Top Coffee Shops in Kansas City

Hey guys! My good friend Leah Blefko {With Love, Leah} and I have created the “Ultimate Guide to Kansas City” from a millennial’s perspective! We are going to launch a new category each month, and this month we’re featuring our must-go coffee shops here in KC! We’ll be posting to both of our blogs, so make sure to follow along – LET’S DO THIS, KC!

Thou Mayest

Visit Date: Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.| Directions  

There’s an element of free spirit at Thou Mayest. The overall camp scene keeps the atmosphere relaxed, while the coffee and conversations run deep. We call Thou Mayest home every Wednesday evening for our own little Bible Study. Although it’s often busy, you can easily find a quiet corner to connect and regroup. Couches, chairs, desks — It’s all there. They even have two patio options – The first floor patio is covered with plants, comfortable lawn chairs, and a picnic table. The second floor patio overlooks CrossroadsKC concert venue at Grinders and has bar top tables and chairs to enjoy the view! We leave every visit with a new friend, as Thou Mayest goers are quick to connect and converse with those around them. One night we were told by a guy sitting next to us that this shop completely reflects the owner – Founder, Bo is extremely welcoming and always conversing with his guests which has created an element of comfortability between strangers.

“Thou Mayest is a coffee roasting gang of freewheeling renegades looking to shake up the ant farm. Like all awesome things, it started in a garage in 2012 and has exploded into a movement of entrepreneurs, artists, activists, business owners and shopkeeps looking for ways to do community better. Thou Mayest means “the way is open”and is seeing your life as a vast, glowing, empty page, waiting to be written by you. Pickled in philosophy and propelled through action and engagement, we are here to get you buzzed, both AM and PM.”

Menu Items Selected:

• Ice Vanilla Latte
• Hot drip
• Pop Tart
• Cherry Pie

Although their coffee options are incredible, they also serve cocktails! This coffee-shop-turns-bar creates a fun, social environment – Definitely come here on First Fridays or Saturday morning for a mimosa before exploring the crossroads! Have your ID ready!

Environment:

With their outdoor decor, their environment is very laid back. Some of the hippest people in the city come here to study or work – both by themselves and in groups. The music played here is all dependent on who’s working that day — Our favorites are the old school jams.

Staff: The staff at Thou Mayest is very engaging – They elevate your experience by their easy conversations as you’re placing your order. They’re also super laid back and kind – We’ve been the last ones out of the shop many times and they’re always very sweet about kicking us out!

[line]

 

Unbakery and Juicery

Visit Date: Monday at 6:00 p.m. | Directions

With a drive thru option, Unbakery & Juicery is truly your local, healthy grab-and-go option. Whether you want a quick shot of juice or a more hardy, yet always healthy, salad – They’ve got you covered! Before this store, owner Robin was in and out of the doctors office because of her food allergies. After many years of struggling, she created Unbakery for people who also have dietary restrictions. The meals, drinks and treats at Unbakery are carefully made, to ensure all customers find something perfect for them and their own needs. And guess what! Robin is in the process of opening a full service restaurant to fulfill these same dietary needs!

“We are a healthy ‘grab and go’ style restaurant in a 1960’s A-Frame building originally built as a bank. The old teller’s window is now the drive through window and the safe on the inside is used as the coffee bar.”

Menu Items Selected:

• Poke Bowl   
• Salmon Bowl
• Rose Water H2O

Environment: Just like the food, the environment at Unbakery & Juicery is very clean. The white walls,  fresh plants and natural light make this location perfect for Instagram pics.

Staff: The down-to-earth crew at Unbakery & Juicery know about health and wellness. When you go pick up your favorite food or drink, don’t be afraid to ask questions! They can give you detailed answers regarding their food and drinks, including how each ingredient affects your body!

[line]

 

QUAY

Visit Date: Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. | Directions

Located right off the streetcar path, Quay strives to “be an extension of your living-room that happens to serve great coffee.” We believe they have nailed this mission as Quay is a must-stop of the always growing River Market area. From the tall windows to the large meeting tables, this space will leave you inspired. So inspired that we noticed that many people used Quay as their point of connection. During our visit we saw couples on a date, techies discussing projects, art students collaborating, and independent workers.

“At Quay Coffee we have the opportunity to direct all of our positive cash flow back into local and global community needs. It is part of our mission to promote social justice through the way we operate. So at Quay Coffee you may notice signage that points to some of the organizations we are supporting. These organizations offer hope to the lost and broken, and share with us in wanting to bring to light the injustice in this world.”

Menu Items Selected:

• Blueberry Scone
• Chorizo Burrito
• Iced Vanilla Latte

We’ve both had our fair share of iced vanilla lattes, but this one is something special. The flavor is so smooth, yet full of flavor. Quay is one of the few coffee shops in the city that goes beyond bakery food – They have burritos! They’re made fresh, and well-priced at only $5 each. Try it – You won’t be disappointed!

Environment: The large windows when you walk in create a spacious, open environment. The walls range from grey’s to brick adding a mellow, easy-going vibe. Each table finished with a small glass vase with yellow flowers.

Staff: The staff has an aura about them that makes you as the guest, feel like their friend. From the way they greet you to the conversation they start with you, they’re there for you. Not only are they friendly, they are well-educated on their product.

 [line]

 

GOAT HILL COFFEE  

Visit Date: Monday at 5:30p.m. | Directions

Goat Hill Coffee & Soda graced the West Side about a year ago – bringing coffee back to the neighborhood! The shop owners, Tanner and Levi are anything but strangers to the coffee biz owning Post Coffee Co. in Lee’s Summit and Tanner a founder of Quay Coffee in the River Market. Goat Hill is cute and quaint, but full of character. You’ll hear an alternative-indie mix while sipping their special lavender honey latte (a must-try).  If you’re the person seeking a spot where you can work alone, Goat Hill will be an ideal stop for you. Seating is set for the individual coffee-goer, but you won’t feel alone with the bar-styled seating.

Menu Items Selected:

• Chocolate Old fashion donut
• Apricot pop-tart
• Iced lavender honey latte
• Vanilla latte

Environment: White brick, a touch of greenery, a floral inspired wall paper, and a hint of orange – Goat Hill has a wide range of style perfectly complimenting each other. Seating is designed for the individual as you will find bar-style seating throughout the space.

Staff: Our experience at Goat Hill wouldn’t be as enjoyable as it was without the diligent staff. We had the pleasure of meeting Sam, who took great pride in his craft. His attention to detail did not go unnoticed as we were extremely impressed with the presentation of each menu item we received.

 [line]

Monarch

Visit Date: Friday at 5p.m. | Directions

There’s a reason people have been intagramming this coffee shop! Unique to Kansas City, this aesthetically pleasing shop has a very classy feel. White tiled floors, white walls, a vaulted white ceiling and two full walls of windows. This place is picture perfect – Literally.

“Our aim is to provide a new cafe experience: where the coffee is excellent, the service is intentional, the space is inspiring, and your visit is satisfying and comfortable.”

Menu Items Selected:

• Chai Tea Latte
• Shot of Espresso

Environment: With scattered small tables, Monarch is the perfect place to throw some headphones in and get work done. Every visit you will probably see some people taking pictures, as the overall theme of their cafe is crisp and clean.

Staff: Staff appeared to be very focused and in tune with their barista duties. We didn’t feel there was much natural conversation or interaction from the business to the consumer.

We hope you enjoy these coffee shops as much as we do! Next up, Happy Hours! We’ll be posting that category in September – Stay tuned!

xx – Bec