Messenger Coffee Co.

A Guide to Kansas City Coffee Shops

Kansas City is brewing up something special. In-house roasters keep beans fresh while expert baristas sling espresso and other caffeine concoctions amidst some of the most welcoming and appealing environments in the city. No matter the time of day or day of the week, consult our go-to guide to Kansas City’s coffee shop scene.


Downtown + River Market

Coffee Kansas City

  • Thou Mayest: The brains (and beans) behind many of the finest cafes in the metro, this River Market location of the coffee roaster draws inspiration from Steinbeck’s inimitable novel East of Eden.
  • PT’s Coffee Roasting Co.: Founded in nearby Topeka, PT’s has become a mainstay in the local coffee scene thanks to hip hangouts Downtown and in the Crossroads.
  • Made in Kansas City Café: Local-only is the motto at the aptly named Made in KC Café. For weekend warriors, swing by the Downtown hangout to sample cereal milk lattes.
  • City Market Coffee: Treat yourself to a drink in between fresh produce shopping and bites of international cuisine in The City Market.
  • Cafe Cà PhêKansas City's Vietnamese coffee shop dazzles with bright colors and inventive menu items that deliver irresistibly rich flavors for every palate.
  • Blip Roasters: Motorcycle culture fuels the attitude at Blip Roasters, a West Bottoms operation that’s as original and memorable as Easy Rider.
  • Spokes Coffee|Café|Cyclery: Spokes and its two Downtown locations (plus one at Crown Center) have you covered, regardless of your need. Where else could you sip a latte, toss back a pint, chow down on a burrito and buy a bike?

Crossroads Arts District + Union Station & Crown Center + Nearby

Messenger Coffee Co.

  • Messenger Coffee Co.: Look for this stellar, three-story café, roastery and bakery in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District. Recently added: Two additional locations on the Country Club Plaza.
  • Parisi Coffee: One of the most robust operations in the region pours coffee, tea and other caffeine solutions at its Union Station café.
  • The Filling Station: Convenience is key at The Filling Station, where a location in Union Hill (among others) keeps you energized throughout the day.

The Roasterie

  • The Roasterie: One of Kansas City’s original roasters touts excellent, uniquely designed locations across the metro.
  • Goat Hill Coffee & Soda: Don’t be fooled by its minimal dimensions: Goat Hill’s back-to-basics menu packs a mighty punch in the Westside neighborhood.
  • Mildred’s Coffeehouse: Breakfast sandwiches, delicious pastries and great coffee. Not much else needs to be said about Mildred’s, a popular morning meeting spot. (Also be sure to check out its expanded Downtown location.)
  • Wild Way Coffee: KC’s only mobile coffee camper sets up shop all across town, but the wheeled espresso bar regularly posts up in its event space in the East Crossroads. 

Westport + Country Club Plaza

Oddly Correct

  • Oddly Correct: Pour overs, carefully crafted steamed milk drinks and those delicious biscuits shine in this funky Westport coffee shop.
  • Broadway Café and Roasting Co.: Coffee fans pay homage to the origins of KC’s modern caffeine scene by making a trip to this Westport café.
  • Westport Coffeehouse: You'll find all the coziness of a storied neighborhood café here, as well as a black box theater hosting regular improv and other shows downstairs.

Greater Metro

Second Best Coffee

  • Second Best Coffee: Grab a burrito to go with your espresso drink at the cleverly named Second Best Coffee, Waldo’s finest.
  • Post Coffee Company: Expertly roasted single origin beans star at Post Coffee, a Lee’s Summit favorite that also offers an extensive dining menu.
  • Crows Coffee: Locations in Waldo, South Plaza and Red Bridge make this community brand one of the finest in the city.

Cafe Equinox

  • Splitlog Coffee Co.: Cozy-cool Splitlog prides itself on well-made drinks using a regularly rotating selection of high-quality roasters from around the country.
  • Kinship CafeNestled in Downtown Kansas City, KS, Kinship Cafe is especially serious about its cold brew. Plus, works from local artists fill the shop's walls and shelves, adding more KC culture to every visit.
  • Café Equinox: This Shawnee retreat relies on “caffeine and chlorophyll” to get you through the day courtesy of Thou Mayest beans and flower power from shared-space partner Family Tree Nursery.
  • Black Dog Coffeehouse: Messenger coffee beans and Ibis Bakery breads and pastries define this trendy Lenexa café.
  • Outta the Blue: Equal parts coffee shop, bar and island oasis, this new addition to Leawood's Park Place features local coffee, vegan breakfast sandwiches, cold-pressed juices and natural wines
  • Pilgrim Coffee Company: Picking up or sticking around, Overland Park’s Pilgrim sets itself apart with industrial vibes and an expansive menu of coffee, pastries and other snacks.
  • Revocup Coffee Roasters: With locations sprinkled throughout Downtown, Leawood, Lenexa and Overland Park, this comfortable shop's local artwork, baked goods and attentive service keeps its strong reputation brewing. 
  • Maps Coffee & Chocolate: Take your pick from a wide selection of roasts and blends (plus an impressive array of hand-wrapped chocolate bars) along a cozy street in Lenexa.

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