What are the best Kansas City Breweries you absolutely must check out? Well, we’ve done the work to figure that out for you! We have sampled their brews, spent time in their taprooms, and read all the online reviews to come up with our take on the top Kansas City Breweries to explore this year!
Kansas City Breweries
Kansas City is a vibrant Midwestern city known for its jazz, barbecue, and love of sports. However, they’re also gaining recognition for the city’s rising beer scene. You can expect to find a variety of brewing styles, including traditional ales, hop-forward IPAs, barrel-aged sours, and experimental brews.
Kansas City’s local breweries take pride in using fresh, local ingredients, and many of them give back to their community through partnerships with local non-profits. If you’re a beer lover, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your taste buds in this bustling city.
What are the top breweries in Kansas City?
Kansas City is home to a plethora of amazing breweries, each with its own unique vibe and flavor profile. Some of the most popular beers in this city are hoppy IPAs, barrel-aged sours, and traditional farmhouse ales.
But what sets these breweries apart from the rest is their commitment to quality, community, and creativity. Many of these breweries have won awards at national beer festivals, while others are just starting to make a name for themselves.
What makes the breweries in Kansas City so great is their passion for making delicious beer and their willingness to experiment with new and exciting flavors.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best breweries in Kansas City, MO that you simply cannot miss.
How we picked the best Kansas City Breweries?
With every ‘top breweries’ post that we write, we make sure to do diligent online research to determine who makes it on our list. From reading online reviews and reviewing beer selections to checking other authority websites and sampling their beers. We do our best to take all the information we collect and give you our opinion of the top breweries in Kansas City.
However, we know we aren’t perfect and if we’ve missed a Kansas City brewery that you think should be on this list, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and we’ll do our best to include them!
Did we miss something?
If you think a brewery deserves a spot on our list, Vote for them! If you’re a brewery looking to update your information or get in touch, contact us!
The Best Kansas City Breweries
Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? Here’s our list of the top Kansas City Craft Breweries!
Boulevard Brewing
If you’re a craft beer lover in Kansas City, Boulevard Brewing is a must-visit destination. 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.
Boulevard offers a wide selection of beers, including year-round staples like their popular Unfiltered Wheat and Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, as well as a variety of specialty and seasonal releases. Many of their beers have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival, so you know you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to stop by Boulevard for a pint or two and take a tour to learn more about their delicious brews.
Customer Review: Boulevard is amazing. I love all the room in here and options to go outside. SO many beers available – my favorites are the experimental beers you can try. They also have seltzers and canned cocktails for the non-beer drinker.
- Phone: (816) 701-7247
- Address: 2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Space Camper Cosmic IPA and Unfiltered Wheat
- Website: boulevard.com/
KC Bier Co
If you’re looking for an authentic German-style beer experience in Kansas City, look no further than the Kansas City Bier Company. This brewery is dedicated to crafting delicious lagers and ales that stay true to their German roots. They even import their malt and hops from Europe to ensure that every sip is as authentic and delicious as possible.
At the Kansas City Bier Company, freshness and flavor are key. Their brewing process is designed to create beers that are bursting with flavor, and you can taste the difference in every glass. If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to pair your drinks with their bratwurst and German-style sausages for the ultimate German dining experience.
Customer Review: Great beer, food, service, and everything else. You can tell how passionate they are about German style beer and culture. Definitely my favorite spot (not just brewery) in the neighborhood.
- Phone: (816) 214-8691
- Address: 310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114, United States
- Beers to Try: German-style Pilsner
- Website: kcbier.com/
Martin City Brewing Company
Martin City Brewing Company is a craft brewery with several pizza and taproom locations across the Kansas City area, making it a popular spot for both foodies and beer enthusiasts. Their original location, Coast to Coast Pub in Martin City, is a must-visit destination, but they also have other locations in Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and Lanexa.
When it comes to beer, Martin City Brewing Company offers a variety of options to suit every taste. They have a lineup of core beers, seasonal releases, limited-release IPAs, and barrel-aged beers, so there’s always something new to try.
Don’t miss the chance to try their popular Donut Stout, a seasonal release that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of craft beer, pizza, or just looking for a fun night out, Martin City Brewing Company is a great place to visit.
Customer Review: Coast to Coast is a great! Good, vibe and Martin City Brewery beer! Happy hour specials and $1 oysters on Wednesday. The MCBC staff at all locations are well trained, professional and very friendly.
- Phone: (816) 268-2222
- Address: 500 E 135th St, Kansas City, MO 64145, United States
- Beers to Try: Donut Stout
- Website: martincitybrewingcompany.com/
Cinder Block Brewery
Cinder Block Brewery in North Kansas City specializes in artisanal beer, using only the finest local ingredients to create delicious, unique brews that are sure to please any palate.
They have a beautiful patio that is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer on a sunny day. And if you’re a Kansas City Chiefs fan, this is the place to be! The brewery is a great spot to watch sports and cheer on your favorite team with other fans.
What sets Cinder Block Brewery apart is their commitment to using local ingredients in their beer. They work closely with local farmers and producers to source the freshest hops and grains, resulting in a lineup of brews that are bursting with flavor.
Customer Review: LOVE this brewery! Such a fun and welcoming environment with DELICIOUS and creative beers and ciders. I’m not even a beer lover and I have found so much here that I love!
- Phone: (816) 298-6555
- Address: 110 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, United States
- Beers to Try: Weathered Wit Wheat Beer and Paver’s Porter
- Website: cinderblockbrewery.com/
Double Shift Brewing
Double Shift Brewing is a small but mighty brewery located in the heart of the Crossroads Art District in Kansas City. The brewery was originally founded as a “second shift” job by a local firefighter, and since then it has become a popular destination for beer lovers in the area.
At Double Shift Brewing, you can expect high-quality beer in small batches. They take pride in their attention to detail, crafting each beer with care and using only the best ingredients. Their lineup of beers includes some popular farmhouse ales, IPAs, and some wild creations that are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.
One of their most unique beers brewed on site is the Brunch Pirate, a wild creation that’s reminiscent of pancakes, maple syrup, and bacon, paired with coffee and a little whiskey for good measure. It’s the perfect beer to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning or to sip with friends at the brewery.
Customer Review: Had several different beers here and all of them were done well. Beertenders were friendly and helpful, even when it got busy. Probably my favorite brewery in town.
- Phone: (816) 304-7028
- Address: 412 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Brunch Pirate
- Website: doubleshiftbrewing.com/
City Barrel Brewing
If you’re looking for a fun and stylish place to grab a beer in Kansas City, look no further than City Barrel Brewing. This brewpub serves elevated pub food and cocktails in an industrial-chic space that’s perfect for a night out with friends.
One thing that sets City Barrel Brewing apart is their focus on hoppy, wild, and sour beers. They offer a range of flavors and styles, so there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs or sour beers, City Barrel Brewing has something that’s sure to please your palate.
A few brews worth mentioning are the Adulting, which uses Japanese rice to add spice to the lager, and the Recovery Beer, which has hints of mango and is packed with electrolytes. These unique creations are just a taste of what you can expect when you visit City Barrel Brewing. So grab a seat, order some delicious food, and sample some of the best beer Kansas City has to offer!
Customer Review: As far as Craft Brews and Craft Eats this place definitely has it right. […] As far as the beers, I am an IPA Fan and loved the different palate of colors and flavors the Brews came with. Good job C.B. keep up the good work, Cheers!
- Phone: (816) 298-7008
- Address: 1740 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Adulting and Recovery Beer
- Website: citybarrelbrewing.com/
Border Brewing Company
Nestled in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District, you’ll find City Barrel Brewing – a cozy and welcoming spot that’s perfect for a night out. This craft brewery offers a wide variety of beer styles that are both approachable and complex in flavor. From crisp lagers to bold IPAs, there’s something for everyone at City Barrel Brewing.
But this brewery is more than just great beer. They also host live music and trivia nights, making it a fun and lively spot to hang out with friends. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, don’t miss their small batch beer tapping every Thursday. It’s a chance for the brewers to experiment and try out new recipes, and it’s also a chance for you to taste a brew like the pros do.
Customer Review: Great new space with back patio, good selection of beers brewed on-site. Friendly staff
- Phone: (816) 469-5287
- Address: 512 E 18 St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Strawberry Blonde
- Website: borderbrewco.com/
Torn Label Brewing
Torn Label Brewing is not just a brewery, it’s an experience. Tucked away in a less-traveled area, it’s a hidden gem that’s worth seeking out. Their indoor and outdoor seating areas are perfect for enjoying some delicious pub food and amazing craft beers.
Torn Label Brewing prides itself on using local ingredients, and it shows in their brews. The House Brew, a coffee stout made with locally-sourced coffee beans, is a standout favorite. They also have tons of limited-release beers that rotate through their taps, making every visit a new adventure. And if you’re a trivia buff, be sure to check out their unique “Small Batch Trivia” night on Wednesdays, hosted by Geeks Who Drink.
Customer Review: This is the best brewery in Kansas City. And I’m not just saying that because I’m halfway through a growler of Baba Turk. Consistently high quality brews; they make nothing that isn’t amazing. Consider yourself lucky if you tried The Witch. I hope they make it every year until forever.
- Phone: (816) 656-5459
- Address: 1708 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: House Brew Coffee Wheat Stout
- Website: tornlabel.com/
Brewery Emperial
Brewery Emperial in the Crossroads District is a must-visit for beer lovers in Kansas City. This craft brewery is known for its expertly crafted American and European beers that are brewed on-site. The brewery’s full-service beer garden and patio are the perfect place to enjoy a cold one on a sunny day.
What sets Brewery Emperial apart from the rest is their dedication to using locally sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients in their delicious food menu. Their farm-to-table approach ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor and made with the highest quality ingredients.
Customer Review: Downtown Kansas City but plenty of free parking! The Extra Special Biscuit is super tasty – malty and clean. The food menu looks great and the outdoor seating is big. Going to bring the wife and kiddos back to this one!
- Phone: (816) 945-9625
- Address: 1829 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Biscuit American Ale
- Website: breweryemperial.com/
Stockyards Brewing
Stockyards Brewing in Kansas City is located in the historic West Bottoms area, also known as the Stockyard District. This brewery is like an old western saloon that’s been updated with a modern craft brewery. They’re all about brewing great, unpretentious beer for hardworking people while revitalizing a historic location rich in their city’s history.
One of the coolest things about this spot is that they’ve kept the original bar, woodwork, and vibe of the olden days. It’s a great place to catch the Kansas City Chiefs game or listen to live bluegrass music. If you’re looking for a laid-back brewery experience with a nod to the past, Stockyards Brewing is definitely worth checking out.
Customer Review: What a cool vibe! Mix a cowboy saloon with a dj that plays requested old western 45s with local craft drafts and you have a throwback experience worth revisiting. You have to check it out!
- Phone: (816) 945-7729
- Address: 1600 Genessee St #100, Kansas City, MO 64102, United States
- Beers to Try: West Bottoms IPA
- Website: stockyardsbrewing.com/
The Big Rip Brewing Company
The Big Rip Brewing Company is a small but mighty brewery and is the perfect spot to try something unique and delicious. Not only do they serve delicious pretzels, but you can also order food from their neighbor, Hawg Jaw BBQ.
The Big Rip is known for their inventive and sometimes downright spooky beer styles, most with fun sci-fi and horror movie themes. Their brewing system is computerized to ensure each batch is perfect, and they take great pride in brewing in small batches to maintain high quality. With so many unique flavors to try, The Big Rip is a great place to expand your beer horizons and try something new.
Customer Review: Truly enjoyed our evening at The Big Rip. The brews were delicious and having live music just adds a special touch.
- Phone: (816) 866-0747
- Address: 216 E 9th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, United States
- Beers to Try: Zelda’s Vanilla Cream Ale
- Website: bigripbrewing.com/
Casual Animal Brewing
Casual Animal Brewing is a small but mighty craft brewery that is all about quality over quantity. They specialize in small-batch session beers that are always fresh and packed with flavor. The team at Casual Animal is dedicated to using local ingredients whenever possible, so you know you’re getting a taste of Kansas City with every sip.
Plus, they give back to the community by donating $2 for every pint sold to local non-profit organizations. If you’re looking for a fun night out, Casual Animal often hosts events like comedy nights and game nights. While they don’t have a full kitchen, they offer tasty snacks, and you can always expect to find delicious food trucks or pop-up events parked outside.
Customer Review: Excellent space and beer – nicest overall that I’ve seen on Brewer’s Alley. Wide range, mostly on the easily palatable end of the beverage range. Think hard seltzer, hazy IPA, ice cream ale. Really pleasant, especially with the greenery – worth a visit.
- Phone: (816) 648-0184
- Address: 1725 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Cat Shark Amber Ale
- Website: casualanimalbrewing.com/
BKS Artisan Ales
If you’re looking for a top-quality craft brewery in Kansas City, look no further than BKS Artisan Ales! Located in the Brookside area, they were the first brewery in the area and have been making a name for themselves ever since. Their hazy IPAs are some of the best in the city, and they’re always experimenting with new and interesting beer styles.
Whether you’re into barrel-aged, hop-forward, sour ales, or farmhouse ales, BKS Artisan Ales’ beer menu has got you covered. And if you’re a fan of lagers, be sure to check out their Pivo Project initiative. They’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in craft brewing, so don’t miss out on a chance to visit this amazing brewery!
Customer Review: Best beer in Kansas City and beyond ! Most amazing a beer – worth the drive from anywhere, you won’t be disappointed. Friendly staff and great tap room. Highly recommend. Our go to for great IPA’s and craft beer !
- Phone: (816) 673-3027
- Address: 633 E 63rd St #120, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States
- Beers to Try: Bohemian Style Pilsner
- Website: bksartisanales.com/
Alma Mader Brewing
Welcome to Alma Mader Brewing, a small but mighty brewery owned and operated by the brewers themselves! They’re passionate about creating delicious beers that combine traditional techniques with innovative twists. If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, you won’t be disappointed – they’re known for their flavorful and aromatic ales and lagers.
One unique feature of Alma Mader is their impressive Lukr side-pull faucet, which allows them to slow-pour pilsners for a perfect foam head. This technique builds a thick and creamy layer of foam, almost like whip cream, that intensifies the flavor of the beer. It’s definitely worth trying!
Customer Review: Awesome brewery in downtown Kansas City. We got two great tasting ipa beers there. Great place to get great beer and hangout. Very chill. Good service. They offer some very small snacks. I would visit this brewery again.
- Phone: (816) 945-2589
- Address: 2635 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Beers to Try: Czech Style Pilsner
- Website: almamaderbrewing.com/
River Bluff at River Market
River Bluff at River Market Brewing is one of Kansas City’s newest craft breweries! Located in the bustling River Market District, River Bluff is passionate about crafting unique elixirs using both traditional and modern brewing methods.
They’ve already made a name for themselves by winning awards at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. The large tasting room is perfect for watching your favorite sports games on multiple TVs or enjoying live music and other events. Come taste the passion and artistry in every pint at River Bluff.
Customer Review: Great open space located in the Riverbend. I don’t normally enjoy sour beers but the spicy sour was really unique and delicious! They have one other spicy beer, you can tell it’s made with different types of peppers but it didn’t have any heat.
- Phone: (816) 255-2360
- Address: 201 Main St Ste 101, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States
- Beers to Try: Sandy Dunes Pale Ale
- Website: riverbluffbrew.com/
Pathlight Brewing
Pathlight Brewing is a new brewery located in the charming Shawnee neighborhood, just outside of Kansas City. Not only is their taproom kid-friendly, but their patio is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend to hang out with you.
Pathlight Brewing offers a diverse selection of beer styles, from smooth and creamy milk stouts to bold and hoppy West Coast IPAs. However, what sets them apart are their wild and sour ales that are bursting with unique and complex flavors. Make sure to stop by and try out some of their beers while enjoying their friendly atmosphere.
Customer Review: Fantastic space with lots of beer options! Easily top 5 for beer in KC. Space is nice and open with an outdoor patio.
- Phone: (913) 400-2615
- Address: 11200 W 75th St, Shawnee, KS 66214, United States
- Beers to Try: Foeder Saison Pinot Noir Sour
- Website: pathlightbrewing.com/
Callsign Brewing
Welcome to Callsign Brewery, a veteran-owned brewery in Kansas City that combines their passion for brewing with their history with the armed forces. At Callsign Brewery, you’ll find military-themed brews that honor those who served. Their focus is on traditional ales that are crafted with care and precision to create a memorable drinking experience.
Not only do they brew great beer, but they also offer a family-friendly and open atmosphere with an outside patio where you can enjoy a cold one with friends and family. In addition to their love for the military, Callsign Brewery also supports the armed forces by raising and donating money to various veteran initiatives.
Customer Review: Fantastic examples of each style of beer. All very crisp and clean, if you enjoy IPA’S don’t sleep on the Tanker Imperial IPA!
- Phone: (816) 702-7777
- Address: 1340 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116, United States
- Beers to Try: Fighter Pale Ale and Freedom Lager
- Website: callsignbrewing.com/
Fringe Beerworks
Fringe Beerworks is a unique craft brewery in the vibrant area of Lee’s Summit. They’re housed in a historic building that’s been given a modern twist, featuring an eclectic collection of beers with something for everyone. Don’t miss out on their refreshing grapefruit beer that’s perfect for summertime sipping.
Fringe Beerworks is always innovating and experimenting with new seasonal brews, so you can always try something new. They’re also the only all-electric brewery in the Kansas City metro, and they’re committed to sustainability by upcycling their spent grain and recycling wherever possible. Come for the beer, and stay for the cool atmosphere and commitment to the environment!
Customer Review: Great brews in the downtown Lee’s Summit area. Super chill owner and great patrons around. Stop in for an afternoon brew and relax. 6+ years strong!
- Phone: (816) 600-2552
- Address: 224 SE Douglas St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063, United States
- Beers to Try: Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Wheat
- Website: fringebeerworks.com/
Crane Brewing
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious beer experience, you have to check out Crane Brewing in Raytown! This craft brewery specializes in farmhouse ales and sour beers, which are aged in wood or steel, giving them bold flavors with Euro heritage.
To top it off, they’ve got some outrageously colorful beers, including one made with beets! And if you’re feeling peckish, they’ve got you covered with their partner, the Greg-Co BBQ food truck. With a focus on creativity and quality, Crane Brewing is a must-visit for any beer lover looking for something new and exciting.
Customer Review: Please check this place out. Good quality brewing. Great assortment of beers. Best lemonade I’ve ever had. Good food with the taco truck daily and Harps BBQ on the weekends.
- Phone: (816) 743-4132
- Address: 6515 Railroad St, Raytown, MO 64133, United States
- Beers to Try: Tea Weiss Sour Ale with Berry Rooibos Tea
- Website: cranebrewing.com/
Enjoy the best breweries in Kansas City!
Make sure to go and check out Kansas City’s best craft breweries, grab a locally brewed pint (or 2), and support your local brewers!
If we’ve missed a brewery on our list that you think should be added, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and why you think it should be added to our list of the top breweries in Kansas City!
