After countless trips to KC, I finally checked this place out as it is walking distance from the Hilton President...now I know why I waited so long. Selection is not huge by any means and consists mainly of Boulevard (did have a few of the Smokestack Series) and your typical Belgians. There was a build your own six pack section which was nice, but it was run of the mill type stuff. I just cringe when I see IPAs sitting on the shelves and not in coolers, which was the case here. Decent spot if you are stranded downtown and don’t want to walk a couple blocks west to the Flying Saucer.

(Visited 06/2011): Cellar Rat is located in downtown Kansas City on the south side in the "Crossroads" area. It is located on Baltimore and E 17th. They have a small private lot in front of the building, and there is street parking all around. The beer selection is in the rear of the store, some on shelves and some in coolers. Regional breweries such as Boulevard (they had Saison Brett on my visit, plus many Smokestack series beers), SKA, Firestone Walker, Schlafly and O’Fallon. Other craft brewers such as Stone and Rogue, plus some imports. Service was good on a weekday early afternoon. While obviously a wine store primarily, the staff was friendly and happy to help with beer. Food is technically N/A, but they do sell local and artisinal meats, cheeses and breads. Overall this is a nice little shop to check out in the downtown area.

11/07 Walked to this place from my hotel and found the entire Smokestack series and a couple of singles. The selection is not the best but where I was staying I couldn’t pass it up. The staff went out of their way to help me and even offered me a ride back to my hotel. Nice place to stop by.