Kansas City Coffee Shops: Must Visit 2026
- Henna
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Kansas City's coffee scene is buzzing, and we’ve compiled the must-visit for 2026. Get ready for your new favorite cup.
Note: I don't get commission on this coffee shops but on the links with your purchase.
Yours Truly, Service and Sips
McLain's (NKC, OP, etc): When service is everything, this is your anchor - Best in KC hospitality! It's a bakery, a deli, with excellent drinks, and a little shopping.
Java Garage (West Bottoms): A welcoming coffeeshop & pod, designed to spark creativity and productivity. Best part, you will be greeted by Stout, your new furry friend. If you need to step away from screen work, do a little retail therapy as they feature curated handcrafted items from local vendors.
Crows Coffee (Waldo, etc): Unpretentious - may not be Instagrammable but does simple things exceptionally well, from the brewing process to service. It offers a variety of traditional espresso drinks and teas.
Two Sugars (Westport): Authentically friendly staff, colorful painted walls, home baked pastries, sandwiches, and well thought of drinks.
Messenger Coffee Ibis Bakery: This tri-level haven is a full-fledged coffee experience, complete with a roasting facility, artisan bakery, brunch menus, and a rooftop deck with city views.
Stout is everyone's furry friend who has all the essential skills to have you feel at home.
The Vibes: Unique In Its Spot
Rochester Brewing & Roasting (2 locations): On Parkville location, it's a train-turned-coffee-shop (and beyond), perfect for a family outing while indulging in its beer, cocktails, kombucha, coffee, pastries and more. Downtown location regularly showcases rotating exhibits of local artists on their walls.
Do you know that mocktails have become the moment? People want the ritual of a beautiful drink without the foggy aftermath, especially when you're on the road. Follow me for the next blog: Best of KC Mocktails! and, Kombucha? What's That?
Headrush in Briarcliff: Grab your brew and soak in the stunning city skyline at their patio. This shop offers one of the best tea selections in the city. Follow them on IG for vibrant selfie-induced drinks.
Hi Hat: Sun's out, mugs out! The premier spot for great outdoor seating at this charming neighborhood cafe.
Bisou: A tiny coffee haven where books line on walls and the air feels like you’ve slipped into someone’s sunlit living room. Sit at the patio under wide umbrellas that cast soft, dappled shade while you savor one of the best pastries in town (grab some to go) with your latte.
Goat Hill: A 'pocket-roastery"- tiny but warm, neighborly feel that makes KC special. Though seating is limited, every sip bursts with bold flavor and friendly folks.
Hull Coffee (KC North): Your go-to for the perfect pairing: top-notch coffee, pastries, and good cause. From website: We wanted to create a fun, loving work environment for our son and other young adults with intellectual disabilities... The ideas kept pouring in and we knew that coffee was the answer.
Cafe Ca Phe: A vibrant space offering authentic, Vietnamese grown coffee beans. The first and only Vietnamese coffee shop in KC. It's not just coffee, teas, drinks and pastries but even congee (rice porridge)!
Try this: Stainless Steel Vietnamese Coffee Filter Set Pour Over Coffee Dripper Coffee Maker Infuser Coffee Drip Brewer ($20+)
Cafe Ollama: Come here for Iced Chatita - agua de horchata with espresso and enjoy it outside (street side seating option) while people or car watching. It's a small coffee shop offering traditional Mexican coffee.
Cafe Corazon (3 locations): A cultural café specializing in classic and specialty Latinx and Indigenous espresso drinks, traditional foods, and ceremonial beverages like Yerba Mate.
Traditional Yerba Mate Gourd Set ($19.99, Amazon) – handcrafted hardwood gourd + stainless steel bombilla straw.
Rebel Coffee (Westport): Homey - your dose of cozy, creative, and communal. Events include regular small group tastings where visitors can learn more about coffee.
Henna Fuller
www.culturalwanderer.com Curated Travels Select Destinations
www.nkcyoga.com Live stream yoga classes
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