Love the cocktail but don't love the alcohol, and want to explore KC's bar scene? Or, are you the owner or head mixologist of a Kansas City restaurant, cocktail lounge, or annual festival and looking to tap into a new menu and pool of patrons? This guide is for the "sober-curious" people of Kansas City who are looking for recommendations on where to hit the town and find some of our best mocktails to #SipSteady on!
Meet Co-Founders Sarah Pretorius and Kayla Mason who created SipSteady right here in KC to bring to light the benefits and fun associated with the non-alcoholic space. And, they've done their homework on the best non-alcoholic brands out there and the sober-friendly businesses you can experience locally!
Co-Founders Kayla Mason and Sarah Pretorius "are at the forefront of this trend" as the number of US adults participating in Dry January went from 21% in 2019 to 35% in 2022. This surge created a $259 million uplift in non-alcoholic beverage sales for bars and restaurants.
Here's our guide for the thirsty social and sober-curious in Kansas City!
SipSteady Bottleshop Pop-up and AF Events | Around Town | sipsteady_
Follow @sipsteady_ on instagram to find out about their pop-up bottleshop and monthly events geared towards more inclusive drinking options.
Prime Social | Plaza | @primesocialrooftop
Prime Social is a lively and dynamic rooftop cocktail lounge designed for conversation, where guests gather to enjoy the moment. Select from the SANS menu: Fresh Ginger Soda, Cucumber Lemonade, Strawberry Aloe Limeade, and Bartender Roulette - Fresh Conction with no ABV.
Pictured: (Left) Strawberry Aloe Limeade + (Right) Cucumber Lemonade
The Campground | West Bottoms | @thecampgroundkc
The Campground is an intimate aperitivo cocktail bar and restaurant located in the historic Stockyards District of Kansas City. Ask your server for a craft cocktail created from their wide usage of N/A products in their lineup.
Pictured: (Left) Americano Abstinence South African blood orange aperitif + (Right) Casamara Amaro Leisure Soda
le lounge | Crossroads | @le___lounge
Cocktails & Mocktails Pop-up Bar inside No Vacancy Guesthouse. Frequently held in No Vacancy; come for the lounge and stay for the tasty, Spicy Paloma: grapefruit, jalapeno, agave, lime, sparkling & a Himalayan/tajin salt rim!
Pictured: Spicy Paloma
Ça Va | Westport | @cavakc
An intimate, celebratory bar focused on Champagne and the world's other great sparkling wines. We’ve developed an enlightened Champagne and sparkling wine list full of bottles from every corner of the planet, from South Africa to England to right here in Missouri. This is your go-to spot for N/A bubbles.
Pictured: Hold the Bubs (mix of lemon, honey-lavaender, and soda water)
misc. | North KC | @misc.kc
misc. is a cocktail bar and event space that provides North Kansas City and the surrounding area with a spot to grab a cocktail, beer, or wine, rent out a space for an event, attend public events, and meet new people! Come and have a drink with us; misc.kc has a mocktail flight with your name on it.
Pictured: Candy Apple Margarita, Root Beer Float, Blueberry French 75 and “Whiskey” Cherry Cream Soda
Verdigris | Leawood | @verdigris.bar
Johnson County's premier cocktail bar & Lounge. Ask the experts! While zero-proof items are not on the menu, this A-team of mixologists have you covered with high-class, prime-time mocktails.
Gaels Public House & Sports | Brookside | @gaels_public_house
Enjoy a sports event, karaoke, trivia, or live entertainment with three full-service bars and 26 TVs for sports lovers. You're sure to have a Gael time! Ready to Party Without Alcohol? Dole Whip Mocktail. Enough said.
Pictured: Dole Whip Mocktail
Wild Child | Shawnee | @wild.child.kc
A wine and cocktail bar with a selection of lower abv cocktails and a full non-alcoholic drink menu. Currently swooning over the Kaki Gori!
Pictured: Kaki Gori
Parlor Bar | Crossroads | @parlorkcmo
Located in the eclectic Crossroads neighborhood, we are a dynamic space where you can connect with others over exceptional drinks and phenomenal plates that take you on an exploration of Kansas City and the world beyond. Come explore their creative and unique offerings that don’t try to mimic an existing staple.
Pictured: Spicy Jalapeno Spritzer + Ski Lift + Grandma's Candy
The Restaurant at 1900 | Mission Woods | @therestaurantat1900
The Restaurant at 1900's wine and beverage lists are adventurous and exciting. The cocktail and spirit-free beverage lists change frequently, as fresh and interesting ingredients become available. We (heart) the Fusion Spritz!
Pictured: (Left) Tres Chilis Three Chili Shrub + (Right) Winter Colada
Mean Mule Distilling Co | Crossroads | @meanmuledistillingco
Our tasting room and home is a midwest oasis and watering hole where we gather in good spirits. Join us! Our must-try is the Loosey Goosey!
Corvino | Crossroads | corvinokc
The Supper Club centers around social dining, featuring a wide variety of shareable plates based on seasonality. Taking advantage of Kansas City’s rich and varied musical scene, there is live music nightly, adding to the ambiance. Ask your server for thoughtfully curated and mouth-watering AF cocktail combinations.
Westside Local | Westside | @thewestsidelocal
The Westside Local is the best-kept secret in the Westside. Ask your server about the Mocktail Menu.
Verbena | Prairie Village | @verbena_kc
The merging of the East Coast and Midwest are at the heart of what makes Verbena unique. Whether you’re in the mood for intimate upscale dining or simply a drink and bite at the bar, Verbena offers an unforgettable experience. Join us for seasonally inspired cuisine, an extensive wine list, and craft cocktails, and ask your server about the Mocktails available.
Pictured: Pebblebrook, Orchard Sunset, Faux75
