20+ Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City To Try
After making our way through countless coffee shops in the KC area, we put together this Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City guide to help you find your next favorite coffee shops this year!
If you’re a coffee lover living in Kansas City, keep this guide close at all times!
While KC isn’t most known for its coffee (the barbecue is just too good!), you may be surprised to learn that Kansas City is home to some of the best coffee shops in the country. From cozy cafes to trendy roasteries, there are so many coffee shops in the city that are a must-visit for any coffee lover.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard fan of bold espresso shots or you just like basic creamy lattes (hello, that’s me), we’ve gathered all the best local coffee shops in Kansas City for every kind of joe.
In this article, we’re sharing 20 of the best coffee shops in Kansas City you need to visit this year. So, grab your favorite mug and get ready to explore the best coffee shops in Kansas City. I hope you’ll discover your new favorite spot!
Criteria for the BEST Coffee Shops in Kansas City
When it comes to finding the best coffee shops in Kansas City, there are several criteria that we considered. Here are some of the factors we took into account:
- Quality of coffee: Of course, the most critical factor to any good coffee shop is the taste and quality of their coffee. We looked for shops that served up delicious, well-crafted coffee that was worth savoring.
- Atmosphere: A great coffee shop should have a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes you want to stay and relax for a while. We looked for shops with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and/or unique decor.
- Service: Friendly and knowledgeable baristas can make a world of difference in your coffee experience. We looked for shops with staff who were passionate about coffee and eager to share their expertise with customers.
- Variety: While a great cup of coffee is essential, having a variety of drink options is also important. We looked for shops that offered a range of drinks, from classic favorites like a simple drip to creative and unique creations.
- Location: Finally, we considered the location of each coffee shop. Whether it was in a trendy neighborhood or a quiet corner of the city, we wanted to make sure each shop was easily accessible and located in a convenient area.
Messenger Coffee Company
Messenger Coffee Company opened its doors in 2017, and has since become a Kansas City coffee icon.
It’s a local favorite with multiple locations throughout Kansas City, including a roasting company downtown (my personal favorite location).
I like to visit Messenger on my way to the River Market to grab a latte and a few pastry items, which are made by Ibis Bakery.
Messenger is located inside a beautiful red brick building. Inside, 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 offers a seasonal menu, so you can enjoy your regular espresso drinks and manual brews, or try their seasonal unique drinks. The atmosphere is modern and sleek, with plenty of seating and a great vibe.
Location: 1624 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64108
Cafe Equinox
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)
Location: 8424 Farley St., Overland Park, KS 66212
My order: Cappuccino with a homemade Pop Tart
Filling Station
Did you know? The Filling Station used to be an actual gas station (that’s how it got its name!)
Located in Overland Park, The Filling Station is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee with friends or get some work done. They offer high-quality coffee roasted on-site, as well as a variety of specialty drinks like cold brew and chai lattes. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi.
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!
They also have a drive-thru option for convenience.
Location: 2980 Mcgee Tfwy, Kansas City, MO 64108
My order: “Liquid Sunshine” with a Breakfast Burrito
Made in Kansas City Trolley Cafe
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 partners with local craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Their source their pastries from local bakeries, and I love that each shop has a retail space where you can buy local products and souvenirs.
Location: 426 Delaware St., Kansas City, MO 64105
My order: Cereal Milk Latte with a fresh-baked Scone
Cafe Cà Phê
Cafe Cà Phê is the city’s first Vietnamese coffee shop, offering a unique and delicious selection of coffee drinks.
They roast their own coffee on-site and offer a variety of specialty drinks like their signature Cafe Sua Da. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a great place to hang out with friends.
I love their selection of Vietnamese-inspired drinks and food!
Location: 1101 Mulberry St, Kansas City, MO 64101
Cafe Ollama
A Latin American-inspired coffee shop that serves traditional Mexican coffee with piloncillo and cinnamon, as well as other drinks and snacks. They have a relaxing environment and a friendly staff.
Location: 523 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Parisi Coffee
A high-quality coffee shop that has their own selection of roasts that they sell online and in the store. They are known for their French Press and their warm environment. They are located inside the Union Station building.
Location: Union Station, 30 W PERSHING RD #100, Kansas City, MO 64108
Second Best Coffee
An espresso-centric coffee shop that uses a Slayer Espresso Machine to control the flavor and aroma of each cup. They source their beans globally and roast them locally. They also have breakfast burritos and homemade almond milk.
Location: 328 W 85th St, Kansas City, MO 64114
PT’s Coffee Roasting Co.
A hip coffee shop that has two locations in Downtown and Crossroads. They roast their own beans and have a variety of blends and single origins. They also have pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
LOcation: 310 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Crows Coffee
A cozy coffee shop that has a friendly vibe and a loyal customer base. They serve Messenger Coffee Co.’s beans and have a variety of drinks and snacks. They also have board games, books, and magazines for entertainment.
Location: 304 E. 51st Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Oddly Correct
A quirky and eclectic coffee shop that roasts their own beans and has a rotating menu of seasonal drinks and pastries. They are known for their creative latte art and their handwritten labels on their coffee bags.
Location: 4141 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
The Roasterie
A popular and well-established coffee shop that has been roasting their own beans since 1993.
They use a unique air-roasting method that produces a smooth and flavorful coffee. They have several locations around the city, as well as a factory tour and a café inside a plane.
Location: 6223 Brookside Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64113
Blip Roasters
A motorcycle-themed coffee shop that roasts their own beans and has a passion for speed and adventure. They have a spacious and industrial setting with a garage door and a mural. They also host events and pop-ups with local vendors and artists.
Location: 1301 Woodswether Rd, Kansas City, MO 64105
Mildred’s Coffeehouse
A friendly and inviting coffee shop that has been serving the community since 1994. They serve Messenger Coffee Co.’s beans and have a variety of drinks, breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. They also have a catering service and a loyalty program.
Location:1901 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Kaldi’s Coffee
A St. Louis-based coffee shop that has several locations in Kansas City. They roast their own beans and have a variety of drinks, breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. They also have a sustainability program and a social responsibility initiative.
Location: 4771 Jefferson St Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64112
Headrush Roasters
A family-owned coffee shop that roasts their own beans and has a passion for quality and freshness. They have a variety of drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, soups, and smoothies. They also have a drive-thru option and a loyalty program.
Location: 4115 N Mulberry Dr., KANSAS CITY, Missouri 64116
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda
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 yourself 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!
Location: 811 W. 17th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
My Order: Chai Tea Latte with 2 Protein Balls
Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters
Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters is a local favorite with multiple locations throughout Kansas City.
They serve up delicious coffee drinks in a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
Their coffee beans are locally roasted and always fresh, and their knowledgeable staff is always happy to help and so friendly.
Plus, the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and the space is perfect for relaxing with a good book or catching up with friends. My personal favorite location is the one inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. You can go up the rooftop patio for a view of the sculpture park!
Location: 412 Delaware St B, Kansas City, MO 64105
McLain’s Bakery
Having frequented both McLain’s Market in Lawrence and Kansas City, I knew coming into this one that McLain’s is the real deal. After all, bad coffee shops 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.
Location: 201 E Gregory, Kansas City, MO 64114
My order: Matcha Latte with a Cinnamon Sugar Donut
River Market and City Market Coffee Shops
If you’re looking for local coffee shops in Kansas City, the River Market and City Market areas are great spots to start. These neighborhoods are home to some of the best coffee shops in the city, each with their own unique atmosphere and offerings.
City Market Coffee
City Market Coffee House is a quick-service coffee shop located in the heart of the historic City Market area.
It’s a small and quaint coffee shop that has homemade treats and different coffee blends. They have an upstairs area with patio seating and outside seating as well.
This cozy spot offers a variety of coffee beans and brewing methods, including flash brew and pour-over. They also have a small selection of pastries and baked goods to pair with your coffee.
Quay Coffee
Quay Coffee is a popular spot for coffee lovers in the River Market area. It’s a modern and minimalist coffee shop that serves Messenger Coffee Co.’s beans.
They offer a variety of coffee beans, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal drinks. They also have a cold brew tap system and a nitro coffee option!
Their spacious and modern interior is perfect for getting work done or catching up with friends. If you’re feeling peckish, they also have a selection of sandwiches, snacks, and pastries.
Ibis Bakery
Ibis Bakery is a strip mall gem in the River Market area. While they are primarily a bakery, they also offer a small selection of coffee drinks. Their coffee beans are roasted in-house and their flash brew is a must-try. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make Ibis Bakery a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Broadway Cafe & Roasting Co.
Broadway Cafe & Roasting Co. is a family-owned coffee shop located in the City Market area. In fact, this classic and cozy coffee shop has been roasting their own beans on-site since 1992!
They have a variety of blends and single origins – we personally love that they offer a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over and French press.
Their spacious and airy interior is perfect for catching up with friends or getting work done. They also have a selection of breakfast and lunch items, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Lee’s Summit and Beyond
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in Lee’s Summit, you’re in luck. The city is home to some of the best coffee shops in the Kansas City area. Here are a few of our favorites:
Third Street Social
Third Street Social is a local business that serves great food and drinks. While it’s primarily known for its delicious breakfast burritos, it also has an excellent coffee menu.
You can’t go wrong with their French press, which is one of the best in the area. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try their cinnamon roll, which pairs perfectly with a hot drink.
Post Coffee Company
Post Coffee Company is a roasting company based in Lee’s Summit.
It has a quaint little coffee shop on the second floor of its roasting facility, which is the ideal spot for a lunch break or a hot drink.
Their espresso drinks are classic and delicious, and they also have a full espresso bar. If you’re looking for something sweet, try their dark chocolate mocha or their hot chocolate.
Summer Moon Coffee
Summer Moon Coffee is a Texas-based coffee shop that has opened a location in the Kansas City area.
They’re most known for a secret recipe for their moon milk-sweetened creamer that goes well with their drinks.
They also have a small assortment of snacks and pastries.
KC Cafe
KC Cafe is a small staffed cafe that serves classic espresso drinks and has a full breakfast and lunch menu. It’s the perfect spot for a quick coffee break or a meal with friends. Their friendly staff will make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try their chocolate croissant or their cinnamon roll.
Overall, Lee’s Summit is home to some of the best cafes in the Kansas City area. Whether you’re looking for a great cup of coffee or a delicious meal, you’re sure to find it at one of these local businesses.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re looking for more great coffee shops to check out in Kansas City, here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the top 20 list but are still worth a visit.
Hi-Tides Coffee
Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Hi-Tides Coffee is a unique coffee shop that offers more than just great coffee. In addition to their delicious espresso drinks, they also serve bubble teas and have a selection of sweet treats like cinnamon rolls and dark chocolate. The shop has a cool, laid-back vibe and friendly staff, making it a great place to hang out and enjoy a great time with friends.
Monarch Coffee – NOW CLOSED
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.
Monarch Coffee is a downtown Kansas City gem, featuring a beautiful and spacious coffee bar. They offer a variety of delicious drinks. The atmosphere is chic and trendy, with plenty of seating and a great place to people-watch.
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!
2023 UPDATE: Monarch Coffee unfortunately has closed down its cafes as of 2023, but they still sell coffee beans for purchase on their website.
Black Dog Coffeehouse
Black Dog Coffeehouse is a black-owned café located in the Vested Coffee location in Kansas City.
The shop has a great selection of coffee drinks and a friendly staff that will make you feel right at home. They also offer a selection of pastries and other baked goods.
If you’re looking for a cool, unique coffee shop in Kansas City, be sure to check out Black Dog Coffeehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coffee shop is the most popular?
Kansas City has a variety of coffee shops that are popular for different reasons. Some of the most popular coffee shops in Kansas City are Messenger Coffee Co., Monarch Coffee, and Second Best Coffee.
Messenger Coffee Co. is a popular spot for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the unique flavors and brewing methods.
Monarch Coffee is a popular spot for those who enjoy a modern and inclusive atmosphere.
Second Best Coffee is known for its espresso-centric slow bar and is a great spot for those who appreciate a good espresso.
What is the best to drink at a coffee shop?
The best drink to order at a coffee shop depends on your personal preferences.
If you enjoy a strong and bold coffee, you might want to try an espresso or a pour-over coffee.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you might want to try a latte or a cappuccino. Some coffee shops also offer unique drinks such as matcha lattes or cold brews.
What do most people order at a coffee shop?
The most popular drinks at a coffee shop are usually lattes, cappuccinos, and drip coffee.
These drinks are popular because they are familiar and widely available. However, if you want to try something new, you can ask the barista for recommendations or try a unique drink on the menu.
What should I order at a coffee shop for beginners?
If you are new to coffee, you might want to start with a simple and familiar drink such as a latte or a cappuccino.
These drinks are made with espresso and milk and are usually sweet and creamy. You can also try drip coffee, which is a simple and classic coffee that is easy to drink.
What should I order at a coffee shop for the first time?
If you are visiting a coffee shop for the first time, you might want to try a unique drink on the menu or ask the barista for recommendations.
Some popular drinks to try are a matcha latte (for non-coffee option), a cold brew, or a pour-over coffee. These drinks are unique and offer a different coffee experience than a classic latte or cappuccino.
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Are there any other coffee shops you think are the best coffee shops in Kansas City? 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!