Things to do

Start your day at the Filling Station, a cozy coffee shop located on one of the district’s key intersections. A spacious outdoor seating area provides a prime location for soaking in the area’s ambiance. Just down the street, the Made in KC Cafe serves coffee daily in an exquisitely retro setting.

Under the same roof, Made in KC’s flagship retail store offers an endless collection of KC-inspired goods and the Black Pantry stocks its shelves with a wide array of Black-owned products. Plus, Ludo’s pairs shuffleboard and low-key cocktails in an old-school (and effortlessly cool) setting.

What to eat

Don’t miss Martini Corner’s distinct and delicious dining options available all throughout the day. Brewer’s Kitchen is known for its extensive burger menu, while Cliff’s Taphouse boasts a decadent Sunday brunch (in addition to lunch and dinner six days a week) and Barrio Taqueria brings a new option for tacos and margaritas to the neighborhood. Another notable newcomer, Noka prepares fresh produce sourced from local farms to complement its menu of Japanese-inspired seafood dishes.

The Fix prioritizes plant-based comforts, like a fried breakfast burrito featuring Beyond meat and spicy tofu. (Though it’s technically beyond the neighborhood’s boundaries, the nearby Billie’s Grocery is home to one of the city’s most dazzling pastry cases, where you’ll also find an unparalleled selection of gluten-free and dairy-free options.)

Back in the heart of the neighborhood, take your pick from a pair of mainstays perched on Martini Corner at 31st & Oak Streets: Tower Tavern delivers everything you could hope for in a neighborhood bar, from string lights and arcade games to plenty of TVs for keeping an eye on your favorite team. Across the street, Brick House features a rustic indoor dining area and one of KC’s most laid-back and inviting patio spaces out back.

Where to shop

Finally, spend some time strolling the area to see what else you may discover. From vintage wonderlands like Populuxe and Urban Mining to tattoo shops like Windhorse and Golden Stag, the streets of Tower East are ideal for window shopping and spontaneous adventures.