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Cravings: Martin City Brewing Company: Good People, Good Food and Good Beer

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Martin City Brewing Company: Good People, Good Food and Good Beer

Written by Erin Jones. Photography by Lauren Frisch Pusateri

If you haven’t been to Martin City recently (or ever), it’s time to go. Nestled between Leawood and Grandview, it’s a modest south Kansas City neighborhood that is quietly putting itself on the culinary map.

Last May, Martin City’s Community Improvement District was recognized by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City with a Cornerstone Award and the People’s Choice Award, honoring their efforts to bring vibrancy to their district. This somewhat forgotten corner of south Kansas City is coming back to life.

One of the businesses contributing to the revitalization is Martin City Brewing Company, owned and operated by Martin City native Matt Moore and his wife, Kara, alongside their long-time friends, Chance and Amanda Adams. Through quality food, exceptional hand-crafted beer and a humble, hometown atmosphere, MCBC and their neighbors are pouring heart and soul into their community.

The story of MCBC began one afternoon several years ago, with Matt and Chance dreaming and scheming over a couple of cold ones. Matt said, “Let’s build a micro-brewery!” and Chance said, “Okay!” The wives said, “Sure!” and that was that. They acquired a small historic building in the heart of downtown Martin City, and in 2010 their dream began to take shape.

Initially, Martin City Brewing Company was a bit of a misnomer; they weren’t actually brewing their own beer yet. It was an intimate pub with 18 regional craft beers on tap, plus a huge selection of bottles and cans. They focused on creating a buzz-worthy menu of pub favorites and signature gourmet variations of mac-n-cheese, quickly building a loyal customer base and a solid reputation. The Pub is extremely popular in the area, and it’s obvious why when you walk in the door. It’s cozy, friendly and filled with good people, good food and good beer.

Within a few years, they were ready to expand. In 2014, they opened up the Pizza and Taproom right across the street from the Original Pub, offering a more family-friendly environment and a brick-oven fireplace that brings forth pizzas so good that folks line up even on week nights to get in the door. At the same time, the Moores and the Adamses also unveiled their brand new, state-of-the-art brewery, located next door to the Pizza and Taproom. At long last, the two home-brewing dreamers were in the beer business.

Brewmaster Nick Vaughn leads the operation of Belgian-style beer-making, which basically means that they are creative and playful with their beers. They like to experiment with flavors and types, cranking out a wide variety of delicious selections that will appeal to anyone who walks through their doors. Whether you’re a novice beer drinker or someone who speaks their language, all you have to do is describe your preferences and they will set an expertly selected glass of happy in front of you.

Because I don’t speak beer, I needed a little hand-holding when choosing the right pairing to complement my food. The MCBC staff is happy to make recommendations on pairings so you can get the best possible experience. On the Pub side, I had the Ahi Tuna Crostini with the Belgian Abbey, followed by the Shrimp Tacos and a Belgian Blond. And because they’re famous for the Martin City Macs, I gave the Black & Blue Mac ’N’ Cheese a try alongside the Abbey, because I couldn’t quite put it down. And then, because one tasting isn’t nearly enough, we hopped over to the Taproom for more! I tried the Jalapeno Chicken Wrap, the Strawberry Salad and, finally, the Beeramisu. There was also more beer; I think I tried them all! I can safely say that the menus at both locations have a deep bench. There are some superstars (the burgers, pizza, and macs) but pretty much everything on the menu scores a home run. You simply cannot go wrong.

Both the Pub and the Taproom offer pet-friendly patios, adding to the feeling that this place is really just a home away from home. On weekends, live music and dancing start up around 8:30 p.m., and things really get rocking. Have you caught the soccer bug? MCBC has, and the Pub is a fan favorite for cheering on our very own Sporting Kansas City with a cold glass of something and a few friends.

With the restaurants and brewery established and thriving, Kara and Matt took on yet another project, converting an old church into a venue for weddings and special events. The enterprising couple saw an opportunity to draw more people into Martin City by providing a versatile and stylish space for wedding receptions and other corporate and private events. It is gorgeous, and Kara, with her impeccable taste and flawless attention to detail, is on hand to assist with planning and coordination from beginning to end.

So whether you’re in need of a cold beer, a hot meal, a friendly place to watch the game or a perfect location for your special event, Martin City Brewing Company is here for you. Even if it’s a bit of a drive for you, I promise it will be worth it. HLM

 

Find Martin City Brewing Company at 500 East 135th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Visit the website at martincitybrewingcompany.com or call 816-268-2222 to learn more.