The West Bottoms is an emerging area just west of downtown. It was the old central market dating back from the early 1800’s. Today the old, warehouse buildings are being redone. Here you find centered around the Hy-Vee Arena, a number of restaurants, an urban winery, many antique stores and new microbrewery and distillery.
There are approximately 20 stores featuring antiques, vintage finds and architectural artifacts. Many are open only for the First Friday Weekend of the Month event where you will find special sales events throughout the area. One of the most popular spots for shopping is Bella Patina, which has three levels of vintage furniture and antiques. For a list of stores, restaurants and events, check out the website for the Historic West Bottoms 12th St. Bridge Entertainment District.
I read about Blip Coffee Roasters, located in the West Bottoms and had to try it. It serves home roasted coffee in a motorcyclists’ cafe. They attract motorcyclists on weekends for the Blip Sunday Meet-up and for special events. They also feature clothing and motorcycle gear. It is a fun experience. It is now located at 1301 Woodswether Rd.
Voltaire: Getting great reviews is Volataire at 1617 Genessee. It is known for it food and cocktails. It is open for dinner and Sunday brunch. It was a former bar that was converted to a restaurant using many of the original finishes.
Amigoni Urban Winery: Their attractive tasting room and wine storage facility is located at 1505 Genessee. They grow their grapes in central Missouri and feature Rhone-style wines and no sweet wines. There are reds, whites and a rose. You can also taste beers produced by Boulevard Brewery a short distance away. The building housing production and additional storage is a few blocks away. I really enjoyed the Urban Blend which is a smooth red featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged for 14 months in oak barrels. Their Cabernet Franc was really good also. It is their signature grape and number one seller. Cheese plates and other plates are offered along with the tasting. It is aged for 18 months in white oak barrels.
Stockyards Brewing Co.: This microbrewery is located in the West Bottoms in the historic Golden Ox building at 1600 Genessee St. The Golden Ox was started in 1949 and was the top steakhouse in town. After they closed for good in 2014, Stockyards Brewing took over in 2015 and has kept the historic bar in tact. This is a fun spot to taste one of their ales, lagers, pilsners, stouts or porters. You can also have a cocktail and a snack. The classic decor and old murals are well-worth the visit.
After being closed for several years, the Golden Ox has since reopened, next door, under new management. I went with my brother and nephew in December 2019 when I was back in town. We all loved the food, service and the warm, clubby atmosphere. 1600 Genessee St.
Across the street is a fun new find, The Campground. This is a casual, farm-to-table restaurant that opened in late 2018 in the former Genessee Royale Bistro space at 1531 Genessee St. I enjoyed Sunday brunch with my cousin after my niece’s wedding the night before. It has a fun, casual atmosphere and good food. Located in a former gas station, the old garage doors can be opened in the warmer months.
Also nearby is Lucky Boys at 1615 Genessee St. This is a classic bar serving cocktails and a new menu. Chef Derek Solsberg, formerly with Novel, has taken over the kitchen. According to Feast Manazine, “favorite items, such as the Louisville hot chicken sandwich and veggie burger, retain spots on the menu. New additions include a bánh mì with pork meatballs and pâté, a spin on French onion dip, chili-stuffed hand pies along with a vegetarian version, as well as gluten-free fries. A fish filet sandwich on an egg bun with remoulade is also in the works. As the menu evolves, standard offerings will include a soup, salad, hand pies, up to five sandwiches and side dishes.”
Opened in early 2021 is West Bottoms Whiskey Co. at 1321 W 13 Street. As a distillery and cocktail parlor, they have a full bar, including some local beers and wines, but the focus of their signature drinks is the Kansas City Blended Whiskey, their flagship spirit. This is a 50/50 blend of Rye and Bourbon whiskeys, finished with just a touch of 15 year old Oloroso Sherry. I went on my recent trip, and enjoyed trying the whiskey and its smooth finish and meeting the owner Alex Lindsey.
I also recommend stopping in at the Java Garage for a coffee at 1323 W. 13th St.
Nearby is Chef J BBQ at 1401 W. 13th St. Suite B. My nephew recommends it for great BBQ. I will definitely add it my list for my next trip.
