Rooftop Champagne bar pops cork on first Kansas City summer
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Come for the views. Stay for the vittles. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Blanc Champagne Bar is celebrating its first summer season with the reopening of its rooftop bar, and we're here for the bubbles.
Why it matters: After Ça Va in Westport closed last year, Blanc is stepping in as Kansas City's only Champagne bar — this time with a 360-degree view of the city from the 11th floor.
Catch up quick: Blanc owner and Kansas City native Jordin Johnson took over the space last October after Canary (and then Boho Sway) shuttered.
- Its rooftop patio, Blanc Sun Club, only opened for a couple of nice weather days before pausing for the winter while the rest of the space remained open.
What she's saying: The concept is "approachable luxury," Johnson told Axios. "I have a lot of people walk in and they're like, 'Oh, it feels very chic and modern, but not over the top.'"
- "I want people to get off the streetcar and be wearing a ball cap and come in here and still feel like they can celebrate on a Wednesday," she says.
The vibe: The Sun Club rooftop, which seats about 100, sports shade sails, outdoor TVs, slushie machines, and a limited food and bev menu.
The first floor seats 75 and has a full-service kitchen, serving everything from steak to caviar.
- "We have a lot of people coming in and just want girl dinner, so they just order a bunch of small things like cheese and charcuterie," Johnson says.
- As for the fried chicken bites appetizer: "I was like, let's find a way to make chicken nuggets sexy."
💭 Travis' thought bubble: This European-style oasis is an elevated experience (literally), perfect for social gatherings and summer evenings.
- And from $9 pours of cava to $400 bottles of Dom Pérignon, there's a price range for just about everyone.
What to try: Blanc's most popular bar item is its Champagne flights. I sampled the standard first-class trio and was pleasantly surprised by how different each 2-ounce pour tasted.
Fun fact: There are 85 Champagnes and sparkling wines available for purchase, Johnson says.
- Blanc also boasts a selection of still wines, cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks.
Stop by:
- Open Wednesday through Sunday, with brunch on the weekends.
- Parking is in the back off of Walnut Street. Validate with the host.
What's next: The streetcar's Main Street extension stops right outside of Blanc's front door. When it launches, which officials say should be in the fall, Johnson says she wants to start a self-guided streetcar bar crawl.