in KC. It’s paired with a cider in a signature local drink called Double Barrel Apple. That one was Editor Travis’ favorite.

Next, the KC location offers an expanded food menu, including additional apps, an entree, and a dessert.

FUTURE PLANS: PLANTING SEEDS 🍎

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Tuesday, Jan. 17

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 9:30 a.m. | Mid-America Nazarene University College Church, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS | Free | Join the MNU’s 17th annual celebration of MLK, including the presentation of its Living Legacy Award.
Aquatics Facilities Community Input Meeting | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 4-6 p.m. | Line Creek Community Center, 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO | Free | Share your thoughts on the future of swimming in KC.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Shuffleboard Learn to Play Happy Hour | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Ludo’s Shuffleboards, 325 E. 31st St., Kansas City, MO | $5+ | Learn the rules, how-tos, and strategies while sipping on happy hour beverages.
Rich Hill Duo | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Chaz Restaurant and Lounge, 325 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Listen to smooth tunes while sipping on an even smoother drink.

Thursday, Jan. 19

The Kansas City RV Show | Thursday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 22 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Kansas City Convention Center | $12-$20 | Come see the latest innovations, features, and styles that will carry you into your next great outdoor adventure.
Mike Baldwin | Thursday, Jan. 19-Saturday, Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City, 1130 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO | $15 | Get your giggle on at this comedy show.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

50º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Cause

Local literacy nonprofit Lead to Read KC is expanding its services to eight new classrooms, and they need help recruiting 80 reading mentors. The organization is rewarding people who help find volunteers through free shirts + a Ruby Jean’s Juicery gift card. 📖

Civic

North Kansas City is getting a mobility upgrade — public e-bikes. RideKC Bikes will start swapping its pedal powered fleet today, Jan. 17. Smart lock technology will let riders park the new bikes at standard bike racks in addition to RideKC hubs. 🚲

Eat

Hope you’re hungry. Restaurant Week is underway in Kansas City — the final day is Sunday, Jan. 22. Check the website or app to see participating locations, menus, prices, and how to make reservations. Food comas to be expected. 🍽

Plan Ahead

If you’re tired of winter (like us), plan to get whisked away to a tropical retreat at Prime Social’s Winter Lu’au Party on Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join the fun — at 4622 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO — for island drinks and live music. Make a reservation to save your spot. 🍹

List

A restaurant’s atmosphere contributes a lot to the eating experience — what would Joe’s be without its gas station? That’s why DesignKC recently featured these “design-forward establishments,” from Fox and Pearl’s iron spiral staircase to Acre’s tree sculpture wine rack. (DesignKC)

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Travis.

Editor’s pick: Remember our gas station story? We polled you about your favorite gas station, and you pumped us full of answers. The resounding winner: QuikTrip (88%)

Several others wrote in votes for Costo, Sam’s, and Hy-Vee (we see you, fuel savers).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We celebrated MLK Day with ways to volunteer.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

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