Tile shufflers like this one were also a popular choice among players.
Of all the games to go viral, did you expect Mahjong? The Chinese-born, Rummy-style tile game has been popular in the US since the 1920s — but a new wave of pop-ups, workshops, and media attention (Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, the Smithsonian) suggests the craze is catching fire.
Now, KC has its very own hotspot: The Bam Bam Room, the metro’s first Mahjong parlor, now open in Leawood. On its first day, I found the small storefront packed wall-to-wall with champagne-sipping guests, stylish merch, and the satisfying click of pastel tiles.
It’s a little bit of everything... plus a little more.
Photos by KCtoday
The setup? Simple and social. Walk-ins joined four-player tables on the fly — no need to bring a crew. The boutique-style shelves were stocked with giftable accessories, gear, and the must-have item of the moment: $10 decorative covers for your National Mahjong League card(IYKYK). Co-owner Kristi Powell compared it to “picking out wedding china” as visitors tested personalized tile and mat combos before investing in a set.
Whether you’re a tile-slinging pro or don’t know a Joker from a Bamboo, The Bam Bam Room has a seat for you. Stop by for daily ~$8 games or follow along for open play, leagues, and beginner workshops.
Money.com’s car insurance comparison tool could save you up to 19%. | Photo via Shutterstock
There’s a lot we don’t know. But we do know that “15 minutes could save you 15% or more” by switching car insurance providers.
Why? This marketing campaign works because the numbers speak for themselves — and the claim is true.
Comparing car insurance really can save you 10% to 19% more money. And Money.com has an easy-to-use (and free) car insurance tool to help you find providers in Kansas City. Check it out.
Wave “hi” to the new Chappell Roan mural near Broadway + Valentine. Ahead of next weekend’s show, KC is going full Midwest Princess with pop-up parties, themed treats, and what looks like a Pink Pony Club streetcar rolling in. (The Pitch)
Eat
You love hearing about KC’s newest restaurants — but what about the cleanest? The Kansas City Star shares weekly health department scores, so you can find out if your go-to spot made the nice (or not-so-nice) list. (Kansas City Star)
Open
A few doors down from Mission’s Truly Madly Depot, the owners of the eclectic stationery and gift shop are opening The Book Club tomorrow, Sept. 27. Stop by the new Johnson Drive storefront for a colorful collection of new and used books, as well as a cafe serving made-from-scratch bites + coffee drinks. (The Pitch)
Civic
That constant blue glow on KCPD patrol cars? It’s part of a new crime prevention effort to make police presence more visible.(Kansas City Star)
Traffic
If you frequent Waldo, rejoice: Construction on Wornall Road between 74th and 79th is finally wrapping up. After two years of orange cones and tight squeezes, the fresh asphalt, widened sidewalks, and new striping are nearly complete. Peep the fresh paint we’ll be looking out for the next time we fly out of KCI. (FOX4)
Announced
A McKeever’s Price Chopper may be the first tenant in a revitalized Noland Fashion Square. Developers are looking to turn the empty Independence locale into a modern shopping center, with plans to relocate the Price Chopper off Noland Road into the former Toys “R” Us space when its lease ends in 2028. (Kansas City Star)
Shop
At Warby Parker, every pair of glasses starts at $95. Pick your perfect pair and experience eye care that’s simple, convenient, and delightful.*
The Buy
Swap this summer’s top trending beaded bags for something a little more seasonally appropriate: rich hues of leather + luxurious suede. These are our top five bags for fall:
👜 We’re calling it now: This softly-brushed, chocolate-hued suede purse will be the bag of the season.
👜 Lucky Brand’s full-grain leather mini tote features top handles and a removable crossbody strap for added versatility.
👜 Level up any autumn outfit with this elegant satchel bag that’s on sale for under $40.
👜 This stadium-approved clear handbag is the perfect game day accessory.
👜 Luxuriously soft handfeel and rugged durability are two standout features of this fun heart-shaped leather purse.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
From chatting with folks at The Bam Bam Room’s grand opening, it’s clear Mahjong is catching on with my generation (Gen Z — or Zillennials, if we’re being precise). I’m always game for a new hobby — know of any others I should check out and feature in the newsletter?
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