When Ryan and Jenny Sciara, the owners of the retail wine shop, Underdog Wine Co., travel finding great wine is always on the itinerary, one of their favorite things to do is seek out wine bars in the area, and sample a variety of wines while they soak in the local culture. They found the wine bars they loved the most, had a curated wine list, some wine-related cocktails and inspired small plates in a dark and cozy, intimate spot with old world patina blended with modern design.
That was the inspiration for their neighborhood wine bar, Vita’s Place, named after Ryan’s grandmother, that is now open in the Crestwood Shops. When they decided to open a wine bar, Ryan was at the right place at the right time to snap up the lease for a small hair salon. The best part? The space was located just steps away from their popular wine shop.
The couple asked John O’Brien, owner of Hammer Out Design, for help. A modern-day renaissance man, O’Brien is known for having the eye of an artist and the skill of a master builder. He has a list of specialized local artists and tradesmen whom he likes to bring into different projects, including Justin Gainan, who has worked with O’Brien for more than 20 years. Hammer Out Design is responsible for creating the look for so many restaurants and bars in this town including Rye on the Plaza, Golden Ox’s renovation, Nighthawk, a bar located in the bottom of Hotel Kansas City, Harry’s Country Club, Brown & Loe, Amigoni Urban Winery, Earl’s Premier, Bacaro Primo, Aixois in Leawood and now Vita’s Place, just to name a few.
“Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He has created some of the best restaurants and bars in Kansas City, and we had all these industry friends in common,” says Ryan. “We gave John our wish list from visiting wine bars all over the world, and he took all of that and made it even better.”
The resulting 750 square foot bar is warm and convivial with cream-colored walls, a large dark wood bar that features a warmly lit back bar covered in goldenrod subway tiles designed by local artist Andy Brayman, the founder of The Matter Factory, a local ceramics studio. A vestibule that was built inside the front door lined with reclaimed beadboard paneling, created in a cozy nook for 10 people to sit in the window. In addition to some patio seats outside, Vita’s place also has a finished basement space for private parties or walk-ins.
“John and his team make a place look brand new and still retain a warmth or a kind of patina that only comes with age. Everything in our bar looks like it has always been there,” says Ryan. “Part of John’s magic is his ability to find or build the very thing that will make your place look like it has some character or age, for example, he brought in two old doors from a farmhouse on the east coast were sanded and stained to make our drink rail and to wrap the bar that instantly added a kind of history to this space.”
Vita’s Place is more than just a gorgeous neighborhood spot to catch up with a friend or partner, it also has the benefit of the couple’s deep knowledge of wine informing the list organized by light, medium and full-bodied wines. If wine isn’t your thing, there is also a full bar here, with the cocktail menu that leans into wine-based cocktails, spritzes and non-alcoholic drinks.
In addition to serving a fine selection of creative meat and cheese plates, chef Owen Manning, is also dishing up a rotating list of specials for those looking for something a little more substantial like seared beef tenderloin with salsa verde, veal tonnato, smoked langoustine, and baked fairytale eggplant with a creamy Amontillado sherry sauce. Get the burnt Basque cheesecake with sour cherries to end your meal.
More than just a wine bar, Vita’s Place, feels grounded with a sense of place and purpose. It makes you feel like you are having a glass of wine in your grandmother’s kitchen, and in a way you are.
Vita’s Place, 5514 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64113, 816-437-7051, vitasplace.com