The University News

Issue date: 6/1/09 Section: Culture

Media Credit: A Grant Snider Illustration

Thank goodness it's First Friday! On the first Friday of every month, the Crossroads District of Kansas City shines with creativity. By sunset the streets are full of people enjoying the art, music and entertainment the area has to offer.

Spectators can enjoy a glass of wine as they walk through the galleries of local artists and watch performers in the streets. Shops keep their doors open late, and almost every late-night hangout is hopping with live music.

This summer, First Fridays fall on June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7. We've compiled a list of great places to eat, drink and be merry.

Galleries



Arts Incubator

115 W. 18th St.

A non-profit organization that helps artists develop their careers. This is a great place to see a variety of artists' work.



Byron C. Cohen Gallery of Contemporary Art

2020 Baltimore Ave.

Regina Benson: "On the Curve," textile installations of rusted silk and rayon, will be on display through July 11.



Kemper at the Crossroads

1901 Baltimore Avenue

Jamie Warren: "You Are So Beautiful in the Face" is an exhibition of photography from the local artist and will be open for the duration of the summer. The opening reception is from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, June 5 and is free.



Blue Gallery

118 Southwest Blvd.

Teresa Cole: "Full Circle" and Daniella Woolf: "Away with Words" runs through June 22. The artists will showcase their work with surface design.

Restaurants



Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop

333 Southwest Blvd.

Voted best Thai and vegetarian restaurant in KCMagazine in 2007, Lulu's uses fresh ingredients without the MSG. They are open until 10 p.m. and serve a variety of loose-leaf tea, sake and import beer.



Grinders

417 E. 18th St.

This locally owned restaurant, bar and music venue was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." They serve New York-style pizza, sandwiches and wings, as well as weekly specials. Grinders West, located next door, features deli favorites like build-your-own salads and sandwiches. Grinders is open until 1:30 a.m. and Grinders West until 10 p.m.



Manny's Restaurante Mexicano

207 Southwest Blvd.

This family-owned restaurant offers great Mexican food at an affordable price. They've been around for more than 20 years and continue to be a staple of Southwest Boulevard. Open until 10 p.m.

Late-night hangouts



Crosstown Station

1522 McGee Road

Every First Friday, they feature live music and artists throughout the evening. Live artwork on stage and throughout the venue along with great acoustics and views make this place an essential part of the Crossroads experience.



YJ's Snack Bar

128 W. 18th St.

This locally owned café is open 24 hours on the weekends and offers breakfast after 3 a.m. Their menu features a variety of cuisine and an outdoor seating area provides a great place to relax.



Town Topic

1900 Baltimore Ave.

Local jazz man Mark Montgomery just named his new album "Town Topic" for proof that this little diner is a Kansas City icon. They are open 24 hours.



The Brick

1727 McGee St.

No cover charge on First Fridays. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. and drinks are served until 3 a.m. Local artists' works are featured throughout the bar.

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