6 neighborhood coffee spots fostering community in KC

Kansas Citians looking for coffee and community are blessed with options throughout the metro.

From Pitchside Coffee, run by Kansas City Current players, to the Cuban-inspired Cortadito, small-scale coffee operations are positioning themselves as cultural hubs. These venues often emphasize personal interactions, as seen in Odyssey Coffee’s commitment to fostering a comfortable, communal environment.

Meanwhile, established names like McLain’s Bakery expand their reach, balancing tradition with modernity. How many have you tried so far?

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Odyssey is slated to open in Overland Park in mid-July.

NO. 1: THIS COUPLE OPENING A JOHNSON COUNTY COFFEE SHOP PROMISE A ‘MODERN AND COZY’ FEEL

“A lot of people say, ‘I just want to go somewhere and get a good cup of coffee,’” the owner said. “We want to offer good basic coffee that people can enjoy.” | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

KC Current teammates Elizabeth Ball, from left, Desiree Scott, Vanessa DiBernardo, Hailie Mace and Kristen Hamilton started their own coffee business, Pitchside Coffee.

NO. 2: THESE 6 KC CURRENT PLAYERS LOVE GOOD COFFEE. SO THEY LAUNCHED THEIR OWN COFFEE TRUCK

“It is such a unique thing for professional athletes to be out and about with the community,” forward Kristen Hamilton said. “The city’s supported us so much, and so that was really important to us.” | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Sticky buns are on the menu at McLain’s Bakery in Waldo and the new McLain’s Market in Overland Park. By Sarah Gish

NO. 3: ‘VERY EXCITED’: 79-YEAR-OLD KANSAS CITY BAKERY OPENS MUCH-ANTICIPATED NORTHLAND LOCATION

“We’ve been waiting with bated breath,” a third-generation fan of the restaurant said. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Cortadito opened in Kansas City, Kansas, offering Cuban coffee, pastries and food items.

NO. 4: FROM POLITICAL REFUGEES TO COFFEE SHOP OWNERS: AUTHENTIC CUBAN CAFE OPENS IN KC AREA

The owners hope to offer an authentic Cuban coffee experience. But they also have a story to tell. | Published November 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Prefix Coffee has closed both locations leased from the International House of Prayer.

NO. 5: ‘IN LIGHT OF THE EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR,’ KANSAS CITY COFFEE SHOP TO CLOSE LOCATION

The location’s last day is Friday. | Published November 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Iced sea salt caramel colffee from 85ºC Bakery Cafe. The bakery/coffeeshop gets its name from its founder’s belief that 85ºC (about 185 degrees Fahrenheit) is the ideal temperature for brewing coffee. Sea-salt coffees are among its specialties.

NO. 6: INTERNATIONAL CAFE, BAKERY TO OPEN FIRST KANSAS CITY AREA LOCATION IN JOHNSON COUNTY

Meanwhile, a separate international chain is also gearing up to open its first KC area location. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.