Explore the Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City
By: Zack Solem

As a resident of the “City of Fountains,” I have come to appreciate the unique charm each coffee shop in Kansas City brings. Here are just a few of my favorites!
OUTTA THE BLUE – LEAWOOD, KS
Outta the Blue is a breezy beach cafe tucked away in KC suburb Leawood. When you enter Outta the Blue, it feels as if you are on a beach vacation. I highly recommend the cereal milk latte at this coffee shop. On Valentine’s Day, they offer an amazing chocolate-covered strawberry latte. It is safe to say, the vibes are immaculate here! Swing chairs sway, surfboards adorn the walls, blue wave artwork captivate the eyes, and tropical greenery brings a sense of peace.
POUR COFFEEHOUSE – OLATHE, KS
POUR Coffeehouse in Olathe, KS offers aesthetic vibes and an array of unique flavors. In my opinion, this is the best coffee shop to get work done at! While letter boards adorn the walls, tapestries featuring local Kansas City artwork and small plants grace each marble table. Suffice to say, POUR is a cozy and aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere. I recommend the “913” – a white chocolate, vanilla and caramel latte, or the “Back to December,” a cookie butter-flavored coffee. Another popular choice, the “Lavender Haze” is a white chocolate mocha with a touch of lavender.
CAFÉ EQUINOX – SHAWNEE, KS
Nestled inside Family Tree Nursery, Café Equinox is an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and a botanical environment. At this coffee shop, coffee and nature come together. Although the coffee is not my personal favorite, the scenery is what makes this place count.
MESSENGER COFFEE – KANSAS CITY, MO
In downtown Kansas City’s Crossroads Art District, Messenger Coffee stands as a trailblazer for the Kansas City coffee scene. Messenger offers quality brews and a bustling workspace for productive work. The downtown location offers a tri-level cafe, roasting facility, bakery, and a roof deck. I recommend the cortado!
Whether you’re a fellow Kansas Citian looking for your next coffee shop or a tourist, these coffee shops are my go-to spots.