New Johnson County craft cocktail bar opening. ‘Depth through simplicity’
A new craft cocktail bar is on its way to Johnson County, taking over a former tea shop.
The concept — called Neat — is moving into the former Savoy space in Lenexa City Center at 16953 City Center Drive.
Opening this winter, Neat will offer a variety of specialty cocktails, wine, beer and zero proof options.
“Our philosophy is straightforward: depth through simplicity,” co-founder Benjamin Augustine Davalos said in a media release. “We’re not chasing spectacle — we’re here to serve with care. If a guest leaves feeling at ease, remembered, and inspired by the rhythm of the room, we’ve done our job.”
Augustine Davalos started the concept with fellow founders Sam Johnston, Amit Bhakta and Samir Shura.
The more-than-1,200-square-foot space promises seasonal offerings and fresh ingredients.
The bar’s logo is a depiction of Michael Angelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” except with one hand holding a glass of whiskey. Its website explains the rationale behind the image.
“Despite all the ways we’ve stumbled as a species, we’ve still managed to create beautiful things,” the statement reads. “That spark of creation, of craft — that’s what we’re celebrating here.”
Several menu items are included online include the Let Them Eat Cake (West Bottoms Kansas City whiskey, yogurt soju, Allspice dram, carrot, Demerara and cream), Chaos Theory (Gorgonzola-washed Mezcal, carrot, passion fruit, lemon, cactus water, honey and thyme), and the 1840 Highball (1840 Cognac, Grand Marnier, persimmon, vanilla, citric solution and sparkling water).
Other menu items will be revealed as its opening date approaches, the website promises. Snacks will also be available, though those were not listed.
Meanwhile, the Lenexa City Center is undergoing several new developments.
Pet grooming service The Groom Gallery will open a location in the City Center in early 2026.
Days ago, upscale steakhouse Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill announced its Kansas City area debut at 8687 Scarborough St. It’s owned by SPB Hospitality and part of the same family of restaurants as J. Alexander’s.
Brunch spot Urban Egg will also join the bunch at 8669 Scarborough St. in late 2026, and Five Four (formerly 54th Street Grill) will open fall 2026 on the east side of Scarborough, just north of 87th Street.
In the same development, a project dubbed “restaurant row” saw several other restaurants open this year. Southern kitchen Tupelo Honey, Zhoug Mediterranean and Cactus Grill all opened this year.
Enjoy Pure Food + Drink began serving customers in the development late last year.