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Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Java Jaunt: A Caffeine Crawl Across Kansas City

July 18, 2023
Caffeine Crawl Kansas City Coffee

Considering my javaholic tendencies and how long I’ve been following Caffeine Crawl’s activities, it’s a little absurd that it’s taken me this long to actually go on a crawl. I met founder Jason Burton when I worked at the Roasterie a few years ago, and I’ve been meaning to check it out ever since.

What is a caffeine crawl, you ask? Think pub crawl, but local coffee shops rather than bars (and less drunkenness). The first coffee-related “crawl,” Caffeine Crawl started in Kansas City in 2011 and now hosts events in cities across the country. It’s a guided tour of four to six local, independent shops and focuses on coffee, tea, and chocolate (allll the caffeine, in other words). At each stop, someone from the coffee shop—often the owner(s)—chats about the café and provides samples of signature drinks and bites.

caffeine crawl, kansas city, coffee, cafe

Our route got me up and out earlier than usual on a Saturday morning (the world does exist before 9 a.m. on a weekend!) and took us around Kansas City’s downtown and historic northeast. It’s not as if I need any encouragement to drink more coffee, and I already have long lists of both favorite local coffee spots and new ones to check out, but the crawl is a great way to discover new places and explore different neighborhoods of a city. Plus, it kind of feels like you get to go behind the scenes to talk to the owners and delve into what makes each shop unique, much more so than if you just stopped in to order a drink. And as much as I love coffee, my order is usually pretty boring—drip coffee or an Americano—so it was fun to try the more adventurous drinks I probably wouldn’t have ordered on my own.

With all that said, the crawl itself is definitely worth checking out (they usually do two per year in KC, in spring and in fall, plus a host of other cities). But the real focus is the coffee shops themselves, so let’s get to that. This was essentially like a supercharged—or highly caffeinated, if you will—version of one of my usual coffee shop explorations.

kansas city coffee Equal Minded Cafe

Equal Minded Cafe

4327 Troost Avenue

Though Troost Avenue has historically been emblematic of the racial and economic divide in KC (thanks, redlining), it’s going through somewhat of a revitalization and reclaiming, and Equal Minded Café is right at the heart of that. There’s a clear focus on community at the space, on creating a gathering place and hub, plus an aim to provide resources and opportunities to KC youth.

The space itself is homey and down to earth, with big windows, plenty of tables, a couch, and even a piano. There are shelves of books and games available for visitors, and a large back room that hosts a potpourri of events—open mic nights, local music, panel discussions, art events, pop-up marketplaces, and more. It’s the perfect space to meet up with friends or cozy up for work or studying.

While you’re soaking up the community spirit, you can sip on organic java, tea, or a smoothie. If you’re hungry, the menu has a variety of options ranging from paninis and wraps to quesadillas and avocado toast (including a few vegan/vegetarian options).

We tested out Equal Minded’s famous bourbon chai latte while on our tour—touted as KC’s best chai. I’m not entirely sure where that accolade comes from, and I’m admittedly not a chai expert, but I can’t say I disagree. Chai lattes aren’t my usual drink of choice—why order anything besides coffee?—but this one was delicious. Just the right mix of sweetness and spice, a little exotic, and rather addictive. I might just change up my usual order the next time I visit.

kansas city coffee Anchor Island Coffee

Anchor Island Coffee

4101 Troost Avenue

Who says Kansas City isn’t tropical? Anchor Island Coffee can’t bring us the ocean, sadly, but they have the tropical plants, nautical style, and chill mood to at least let us imagine we’re at the beach. The owners are from the West Coast and Guatemala, respectively, and wanted to bring a bit of tropical spirit to poor landlocked KC. Spoiler alert: it worked. The whole place is a little island escape in the middle of KC, with cool blue tones, beachy décor, and under-the-sea murals. The best part (in my opinion) is the charming upstairs area—grab a table or flop down on a couch and pretend you’re in a cozy beach house loft.

It’s a great place to come hungry as well—the menu has a plethora of options cooked in house, from breakfast burritos and grilled cheese to French toast, pancakes, quesadillas, tamales, and scrambled egg or açai bowls. Finding a coffee shop that serves more than pastries (as much as we all love pastries) is often a challenge, so it’s great to see a place with a tasty, diverse home-cooked menu.

We had a great taster of a few of Anchor Island’s signature drinks on our visit. In addition to a Messenger-roasted brew, we got to test the Dirty Sunrise—a refreshing iced concoction of espresso, orange juice, grenadine, and chocolate milk—and the horchata latte—a sweet, cinnamony rice milk drink. Neither of these are drinks I would probably choose on my own, so it was fun to try something new (definitely recommend the horchata in particular).

It’s not exactly oceanside, but Anchor Island is still a great place to soak up a warm, cheerful vibe and, of course, enjoy very tasty java and nibbles (and hey, you don’t have to deal with sand in uncomfortable places).

Kansas City cafe Waterbird Coffee

Waterbird Coffee Company

1200 McGee Street

I’m always on the lookout for cool coffee spots in downtown KC, and Waterbird was a pleasant discovery (not that I discovered it, but still). Situated right between the River Market and Power & Light districts, it’s pretty much smack in the middle of KC and is convenient to get to from lots of areas. It’s also just a cool place regardless of location.

Located in an old brick building, Waterbird is an open space with plenty of light and seating. The vibe is urban and hip but also a bit quirky, with touches of Native American design. In fact, according to the owners, Brian and Jamakee, the waterbird is a symbol of rainy season regrowth in Arapaho culture—which is a rather beautiful nod to nature and perseverance, in my opinion.

The café uses beans from Repetition Coffee, a woman-owned Lawrence roaster, and offers a rotating roster of inventive (and delicious, obviously) signature drinks. There aren’t really options for a full meal, but they do have pastries from local Scratch bakery, which is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

We tested brews from Ethiopia and Colombia—both tasty, but I have to admit my palate isn’t quite refined enough to notice flavor notes much—as well as an iced brown sugar cinnamon latte, which was unsurprisingly by far my favorite. They also offer a butterscotch latte that I’m dying to try. I’ll just have to go back—not a tough ask at all.

Kansas City cafe Core Coffee & Eatery

Core Coffee & Eatery

546 Olive Street

As a history nerd, I find the Pendleton Heights neighborhood fascinating. One of the older areas of KC, it’s a mix of gorgeous Victorian houses and slightly run-down old buildings. Right in the middle of all this is Core Coffee, which somehow fits right in despite being pretty hip and new. With exposed brick walls, lots of plants, and quirky tchotchkes all over, it has an airy, boho vibe. The stacks of books and games and displays of local art also give it a warm, neighborhood-y feel, though, and it feels like the type of place that has a lot of local regulars.

In addition to the usual pastry and java offerings, Core also offers tasty menu options, including breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, BLTs, and avocado toast. It would make a great casual lunch spot or cozy workspace.

Our treat at Core was another inventive original creation—which, again, I probably wouldn’t have thought to order on my own. A tasty concoction of cold brew, Mexican cola, and vanilla bean ice cream, it was a bit like a highly buzzed float. It was rather chilly when we were there, but this would be a perfect drink for these sweltering July days, guaranteed to keep you cool (and highly caffeinated). We also got to nibble some addictive homemade lemon cookies—not sure if they’re a regular offering, but I think it’s safe to say you’ll be well supplied with sweets on a visit here.

Kansas City PH Coffee Pendleton Heights

PH Coffee

2200 Lexington Avenue

I have to admit that I had never even heard of several places we visited (javaholic fail). PH, however, has been on my list for a long time. It’s also in Pendleton Heights, very close to Cliff Drive (side note: great place for a fall foliage walk). In fact, PH has dubbed itself “the gathering place of Pendleton Heights”—and it’s a fitting moniker. In addition to creating a very friendly, local feel, the coffee shop also hosts a whole bevy of diverse events—local musician concerts, barista classes, pop-up bars, a Jazz Age–themed night, a Harry Potter theater experience…you name it.

The space itself is equally suited to catching up with friends or having quiet work/study time. The old building is open and filled with light, and the pressed tin ceiling, mismatched vintage chandeliers, brick walls, and local art displays give it a storied yet quirky character. There’s even a kids’ play area and a giant chess set.

Though die-hard javaholics and non–coffee drinkers alike will undoubtedly find something tasty to sip here, PH is serious about their beans. They source their coffee from Repetition Coffee and Liberty-based Hammerhand, and all of the rotating selection of beans notes origins, flavor notes, and recommendations for doctoring (cream, sugar, etc.). PH has a whole four-tier system to organize their beans, with categories such as “unicorns” and “common grounds.” I have to admit most of it goes over my head (my palate isn’t refined enough to identify more then fruity vs. non-fruity blends), but it shows that they know their beans. If you’re into specific roasts and flavor notes or exploring coffee from around the world, it’s a great guide, and frankly it’s just rather charming (see photo of Lisa Frank–esque art complete with winged pink unicorn).

Along those lines, we got a little global coffee tour with a tasting of four bean options led by Holly (who runs the Geek Out with Holly barista classes). We went to Ethiopia with a roast described as “a chocolate-covered berry bomb” and El Salvador via a decaf with “dark caramel and berry jam vibes.” There was even a rare Yemen roast with Saut Farmers’ “juicy raisin soaked in spiced caramel” beans. I’m not sure I could identify those intricate flavor notes on my own, but the descriptions are certainly mouthwatering, and it was a lot of fun to learn about the beans and where they came from. I’ll definitely be making a return trip to PH, either for a creative event or some chill reading time—though I’ll probably be boring and get my usual Americano.

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Holiday Drinks Around Kansas City

December 7, 2021
holiday drinks kansas city coffee

Photos courtesy of  Monarch Cafe, the Roasterie, Martin City Coffee, Messenger Coffee, and Vested Coffee

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: seasonal coffee shop drink menus are here! To get into the spirit, I rounded up the most festive holiday drinks around Kansas City. What will it be first: a spicy gingerbread latte? A festive Candy Cane Forest Mocha? A Butterbeer latte? Better get started now—so many drinks, so little time. Happy sipping!

Messenger Coffee Co. / Black Dog Coffeehouse:

Saturnalia – A traditional latte flavored with house-made syrup made from dates, almonds, and oranges.

Pepper & Mint Mocha – A rich mocha made with Christopher Elbow dark chocolate, serrano peppers, and fresh mint.

Holiday House Soda – Italian soda made with Messenger cold brew, pomegranate, and local honey.

Charlie Brown (Messenger Grand only) – Messenger espresso with a Guinness reduction chocolate mousse and garnished with a rosemary sprig.

*Filling Station Coffee is also serving the Saturnalia and Pepper & Mint Mocha!

Monarch Café 

Candy Cane Forest Mocha – Emissary espresso with milk, white chocolate, and peppermint, served with a smoked rosemary garnish in a white chocolate– and peppermint candy–rimmed hobstar glass. Hot or iced.

The Alexandria – Emissary flash brew mixed with cranberry, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and aromatic bitters, served chilled in a coupe glass with a coffee-soaked cocktail cherry garnish.

Eggnog Holiday Draft Latte – Emissary flash brew and eggnog charged with nitrogen and topped with nutmeg. Served cold.

The Dude Abides – Emissary espresso with cream, toasted walnut spice syrup, and applewood smoke, served over ice in a 6 oz. rocks glass.

Queen’s Pawn – Emissary espresso with steamed Oreo milk, cheesecake syrup, and topped with Oreo crumbles, served hot in a 6 oz. cup.

Smoked & Spiced Cider – Louisburg Honeycrisp apple cider with spiced orange oleo-saccharum and applewood smoke, served hot and dusted with cinnamon.

Phoenix Down – A 10 oz. ginger shot topped with cayenne.

Raspberry Fig Nutmeg Shrub Soda – A vinegar shrub made with raspberry, fig, and nutmeg and mixed with sparkling water. Served iced.

The Roasterie

Gingerbread Cookie Latte – A traditional latte flavored with ginger, clove, and a sweet bite of molasses.

White Peppermint Mocha – A mixture of Ghirardelli white chocolate, peppermint, and mocha topped with whipped cream.

Eggnog Latte – A traditional latte flavored with creamy eggnog and sprinkled with nutmeg.

Spiced Cranberry Cider – Louisburg Cider Mill cider combined with warm spices, cranberry sauce, and orange juice.

The Wild Way Coffee

She Sleighs – Espresso, milk, and brown sugar poached pear with vanilla and winter spices.

Winter Fog – Peppermint tea with house-made mocha topped with steamed milk and cocoa powder.

Oh Snap! – Espresso and milk with gingersnap sauce and topped with a gluten-free gingersnap by @fooddrunk.

She’s Spicy – Espresso and milk spiced with orange zest, honey, cayenne, and ginger.

Baby It’s Chai Outside – Cranberry orange and ginger spiced chai tea latte garnished with cocoa powder and fresh orange zest.

Snowcapped Cold Brew – Spiced nitro cold brew topped with a mountain of pear poached cold foam and garnished with fresh rosemary.

Martin City Coffee

Butterbeer Latte – Espresso and rich eggnog sprinkled with cinnamon. Hot or iced.

Apple Fritter Latte – Espresso and milk mixed with spiced apple syrup made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle. Hot or iced.

Eggnog Chai and Latte – Espresso or spiced chai with rich eggnog. Hot or iced.

Apple Cider – Hot or iced apple cider made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle.

Vested Coffee

Pumpkin Butternut Spice Latte – Puréed pumpkin and butternut squash with espresso and steamed milk.

Mexican Chile Mocha – Ghirardelli dark chocolate with a subtle spicy/sweet syrup, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Mocha – Dark or white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Hot Chocolate – Dark and white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream.

Frigid Grinch – Matcha and oat milk with subtle mint flavor, served over ice (tastes like melted mint ice cream!).

Pilgrim Coffee Company

Bourbon Brown Sugar Latte – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made whiskey and vanilla syrup.

Gingerbread Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made ginger, cinnamon, clove, and allspice syrup.

Hazelnut Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made hazelnut and vanilla syrups.

Peppermint Mocha – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made mint and dark chocolate syrups.

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Coffee Shop Love: Martin City Coffee

November 14, 2021
martin city coffee kansas city cafe

Martin City Coffee

13115 Holmes Rd, KCMO

 

You might not think of train track–adjacent as the ideal environs for a café, but it’s one of my favorite aspects of Martin City Coffee (admittedly, this may be partly because trains feed my undying dream to catch the Hogwarts Express, but still). The coffee shop sits next to the train tracks that run through Martin City, giving the place a unique, slightly gritty (or perhaps old-timey) feel that somehow fits very well with the warm atmosphere. The vibe is more bookworm cozy than minimalist hipster—think dark wood, leather armchairs, golden light, and chalkboard menus. It’s casual, comfortable, and homey, with an authentic feel. Bonus: there’s plenty of seating (often an issue for coffee shops, I find), plus a patio and drive-through. You may or may not add a train whistle to your soundtrack while there, but personally, I think that only adds to the charm.

martin city coffee interior kansas city

So, ready to get your java fix? Martin City has all the classic espresso offerings—lattes, Americanos, frappés, and the like—as well as tea, hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider for the non-javaholics. If you’re looking to really celebrate the season (or just treat yourself), they also have a host of creative concoctions. The current seasonal drinks include a butterbeer latte, apple fritter latte, and eggnog chai. Why didn’t the Three Broomsticks think of making a butterbeer latte?

martin city coffee kansas city

Photo courtesy of Martin City Coffee

As much as I adore pastries (who doesn’t?), sometimes a scone doesn’t quite cut it, and it’s rather rare to find a coffee shop that does coffee and (real) food well. Especially if you like to camp out at a café for a day of work like I do, it’s a major bonus to find a place with a tasty menu. Martin City Coffee fits the bill to a T here. Never fear—they have the quintessential sweet treats, including old-fashioned donuts, homemade pop-tarts, protein balls, cinnamon rolls, and muffins. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, though, there’s also a pretty extensive menu of yummies made in-house—think breakfast burritos and sandwiches, avocado toast, omelettes, and grilled cheese, plus more unique offerings like arepas, tostones, and yuca fries. Plus: breakfast all day (need I say more?).

 

As the days get chillier, I’m ready to hunker down in a toasty, cozy coffee shop with a steaming drink. In other words, the folks at Martin City Coffee will be seeing a lot of me (you’ve been warned).

martin city coffee kansas city interior

martin city coffee kansas city interior

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Outta the Blue

September 5, 2021
outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe

Anyone still out there? I am, in fact, still alive (I know, you were dying of suspense wondering).

Obviously unnecessary to state, but it has been A YEAR (or two? What is time anymore?) Everything has been a little topsy-turvy for everyone since about 2019, I think, and between public spaces being closed and life just plain being crazy, I’ve completed neglected my little corner of the web over here. In all honesty, the past couple of years have been very rocky in my personal life — I’m not going to go into detail, because that’s not really the aim of this blog, but suffice it to say, I’ve been out of the loop, and for anyone who has been feeling lost and/or hopeless lately (or ever): I feel you. With that said, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, and it has been way too long since I’ve done some wandering.

So: I have new coffee shops to check out, new places to explore, yada yada. A lot of life/the world is a chaotic mess, but there’s still coffee and getting lost in colorful city streets and discovering hidden gems of art and humanity. I, for one, could use some of all that. Let’s see if anyone is still around to read about my shenanigans, eh? (If not, at least I have an excuse to drink lots of coffee).

First up: a cheery spot in Leawood to grab a java (or cocktail).

*****

Coffeeshop Love: Outta the Blue

5291 W. 116th Place, Leawood, KS

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe

Despite the fact that I’m currently bemoaning the hot, sticky weather and longing for fall, I have to admit that I love the beach (who doesn’t?). Of course, there are no (ocean) beaches in Kansas, but I’m all for places that let me pretend I’m in a tropical cabana. Outta the Blue dubs itself “KC’s Lil’ Oasis,” and really, the flip-flop fits. There’s (sadly) no ocean and (probably thankfully) no sand, but they do have palm trees, rattan furniture, and colorful surfboards on the wall. With plenty of windows, light colors, and modernistic furniture, the entire place is hip and cheerful. Did I mention there are swings? Probably not conducive to sipping coffee, but they sure are fun.

A recent addition to Leawood’s Park Place shopping center, Outta the Blue is a Made in KC outpost (though interestingly, I didn’t see anything that said Made in KC in the actual café). It’s usually quietly bustling, busy with everyone from people tapping away on laptops to friends catching up to families corralling kids. While I’ve been there, the soundtrack has ranged from mid-2000s nostalgia (think Hillary Duff) to 1960s-80s oldies. It’s a friendly, fun atmosphere, calm enough to get work done yet active enough for good people-watching and a welcome dose of gaiety. A little bit granola-crunchy, quite a bit hip, the café fits into the clean-cut environment of suburban Leawood, but it also adds a touch of style — and a laid-back beachy vibe — in an area mostly filled with a lot of chain restaurants and shops.

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe interior

If you’re hungry, they have snacks and breakfast sandwiches from Parisi Coffee, pastries from local Scratch Bakery, and vegan breakfast sandwiches from Mattie’s Foods. (Major points, in my humble opinion, for having almond croissants, which are annoyingly difficult to find and obviously the best.) For sips, there’s the usual lineup of espresso beverages and (quite tasty) drip coffee, as well as a selection of teas and cold-pressed juices. And if you need something a bit stronger — or feel like really leaning into the tropical cabana spirit — they have a full bar menu of cocktails, beer, and natural/organic wine.

All in all, it’s not actually the beach, but Outta the Blue is a fun place to work or hang out. As much as I like offbeat, slightly shabby coffee shops, it’s hard not to fall in love with this bright little café. After all, who doesn’t love palm trees and swings?

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe interior

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Nomads Coffee & Cocktails

September 20, 2019
nomads coffee kansas city

In my mind, anything that mentions travel, exploration, and/or wandering (obviously) is immediately worth an investigation. A tribute to explorers — literary and literal — worldwide, Nomads Coffee in Kansas City exactly fits that bill. It would be easy to walk straight past it, nestled in a subtle brick shopfront on eclectic 39th Street. It certainly isn’t the most colorful or eye-catching spot on the street. But that would be your loss. This charming café has become my go-to coffeeshop work spot, and it’s safe to say I’m a little obsessed.

Nomads Kansas City Coffee Bar interior

To fully capture the atmosphere of Nomads Coffee, it’s really best to imagine yourself as a slightly disaffected nineteenth-century writer or a gruff world traveler (or at least following in the footsteps of one). The entire café is a bit dim, with dark wood floors and furniture and deep blue walls. Sophisticated, in an ever-so-slightly gloomy way. Take a spot at the dark-wood bar, curl up in a cushy armchair, or pick an intimate café table and get settled in. My spot of choice is at the bar along the front windows, with a perfect view out onto the goings-on of quirky 39th Street.

Nomads Kansas City Coffee bar interior

To complete the travel theme, shelves throughout the café are stocked with books with a global explorer bent (think Jack London, vintage travel memoirs, old issues of National Geographic). The walls are lined with photos of Alaskan dog races, mountain explorations, maps, suitably gruff explorers, and people and places around the globe.

Nomads Kansas City Coffee Interior

Nomads Kansas City Coffee Bar photo wall

It’s the type of place where you might expect to come across a grumpy older Hemingway ordering a cocktail or a grizzled old explorer recounting tales of his latest expedition into the jungle or Arabian deserts (though in reality the clientele is more on the young and hip side, thanks to students from the nearby KU Med Center and the vibrant culture of 39th Street).

All that said, in reality the café isn’t at all gloomy. Despite the somber (if charming) aura, the staff and customers are always friendly, and the café is usually bustling, classic and peppy oldies tunes playing in the background. (Just absorb the old-world vibes and be glad no one there actually acts like a grumpy old mountain man).

Nomads Kansas City Coffee Cocktails

No literary or global enclave would be complete without drinks, of course! The coffee menu here is classic — none of that foufy frappuccino business — but the lattes are delicious. Plus, there’s also a full cocktail/beer/wine menu (this is an extra plus in my book because it means they’re open late, unlike many coffee shops). If you’re feeling peaky, they have a tasty selection of pastries and cookies, plus quiche, classic and hearty sandwiches, and breakfast burritos. Café fare, but the type you actually want to eat.

Full disclosure: I only tested the ham and cheese croissant, but it was scrumptious — buttery and perfectly flaky, with a subtle spike of Dijon mustard inside — and the rest of the menu looks quite tasty. The quiche is definitely next on my list!

So the next time you’re around 39th Street, wander over to Nomads Coffee for a coffee or cocktail — who knows, maybe you’ll actually run into that rugged world explorer I keep expecting to see.

 

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Hammerhand Coffee

September 1, 2019
Can someone please tell me where the summer went? Scratch that, where the year went? Seriously, I swear it was just January and I was cheering when the temp hit double digits (now I’m just praying it doesn’t hit triple digits). I don’t know about you, but I’m now counting down the days until fall. Crisp air, colorful leaves, Halloween ghoulies? Bring it on. That said, summer is a time of exploration. Granted, any time is an opportunity for exploration in my opinion, but there’s something particularly carefree and wanderlust-filled about summer. I’ve been neglecting my Kansas City coffee expedition a bit, and I needed an excuse again to wander and think/write/drink coffee 24/7 — or at least justify the amount of my budget spent on coffee by saying it’s blog research. So I decided to make up for lost (java) time. This weekend, that meant a little jaunt over to Liberty, Missouri, to check out Hammerhand Coffee. To be fair, at only 25 minutes from downtown KC, Liberty hardly qualifies as a road trip, but I’m fairly clueless when it comes to north of the city, so it felt like an expedition. Particularly when you factor in that I spent the first hour there hunting down a police station, who called a tow company, who battled my stubborn car locks, because I locked my keys, purse, and phone in my car … but that’s another story.
Ok, on to the important stuff. In case you’re (shockingly) unfamiliar with the small towns of Missouri, Liberty is a historic frontier town just northeast of Kansas City, founded in 1822, and now home to William Jewell College. Think stately brick campus, rambling old Victorian homes, and an abundance of kitschy yet charming shops.
Hammerhand Coffee Kansas City Liberty
Hammerhand Coffee Kansas City Liberty cafe interior
Hammerhand is right in the historic town square, across from the Art Deco county courthouse and surrounded by quaint circa-late-1800s storefronts. Considering all this, it’s surprisingly hip and modern, the type of cafe that wouldn’t be out of place in Brooklyn hipsterland. Housed in a narrow turn-of-the-century brick building, the grand wooden staircase, stained glass window accents, and iron fire escape give it an old-world vibe. Yet the decor is crisp, modern, and colorful — mid-century style furniture, bright white walls, succulents, faux vintage lightbulbs, turquoise touches. In a whimsical nod, there’s even a Chemex with a live beta fish swimming around. It feels like a cross between a homey neighborhood joint and a student study crashpad, with both lively chattering groups and tables covered in notebooks and laptops. Liberty doesn’t feel like a college town, but almost everyone there looked to be under 25, so I would guess the students, as usual, gravitate toward the caffeine sources.
Hammerhand Coffee Kansas City Liberty cozy interior
In the art of full disclosure, the coffee had a slightly odd taste. Not bad, just different. I realized, though, that I haven’t actually had regular milk for quite some time (they ran out of almond), so that might have just been me. That being said, my latte was rich and smooth, and they nailed the latte art (yes, it matters!). The rest of the menu features the standard drip, cappuccinos, cold brew, etc., plus seasonal drinks, housemade syrups, and a selection of pastries. About your usual coffeehouse fare, though it all looked scrumptious. They supposedly also carry a rotating selection of beer and wine, though I didn’t see any sign of that (to be fair, it was also a Sunday afternoon).
Hammerhand Coffee Kansas City Liberty latte art
Overall, the chances of most people just passing through Liberty, MO, is about zip, and most large cities probably have dozens of Hammerhand-esque java joints. That said, it has a certain flair, with its 19th-century-frontier/hipster mélange, and the coffee is pretty damn good. If you happen to be in the KC area, it’s definitely worth a stop.
**This post was originally published in August 2018 on beanopiablog.com.**
Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Cafe Equinox

August 24, 2019
coffee cafe equinox kansas city

Cafe Equinox

7036 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS

If you’re not one of us succulent-crazed millennials — first of all, what are you doing with your life? — you might not quite get the draw of a coffeeshop/plant center combo. But once you step inside Café Equinox, I promise you won’t question the genius of the concept. What could be a better pick-me-up than coffee and a little refreshing greenery? Or as their catchy tagline puts it, “caffeine and chlorophyll” (it’s tastier than it sounds). After Thou Mayest in Crossroads closed this year, owner Bo Nelson and his two brothers opened a new outpost, Café Equinox, inside their family’s nursery, Family Tree Nursery in Shawnee. Trust me, it takes more than a little convincing to get me to venture into the ‘burbs, even for coffee, but this trip was well worth it. Named for the best months to work in a greenhouse — between the fall and spring equinoxes — Café Equinox is a revitalizing spot for leaves and lattes alike.

Step inside the front entrance of Family Tree Nursery, and you’ll find yourself in a bright lounge area — welcome to Café Equinox. With a modern yet cozy vibe, the little café hosts a scattering of high-top tables, cushy couches, and even a hanging basket chair for your sipping/lounging pleasure. Or if you’re feeling a need for nature, you can get a little fresh air in the charming patio area, complete with the rusted green locker set from Thou Mayest (or is it only me who has a fondness for that grunge-chic bit of décor?). The space is quiet enough for working or an intimate meeting, but the bustle of the nursery in the background adds a lively hum.

But we’re here for more than cozy — what about that caffeination? Unsurprisingly, Café Equinox’s coffee, made from Thou Mayest’s carefully curated beans, is top-notch. For the bean aficionado, there are a variety of nuanced filter coffee options, plus the classic espresso beverages and teas. If you’re feeling adventurous, the seasonal specials offer a twist (or two). Current specials include the Coconut Lavender Latte, Elderberry Espresso Ginger Tonic, and Caffeine and Chlorophyll (matcha, mint, orange, and yes, chlorophyll). And to keep your java company, try a scrumptious pastry from local Heirloom Bakery & Hearth or Mud Pie Vegan Bakery — everything from scones to homemade pop-tarts. Every Saturday, they even break out the handmade cinnamon rolls. Mouth watering yet?

Once you’re properly caffeinated, venture into the leafy oasis of the greenhouse to peruse vibrant blooms, fragrant herbs, cute pots and planters, and succulents galore. Even if you’re not in the market for a new houseplant or garden tenant (though you will be after stepping in here), it’s worth a wander just for the fun of it. In addition to the vivid greenhouse, Family Tree also boasts over five acres of verdant nursery to explore, plus any plant paraphernalia you could imagine. Or you could just curl up on the couch with your latte. We won’t judge.

**Photos courtesy of Cafe Equinox, @cafeequinox**

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Our Daily Nada

August 1, 2019
Coffeeshop exploration Our Daily Nada in Kansas City

 

Our Daily Nada

304 Delaware Street, KCMO

When I first heard about a bookstore/café opening in Kansas City, I knew this was going to become my spot. It’s basically my favorite things all in one charming package: coffee, books, cozy urban hideaways. Spoiler alert: that turned out to be a very accurate prediction. After peeking hopefully in the windows almost daily for months, I happily made it my coffee haunt/workspace of choice to the point where the baristas knew my order the minute I stepped through the door (we’ll credit that to their attentiveness rather than my boring predictability/coffee addiction). In the art of full disclosure, I should mention that I now work at Our Daily Nada — so clearly I’m wholly unbiased here — but hey, that’s how much I love it! You could say I strategically wheedled my way into the behind-the-scenes of the place.

A self-proclaimed “boozy bookstore” — they get points there for both the genius of the idea and the alliteration — Our Daily Nada is nestled in KC’s historic River Market neighborhood in a late-19th/early-20th-century brick building. Think exposed brick walls, wood floors, and tall loft ceilings. The cozy space is decorated with a smattering of colorful vintage furniture, Art Deco-esque globe lights, and cheeky touches (one of my favorite bits is a Frida Kahlo pillow on the couch). There’s even a grand piano in the corner — feel free to sit down and tap out a tune.

The name “Our Daily Nada” is a nod to a Hemingway short story, “A Clean Well-Lighted Place,” which the owners say is “a story in part about everyone needing a place to escape.” And that’s what ODN is. It’s the type of place where drinks come in real cups and the modus operandi is browsing, meandering, gathering together and chatting with friends. Take a moment to thumb through the carefully curated selection of tomes — fiction, nonfiction, used, classics, local authors. Settle into a rose-pink armchair or the increasingly Instagram-famous emerald green couch and lose yourself in conversation or another world (or both). There’s an air of cozy camaraderie and whimsy that feels rare in most places these days. People come in to work or study at the little tables, meet up with friends over lattes (or just as often, a glass of wine or cocktail), or gather for a book club discussion. Come on a Tuesday night, and you can join in on game night —games from Monopoly to Trivial Pursuit are there for the playing. Every weekend they host a kids’ story time, and for Halloween a suitably spooky Edgar Allen Poe reading went down. You never know what the owners — two lovably kooky KC women who are usually around overseeing the shop — might cook up next.

And speaking of cooking, there’s plenty of that literally as well. In addition to coffee and cocktails, Our Daily Nada offers a small but tasty menu of bites and nibbles. Toasts are the main feature — avocado, prosciutto, smoked salmon, or ham and cheese — plus a killer Cobb salad and other small bites. Handmade to order, these aren’t for anyone in a hurry, but they’re carefully crafted and as pretty as they are delicious. (Shoutout to our amazing cooks, Stephan, Tori, and Elana!) And then, of course, there’s the main focus for many: the drinks. Coffee and lattes from local Broadway Roasters, and for happy hour (every night, by the way) and beyond, a good selection of wines and beers and an inventive cocktail menu. Half-Blood Prince, anyone? Yes, drink themes include Harry Potter andGame of Thrones. Cheers!

Ok, so I’m hardly an impartial party here. But really, a book wonderland, tasty coffee and booze, yummy homemade bites, cozy colorful charm, a local woman-owned business — what’s not to like? Come in on a Wednesday or Friday, and you can even say hi to little ol’ me!

Javaholic

Coffee Shop Love: Goat Hill Coffee

July 27, 2019
Coffeeshop exploration Goat Hill in Kansas City

 

Goat Hill Coffee & Soda

811 W. 17th Street, Kansas City, MO


Let’s talk about goats and mochas. What, isn’t that a typical topic of conversation for everyone? Ok, bear with me here. It perplexed me a bit at first that goats seemed to be a theme for coffee shops — the Laughing Goat, Kaldi’s, Goat Hill, etc. As a java nerd, I should have known better. In case you haven’t brushed up on your coffee history, Kaldi was a ninth-century Ethiopian goatherd who noticed his goats bursting with energy after eating some little red berries — and voilà, the discovery of coffee! Or so the legend goes. I don’t know if this was actually the inspiration for Goat Hill Coffee, but I’m going to officially declare the goat the official javaholic mascot in any case (and there’s your history lesson for the day).

Anyway, my mom and I were wandering around KC’s Westside neighborhood — an eclectic area of quirky shops, tiny indie restaurants, and shabby Victorian houses — and stumbled upon an irresistibly seafoam green coffee shop. Well, more like a coffee hole-in-the-wall. Of course, I can never resist a new coffee shop, let alone anything seafoam green, so we had to check it out.

Keeping with the neighborhood’s vibe, Goat Hill is tiny, charming, and quirky. Case in point: pressed tin ceiling, seafoam green details, vintage snow cone maker. Worn wooden shelves lined with vintage tchotsckes (and old-school lollipops for sale) add a rustic look. And when I say tiny, I really mean tiny. The shop consists of a window cove of retro metal chairs at a wraparound bar, plus a few seats overlooking the counter/kitchen area. It probably fits nine people max, plus the baristas. Luckily, that only adds to the charm.

On to the important stuff! Chocolate + coffee = bliss (amirite?) You would think that with a zealous love for chocolate and coffee (ahem), a mocha would be a sure bet for me. Perhaps surprisingly, though, I’m not really a mocha person. Or at least, I didn’t think I was. But this time I wanted something other than your standard latte, so I decided to give the mocha another chance. Spoiler alert: great choice. Not only was my mocha topped with a lovely rosetta latte art (hey, I’m susceptible to a good presentation), it was also delicious — rich, sweet, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey. Goat Hill has mostly basic offerings — you won’t find a frou-frou turtle-butterfinger-marshmallow fluff latte here — but their coffee is top-notch. They also serve Little Freshies snow cones, locally made icy treats in funky flavors like Blackberry Lavender, Spicy Ginger Fizz, and Blood Orange Rosemary. And if you want something sweet to accompany your java, they have a small but mouth-watering selection of scrumptious homemade donuts and pop-tarts. My only complaint is that they have only 8- and 12-oz. latte sizes. Yes, a massive latte is a java afficionado faux pas, but I wanted more mocha — that must be a good sign, right? I suppose I’ll just have to go back…

This post was originally published on my coffee blog, Beanopia, on March 6, 2017.