Guest Blogger

Cheers to #alsc22!

Since arriving in Kansas City on Thursday, I’ve been scoping out scrumptious happy hour places within walking distance or a free KC streetcar ride away from the conference hotel. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far! 

Afterword Tavern and Shelves

1834 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 

Afterword Tavern & Shelves Patio. The brick walls feature mural art from artists Merk Aveli and Julie Heide. The storybook mural by the patio door incorporates elements from Moby Dick; Jurassic Park; 50,000 Leagues Under the Sea; Harry Potter; Lord of the Rings; Man of La Mancha; and silhouettes of the Kansas City Skyline.

Located in the heart of the Crossroads Art District, this bookstore/bar combination is a must-see! Their food menu is currently limited to weekends, but it’s worth stopping by for the literary craft cocktails alone. Outside patio seating is also available. 

Make sure to check out all the nearby murals and street art, too! If you’re staying for a few extra days, you may want to sign up for the Crossroads Art District & Westside Urban Hike. Or you could take a self-guided tour with the SpraySeeMo festival map!

Extra Virgin 

1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108 

Fudgy eggs seasoned with za’atar, scallion, chile, lemon, olive oil, parsley, and sumac. 

This tapas restaurant features delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The streetside patio is a great place to share something yummy with a conference buddy!

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen 

1526 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108 

Charcuterie boards featuring assorted cheeses and meats; apples; grapes; nuts; pickled vegetables and toasted bread/crackers

I’m a sucker for charcuterie boards! Tannin also offers outdoor seating and fantastic service.

Tom’s Town Distilling Co. 

1701 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108 

Tom’s Town Building. The brick wall art prominently features the distillery’s slogan – “The People Are Thirsty – and an advertisement for the official gin of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

If you’re thirsty AND hungry, make sure to call before you go! The kitchen was closed on Thursday night and the server we spoke with didn’t anticipate it re-opening for a few days.

Cheers!

(All photos courtesy of guest contributor.)


Guest contributor Jessica Fredrickson (she/her/hers) is a Youth Services Librarian for Arapahoe Libraries. For the past three years, Jessica has served on the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy Steering Committee, spearheading the collaborative ALSC/CLEL Virtual Storytime Services Guide. Professionally, Jessica is known for advocating for accessibility and giving storytime flannels early math makeovers. Her favorite things include tea, mountain hikes and middle grade fiction. She is looking forward to attending her first ALSC Institute!

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

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