Breit's Stein & Deli is the kind of neighborhood bar that makes you consider moving to that neighborhood. In a two-story red-brick building on a corner overlooking the foot of Strawberry Hill, in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, Breit's would surely make the cover of The Children's Picture Book of Bars if such a manual for future drinkers existed. Inside, the high-ceilinged space is clean and open, with an unusually tall bar, original to the building's days as a pool hall more than a half-century ago. Owner Bob Breitenstein opened his patio-enhanced joint only six or seven years ago but has already cultivated a loyal clientele. The regulars enjoy the don't-spoil-our-secret feel, but they still welcome tourists. We would understand if they didn't, though, because Breit's is better than a dive, and the drink prices are unbelievably cheap — quoting them here would be like smashing a church window. On a recent visit, the only customers were some neighborhood guys playing a friendly game of cards while a stream of classic Kinks songs played on the jukebox. "Do you live around here?" the bartender asked. It hurt a little to say no.
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