Flying Saucer shutters, but Beerknurds in KC can raise a glass and pick up their plates

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium’s Beerknurds have to drink 200 different beers to get their first commemorative plate, so Kansas City patrons raised many glasses to earn the prizes that adorned the ceiling of the Power & Light District establishment.

After the location temporarily closed with the COVID-19 shutdown in March, signs began to point to a permanent closure. Local ‘knurds were concerned about retrieving their “beloved” memorabilia. In late June, Flying Saucer confirmed that it would not reopen.

While the watering hole is no more, the plates have been saved. Now former manager Kellen Duryea is trying to get the 800 plates to their owners.

He started Thursday and will be set up in the district’s Kansas City Live Block from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 4 to 7 p.m. July 16 to July 18.

Flying Saucer opened at 101 E. 13th St. in 2008, and Duryea worked there for more than six years.

“I’m very sorry to see it closed. I had a lot of good times there, as an employee and as a customer. It was a good spot,” he said.

The plates line the ceilings of the bar and restaurant locations, along with other collectible plates. Different colors and stickers signal the different beer levels. One San Antonio fan has done it 70 times.