Local

Five new coffee spots in Johnson County you’ll want to visit now

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

A wave of new coffee spots in Johnson County underscores a trend toward hyper-local identity, craftsmanship, and community-driven spaces. Shops like Grand Coffee Co. and Odyssey Coffee emphasize house-roasted beans, inventive food offerings such as avocado toast and breakfast paninis, and design details that invite customers to linger. Larger national names like Einstein Bros continue to expand, blending consistency with broader breakfast convenience.

Meanwhile, the growth of dog-friendly cafes and the rise of seasonal specialty drinks, like sweet potato or salted brown butter lattes, reveal a push for inclusivity and personalization in the local coffee scene. Together, these openings reflect a dynamic shift in how people find connection, comfort, and creativity through their daily coffee rituals.

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

NO. 1: 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

A border collie attends a 2016 “Dogs Night Out” at La Bodega in Leawood. Do you have favorite places to take your furry friend in the Kansas City area? By Allison Long

NO. 2: THESE ARE MY FAVORITE KANSAS CITY SPOTS TO EAT AND DRINK WITH MY DOG. WHAT ARE YOURS?

Who doesn’t love a dog-friendly coffee shop or bar? Let us know where else you like to go. | Published June 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chandler Boese

The Roasterie Café’s Pumpkin Spice Latte sometimes comes with a jack-o’-lantern drawn in the milk foam, depending on the barista who makes it. By Sarah Gish

NO. 3: I TRIED TO FIND THE BEST FALL DRINK IN KANSAS CITY. THIS LATTE IS PUMPKIN PIE IN A CUP

I loved all the drinks on this list, but one tasted like the epitome of fall. | Published September 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by jthompson@kcstar.comJenna Thompson

Einstein Bros. Bagels is opening another location in Fort Worth.

NO. 4: POPULAR BAGEL SHOP OPENING ANOTHER JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION. HERE’S WHERE IT WILL BE

The restaurant sells asiago bagels, bagel sandwiches, coffee and more. | Published October 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Odyssey Coffee opened in Overland Park Monday. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 5: CHECK OUT KC AREA’S NEWEST COFFEE SHOP: ADVENTURE-THEMED JOHNSON COUNTY SPOT NOW OPEN

The shop opened Monday, serving Onyx Coffee and more. | Published January 28, 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.