Give me all the grief you want, but I love a good pumpkin spice latte.

Even though the general population’s obsession with pumpkin-flavored drinks is sometimes met with eyerolls, there’s a reason why fall flavors are popular. Pumpkin, chai, pecan, marshmallow, maple — all the flavors associated with fall are objectively tasty.

And yes, I’m unashamed to admit that on the first day Starbucks released its pumpkin spice latte for the season, I was in line to get one. I’m a major fan of the drink, but there are plenty of still tastier fall drinks from other coffee shops near Kansas City and Johnson County.

To save you, my fellow PSL-lover, some time, I created a guide to the best fall drinks in the area.

Each drink on here received my stamp of approval, but I enjoyed some more than others. Read on to find out which drink was determined to be the best by me, The Star’s resident PSL expert.

Salted Brown Butter Latte — Frost Coffee & Tea

Frost (300 S.W. Main St.) is the cutest, coziest coffee shop in downtown Lee’s Summit, so no matter what you order, your visit is bound to be a magical experience.

Ambiance aside, if you love sweetness in your coffee, this seasonal drink is sure to please. The buttery, caramel flavors are downright addictive. In fact, I’d venture to say it’s one of the yummiest coffee drinks I’ve ever sampled.

Order it iced or hot, but I prefer it iced. While brown butter isn’t a flavor I typically associate with fall, it’s so tasty I’m already planning my next visit back.

Sweet Potato Latte — Black Dog Coffee House

I’d never had a sweet potato latte before trying this one at Black Dog (12815 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa). Now, I’m glad I did.

I love anything involving sweet potatoes, but I know their distinct taste isn’t everyone’s favorite. That said, I was pleasantly surprised how well the flavor blended with the espresso. Bonus points for it being an underused (and underrated) fall flavor. If you’re looking for an autumnal drink that’s out of the norm, I highly recommend. Try it hot.

Autumn Moon — Summer Moon

With two Kansas City area locations (9127 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park and 699 N.W. Blue Parkway in Lee’s Summit), Texas-based chain Summer Moon has long been a favorite of mine. Its oak-roasted lattes made with sweet “moon milk” are served all year.

During the fall, its Autumn Moon latte combines the creamy taste of moon milk with pumpkin spice. The pumpkin taste is noticeable, but it’s not too overpowering. You can control your sweetness level by ordering it full, half-full, or quarter-full of moon milk. I usually opt for half.

Pumpkin Butternut Spice — McLain’s

I’m a well-documented lover of McLain’s, a bakery and cafe with lots of area locations. In fact, around this time last year I raved about sitting in the sunroom of McLain’s Roe Avenue location, enjoying a market wrap and looking at the orange leaves.

If I could add one more thing to that dream scenario, it would be the Pumpkin Butternut Spice drink, available as a latte or cold brew. It’s not overly sweet, so a barista advised me to try a pump of vanilla in the drink. You have to try it with one of their pastries, too. Writer’s orders.

Butter Pecan Latte — The Roasterie

Another underutilized fall flavor, pecan pairs well with coffee. (I can’t have a slice of pecan pie at Thanksgiving without a cup of Joe. It feels illegal.) It makes sense, then, that The Roasterie’s pecan pie latte would be delicious. Even when — or if — the weather ever cools down, I’ll be ordering this one iced at the cafe with multiple area locations.

Toasted Marshmallow Chai — Homer’s Coffee

Have you ever wanted a s’more without, you know, having a s’more? This drink is the taste and warmth of a classic campfire treat without the mess.

Plus, downtown Overland Park is one of my favorite places to hang out, so your visit to the cafe at 7126 W. 80th St. is sure to be a treat regardless.

BEST OF FALL 2024: Harvest Moon Latte — Thou Mayest

This drink is the epitome of fall. Truly. It’s everything the traditional pumpkin spice wishes it could be and more. The drink contains pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, black walnut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

On Instagram, the coffee shop (412 Delaware St. B and in the Nelson-Atkins) advertised the drink as “the closest we can get you to liquefied pumpkin pie.” That is an apt description. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and plenty pumpkin-y.

Even if you’re not pumpkin-obsessed like I am, it mingles so well with the other flavors I’d encourage you to give it a try. Five stars.

KC Best Bets

I tried to find the best fall drink in Kansas City. This latte is pumpkin pie in a cup

Get unlimited digital access

#ReadLocal