DESCRIPTION: The Brookside area is a metropolitan hub of beautiful homes, unique shops, trendy restaurants and cultural attractions. Home to some of Kansas City’s hippest residents and urban professionals, Brookside was one of the city's first suburban shopping areas. Brookside has more than 80 shops, restaurants and services, located in elegantly preserved architecture with neighborhood appeal.
LOCATION: Brookside is located just a few blocks south of the Country Club Plaza. The residential neighborhood begins at 51st Street and Wornall Road. The retail area is further south and bounded by Wornall Road on the west, Meyer Boulevard to the south, 62nd Terrace to the north and Main Street to the east.
PHONE: 816-523-5553
WEBSITE: www.brooksidekc.org
HIGHLIGHTS:
HOURS: Check with individual merchants for specific hours. Most restaurants are open until 10 p.m. On weekends, The Brooksider and Charlie Hooper’s Bar & Grille are both open until 3 a.m.
ADMISSION: Free.
HISTORY: Brookside, planned and built in 1920, was J.C. Nichols’ first suburban shopping area in Kansas City. Designed to serve the automobile set, it boasted specialty, grocery and drug stores, medical offices, even a special community center, as well as the first south-side combined police and fire station. Brookside is Kansas City's first suburban shopping area. On September 1, 1919, the headline of the Country Club District Bulletin read “Construction Begun on First Group of Neighborhood Shops at Sixty-Third and Brookside Boulevard.” Conceived before the first World War and started in 1919, the shops were completed over the next decade
WHERE TO GET LUNCH: Try Jalapeño’s Mexican Restaurant, where the nachos are served spicy and are paired with some of the biggest margaritas in town. Looking for something a little fancy? Check out Carmen’s Café— a quaint Italian bistro that has been a Brookside staple for years. Or explore the exquisite flavors of Europe at Avenue’s Bistro. For great patios to share with friends, visit Brookside Barrio, Red Door Grill and the Brooksider Sports Bar & Grill. Need a treat afterward? Stop by Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard for unique and delicious concoctions.
WHAT’S NEARBY: Both the Wornall House Museum and the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures are within the neighborhood.
ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS: The nationally-recognized Brookside Art Annual is proudly in its 30th year, held on the first weekend in May. It features more than 185 local, national and international artists. Located between 63rd Street and Meyer Blvd. in the heart of Brookside, the Art Fair attracts more than 70,000 attendees.
The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Warm-up Parade is held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day at 2 p.m. A little more tame and family-friendly than its big city counterpart, the Warm-Up Parade starts at 65th Street and Wornall Road and travels through Brookside.
Cool off with Brookside's Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale during July. Save big at your favorite Brookside stores.
DON’T FORGET: Get your caffeine fix at chic coffeehouse The Roasterie Cafe. Or check out Bella Napoli, an Italian market that features imported foods, sandwiches and a coffee bar.
PARKING: Free
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Sean Ackerson, executive director, 816-523-5553 or sean@southtown.org