New Kansas City jazz club offers a sober experience to ‘connect with people’
The plan wasn’t initially for Cafe 333, a new jazz club in the Crossroads, to become a sober bar.
But owner Coralyn Martin hit a snafu with the liquor license that would’ve set its opening months back. Sober for seven years and a recovery coach, she took it as a sign that her swinging new spot on Southwest Boulevard wasn’t meant to serve martinis and negroni.
Instead, visitors will find signature mocktails and charcuterie.
Martin softly opened Cafe 333 this weekend, though she’ll throw open the doors Thursday for its grand opening.
Visually, the space bears many similarities to its predecessor, vegan restaurant Cafe Gratitude, though it now features pieces from local artists. A stage for local musicians and comedy acts sits at the front of the restaurant near the door.
“Almost every night of the week we’ll have local jazz and musicians,” Martin said. “I would never do something that didn’t include entertainment.”
Cafe 333 will have select folk and blues nights as well.
Martin’s true passion lies in the arts. It’s why she started local entertainment company Social Cabaret in 2020, which heads up “eatertainment” concepts Waldo Supper Club at 8011 Wornall Road and C.A.S.T. (Cabaret Arts and Social Theater) at 9050 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park.
This concept, like her others, serves to further both socialization and a love for music.
“Really what we want is to go out and connect with people,” Martin said. “I’m excited to create something that intends to be part of night life without the compulsory need to want to drink alcohol.”
Instead of wine and beer, customers can enjoy mocktails (all are $11) like the Blue Note, which has blackberry, blueberry, lemon and butterfly pea flavors. The Southwest 333 consists of pineapple, lime, agave and ginger flavors, while the Lavender Jazz contains lavender, coriander, lemon, cream and sparkling water.
Botanical spirits like Trip — an alcohol-free drink that contains magnesium, ashwagandha, lion’s mane, L-theanine and other herbs — are also available.
On the food side, Cafe 333 offers polenta fries, tandoori fried chicken, and panela cheese wrapped in carrot shavings with a parsley, pesto and carrot emulsion.
At a soft opening event Friday night, pianist Linda Mann tickled the keys while Mark Sepulveda sang.
Sepulveda, who’s performed at a few other Social Cabaret events, said he sees spaces like Cafe 333 as a pivotal part of the arts community. Especially with so many performers who are looking to book gigs.
“We have a lot of talent in this town,” he said.
If they can’t find venues here, they’ll go elsewhere.
As he sang “Pennies from Heaven,” a few ladies in the audience got up and started to dance.
“I think it’s important to have things in the community that bring everyone together,” he told The Star before he took the stage. “I think everybody needs music. It’s the universal language.”
Cafe 333 is still playing with its hours, so Martin advised customers to check social media for details.
For now, they’re planning to be open 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Eventually, they’ll open earlier and begin serving coffee. They have a full espresso bar.
Certain shows will require a cover charge and reservations to ensure proper seating, Martin said. Customers should check the club’s website and social media pages.
Cafe Gratitude closed last April after 13 years of business.
“While we’ve been finding our footing again after a challenging winter, a number of signs have pointed us toward closing,” the restaurant said in a social media post announcing its closure. “It hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s one we’re making with love, trust, and deep gratitude for all we’ve experienced.”
Another Crossroads jazz bar, Ted’s Taproom, opened this spring. The spot at 1829 McGee St. is named after developer Jon Copaken’s late friend.