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New coffee shops and bakeries are popping up in Kansas City — here’s a few to try

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City’s coffee scene flourishes with new cafes offering inviting spaces and adventurous menus.

Enjoy a creative brunch at Happy Gillis, known for its retro decor and casual dining vibe. At Odyssey in Overland Park, the modern yet cozy atmosphere promises specialty espresso drinks and house-made breakfast burritos.

Café Corazón’s upcoming Brookside location introduces Latin American twists with yerba mate and empanadas, while Grand Coffee Co. brings Italian-inspired paninis and matcha to Shawnee. Each spot brings fresh flavors and unique settings, making them must-visits for coffee lovers in 2025.

A great Happy Gillis combo breakfast: The half-sandwich includes thick-cut bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and aioli on Farm to Market Grains Galore toast. Pair it with a half-order of mushroom biscuits and gravy. By Emily Curiel

NO. 1: MY BIGGEST MISTAKE SINCE MOVING TO KANSAS CITY? NOT TRYING THIS BRUNCH PLACE SOONER

I love everything at this KC restaurant. But this has been my go-to order from the start. | Published May 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chandler Boese

Grand Coffee Co. will open a location in Shawnee this year.

NO. 2: NEW JOHNSON COUNTY COFFEE SHOP TO OPEN THIS SUMMER: LATTES, PANINIS, AVOCADO TOAST

“We know Kansas needs more specialty coffee, so we’re excited to get to know the Kansas side,” the owner said. | Published May 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The doughnut case at a now-closed Tim Hortons in O’Fallon, Illinois. By Mark Hodapp

NO. 3: HUGE CANADIAN DOUGHNUT CHAIN PLANS TO OPEN ITS FIRST KANSAS CITY AREA RESTAURANT

One of this chain’s most popular orders: a Double Double, coffee with two creams and two sugars. | Published May 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

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

NO. 4: 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

A matcha latte with honey-lavender syrup and a smoked salmon crepe are seen at Seven Swans Creperie in the Westside neighborhood of Kansas City on Sunday, May 5, 2024. By Natalie Wallington

NO. 5: THESE KANSAS CITY SPOTS MAKE GREAT MATCHA LATTES. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FAVORITE?

We’ve rounded up a few places with delicious matcha in KC. | Published July 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

A cinnamon Café Corazón logo is featured on a Dulce De Leche latte at Café Corazón in the Crossroads Arts District on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.

NO. 6: LATIN AMERICAN COFFEE SHOP OPENING ANOTHER KANSAS CITY AREA LOCATION. HERE’S WHAT’S NEW

The coffee shop hopes to offer a “different take” on coffee than other shops in the neighborhood. | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

NO. 7: AT THIS FAMILY-OWNED KC-AREA CAFE, COFFEE, KINDNESS AND THE CHIEFS GO HAND IN HAND | OPINION

Barista and coffee shop owner Drew Huff’s goggles are an ode to Kansas City’s favorite team, and they spark customer conversations. From Toriano Porter: | Published January 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Toriano Porter

Employees, including Nikki Lavarias, left, and Quincy Schoonover, at Family Tree Nursery in Overland Park were busy loading marigolds, annuals and other freeze-sensitive plants onto carts Monday, April 19, in preparation to move the inventory indoors as a freeze warning has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday in the Kansas City area.

NO. 8: COFFEE SHOP TO OPEN IN KC AREA PLANT NURSERY. ‘PUTS A BRIGHT SPOT IN PEOPLE’S DAY’

The new Northland location hopes to open in a few weeks. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Morning Rounds will open in the Crossroads, serving the entire community but paying tribute to the Kansas City healthcare community.

NO. 9: EARLY MORNING BAKERY COMING TO KANSAS CITY AIMS TO ‘HONOR’ THESE ESSENTIAL WORKERS

The Crossroads spot will sell pies, cookies, cakes, coffee and more, starting before the sun’s up. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

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