Take a photo tour of 39th and Bell: ‘The un-Plaza’

If the intersection of West 39th and Bell streets were a band, it would be an indie band that takes influences from all over the globe. It would be the kind of band you want to hear before it makes it big. There’s a DIY feel here unmatched in the rest of the city. It’s eclectic and quirky, made from scratch, rhythmic and a great place to spend a Friday evening.

“I call it the un-Plaza” said Hubert Feuerborn as he shopped at Prospero’s Books. “I love it here.”

Start the evening at Prospero’s and get lost among the stacks of books. This Kansas City institution is one of the last remaining independent bookstores in the city and anchors the block. “We’re the last outpost of the word,” said co-owner Tom Wayne. The store buys, sells and trades used books, sells vinyl records and even publishes books of poetry.

Next fill up at Meatball District, which opened in January. They grind their own meat and hand roll the meatballs. Or head across the street for a slice of New York-style pizza at D’Bronx — the original among the restaurant’s four locations. While you’re there check out the layers of graffiti on the brick walls. “I think it adds so much character,” said general manager Dorothy Marinaro.

If you want something lighter try the authentic and elegant sushi at Friends Sushi & Bento Place. The happy hour Mondays and Saturdays serves up $1 sushi (fish over rice) and $3.99 rolls. Grab a seat at the counter and watch the chefs make it all.

If it’s some self healing you seek, take the stairway up to White Light Bookstore and Crystals. “We’re a bookstore, but we’re more than that. We are trying to help others grow,” said owner David Bradley.

Cap off your night with some live music at Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, and cool the burn of their Cajun food with a hurricane for $7.50. Or sip a cocktail in Papa Vic’s The Jigger — the former Jimmy’s Jigger rebranded this summer as a sports bar.

Spend some time at 39th and Bell and you’ll feel it’s a neighborhood with familiar faces and characters. There’s a sense of ownership and pride throughout the businesses here. It’s handcrafted, homemade and a place all its own.

This story was originally published October 28, 2016 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Take a photo tour of 39th and Bell: ‘The un-Plaza’."