the brick

★★★(3 stars)

i've been wanting to write a review of the brick for a while now, but have never found the right time to go and scour what is truly vegan.  we finally found the opportunity when a local band was playing, and headed down early so we could grab some grub.  they have a separate section of vegetarian options on their menu - probably more options than any other bar in kansas city.  unfortunately, their 'hipper-than-thou' staff seriously detracts from the underwhelming food.

granted, it's not the first time i've had server/bartender issues there before, but you always go hoping for the best.  we were the only people there at the time, and i politely inquired about the bun the portabello burger is served on.  the bartender checked, then came back and told me 'no', it's not vegan, and then walked away.   i had to flag her down and ask about some other options, and she seemed frustrated that i was bothering her.  as i said, we were the ONLY people there.  finally, she found a lady in the kitchen who came out an offered two bread options - the pita bread or a wheatberry wrap.  i was happy and decided on the wrap.  unfortunately, the end result wasn't all that great.  it was flimsy, and not very veggie stuffed.  it certainly seems a little overpriced.  not to mention, this all came after they told us the kitchen was closing late, and then rushed us to make an order at like 8pm.  whatever.

so truthfully, they only have two vegan options because the veggie burger has eggs. and they weren't all that impressive (seriously, check out the record bar's wrap in comparison).  and, of course, it isn't served up by super friendly staff or anything, so that also kinda detracts.  i give them props for having a robust vegetarian section on their menus, but the final product is sort disappointing (especially for vegans).  i went there thinking i would surely give them four stars, and i'm only giving them three because of all the vegetarian options.  otherwise, this is a two star vegan joint (with good music).  bummer.


website:
the brick


location:
1727 mcgee
kc, mo  
816.421.1634

matsu japanese restaurant and steakhouse

★★★(3 stars)

my mother and i grabbed a couple rolls of sushi here before we went the museum. it was quite tasty. as with most sushi restaurants in kansas city, there are only 2 or 3 veggie-friendly rolls. i've also had the seaweed salad from here, and recall that it was quite tasty.

we went during off hours (like 2pm) so we didn't have a problem with service, but i have heard negative things. however, our server was quite friendly, and even offered to photograph my food for me (he mentioned something about being a photographer).


you can't really mess up an avocado roll, so i can't judge on that. and the veggie roll that i had was pretty tasty... i think there was one other option for veggies, but i don't remember what it was (nothing impressive). i like when i find sushi restaurants that have creative veggie rolls, instead of just your standard 'vegetable mix' and 'avocado.'

pricing was a little over average, but nothing outrageous. the side of the restaurant we sat on was nice, although the other side looked a bit shady. the bathrooms were so-so, and certainly weren't as clean or nice as you would think from the restaurant atmosphere.

overall, nothing to write home about, but i didn't leave disappointed. i certainly wouldn't drive out of my way to go there, but if i was in the neighborhood, i'd probably eat there again.


website:
no website

location:
427 westport road
kansas city, mo 64111
816.531.2602

jp's wine bar and coffeehouse

★★★(3 stars)

i'm giving jp's 3 stars, based more on the vegetarian side of things. it' s a cute little wine bar that has been in kansas city for a few years, and about a year ago (i'm guessing) they actually had to double the space because it was so popular. it's one of those places where you'll find art students, aging hipsters, and the business types all mingling. there are typical booths and bar tables, but there are also couch and comfy-chair seating areas for the more casual types.

the prices, unfortunately, aren't super cheap. but neither is the atmosphere. it feels very swank - almost too much so sometimes. for the vegetarian/vegan, they have a handful of cheese flights to choose from ($15/3 cheeses), as well as an antipasto platter. neither of which is strictly vegan, but to my surprise, the cheese flight came with lavosh crackers, grapes, caper berries, olives and pepperocinis. since this is more of a snack and pre-dinner type of place, i found that was plenty to munch on while the others ate the cheese. i haven't had the antipasto platter, but i'm sure it contains an assortment of other vegan-type eats.

the service is great, although it can get pretty crazy in there on a friday and saturday nights. i've never had a bad experience, but it is one of those places that you only stay for one (or maybe two drinks). they do have live music sets, but it's not the type that will disrupt your conversations. overall, i'm giving it three stars based on the prices and sometimes snootier-than-thou atmosphere. but like i said, it's great as a one or two drink social place.


website:
jp's winebar and coffeehouse

location:
1526 walnut
kansas city, mo 64108
816.842.2660