Do you like beer?
I love beer.
Do you like bikes?
I love bikes!
I also have a super-duper soft spot for downtown Kansas City — the place I called home for seven years.
You could say there’s a bit of an alcohol renaissance happening in Kansas City. There are so many new breweries, a couple distilleries, and several festivals focused on your favorite way of boozing — including fan favorite bike tours Tour de Bier KC held in May, and a Ride2Boulevardia in June. All of these things are both awesome and delicious. However, if you find yourself visiting Kansas City outside of those dates, it’s easy to create your own mini bike tour of Kansas City’s breweries!
This route is just 5 miles long, and for Kansas City it’s very flat. If you stop for a small sampling at each place, you’ll want to leave about 4 hours to enjoy the ride and the refreshments. But please remember to ride & imbibe responsibly — while it is not illegal to drink & ride in Missouri, you should be cautious and know your limits.
You can bike between breweries using Bike Share KC with minimal fees if you pick up a bike at the 3rd & Grand/City Market station. From there, the longest stretch without a station is between the first two stops. Check out their rates for an approximate cost.
Download the Downtown KC Bike Brewery Tour map here!
(Be sure to check BikeShareKC’s website — they’re adding new stations all the time.)
Start: Cinder Block Brewery (North Kansas City)
Route: From the 3rd & Grand B-Cycle station, head out on 3rd, then over the Missouri River using the Heart of America cycle path. (Carefully! The city is improving its maintenance but this path is often a bit… untidy.) Go right on 10th, then left to continue north on Swift Ave. and one more left at 18th Street.
Cinder Block Brewery is one of the best tap houses in the city in my humble opinion. And it’s my blog so my opinion is pretty much fact. The cool urban/industrial interior is spacious, plus they recently expanded to include a patio, complete with adirondack chairs and a food truck. The beers are consistently delicious — try the Paver’s Porter — and they’re also one of the only places to brew cider in-house.
Stop 2: Big Rip Brewing (North Kansas City)
Route: Straight back down Swift Ave. Easy-peasy.
A more intimate space but no less chic, Big Rip Brewing has always been bike-friendly and supportive of the cycling community in KC. Their beers are top notch — check their website for a list of what’s on tap this week — and the staff are ready to recommend something to suite your taste buds. The BYO-Food policy makes it an easy Friday night stop-in, too, if you’re looking for a place to hang. I happen to know there’s a delicious burrito shop around the corner…
Stop 3: Torn Label (East Crossroads)
Route: South across the HOA cycle path, through downtown via Charlotte to 18th St.
Tucked away between the east Crossroads and 18th & Vine neighborhoods, Torn Label has been quietly brewing yummy brews since 2014. The deck is equipped with picnic tables, and the inside has an eclectic mix of chairs and tables, meaning you feel like you’re hanging out in the living room from the 1980s. My go-to brew is the Monk & Honey but they also offer flights if you’re feeling a bit indecisive.
Stop 4: Double Shift Brewing Co. (Crossroads)
Route: Walk or bike along 18th Street. It’s far enough to merit renting a bike to save time.
The tall ceilings and indoor picnic tables mean you and all your bikey buddies can hang out at Double Shift Brewing as long as you want. Another newbie to the brewery scene, the atmosphere is an unabashed love story to KC — with some cycling culture thrown in for good measure. My friend Tim (who also generously supplied most of the photos in this post!) recommends their Anniversary IPA, and I have to admit I want to try the “Can’t Even Deal” next time I’m in town.
Stop 5: Border Brewing (Crossroads)
Route: It is literally next door to Double Shift.
With big TVs and tall tables to gather ‘round, Border Brewing has quickly established itself as a cozy destination for enjoying a pint. The giant windows to 18th Street provide a perfect perch for people-watching on First Fridays or any other day they’re open. Try a flight of their current brews!
Last Stop: Boulevard Brewery (Westside)
Route: 18th Street to Southwest Boulevard
The Cool Uncle of all KC breweries, Boulevard is regarded as the city’s hometown brew; it’s rare to find a tailgate party without at least one pack of Boulevard Wheat or Single Wide Pale Ale. Compared to where you’ve just been, this place will feel massive. They’ve been in the same location for nearly 25 years, are pretty dedicated to keeping KC thriving, and are also generous supporters of BikeWalkKC and Tour de Bier KC. I luuuuurve a cold Boulevard Wheat or a punchy Double Wide IIPA. Check out the daily brewery tour times for a perfect way to end your DIY tour!
