Repeal 18th Bar and Bistro Featuring Old Shawnee Pizza

A fog of cherry wood smoke rises from a glass smoke box that contains a tumbler of St. Bernard, one of several signature drinks at Repeal 18th Bar and Bistro. Curls of smoke mesmerize as anticipation builds for the first sip. St. Bernard is made with Ezra Brooks rye whiskey, Earl Grey tea, allspice dram, angostura bitters, and orange bitters. Smooth whiskey yields to hints of citrus and spice enveloped by the intangible yet detectable fragrance of smoke.

Repeal 18th has built a collection of more than 400 whiskeys, scotch, and other spirits displayed on a towering wall behind the bar. Signature cocktails like St. Bernard and its whiskey barrel program are a centerpiece of Repeal 18th’s bar. Patrons may also opt for classic cocktails, such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or savor a cold beer.  

Ed Collins, a retired battalion chief of the Kansas City Fire Department with more than 20 years of service, and his daughter Ann Cook started Repeal 18th in 2017. Collins and Cook are perhaps better known for launching Burlington Mattress. The iconic flagship store is located at the corner of Burlington and Armour in North Kansas City. Their first restaurant and bar venture has evolved to appeal to its guests’ interests.

Repeal 18th shifted its focus from upscale gastropub fare to pizza. Collins partnered with Will Walker of Old Shawnee Pizza to adapt the menu and kitchen. Old Shawnee Pizza has operated locations in Shawnee and Lenexa for many years. Offering upscale cocktails, craft beer, and pizza at Repeal 18th has “definitely been a different animal,” Walker notes. Steadily, NKC locals and visitors from throughout Greater Kansas City are discovering what Repeal 18th and OSP has to offer.  Walker said, “We’ve grown every month. People seem to love the new concept.”

“We are a family establishment,” Walker added. “Families are more than welcome to come in and enjoy our delicious pizza and other food items. What makes us stand out over [other pizzas] is the quality of our products that we use.”

Old Shawnee Pizza is known for its signature crispy/cracker style crust and famous green garlic dressing. Barbecue fans might enjoy the Smoke Stack pizza prepared with Burnt Finger BBQ sauce, house-smoked pulled pork, smoked bacon, dill pickle, chicken, and smoked provolone cheese. Sounds like a perfect pie to pair with a smoky whiskey cocktail.

“We do have some crazy combinations,” Walker said. “When our crab rangoon pizza went viral on Facebook, that definitely set us apart from other pizza places. Our video now has over 12 million views!”

Fans of classic pizza may select The Fixins’ supreme pizza or Meat Locker (packed with pepperoni, bacon, hamburger, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, sausage, and topped with a three-cheese blend). Walker said, “There is something for everyone at OSP. Everything from pastas, salads, sandwiches, and all sorts of appetizers.”

Music fans flock to Repeal 18th on the first Wednesday of the month for the Lost Cowgirl Records songwriter showcase. The record label features a rotation of female artists and female-fronted acts performing in the bar. Other popular local acts throughout the month include Sky Smeed, Sam Wells, and Exit 13. Check the Facebook page for upcoming acts.

Repeal 18th is named after the repeal of the 18th Amendment. The amendment to the Constitution called for banning the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcoholic beverages. Of course, that didn’t endure in NKC and elsewhere around the nation. The end of the Prohibition era in 1933 is now celebrated daily with fine food and drinks at Repeal 18th, featuring Old Shawnee Pizza, in the heart of North Kansas City.

Repeal 18th Featuring Old Shawnee Pizza

1825 Buchanan Street, North Kansas City MO

816-307-2345

https://www.repeal18th.com

https://shawneepizza.com/