--- title: "Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Guide" description: Discover the best coffee shops in Kansas City, including our team’s top picks for espresso, pastries and local roasters. See who earned the top spot. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/blue-background-roasterie-logo-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [PEO Cost](https://www.axcethr.com/peo-cost/) - [Switching PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/switching-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [HR Outsource Options](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [PEO Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Workers' Comp. and Employee Safety Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [PEO Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com) - [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [Options to Outsource Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Complete List of Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/risk-management/) - [Payroll Administration](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Community Involvement](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/community-involvement/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![fuel-blog-logo](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fuel-blog-logo.png?width=310&height=97&name=fuel-blog-logo.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com) Filter Blog by Topic - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - [Payroll Administration](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/payroll-administration) - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) Play Audio Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Guide 6:43 # Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City | Local Picks from the Axcet Team By [Jo McClure, CPP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure) on [Jul 21, 2025](https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city) 3 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city) - [mailto:?subject=Best%20Coffee%20Shops%20in%20Kansas%20City:%20A%20Local%20Guide&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city](mailto:?subject=Best%20Coffee%20Shops%20in%20Kansas%20City:%20A%20Local%20Guide&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city) ![blue-background-roasterie-logo (1)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blue-background-roasterie-logo%20(1).webp?width=1200&height=800&name=blue-background-roasterie-logo%20(1).webp) When it comes to finding the best coffee shops in Kansas City, our local team at Axcet HR Solutions takes the task seriously. After all, we’ve been proudly rooted in Kansas City since 1988, supporting small and mid-sized businesses—and sipping our way through the city’s top coffee spots for decades. Driven by our love for all things local, we set out to discover where to find the best coffee Kansas City has to offer. Our team visited standout cafés across the metro and, after plenty of taste-testing, narrowed it down to two favorites. If you’re looking for your next go-to coffee shop in Kansas City, these picks are worth the trip. [![Ingram's CTA Image Jeanette Coleman Q&A Company Culture](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-191229619848.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJdXp7LOZqcS1BEHmVff297%2B79ml1YmBoboiChONwU8Vw13ZWs5VYTOYUTxlsJw7j1BtzHS5i99A5XxBpmfv%2BiX1T%2BI6JXKQ1XoGsc4Xg16lukzfE4A3pX%2F2F2evEq8x%2F%2B8qleKy43O0M5dsCF0xw6nmzVQO0pBNaDZwTdQGAdMo1cIuDsGdaaG%2FWoYre%2B6T5raCP3JmKIh&webInteractiveContentId=191229619848&portalId=2652187) ## Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Brewed Legacy Kansas City’s coffee culture is more than just a trend—it’s part of the city’s DNA. It began brewing over a century ago, with the Folger’s Coffee Plant opening at 701 Broadway in 1908. The modern era kicked off in 1992, when Broadway Café opened its doors in Westport. Not only did it thrive—it famously outlasted a nearby Starbucks, becoming a symbol of Kansas City’s loyalty to locally owned businesses and quality roasts. That passion still drives today’s coffee shops in Kansas City—many of which roast their own beans, support global growers and foster community with every cup. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/2f519e78-587d-49a2-8c99-e76d1f3ab245.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/2f519e78-587d-49a2-8c99-e76d1f3ab245) ## The Roasterie: Winner, Best Coffee Kansas City ### **Why It’s Our #1 Pick** [The Roasterie](https://theroasterie.com/) was the clear top choice among our team for the best coffee shops in Kansas City. Founded in 1993 by Danny O’Neill, the story started years earlier on a high school trip to Costa Rica. That experience picking coffee cherries led to a lifelong passion—and eventually, a KC-born coffee empire. ### **A Kansas City Original** What started in O’Neill’s Brookside basement became a pioneer in **air roasting**—a method that uses hot air to evenly roast beans and preserve complex flavor profiles. It set The Roasterie apart from the start. ### **Locations Across the Metro** You can find The Roasterie at: - Brookside - Leawood - Stateline & I-435 - Woodside Village - The Factory Café on W 27th Street - Two cafés inside Children’s Mercy Hospital Their Factory Café even offers roasting tours and features the iconic DC-3 airplane on the roof—a favorite Kansas City photo op. ### **Legacy and Leadership** Under O’Neill’s leadership—including as past president of the Specialty Coffee Association of America—The Roasterie helped put Kansas City’s coffee scene on the map. The brand’s focus on quality, direct trade sourcing, and sustainability continues to influence the industry today. 👉 **What to try:** A Gotham espresso or Nitro Cold Brew at The Factory Café—with a tour, if you have time. RELATED: [The Best Pizza in Kansas City - A Local Guide >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/the-best-pizza-in-kansas-city-a-local-guide) ![Jennifer-_1400-x-732-px_ (2)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer-_1400-x-732-px_%20(2).webp?width=1400&height=732&name=Jennifer-_1400-x-732-px_%20(2).webp) ## McLain’s Bakery + Market: Second Best Coffee in Kansas City ### **From Pastries to Pour-Overs** [McLain’s Bakery](https://www.mclainskc.com/) began in 1945 in Waldo as a neighborhood bakery known for cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls. In 2013, the Hirleman family took the reins and reimagined it as a full-service café with made-from-scratch meals and house-roasted coffee. ### **The Rise of Sway Coffee Roasters** In 2019, McLain’s launched [Sway Coffee Roasters](https://www.swaycoffeeroasters.com/) to roast its own beans and elevate the experience. By 2022, they opened a full roasting facility in KCK. Today, they source ethically and highlight a flagship roast from a nonprofit farm in San Lucas, Guatemala. ### **Café Locations** McLain’s coffee shops now span the KC metro, including: - Waldo - Shawnee - Stanley - Overland Park - North Kansas City Each spot blends café vibes, bakery comfort, and community spirit—earning it the title of second best coffee Kansas City from our team. 👉 **What to try:** A house-roasted cappuccino with a blueberry scone or avocado toast. [![outdoor attractions that will make you fall in love with kansas city](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/aa7448e6-e0c3-44ab-a698-8304cdf36861.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/aa7448e6-e0c3-44ab-a698-8304cdf36861) ## More Kansas City Coffee Favorites Can’t get enough of Kansas City’s café culture? Here are more honorable mentions from the Axcet team: - **Messenger Coffee Co.** – Gorgeous downtown space with rooftop views and award-winning roasts - **Parisi Coffee** – European charm at Union Station with rich Italian-style espresso - **Pilgrim Coffee** – Hidden gem in Overland Park known for creative seasonal drinks - **PT’s Coffee** – A regional roaster with deep roots and big flavor No matter your taste, there’s a coffee shop in Kansas City that’s just right for you. ## Kansas City Runs on Local – and So Do We At Axcet HR Solutions, our commitment to local businesses goes beyond our HR expertise. From helping employers offer competitive benefits to celebrating the best coffee shops in Kansas City, we believe strong communities start with local connections. As a [certified PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/cpeo-vs-peo) headquartered in Kansas City, we support small and mid-sized companies with: - Payroll and [HR administration](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) (including affordable health insurance) - Risk management and workplace safety - Compliance and employee relations guidance And you’ll never call a 1-800 number. Instead, you work directly with our Kansas City-based team of certified experts. ☕ **Ready to partner with an HR firm that’s as local—and reliable—as your favorite coffee shop?** [Schedule a consultation today >>](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) [![Axcet HR Solutions Meet the Team Footer](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/b910adbe-bb44-49ba-950c-d66852b283e0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/b910adbe-bb44-49ba-950c-d66852b283e0) [![Jo McClure, CPP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jo-24.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Jo-24.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure) Written by #### [Jo McClure, CPP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure) Jo McClure, CPP, is the Director of Payroll Administration at Axcet HR Solutions, where she has been a pivotal leader for over 20 years. With more than two decades of experience in payroll outsourcing and professional employer organizations (PEOs), Jo specializes in helping small to mid-sized businesses navigate payroll administration, employee benefits, and compliance. Her strategic leadership at Axcet focuses on implementing best practices in payroll management, compliance auditing, and risk mitigation. Jo obtained her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2006 and has held numerous leadership roles in the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Payroll Association, including President, Vice President, and Chapter Coordinator. A frequent speaker at the Midwest Regional Payroll Conference, she has also contributed articles to publications such as *Thinking Bigger Business* and *Kansas City Small Business Monthly*. Jo’s expertise has been recognized through industry publications. She co-authored the article *“High-Touch in the Age of High-Tech: How PEOs Can Embrace AI Without Losing Their Humanity”* https://peoinsider.org/articles/high-touch-in-the-age-of-high-tech-how-peos-can-embrace-ai-without-losing-their-humanity/ for PEO Insider (March 2026), alongside Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and authored *“PEOs in the Community: Axcet Making Philanthropy Part of the Company’s Culture”* https://peoinsider.org/articles/peos-in-the-community-axcet-making-philanthropy-part-of-the-companys-culture/ (November 2025). These contributions reflect her perspective on balancing technology-driven payroll and HR processes with the human experience, as well as the role of community engagement in building strong organizational cultures. Jo's specialties include payroll implementation, compliance auditing, and crafting best-practice payroll solutions that ensure businesses stay compliant while optimizing their processes. Published in: PEO Insider Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents ### Related Resources - [location Kansas City](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/community-involvement/) #### [Death of Employee and Final Paycheck: A Payroll Processing Guide ![processing final paychecks for deceased employees](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/how-to-process-payroll-for-deceased-employees-_1200-%C3%97-628-px_%20(1).webp)](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-to-process-payroll-for-deceased-employees) #### [![best pizza in kansas city](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Best-Pizza-in-Kansas-City-Minsky_s-Pizza-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp) Discovering the Best Pizza in Kansas City: Our Team’s Top Picks](https://blog.axcethr.com/the-best-pizza-in-kansas-city-a-local-guide) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jo McClure, CPP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure" }, "dateModified" : "2026-06-11T18:12:34.580Z", "datePublished" : "2025-07-21T13:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Guide", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/blue-background-roasterie-logo-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. Founded in Kansas City in 1988 with 35+ years of expertise.", "foundingDate" : "1988", "foundingLocation" : { "@type" : "Place", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" } }, "hasOfferCatalog" : { "@type" : "OfferCatalog", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Comprehensive HR management services including recruitment, retention, performance management, and company culture development", "name" : "Human Resources Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Accurate payroll processing and payroll tax filing with dedicated payroll consultants", "name" : "Payroll Processing" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Group employee benefits management including health insurance evaluation, selection, and administration", "name" : "Employee Benefits Administration" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Workplace safety compliance and risk management solutions", "name" : "Risk Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Employment law compliance, regulatory reporting, and guidance from employment law attorneys", "name" : "HR Compliance & Legal Support" } } ], "name" : "HR Solutions Services" }, "keywords" : "PEO, Professional Employer Organization, HR Solutions, Human Resources Outsourcing, Payroll Services, Employee Benefits, Kansas City PEO, Small Business HR, Mid-Sized Business HR, HR Consulting, IRS Certified PEO, CPEO", "knowsAbout" : [ "Human Resources Management", "Professional Employer Organization", "PEO Services", "Payroll Processing", "Employee Benefits Administration", "Risk Management", "HR Compliance", "Health Plan Management", "Talent Recruitment", "Performance Management", "Workplace Safety", "Employment Law Compliance" ], "legalName" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com/wp-content/uploads/axcet-logo.png" }, "memberOf" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organizations" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "numberOfEmployees" : { "@type" : "QuantitativeValue", "value" : "50-200" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com" ], "slogan" : "HR Support That Drives Success", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "When it comes to finding the best coffee shops in Kansas false", "articleBody" : "When it comes to finding the best coffee shops in Kansas City, our local team at Axcet HR Solutions takes the task seriously. After all, we’ve been proudly rooted in Kansas City since 1988, supporting small and mid-sized businesses—and sipping our way through the city’s top coffee spots for decades. Driven by our love for all things local, we set out to discover where to find the best coffee Kansas City has to offer. Our team visited standout cafés across the metro and, after plenty of taste-testing, narrowed it down to two favorites. If you’re looking for your next go-to coffee shop in Kansas City, these picks are worth the trip. Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Brewed Legacy Kansas City’s coffee culture is more than just a trend—it’s part of the city’s DNA. It began brewing over a century ago, with the Folger’s Coffee Plant opening at 701 Broadway in 1908. The modern era kicked off in 1992, when Broadway Café opened its doors in Westport. Not only did it thrive—it famously outlasted a nearby Starbucks, becoming a symbol of Kansas City’s loyalty to locally owned businesses and quality roasts. That passion still drives today’s coffee shops in Kansas City—many of which roast their own beans, support global growers and foster community with every cup. The Roasterie: Winner, Best Coffee Kansas City Why It’s Our #1 Pick The Roasterie was the clear top choice among our team for the best coffee shops in Kansas City. Founded in 1993 by Danny O’Neill, the story started years earlier on a high school trip to Costa Rica. That experience picking coffee cherries led to a lifelong passion—and eventually, a KC-born coffee empire. A Kansas City Original What started in O’Neill’s Brookside basement became a pioneer in air roasting—a method that uses hot air to evenly roast beans and preserve complex flavor profiles. It set The Roasterie apart from the start. Locations Across the Metro You can find The Roasterie at: Brookside Leawood Stateline & I-435 Woodside Village The Factory Café on W 27th Street Two cafés inside Children’s Mercy Hospital Their Factory Café even offers roasting tours and features the iconic DC-3 airplane on the roof—a favorite Kansas City photo op. Legacy and Leadership Under O’Neill’s leadership—including as past president of the Specialty Coffee Association of America—The Roasterie helped put Kansas City’s coffee scene on the map. The brand’s focus on quality, direct trade sourcing, and sustainability continues to influence the industry today. 👉 What to try: A Gotham espresso or Nitro Cold Brew at The Factory Café—with a tour, if you have time. RELATED: The Best Pizza in Kansas City - A Local Guide >> McLain’s Bakery + Market: Second Best Coffee in Kansas City From Pastries to Pour-Overs McLain’s Bakery began in 1945 in Waldo as a neighborhood bakery known for cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls. In 2013, the Hirleman family took the reins and reimagined it as a full-service café with made-from-scratch meals and house-roasted coffee. The Rise of Sway Coffee Roasters In 2019, McLain’s launched Sway Coffee Roasters to roast its own beans and elevate the experience. By 2022, they opened a full roasting facility in KCK. Today, they source ethically and highlight a flagship roast from a nonprofit farm in San Lucas, Guatemala. Café Locations McLain’s coffee shops now span the KC metro, including: Waldo Shawnee Stanley Overland Park North Kansas City Each spot blends café vibes, bakery comfort, and community spirit—earning it the title of second best coffee Kansas City from our team. 👉 What to try: A house-roasted cappuccino with a blueberry scone or avocado toast. More Kansas City Coffee Favorites Can’t get enough of Kansas City’s café culture? Here are more honorable mentions from the Axcet team: Messenger Coffee Co. – Gorgeous downtown space with rooftop views and award-winning roasts Parisi Coffee – European charm at Union Station with rich Italian-style espresso Pilgrim Coffee – Hidden gem in Overland Park known for creative seasonal drinks PT’s Coffee – A regional roaster with deep roots and big flavor No matter your taste, there’s a coffee shop in Kansas City that’s just right for you. Kansas City Runs on Local – and So Do We At Axcet HR Solutions, our commitment to local businesses goes beyond our HR expertise. From helping employers offer competitive benefits to celebrating the best coffee shops in Kansas City, we believe strong communities start with local connections. As a certified PEO headquartered in Kansas City, we support small and mid-sized companies with: Payroll and HR administration Employee benefits (including affordable health insurance) Risk management and workplace safety Compliance and employee relations guidance And you’ll never call a 1-800 number. Instead, you work directly with our Kansas City-based team of certified experts. ☕ Ready to partner with an HR firm that’s as local—and reliable—as your favorite coffee shop? Schedule a consultation today >>", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jo McClure, CPP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jo-mcclure" }, "dateCreated" : "2025-07-21", "dateModified" : "2026-06-11", "datePublished" : "2025-07-21", "description" : "When it comes to finding the best coffee shops in Kansas City, our local team at Axcet HR Solutions takes the task seriously. After all, we’ve been proudly rooted in Kansas City since 1988, supporting small and mid-sized businesses—and sipping our way through the city’s top coffee spots for decades. Driven by our love for all things ...", "editor" : "Jo McClure, CPP", "genre" : "Human Resources and Employee Management", "headline" : "Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Guide", "image" : "https://2652187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2652187/blue-background-roasterie-logo-_1200-x-628-px_%20%281%29.webp", "keywords" : "Kansas City, best coffee shops in kansas city, best coffee in kansas city, kansas city coffee", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/axcethr_logo_white.png?width=225&name=axcethr_logo_white.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" }, "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city", "wordCount" : "4997" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.axcethr.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://insights.axcethr.com/", "name" : "Insights", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://insights.axcethr.com/tag/kansas-city", "name" : "Kansas City", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/discover-the-best-coffee-shops-in-kansas-city", "name" : "Best Coffee Shops in Kansas City: A Local Guide", "position" : 4 } ] } ```