7 Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City To Try in 2023
After making our way through countless coffee shops in the KC area, we put together this 7+ Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City guide to help you find your next favorite coffee shops in 2021!
When I lived in Dallas, I couldn’t help but notice the strong coffee culture. It seemed as though every block had its own coffee shop with its unique take on java, and each one is packed with its own loyal group of coffee junkies.
So when I moved to the Kansas City area back in 2019, I thought I was leaving all that behind – and I didn’t want to!
Thankfully, my first day in Kansas City has proved that Dallas isn’t the only place buzzing with unique coffee shops. In fact, here are 7 of the best coffee shops in Kansas City you need to visit this year!
Criteria for the BEST Coffee Shops in Kansas City
- Chill atmosphere: call it “the vibe” or whatever else you want to call it, but we love coffee shops that are chill. You know, those coffee shops where you walk in and your shoulders start to relax, and you take deeper breaths?
- Instagrammable: okay, so this is kinda similar to the previous criteria, but we’re really talking more about the visual appeal rather than the overall feel here. I mean, brownie points for coffee shops that’s nice to look at, right? So grab a photo or two while you’re at it!
- Quality coffee/drinks: if a coffee shop looks great but doesn’t actually make good coffee (or matcha/chai latte in my case), then it’s not here! This list is for only the best coffee shops in KC – and that means ones that serve good coffee!
Monarch Cafe
3550 Broadway Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64111
Hours:
7am-7pm (Mon-Sun)
My order: Ca Phe Sua Da Draft Latte
Coffee connoisseurs all over KC flock to this iconic subway dotted cafe that’s often described as the Parisian haven in the middle of KC.
But Monarch Cafe doesn’t just look like it stepped out of a Pinterest board – their coffee is also fantastic. In fact, Monarch has its own roasting company, and their signature coffee is a gorgeous lighter roast that is the absolute perfect blend.
A fun fact you might now know is that Monarch’s lower level includes an event space called The Drawing Room – which is perfect for a small event of 36-50 people!
While their main 3550 Broadway location is currently only serving to-go, their newest location 2345 Grand Blvd offers dine-in options from 7am-1pm on Monday-Friday.
Messenger Coffee Company
1624 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
Hours:
7am-6pm (Mon-Sun)
My order: Chai Tea Latte with an Almond Croissant
Messenger Coffee Company opened its doors in 2017, and has since become a Kansas City coffee icon. I like to visit Messenger on my way to the River Market to grab a latte and pastry item (which are made by Ibis Bakery). Messenger is located inside a beautiful red brick building – and one step into Messenger, you’ll notice the artsy, contemporary vibe.
Inside Messenger, you’ll find a roasting space (which houses two San Franciscan drum roasters), a coffee lab, and beautiful rooftop access seating with unhindered views of the KC skyline.
But of course, what’s a coffee shop without good coffee?
Messenger is proud to offer a seasonal menu. So while you can enjoy your regular espresso drinks and manual brews, you can also try their seasonal house-made specials.
Cafe Equinox
Overland Park Location:
8424 Farley St.
Overland Park, KS 66212
Shawnee Location:
7036 Nieman Rd.
Shawnee, KS 66203
Hours:
9am-4:30pm (Mon-Sat)
10:30am-4:30pm (Sun)
My order: Cappuccino with a homemade Pop Tart
Caffeine and Chlorophyll, anyone? And no, I’m not talking about chlorophyll in your coffee – but rather Cafe Equinox’s green concept of a coffeeshop literally inside a greenhouse. As a plant lover, I may be biased when I say that Cafe Equinox is hands down my favorite coffee shop in KC lately. They have stellar drinks from Thou Mayest Roasterie (yum!) and delicious local KC pastries. And the fact that you’re literally surrounded by so many thriving plants? Now that’s my idea of heaven.
Cafe Equinox currently has 2 locations, each one nestled in Family Tree Nursery (Overland Park and Shawnee)
Filling Station
2980 Mcgee Tfwy
Kansas City, MO 64108
Hours:
6:30AM – 6PM (Mon-Fri)
7AM – 6PM (Sat-Sun)
My order: “Liquid Sunshine” with a Breakfast Burrito
Did you know? The Filling Station used to be an actual gas station (that’s how it got its name!)
Whether you stop by just for a cup of joe (they serve Messenger coffee beans!), or a heartier meal, there are plenty of goodies to fill up on here at The Filling Station.
In fact, they also have a fresh-pressed juice bar, along with delicious breakfast and lunch options! The Midtown Location also has a great outdoor patio – which is perfect for the summer!
Made in Kansas City Trolley Cafe
426 Delaware St
Kansas City, MO 64105
Hours:
7 am – 8 pm (Mon-Fri)
8 am – 8 pm (Sat-Sun)
My order: Cereal Milk Latte with a fresh-baked Scone
If the idea of a Trolley Cafe doesn’t scream “Instagram me!”, then I’m not sure what will!
You may already know this, but there are currently 4 Made in KC cafes all over Kansas City. While each one has its own unique flair, this one definitely tops the list!
The Made in KC’s Trolley Cafe is located in the River Market area. So the next time you do your weekend grocery shopping there, why not stop by for a cup or two?
Made in Kansas City Cafes source their coffee beans from over 12 local Kansas City roasters, and their pastries are sourced from local bakeries. So every time I buy that scone, I know my purchase goes towards supporting other local businesses too – in this case, the Parisi Brothers Bakery!
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda — 811 W 17th St
811 W. 17th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Hours:
7AM-5PM (Mon-Fri)
7AM-4PM (Sat)
7AM-1PM (Sun)
My Order: Chai Tea Latte with 2 Protein Balls
Nestled on the west side of downtown KCMO, Goat Hill Cofee & Soda is a quaint little coffee shop that serves up a short list of amazing drinks.
Since the coffee shop is pretty small, it’s not exactly a coffee shop where you’re likely to spend the whole day here working on your laptop. That said, the quality of the coffee and bakery items at Goat Hill is so ridiculously delicious that you’ll find youself coming back for more.
But my favorite part of Goat Hill Coffee & Soda has to be its people. The baristas and people working there are always so friendly, it’s hard not to leave with a smile!
McLain’s Bakery
201 E Gregory,
Kansas City, MO 64114
Hours:
7am-2pm (Mon-Sun)
My order: Matcha Latte with a Cinnamon Sugar Donut
Having frequented both of Lawrence’s McLain’s Market, I knew coming into this one that McLain’s is the real deal. After all, bad coffeeshops don’t last for 75+ years right??
While 4 of their other McLain’s locations are called McLain’s Markets, the one in Waldo is called McLain’s Bakery in honor of the name they started with back in 1945. They were the OG best coffee shop in Kansas City!
Many of my friends here love McLain’s for the “casual-cool” vibes, but more so for their glorious pastries, cakes – and for me: a steaming cup of matcha latte and a delicate donut!
Don’t be surprised to find a line wrapping around the corner on a busy Saturday morning. But let me tell you a tip: it’s worth it.
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Are there any other coffee shops I need to include in this Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City guide? Please leave a comment below – and tell me what you order!
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Content is written by Michelle Schmidt of dwellbymichelle.com.
I’m sitting here writing this at Serenity Café near 63rd and Blue Ridge in Raytown. First time here and it’s delightful. Lovely comfortable ambience, including jazz playing unashamedly overhead. Both brewed coffee and a special tea latte I had were delicious.
I’m also a big fan of Homers Coffee shop at 80th and Metcalf in Overland Park. Might still have live music on Friday nights.
Also, the ambience the coffee and the treats are excellent at both Crows Coffee Shops have been to, one in Redbridge and one in Waldo.
Lastly, Black Dog Coffeehouse on 87th St. in Lenexa is wonderful. I made a lot of friends, vendors and clients there because of the proximity to I 35. It’s part of the Messenger family along with Ibis bakery, and there sweet treats are great.
These are fantastic recommendations, Rick! I actually just visited Black Dog Coffeehouse the other and can only say good things about them as well.
These are awesome recommendations!!
You should try Cause coffeeshop! It’s in De Soto and is delicious too! definitely worth the drive
Up in the Northland, there is a coffee shop called Headrush Coffee Roasters. One is in Briarcliff and the original is on North Oak Trafficway. Highly recommend Headrush.
You should try coffee shops in Northeast KCMO. Splitlog and Eleo’s Coffee shop are amazing!!!
I’ve never tried either of those! I will definitely have to give them a visit 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation!
I love Messenger Coffee!!
So helpful! We’re from Springfield and are die-hard coffee shop fans, so this guide was so perfect! We loved Equinox!