At historic Irish marketplace in KC, I found culture that rivaled my Mexican heritage
Irish culture has always drawn me in, mostly because it reminds me of my Mexican culture. Both have that same happy energy, from their traditions to their lively way of life.
Being Mexican, I see the same warmth in Irish culture—it’s something I relate to. The food, for one, feels familiar in a way; hearty, comforting dishes made to be shared. The atmosphere, too—loud, welcoming, and full of laughter—reminds me of home.
Even the music, whether it’s a lively Irish folk tune or a mariachi song, carries that same spirit of storytelling and celebration. There’s a deep pride in both cultures, a love for family, and a sense of community that makes you feel like you belong.
Much to my surprise, this native of Los Angeles and recent transplant to Kansas City not long ago discovered a little piece of Irish culture in the city that is likely known to many longtime residents but it was new to me.
I was on assignment, driving through Kansas City, when something caught my attention. I quickly jotted a note in my phone: “Corner neon sign caught my eye—it’s called Browne’s.”
Fast forward a few months, and I was going through my “don’t forget” list on my phone—ADHD makes me forget everything, so I rely on these notes. A quick search revealed it was an Irish market. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, I figured it was the perfect time to stop by and check it out. Later, I realized it wasn’t a neon sign, but the bright green patio lights dangling from the top of the sign that had actually grabbed my attention.
I walked into Browne’s Irish Marketplace, and it was packed with Irish merchandise from floor to ceiling—like an Irish wonderland. The place had several rooms filled with Irish goods, from clothing to handcrafted items. There were shelves upon shelves stocked with imported Irish food—just about anything you could think of, from teas to sauces and snacks. There was lots of whiskey, too, along with gifts, décor, and all kinds of things that made it feel like a little piece of Ireland right in Kansas City.
The owners, Kerry Browne and her husband, John McClain, were incredibly friendly and seemed genuinely excited to have someone new in. They suggested I try some chocolate and also told me to take a can of mushy peas—something they said was a staple in Irish kitchens. I picked up a Cadbury Dairy Milk Wholenut bar after doing a quick Google search on popular chocolate in Ireland, and I grabbed a can of Batchelors Mushy Peas, which caught my eye with its classic logo.
I tried the potato soup and the Reuben sandwich. The soup, which I was told is a family recipe, was cozy, rich, and exactly what you’d want on a chilly day. I could’ve easily had two bowls of it. The Reuben was packed with lean Irish corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and housemade Thousand Island and horseradish dressing, all served on toasted marble rye. Since they stack their sandwiches high with the fillings, I opted for the half order. It was delicious.
Kerry shared a bit about the history of the market. She mentioned that Browne’s is the oldest Irish business outside of Ireland, dating back to 1887, and that she’s the great-granddaughter of the original owners, Margaret and James R. “Jim” Browne. The space felt rich in history, especially with all the family photos hanging on the walls, which added a personal touch to the whole experience. There were also old photos of how the store used to look—glimpses of its past, showing how it had been set up back then, a reminder of how much it had grown while still holding onto its roots.
Browne’s Irish Marketplace is located at 3300 Pennsylvania Ave., two blocks west of the starting point of the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 33rd Street and Broadway Boulevard. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, and travels south on Broadway to 43rd Street in Westport.
St. Patrick’s revelers can celebrate the holiday in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day with several events being hosted at Browne’s including live music, a St. Pat’s run on Saturday and a heap of events on Monday.
