Clay & Fire is a wood-fired Near Eastern restaurant at 815 W 17th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, in the Westside neighborhood. Its culinary identity draws on the flavors of the Near East, pairing premium regional spices with produce from the restaurant’s Northern Missouri farms; travelers come for shareable mezze, fire-led dinner cooking, and a drinks list built around Near Eastern wines, spirits, and cocktails.
What to Expect at Clay & Fire
Clay & Fire’s menu begins in mezze territory, a good approach for two people or a table that wants to sample broadly. The Ember Eggplant combines smoky eggplant with garlic, olive oil, and lemon, while the Guajillo Hummus gives a local Westside-minded twist to the classic dip: guajillo chile brings gentle heat and orange color, finished with Aleppo pepper, parsley, and olive oil. Classic roasted-garlic hummus, green olives, house-made seasonal pickles, and yoghurt round out the opening choices.
The kitchen’s guiding idea is fresh, local, different: farm-sourced ingredients meet wood-fired technique and flavors associated with the Near Eastern region. Expect a warm neighborhood dining room rather than a formal white-tablecloth setting. Dinner is the main event, and the beverage program is worth treating as part of the meal, with Near Eastern wines, spirits, and cocktails selected to complement spice, smoke, acidity, and shared plates. The restaurant also handles carryout, delivery, and private parties.
- Ember Eggplant: A $6 mezze of smoky eggplant with garlic, olive oil, and lemon.
- Guajillo Hummus: A $6 house variation topped with Aleppo pepper, parsley, and olive oil.
- Classic Hummus: Roasted-garlic hummus finished with sumac, parsley, and olive oil for $6.
- Seasonal Pickles: Rotating vegetables made in house, a bright counterpoint to richer dishes.
- Near Eastern drinks: Regional wines, spirits, and cocktails designed for a full dinner rather than an afterthought.
Clay & Fire at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 815 W 17th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Westside, near Southwest Boulevard and the Crossroads edge |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Saturday, 5-10 PM; closed Sunday and Monday |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ dinner. Listed mezze include $3 yoghurt and $6 hummus, olives, pickles, and eggplant. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner and drinks |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | KC Streetcar’s 16th & Main stop is about a 10-minute walk; use legal Westside curb parking, as no dedicated lot is published. |
| Official Website & Phone | clayandfirekc.com · +1 816-569-5533 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner, when this compact neighborhood restaurant is most likely to fill. An early 5 PM reservation is the easiest choice for a more relaxed meal; later tables suit diners planning to linger over cocktails and shared mezze. Check the official food menu before arrival, since seasonal ingredients naturally shape the selection. For allergies, vegan needs, or gluten-related requirements, call before booking and ask the team about that day’s preparation.
From downtown, the free KC Streetcar to 16th & Main leaves a manageable walk west; rideshare is especially convenient after dinner. The dining room is on one level, but the Westside’s sidewalks and curb grades can be uneven, so guests using a wheelchair or stroller should call ahead to confirm the best entrance and table arrangement. Within roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot are La Bodega on Southwest Boulevard, the galleries and studios of the Crossroads Arts District, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Pair an early meal here with an evening performance or a Crossroads gallery walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Clay & Fire open, and what is the best time to visit?
Clay & Fire is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM and is closed Sunday and Monday. Book the opening seating for a quieter pace, or reserve in advance for prime-time Friday and Saturday dining.
How expensive is Clay & Fire, and are reservations required?
This is a $$ restaurant with no admission fee. Current listed mezze run from $3 for yoghurt to $6 for choices including Ember Eggplant and hummus; reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinner.
How much time should I plan for dinner?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a meal with several mezze and drinks. A quicker dinner is possible, but the shareable format and cocktail-and-wine program reward an unhurried table.
Is Clay & Fire suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
Families who enjoy sharing small plates can build a flexible meal around mild options such as classic hummus, olives, and yoghurt. The single-level dining room is straightforward once inside; call ahead for entrance, seating, stroller, wheelchair, and dietary-arrangement guidance.
When planning your Kansas City travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Kansas City, pair this stop with standout local spots including The College Basketball Experience, Cascade Hotel, Kansas City, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Grünauer, and Loews Kansas City Hotel (0.8 km away).
