Leinenkugel's brews up new P&L District attraction

View article at BizJournals.com

Leinenkugel’s Kansas it has transformed the former Tengo Sed Cantina space, 1323 Walnut St.,, and is gearing up for a Monday opening in the Kansas City Power &Light District.

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company has opened restaurant and bar combos in the past, but it’s adding a special twist for Kansas City: beer cocktails.

There’s the Tequila Sunset, Smoke and a Beer and several others. John Leinenkugel, associate marketing manager and fifth-generation brewer, said the Grapefruit League is his favorite. It features Smirnoff grapefruit vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime juice and Leinenkugel’s Grapefruit Shandy.

“It’s great to blend beer and spirits together because it continues people’s appreciation of what the beverage of beer can be,” Leinenkugel told the Kansas City Business Journal. “I’m really excited about this concept, and it’s an exciting time for beer and beer here in Kansas City.”

The Leinenkugel family worked with Kansas City residents and Executive Chef Matt Livers on the Kansas City menu, which Livers began crafting in October. Livers describes the menu as organic comfort food that pairs well with beer.

The featured items include lobster street tacos, crispy fish sliders, the “Wisconsin’s Chicken Booyah Soup” and a barbecue brisket burger.

“I really like chef Matt Livers; I think he’s taken it a step further using Kansas City cuisine, barbecue brisket, and pairing it exceptionally well with our beers,” Leinenkugel said.

Speaking of beers, Leinenkugel’s Kansas City features a variety of beer blends, specialty beers and wines. It has 16 beer taps and 30 varieties of bottled beer. There also are a few local brands: Boulevard Brewing Company, Martin City Brewing Company and Crane Brewing Company.

The restaurant itself features a new Walnut Street entrance and a beer garden with a double-sided fireplace.