This time of year, we could all use some warmth: warm service, warm vibes, and warm coffee. So we asked our team to share their favorite coffee houses in KC.
For me, it’s a tie between Mildred’s and McLain’s because both coffee shops offer the trifecta: fantastic drinks, mouthwatering pastries, and delicious food. Mildred’s excels with its smooth lattes and signature breakfast sandwiches (the Standard Sandwich on jalapeño is perfection), while McLain’s charms with its rich coffee, large homemade pastry selection, and tons of breakfast options (you haven’t lived until you have tried the pepperjack breakfast burrito). No matter which one I choose, I know I’m in for a treat!Â
When COVID shut everything down, my husband and I were in such desperate withdrawal from McLain’s pepperjack breakfast burrito that I tried to recreate the recipe at home. I went through about 30 variations trying to make the special serrano sauce they use. I never could get it to taste like theirs.
My favorite coffee shop in KC is the oh-so-adorable Hi Hat Coffee in Westwood Hills. Everyone always has a smile on their face when you order, and the coffee is tough to beat!Â
I never thought I’d be a coffee guy, but now that I am (substitute teaching and my coffee fairy wife made sure of it), I feel quite hip and metropolitan having a go-to coffee shop. “Hey, I’ll have the regular.” I don’t say that, but I could try.
My favorite spot is Café Corazón. Our office is dangerously close to the Crossroads location, and the horchata latte—cinnamon, vanilla, rice milk, whole milk, and espresso—is the mid-morning hug I need. The in-house yerba maté ritual is like meditation (though the tea itself takes some getting used to), and the Samba Limeade is a revelation.
I love the Filling Station year round, but especially for their seasonal items! I’m already crossing my fingers and hoping for them to bring back the Santa Slay Mocha next holiday season. Peppermint syrup, dark chocolate sauce in steamed milk with espresso—need I say more? Another favorite of mine is the Black Bean Clutch Burrito for a quick breakfast, and the pastries from Ibis Bakery are a must.
My go-to coffee shop is Parkville Coffee, located on Main Street. Downtown Parkville is such a cool hidden gem with lots of shopping and dining options, and stopping at Parkville Coffee is one of the best parts of visiting the city. The ambience is warm, cozy, and perfect for studying or catching up with friends for a coffee date. Their menu changes every season, and I’m going to try The Cupid next time I go. It’s espresso and milk with raspberry and white chocolate!
