Introduction: Kansas City’s Craft Beer Boom
Kansas City has quietly become one of the Midwest’s top destinations for beer lovers. Once primarily known for barbecue and jazz, the city is now recognized for its thriving craft beer scene, with breweries offering everything from traditional German lagers to experimental wild-fermented sours and hazy IPAs.
Over the past decade, the number of breweries in Kansas City has grown significantly, drawing attention from locals, beer tourists, and national critics alike. This guide to the best breweries in Kansas City is designed to highlight the city’s most exciting spots, balancing beer quality, reputation, local popularity, and unique experiences.
Whether you’re looking for breweries near me, searching for the perfect taproom to spend an afternoon, or planning a brewery guide to Kansas City, this list covers it all. You’ll discover award-winning classics, innovative newcomers, and some of the most welcoming atmospheres in the Midwest.
From iconic Boulevard Brewing Company to rising stars like Strawberry Hill, Kansas City’s beer variety reflects the city’s culture: bold, diverse, and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the top breweries in Kansas City for 2025.
Top 10 Best Breweries in Kansas City
1. BKS Artisan Ales – Brookside
Address: 633 E 63rd St #120, Kansas City, MO 64110
What Makes It Special:
BKS Artisan Ales consistently ranks as one of the highest-rated breweries in Kansas City. Known for small-batch precision, they brew beers that balance creativity and technical mastery.
Signature Beers:
- Rockhill & Locust IPA – Juicy, hazy IPA with tropical fruit notes.
- Counterculture Coffee Stout – A silky, roasty stout brewed with local coffee.
- Seasonal Saisons – Rotating farmhouse ales highlighting fresh ingredients.
Atmosphere & Experience:
The intimate Brookside taproom offers a community feel, with modern but cozy décor. Expect a welcoming neighborhood vibe where conversations flow as easily as the beer.
Why It Made Our List:
With rave reviews on Untappd and BeerAdvocate, BKS Artisan Ales is a must-visit for serious craft beer fans.
Hours: Friday–Sunday, limited hours.
👉 Learn more about BKS Artisan Ales on our brewery page
2. Alma Mader Brewing – Southwest Boulevard
Address: 2635 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
What Makes It Special:
Founded by a brewer with experience at award-winning breweries, Alma Mader has quickly become a go-to for hop lovers.
Signature Beers:
- Habit Loop – Hazy IPA bursting with citrus and stone fruit.
- Dripping Green – A rotating series of hop-forward hazy IPAs.
- Premaint Pilsner – Crisp, refreshing, and true to style.
- Meadow Festbier – A balanced seasonal lager perfect for autumn.
Atmosphere & Experience:
The minimalist taproom focuses on the beer, making it a favorite for purists. Located near Boulevard, it’s a great stop on a Kansas City beer trail.
Why It Made Our List:
Known citywide for its IPAs but equally respected for its traditional lagers, Alma Mader appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday.
👉 Learn more about Alma Mader Brewing on our brewery page
3. City Barrel Brewing Company – Crossroads
Address: 1740 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108
What Makes It Special:
Founded by former brewers from KC Bier Co. and Deschutes, City Barrel specializes in hoppy, sour, and wild-fermented beers.
Signature Beers:
- Rad AF – A fruited sour that’s tangy and refreshing.
- Trouble – A hazy IPA with tropical flavors.
- Rad AF Variants – Seasonal spins with unique fruit combinations.
Atmosphere & Experience:
Beyond the beer, City Barrel boasts one of the best brewery food menus in Kansas City, with everything from burgers to elevated small plates.
Why It Made Our List:
Innovation and quality make this one of the most exciting craft beer spots in Kansas City.
👉 Learn more about City Barrel Brewing on our brewery page
4. Vine Street Brewing – 18th & Vine District
Address: 2010 Vine St Building 2A, Kansas City, MO 64108
What Makes It Special:
Kansas City’s first Black-owned brewery, Vine Street Brewing represents both history and progress in the city’s beer scene.
Signature Beers:
- Jazzman – Smooth amber ale.
- 18th & Vine IPA – Bold hops with a balanced finish.
Atmosphere & Experience:
Located in the historic Jazz District, the brewery connects beer with culture and community. Expect live music, art, and events.
Why It Made Our List:
Diversity, community engagement, and excellent beer make Vine Street a standout.
👉 Learn more about Vine Street Brewing on our brewery page
5. KC Bier Co. – Waldo
Address: 310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114
What Makes It Special:
Dedicated to authentic German-style beers brewed according to Reinheitsgebot (the German Beer Purity Law).
Signature Beers:
- Dunkel – Malty, smooth dark lager.
- Helles Lager – Crisp and drinkable.
- Heffeweizen – Classic wheat beer with banana and clove notes.
Atmosphere & Experience:
A spacious biergarten and family-friendly taproom give KC Bier Co. a festive vibe, especially in summer.
Why It Made Our List:
One of the most authentic German beer experiences in the Midwest.
👉 Learn more about KC Bier Co. on our brewery page
6. Casual Animal Brewing Company – Crossroads
Address: 1725 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108
What Makes It Special:
A small-batch brewery with a focus on fresh, community-driven beers.
Signature Beers:
- Fuzzy Logic IPA – Juicy and balanced.
- Hopportunity – Rotating experimental IPA.
Atmosphere & Experience:
Hosts “Think & Drink” events (pint-sized talks on thought-provoking topics). The taproom has a casual, artsy vibe.
Why It Made Our List:
For its community approach and constantly rotating lineup of beers.
👉 Learn more about Casual Animal Brewing on our brewery page
7. Strange Days Brewing Company – River Market
Address: 316 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64106
What Makes It Special:
Known as “Kansas City’s soccer brewery,” Strange Days pairs international soccer matches with creative beers.
Signature Beers:
- Matchday IPA – Hoppy and crushable.
- Experimental Sours – Funky and fruit-forward.
Atmosphere & Experience:
A lively, sports-centered taproom with a loyal local following.
Why It Made Our List:
Great beer and a truly unique taproom identity.
👉 Learn more about Strange Days Brewing on our brewery page
8. Torn Label Brewing Company – Crossroads
Address: 1708 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64108
What Makes It Special:
Creative beers paired with excellent food from Tacos Valentina.
Signature Beers:
- House Brew – Coffee wheat stout.
- Hang ‘Em High – Hop-forward West Coast IPA.
Atmosphere & Experience:
Industrial taproom paired with some of the city’s best tacos.
Why It Made Our List:
Torn Label consistently delivers on both food and beer.
👉 Learn more about Torn Label Brewing on our brewery page
9. Boulevard Brewing Company – Southwest Boulevard
Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
What Makes It Special:
The 4th-largest craft brewery in the U.S., Boulevard remains a Kansas City staple while continuing to innovate.
Signature Beers:
- Unfiltered Wheat – Iconic KC beer.
- Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale – Nationally acclaimed saison.
- Space Camper IPA – Hop-forward and modern.
Atmosphere & Experience:
Tours, tastings, and a rooftop beer hall make Boulevard an essential stop.
Why It Made Our List:
Historic, influential, and still making some of the best Kansas City beer.
👉 Learn more about Boulevard Brewing Company on our brewery page
10. Strawberry Hill Brewing Company – Kansas City, KS
Address: 601 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
What Makes It Special:
Opened in October 2024, this newcomer is already a neighborhood favorite in Strawberry Hill.
Signature Beers:
- Strawberry Blonde – A fruit-forward ale.
- Neighborhood IPA – Easy-drinking hoppy brew.
Atmosphere & Experience:
Friendly, laid-back taproom perfect for newcomers to craft beer.
Why It Made Our List:
New but already making waves, Strawberry Hill shows the future of Kansas City brewing.
👉 Learn more about Strawberry Hill Brewing Company on our brewery page
Finding These Breweries: Kansas City Beer Trail
Kansas City’s breweries are clustered in several key neighborhoods:
- Crossroads Arts District – City Barrel, Torn Label, Casual Animal.
- River Market – Strange Days.
- Southwest Boulevard – Boulevard and Alma Mader.
- Brookside/Waldo – BKS Artisan Ales and KC Bier Co.
- Strawberry Hill (Kansas City, KS) – Strawberry Hill Brewing.
This makes brewery hopping easy, especially with rideshare or Kansas City’s streetcar system.
Kansas City’s Craft Beer Variety
Kansas City offers incredible beer diversity:
- German-style lagers at KC Bier Co.
- Wild-fermented sours at City Barrel.
- Hop-heavy hazy IPAs at Alma Mader.
- Classic American craft beers at Boulevard.
- Community-inspired brews at Vine Street and Strawberry Hill.
No matter your preference, you’ll find a style that fits.
Making the Most of Kansas City’s Brewery Scene
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for patios and beer gardens.
- Transportation: Use rideshare or KC Streetcar to hop safely between taprooms.
- Food Pairings: Don’t miss Tacos Valentina at Torn Label or Boulevard’s beer hall menu.
- Events: Look for soccer watch parties at Strange Days or “Think & Drink” talks at Casual Animal.
Honorable Mentions: Other Notable Kansas City Breweries
- Cinder Block Brewery – North Kansas City favorite known for IPAs and barrel-aged beers.
- Big Rip Brewing Company – Quirky, sci-fi-themed brewery with creative beers.
- Border Brewing Co. – Cozy Crossroads taproom perfect for casual visits.
Conclusion: Why Kansas City is a Craft Beer Destination
From established powerhouses like Boulevard to up-and-coming gems like Strawberry Hill, Kansas City’s breweries reflect the city’s creative spirit and welcoming community. Whether you’re a local searching for breweries near me or a visitor planning where to drink craft beer in Kansas City, this guide highlights the best experiences the city has to offer.
Explore beyond the top 10. Every Kansas City brewery contributes to a beer scene that rivals any in the country. Cheers to your next pint in the heart of America’s craft beer trail.
