When nostalgia hits, it hits hard.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, back when things were (somewhat) normal, a very good friend of mine introduced me to barcades.
If memory serves, we went to Up-down Kansas City, an arcade bar located in the Crossroads. Upon entering, I was mesmerized. I was given tokens, and there were ‘90s arcade games as far as the eye could see. You see, I’m a ‘90s kid. I grew up watching Nickelodeon, eating Razzles, and playing Super Mario on my sister’s Nintendo NES. Barcades meant I could merge my long-standing love for ‘90s arcade games with craft beer, a dream come true.
If you’re looking to take a trip to nostalgia town, then I have two words for you — pinball tournament. Fringe Beerworks — 224 S.E. Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, Missouri — is holding a pinball tournament this Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. Eight spots are available with a $5 entry fee. Prizes are awarded for the top score on each pinball machine!
Beer Releases
Pathlight Brewing — 11200 W. 75th St., Shawnee, Kansas — has released Banker’s Hours, an Amber Lager (4.5% ABV) that boasts of malty deliciousness. Four-packs are available for pre-order.
Martin City Brewing — 500 E. 135th St. Kansas City, Missouri — released Mexican Spice Stout (8% ABV), which is their first release of 2021. This stout carries notes of cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, espresso, and is topped off with ancho chile spice notes.
Transport Brewery — 11113 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas — just dropped Central Line (5.8% ABV), a ruby red, English-style mild created from a century-old recipe that is loaded with notes of fruit and toffee.

Try KC Bier Co.’s — 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, Missouri — Edelweiss, an amber wheat bier with notes of malt and caramel, and a banana aroma. This delicious, award-winning brew clocks in at 5.8% ABV (13 IBU) and is made with wheat, pilsner and Vienna malts.
Callsign Brewing — 1447 Gentry St., North Kansas City, Missouri — has released a brand new beer called Winter Warmer Ale (8.0% ABV, 13 IBU), an amber ale made with cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. It was kegged with maple syrup from Vermont!
3Halves Brewing Co. — 110 E. Kansas St., Liberty, Missouri — just dropped Tweak’s Bean Dream (6.5% ABV), a caramel latte porter made with espresso, milk sugar and caramel.
Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co. — 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, Missouri — released Tropical Tart (5.0% ABV), a kettle sour that boasts of tropical fruit flavors.
Beer Events
Friday, Jan. 15
Apex Aleworks — 4356 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri — is hosting standup comedy Friday 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Jeff Krakenberg will be hosting the show and Teague Hayes is headlining! The show will also feature Dustin Slentz, Davis DeRock, Lynn Navratil and Aaron Scarbrough!
Saturday, Jan. 16
If you’re looking for a place to play Bingo, then head over to Red Crow Brewing Co. — 1062 W. Santa Fe St., Olathe, Kansas — Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Reserve your tickets and be there early to ensure social distancing.
In lieu of a chili cook off, Servaes Brewing Company — 10921 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas — is offering four special, chili-inspired beers this Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. The releases include a jalapeño cream ale, a raspberry habanero spiced honey Berliner weisse, a cinnamon coffee mocha stout, and a cream cheese cinnamon roll golden sour. Bryce’s Food Truck will be there to satisfy your chicken tender needs!
Sunday, Jan. 17
Are you looking for a place to watch the Chiefs game this Sunday? Look no further. Border Brewing Co. — 406 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri — is hosting the Chiefs game this Sunday starting at 2 p.m. Delicious beer. Football. Who could ask for more?
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