Among the dozens of breweries in Kansas City, Boulevard Brewing Company stands out for being one of the first and the finest. Founded in 1989, the once-tiny operation is now the largest specialty brewery in the Midwest, offering everything from a best-selling pale ale to porters, pilsners, and wheat beers. It all began with John McDonald, who got a taste for “real beer” during a vacation to Europe in 1984. His fascination with Belgium brews led to a pioneering role in Kansas City’s craft beer market and an influence that can still be felt today.
Visitors to Boulevard can take 45-minute walking tours of the brewery that conclude with generous samples, or opt for more specialized experiences like the two-hour Smokestack Tour & Tasting, which includes guided food and beer pairings. Should you prefer to just hang out, there’s a beer hall on-site, as well as a gift shop, photo booth, and recreation area equipped with shuffleboard courts.
