Kansas City cocktail lovers have been panting for Manifesto to reopen all year. And they’re very, very close, co-owner Ryan Maybee promises. They’re just waiting on Missouri to rubber-stamp their liquor license. But, in the meantime, chef Howard Hannah is set to start serving lunch next week upstairs at The Rieger Hotel & Exchange.
The upstairs restaurant’s been subtly updated from its 1924 Main days—the change I’m happiest about is a more open, spacious bar that still maintains historical integrity. Indeed, Maybee does more than maintain the history. He’s brought the Rieger family’s connection to the West Bottoms whiskey trade to light and even unearthed old ads, shot glasses and other relics with the Monogram logo.
As for Manifesto, it will remain exactly as it was the night it closed, Maybee says. Same decor, drinks, back-door entrance and reservations policy. Here’s hopin’ for a Smokin’ Choke in the new year!
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A ghost of an original mural remains on the outside of The Rieger, at 19th & Main. 
The Rieger Hotel & Exchange
