It’s all about the happy hour and beverages and bites! Whether it is a date night, a girls’ night out, or a spur of the moment gathering of friends, the appetizers and libations rule the evening. We found some of our local favorites with which to celebrate this Hispanic Heritage Month, and we were not disappointed. With plenty of locations to choose from, these three restaurants offer a wide variety of delightful and delicious ways to spend some time relaxing after a long day. Enjoy!

Brookside Barrio

Brookside Barrio is one of four area Barrio restaurants, all serving taqueria-inspired fare and providing the ambiance to match. Especially known for happy hour, Brookside Barrio (Taqueria Barrio, Briarcliff, and Red Bridge are the other three), is a popular hangout for all ages, with indoor seating and the much-in-demand patio seating for those great-weather evenings when we want to see and be seen. Especially delish on the happy hour Comida (food) menu are the burnt end quesadillas – which are as described – a plethora of flavor. Also recommended are the chips and loaded queso, which boasts a chorizo sauce and guacamole – everything in one bite! Bebida (drinks) range from a variety of margaritas to sangrias to beers, and much more. Happy hour pricing runs Monday through Thursday, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with Fridays adding an extra jump start time of 1:30 p.m.

KMacho’s Restaurant & Cantina

K-Macho’s is the place to go for family fun, variety, and some really cool choices! There is a great kids’ menu, as well as a robust adults’ drink menu to complement the innovative appetizers. The drink choices include a Devil’s Margarita, which combines Espalon Blanco Tequila, Casillero del Diablo Malbec, and Grand Marnier for a delicious twist. On the tamer side is a Swirl Margarita, blending frozen house margarita with Lunazal Reposado and red Sangria. To munch on, try the Shrimp Cocktail in a margarita glass, with fresh avocado, cilantro and smooth salsa; or the Jalapeños Rellenos, deep fried deliciousness of mild jalapeños with cream cheese, served with a ranch dipping sauce. Locations are found in Overland Park and Olathe. 

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine

With the vibrant Victor Esqueda and Alejandro Hernandez at the helm of two Ixtapa restaurants – one in Overland Park and one in the Northland – authentic, classic Mexican cuisine isn’t far away. Their extensive menu is filled with vintage-type dishes from the Pacific coastline for which the eateries are named. Although, should there be some confusion as to what to order, Victor will advise in the most delightful way, which might be the right choice! Beverages include the Ixtapa Martini, which has a deliciously sweet, unexpected rim and smooth tequila. The pretty Sangria over Margarita is a refreshing way to start a meal. For happy hour, we recommend a house specialty – Quesadillas de Cuitlacoche – corn, mushrooms, and goat cheese sauteed and placed in a corn tortilla. Also, on the must-have list are the Tamales. The pork and green sauce (not at all spicy) make the dish extraordinary, and a nice cold beer pairs nicely with the flavors.

Featured in the September 30, 2023 issue of The Independent.
By Anne Potter Russ