DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Currently sold throughout the country, this craft beer is a staple among Kansas City celebrations.
ADDRESS: Tours and Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108
LOCATION: Located less than 5 minutes southwest of Downtown KC.
PHONE: 816-701-7247
WEBSITE: www.boulevard.com
HIGHLIGHTS:
HOURS: Tours & Rec Center: Mon.-Thu. noon-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
HISTORY: The Boulevard story began in 1988 when founder John McDonald started construction of the brewery along Kansas City’s historic Southwest Boulevard. The first batches of beer were produced in 1989 and the first keg of Boulevard Pale Ale was delivered to a restaurant a few blocks away that fall. Fifteen years of steady growth later, sales exceeded for more than 100,000 barrels per year. In 2006, a major expansion to the existing brewery raised brewing capacity to nearly 600,000 barrels per year.
Today, the three-story, 70,000 square-foot building is a model of sustainable urban architecture and a beloved sight near Downtown Kansas City. In 2014, Boulevard became part of the Duvel Moortgat family, a collection of artisanal breweries dedicated to the highest expression of the brewers’ art. Boulevard remains committed to its original mission, pushing boundaries and helping to re-define American beer.
WHERE TO GET LUNCH: The Beer Hall and Rec Deck both offer beer-centric menus including pretzel dogs, sliders, flatbreads, charcuterie and dips. Nearby Southwest Boulevard has a great offering of local flavors, including several acclaimed Mexican options, such as Manny’s Mexican Restaurant or Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen. Crown Center, the Crossroads Arts District and Downtown are also nearby with plenty of great dining options.
WHAT’S NEARBY: Crown Center, Union Station and the Power & Light District
ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS: Sponsored by Boulevard, Boulevardia is a unique beer, food and music festival held each June. Created in 2014, this event attracts thousands to the historic West Bottoms area for three days of fun and festivities (and plenty of Boulevard brews, of course).
WHAT’S NEW: The Rec Deck, a fourth floor recreation club, features five full-sized deck shuffleboard courts, table-top shuffleboard and foosball. Hours of operation for this distinct bar vary, so check out the website to plan a visit.
DID YOU KNOW: Boulevard also has five unique event venues available for rental. Picturesque views of Downtown Kansas City make Boulevard the perfect place for weddings or corporate events.
DON’T FORGET: To check out the Beer Hall or Curbside Pickup for unique brews and brewery-exclusive test beers, often available in 32 oz. crowlers to-go.
GROUP TOURS: More information on tours can be found at tours@boulevard.com or 816-701-7247.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the MAX to Summit and 25th Street.
PARKING: Limited free parking is available in front of the brewery for visitors.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: media@boulevard.com
