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.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Espresso yourself
Messenger Coffee, various locations | Messenger has a farm to direct relationship, roasting the beans right here in the 816.
Broadway Cafe and Roasting Company, various locations | This spot is running over 30 years strong with espresso available for purchase in store + online.
Parisi Coffee, various locations | Fun fact: Parisi owns and operates one of the largest green coffee storage + coffee roasting facilities in the Midwest.
Hi Hat Coffee, 5012 State Line Rd., Westwood Hills, KS | This iconic cottage coffeehouse is standing room only, perfect for anyone needing a quick (and friendly) fix. Editor Maddie recommends a Black + White, an espresso drink blended with white and dark chocolate from Annedore’s next door.
Best bites
Mildred’s, two locations | The coffee feels like an added perk — with a stacked breakfast + lunch menu, and even a cocktail list for brunch.
Mother Earth Coffee Co., 3504 Gillham Rd., KCMO | Editor Bella recommends a BBQ Chicken Pita to accompany your coffee of choice.
Filling Station, various locations | From breakfast sandwiches to lunch bites to pastries, this station will fill you up with high quality eats.
Where to write your novel
Java Garage, 1323 W. 13th St., KCMO | 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.
Rebel Coffee, 1607 W 39th St., KCMO | This quaint coffee shop has all the vibes you need to get in the zone with its comfy white chairs and awesome patio.
Three Bees, 925 Southwest Blvd., KCK | It’s the perfect formula: get inspired by its greenery-covered facade, fuel your writing with coffee and tamales, and then give in to procrastination by shopping its selection of hand-made pottery.
Café Equinox, 7036 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS | Located inside Family Tree Nursery, this greenhouse setting is sure to help your author dreams bloom.
Novella, 8581 N. Green Hills Rd., KCMO | It’s right in the name — this aesthetic spot first started inside the Mid Continent Public Library’s Green Hills Culinary Arts branch.
Roasts to boast
The Roasterie, various locations | They don’t just boast their roasts, they give Kansas City the spotlight too with the Kansas City Blend.
Rochester Roasting and Brewing Company, 2129 Washington St., KCMO | This spot offers fresh beans, talented baristas, and other options like beer + tea.
Oddly Correct, 4141 Troost Ave., KCMO | Try one of Oddly Correct’s unique blends like the BAD DOG Signature Roast.
Perfect for a date
Thou Mayest, various 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.
Front Range Coffee House, various locations | The cozy cabin vibes make this ideal for a night out with your crush.
Nirvana Coffee Bar and Game Lounge, 10707 E. Winner Rd., Independence, MO | Challenge your partner to a round of pool or try a new board game while sipping on a drink of choice.
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.
Specialty drinks
Café Ollama, 523 Southwest Blvd., KCMO | 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.
Jinkies! Coffee and Hangout, 8350 W. 151 St., Overland Park, KS | Transport yourself to the 1970s with themed drinks like “Rolling Stone” and “Cha-Ching.”
Café Corazón, various locations | Its seasonal coffee, tea, and cocktail menus never disappoint. Want a caffeine fix without the java? Try a signature yerba mate flight.
On-the-go joe
Made in KC, various locations | With locations all across the region, this is a reliable pit stop for your caffeine needs.
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.
McLain’s Market, various locations | Grab your go-to drink before you get to starting your day (and maybe a sweet treat, too).
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
Crow’s Coffee, various locations | Editor Bella spent hours working on graduate school homework here, so trust us on this one.
City Market Coffee, 305 Main St., KCMO | Head upstairs for prime work from home vibes.
Headrush Roasters Coffee and Tea, various locations | Take your laptop out to the patio after charging inside for some fresh air.
Events and pop ups
Café Cà Phê, various 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, KS | 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., KCMO | 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 it’s 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.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- 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 know a coffee shop that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
