Looking for Breweries in Kansas City? Here's Where to Go to Maximize Your Time.

If you're anything like my husband and me, we are looking to walk as much as possible when exploring a new city. We live in the Kansas City metro area, and these nine breweries are perfect if you're looking to maximize your brewery time in the city.

I'd recommend parking on or near McGee Street (or, better yet, Ubering from your hotel as you will be drinking a lot) and starting your brewery hop at Casual Animal Brewing Co. Casual Animal is a small-batch brewery with the best vibes. Their "Local Motive" Hefe supports a rotation of KC charities each month. They also have a hard seltzer on tap for our non-beer friends. Something to note is that they don't have food, so before you get too heavy into your journey, I'd recommend going next door to Brick River Cider. Their hard ciders are delicious, and they have some local beers on draft for those of you not interested in cider. They also have an amazing selection of food. If you go, you have to get their BBQ pulled pork mac-n-cheese, but they also have salads, sandwiches, and shareables.

Now that you're full, you can continue drinking! One street over, you can hit up Nimble Brewing Co. if you're doing your tour on the weekend. They're a microbrewery owned by a husband and wife team that have full-time jobs outside of the brewery. They brew what they want to drink, so it's a really fun spot where you never know what you'll be getting. From Nimble, you'll only be 200 feet from the next spot, Red Sash. Red Sash is probably the brewery I am least familiar with because it's new(ish), and I have only been twice. Their website says they are a micro-brewery serving American-made beers with the best ingredients. Again, right next door to Red Sash in Double Shift Brewing Company. This is a super funky place with unique beers. The space is pretty tight, so you may have trouble finding seating with a large group, but if there are just a few of you, this is a place you don't want to miss!

As you continue down 18th Street, you can also stop by Border Brewing. Like Red Sash, I haven't been to this one a ton, but the time I went was good. City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen will be your next stop on your brewery hop. Their full menu makes this a great spot to refuel and still try some delicious beers. I will admit that the past two times I've gone, there has been over an hour's wait (so just keep that in mind). The final spot on your way down 18th Street will be Torn Label Brewing Company. This is another pretty tight space, but if you are looking for beers you can't find anywhere else, it's the spot for you.

If you start at Casual Animal and walk to Torn Label, that's a 0.7-mile journey. By this point, you'll probably be feeling pretty good. Now, you have to walk back! But on your way back, there is one more stop for you to check out— Brewery Emperial. They have a great selection of vegetarian eats. Their beer selection is definitely a bit smaller, but they all pack a punch with flavor. They're primarily an outdoor brewery, so be prepared to sit outside at picnic tables. Their staff is super friendly and the vibes are great.

All in, that's a 1.3-mile loop filled with plenty of craft beer and good eats! If you're looking for a place to eat dinner not associated with a brewery, I'd have to recommend Parlor KC. It's a food court-style restaurant where you can choose from various local food vendors. It's a great place to go with a big group where everyone can't decide what exactly they want to eat!