Boulevard Brewing Co, Kansas City, MO

Apr 11
4 min read

Updated: Apr 14

FAST FACTS:

Address: 2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
Hours:
- Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Mon - Tues 12 pm - 8 pm
- Weds - Thurs 12 pm - 9 pm
- Fri - Sat 11 am - 9 pm

Phone: (816) 701-7247
Web: www.boulevard.com/
Dog-friendly: On patio only
Parking: Free parking
Last visited: 4/11/2026

Boulevard Brewing Company is one of those iconic breweries you already kind of know about before you ever get a chance to visit.

It’s been around since 1989, started by John McDonald in a small brick building (that is still present today) with the goal of bringing local beer back to Kansas City. Back in the late 80s, that wasn’t nearly as common as it is now - especially in the Midwest - but it clearly caught on.

Over the years, it has grown into a pretty big name in craft beer, and you can tell the second you walk in that this place has some history behind it.

The setup is huge. It’s a two-level beer hall, with the lower level focused on serving tour participants and the main hangout space upstairs. That’s where I spent my time - and it’s wide open with plenty of places to sit, plus a patio that opens up right into the main area.

The whole place has that classic brewery feel too - exposed brick, worn-in wood floors, and tons of character to remind you it’s been around for a while.

What's On Tap?

Boulevard has a pretty massive lineup of beers and beverages, from their core staples to seasonal releases and newer additions.

They’re also behind Quirk, which has become pretty widely available - I’ve even seen it back home in Minnesota - so there’s a good chance you’ve tried something from Boulevard without even realizing it.

One thing I thought was cool is that they have a small bar area dedicated to test or experimental beers, which gives you a chance to try things that aren’t part of their main lineup. It’s a nice touch if you’re like to see what a brewery is working on behind the scenes.

I ended up sipping a sour from their canned beer selection -

Berry Noir - Sour Ale (4.2% ABV)

Even though it wasn’t on draft, it was still a really solid option. It had a tartness with nice mixed berry flavors that made it easy to drink and a good change of pace.

With 30+ rotating taps plus canned options, there’s definitely no shortage of choices here - whether you stick to the classics or branch out into something new.

Drink Score: 4/5

Food Finds

The beer hall actually has a nice food menu, better than I was expecting, and it ended up being one of the many highlights of the visit.

We tried a few different things, and honestly, everything was amazing:

Pretzel Twists
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Plate
Smothered Pub Chips
Honey B-L-V-D Pizza

All of it was spot on. The pretzel and hummus were perfect to snack on, and the pub chips were loaded and exactly what you want with a beer. The pizza really stood out though - great flavor and a good balance of sweet and savory.

It’s definitely a menu that would satisfy any level of hungry, order a few things to share, and hang out for a while without feeling like you need to go somewhere else afterward.

Drink Score: 4.5/5

The Vibe Inside & Out

The atmosphere here is one of the biggest highlights.

The upstairs beer hall is massive but still feels inviting, with tons of seating and a layout that works for both small groups and larger crowds. There’s also a patio area that adds even more space, especially when the weather is nice.

This place is a destination brewery - between the tours, the size of the space, the reputation, and the fact that they seem to keep expanding - you can tell it draws a steady mix of locals and visitors. It is the kind of place that would be buzzing on a weekend or during peak hours.

A fun, unique touch was their photo booth, a repurposed old camper, which adds a little extra personality to the space - especially if you’re visiting with a group. I did happen to be there with a group, so of course, we had to take advantage of the opportunity!

Vibe Score: 5/5

Dog Friendly Details:

From what I could find and based on posted policies, dogs are not allowed inside the beer hall, so this is one to plan accordingly if you’re traveling with your pup.

Score: 1/5

Insider Info

Consider doing the tour next time! The entire first floor is dedicated to it, and it seems like a great way to experience more of the brewery.
Plan to stay a while. The space is big, and there’s a lot to take in.
Check out the gift shop. They have a huge store with apparel, accessories, and plenty of take-home beer.

Tapped In Takeaway

Boulevard Brewing Company feels like a a must-visit in the brewery world.

Between the history, massive beer hall, and wide selection of beers, it’s easy to see why so many people make it here. It has a perfect mix of scale and character that makes it stand out from so many other breweries.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and would absolutely come back - especially to spend more time exploring the beer list and maybe take a tour next time I’m in Kansas City.

Final Score: 5/5