For richer or pour over, Kansas City’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.
The City of Fountains has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in KC.
Roasts to boast
Broadway Cafe and Roasting Company, multiple locations | This spot pulls strong, 30 years strong, with espresso available for purchase in store + online.
Messenger Coffee, multiple locations | Messenger has a farm to direct relationship, roasting the beans right here in the 816.
Oddly Correct, 4141 Troost Ave. | Try one of Oddly’s unique blends like the BAD DOG Signature Roast.
Parisi Coffee, multiple locations | Fun fact: Parisi owns and operates one of the largest green coffee storage + roasting facilities in the Midwest.
Rochester Roasting and Brewing Company, 2129 Washington St. | This spot offers fresh beans, talented baristas, and other options like beer + tea.
The Roasterie, multiple locations | They don’t just boast their roasts, they give Kansas City the spotlight too with the Kansas City Blend.
Best bites
Bisou, 2122 Jefferson St., Ste. A | Paris meets Westside at this European-style coffee and wine bar known for its chic ambiance and indulgent pastries.
Crow’s Coffee, multiple locations | While its selection is limited, Crow’s made-from-scratch veggie quiche with fresh pie crust is one of Editor Maddie’s faves.
Mildred’s, multiple locations | The breakfast of champions, literally. Check out its new South Plaza digs and order Travis Kelce’s go-tos: chipotle breakfast wrap, cinnamon roll, and cold brew.
Mother Earth Coffee Co., 3504 Gillham Rd. | Start your morning with its fair trade beans and an everything bagel sandwich, then cap your workday with a glass from Bliss Books & Wine next door.
Where to write your novel
Café Equinox, multiple locations | Located inside Family Tree Nursery, this greenhouse setting is sure to help your author dreams bloom.
Novella, 8581 N. Green Hills Rd. | It’s right in the name — this aesthetic spot first started inside the Mid Continent Public Library’s Green Hills Culinary Arts branch.
Rebel Coffee, 1607 W 39th St. | The quaint space has all the vibes you need to get in the zone with its comfy white chairs and awesome patio.
The Nook, 14 W. 10th St.| Through a partnership with The Prospect KC, the newly revived caffeinated oasis features a literary-themed menu of drinks, cafe fare + bakery items.
Three Bees, 925 Southwest Blvd., KCK | It’s the perfect formula: get inspired by the greenery-covered facade, fuel your writing with coffee and tamales, then give in to procrastination by shopping its selection of hand-made pottery.
Perfect for a date
ASE Coffee, 1800 Highgrove Rd., Grandview | Share a Fox & Bull Baking Co. pastry with your beau surrounded by luscious deep green walls and trendy retro decor.
Café Corazón, multiple locations | Its seasonal coffee, tea, and cocktail menus never disappoint. Want a caffeine fix without the java? Try a signature yerba mate flight.
Front Range Coffee House, multiple locations | The cozy cabin vibes make this ideal for a casual coffee date with your crush, or stop in for a nightcap at the bar.
Garden House, 1639 Southwest Blvd., KCK | Want to impress with your knowledge of cool indie coffee spots? Take your beau for a Kyoto cold brew and browse its selection of fine plants + artisan goods.
Thou Mayest, multiple locations | The River Quay location is perfect for a day-to-night date thanks to the late hours, or head to the Nelson-Atkins location for a coffee + museum date.
On-the-go joe
Café Ollama, 523 Southwest Blvd.| There’s always something new on the menu, like February’s fan favorite Mahomie Pacheco — a strawberry-flavored espresso drink with coconut milk + chocolate cold foam.
Filling Station, multiple locations | From breakfast sandwiches to lunch bites to pastries, this station will fill you up with high quality eats.
Hi Hat Coffee, 5012 State Line Rd., Westwood Hills | This iconic cottage coffeehouse is standing room-only, perfect for anyone needing a quick fix. Editor Maddie recommends its Black + White, an espresso drink blended with white and dark chocolate from Annedore’s next door.
McLain’s Market, multiple locations | Grab your go-to drink before you get to starting your day (and maybe a sweet treat, too).
Splitlog Coffee Co., 548 Central Ave., KCK | This Strawberry Hill biz has a drive-thru — it doesn’t get more on the go than that.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
City Market Coffee, 305 Main St. | Head upstairs for prime work from home vibes.
Headrush Roasters Coffee and Tea, multiple locations | Take your laptop out to the patio after charging inside for some fresh air.
Java Garage, 1323 W. 13th St. | Tucked inside a historic West Bottoms warehouse, this quiet coffee spot has more than enough room to spread out — from comfy couches with wide window views or a conference room for team meetings, classes, and small events.
Jinkies! Coffee and Hangout, 8350 W. 151 St., Overland Park | Transport yourself to the 1970s with themed drinks like “Rolling Stone” and “Cha-Ching.”
Made in KC, multiple locations | With locations all across the region, this is a reliable pit stop for your caffeine needs.
Events and pop ups
Café Cà Phê, multiple locations | KC’s first Vietnamese coffee shop has become the city’s de facto party planner, with almost weekly pop-ups, festivals, and community classes.
Comic Coffeehouse, 1857 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe | Let your geek flag fly at this java joint serving up classic pulls and signature creations alongside a selection of graphic arts and video games. Stop by for pop ups with local artists and its weekly Wednesday night D+D sesh.
Blip Roasters, 1301 Woodswether Rd. | This West Bottoms spot is run by in-house roasters with a love for the open road. Stop by for a cuppa, a helmet fitting, or one of its weekly open mics.
Kinship Cafe, 719 N. 6th St., KCK | Community is at the heart of this local coffeehouse serving up specialty drinks during pop ups and events like KCK’s Third Friday Art Walk.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
What did we miss? If you love a coffee shop that’s not on the list, let us know.
