Third Spaces in Kansas City
Have you ever heard of the concept of a third space? It’s a place that you can go that is not the office or your house. Sometimes you need to be around people who aren’t coworkers or roommates and finding a good third space can be key to that! I put together a list of my favorite spots to work throughout the week so I can get out of the house, but still be productive. I am just now noticing that most of them happen to be coffee shops - I may have a bit of a caffeine addiction!
Strawberry Hill:
Kinship Café (719 N 6th St) is a lively coffee shop in the middle of Strawberry Hill with good WiFi! The owner is doing great things in the community and the staff is so kind. You'll have a hard time finding anywhere else you'd rather work! As far as ordering goes, they're known for their specialty flash cold brew - get that and the Smoked Hot Buffalo Chicken Wrap. They are open Monday - Friday from 7am to 1pm.
Downtown KCMO:
The downtown library (14 West 10th St) is a hidden gem - from the parking garage that looks like a stack of books to the larger than life chess set on the roof, this place was made to be enjoyed! It is also the perfect spot for some quiet work time as well. There is something so motivating about working in a historic space! Open Monday - Wednesday from 9am - 9pm, Thursday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm - 5pm.
Brookside:
Heirloom Bakery & Hearth (401 E. 63rd Street) is another one of my favorites! It's on the east side of Brookside and the perfect place to work all day long. Try the black sesame vanilla latte or the espresso tonic (Lime syrup, Marcell espresso, Topo Chico) and the breakfast burrito (made on a Yoli torilla!). And if you're still there around lunch, order the Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwich! Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7am to 2pm.
Waldo:
Crow's Coffee (7440 Washington St.) is a staple in the neighborhood and one of my favorite places to work outside of the office/home office! They make all of their pastries and burritos in the Waldo location, so you know they're fresh. Order a latte and a chorizo breakfast burrito and pick a spot close to an outlet - Crow's gets crowded! Open daily from 6:30am to 7pm.
Fairway:
Walking into Front Range Café (2718 W 53rd) feels like you just stepped into a mountainside café. This is the perfect little space to work and pretend you are on vacation while you're at it! If you want something fun, try the cereal milk latte and literally any baked goods they have in the case - they're all good! Open Monday to Thursday from 7am - 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am - 10pm, and Sunday from 7am - 6pm.
Westside:
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda (811 W. 17th St.) is small but mighty! Get there early to get a spot at the bar and order a matcha latte with honey and a donut to enjoy while you eat. The window seat at the bar is one of my favorite places in Kansas City to people watch while I work. Open Monday - Friday from 7am - 4pm and Saturday - Sunday from 8am - 3pm.
West Bottoms:
Blip Coffee Roasters (1301 Woodswether Rd) has been in the West Bottoms for years, but recently (ish) moved to a new larger location. So if you haven't been lately, then you have to check it out! I recommend any of their specialty drinks but the lavender lemon cold brew is divine! Open every day from 7am to 7pm.
Parkville:
Incahoots (100 S Main St) is set in an old train car so there is plenty of seating! Grab a donut and a homemade pop tart and crank out some emails. And before you leave, maybe get another treat for good measure! Their donuts are unbelievable. Open every day from 7am to 2:30pm.
Independence:
Joy Coffee (14300 E US Hwy 40) is located in a church which is probably why the staff is so kind. The space is large and well lit, and the WiFi is strong! The Ube Flat White and a slice of quiche is the perfect meal while you work! This is one of my favorite spots to work in the city and it's well worth the drive! Open Monday - Friday from 7am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am - 2pm.
Leavenworth:
Meriwether's (702 Cherokee Street) is the perfect third space if you’re in the Leavenworth area. The food and drinks are divine (especially the turkey avocado wrap and the painted pony latte). The space is great and there's even a little local market in there if you need a brain break! P.S. all the baked goods are made in house daily - so get a glazed donut on the side and thank me later! Open Tuesday - Saturday from 7am to 2pm.
Bonner Springs:
Ten and Two is the perfect afternoon workspace because they serve alcohol and coffee! So when you're ready to transition from your cup of joe to something stronger, you can easily! This space is big with plenty of seating to find your perfect spot to focus. Order a Café Miel or an Irish Coffee! Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 7am to 9pm and Sunday to Monday from 7am to 6pm.
Lawrence:
1900 Barker (19th and Barker) is a carb lover's dream! The space is very light and on a nice day, the outdoor seating is hard to beat. I recommend getting a vanilla latte (all syrups are house made!) and the Twice Baked Almond Frangipane Croissant. That combo is to die for! Plus they make some of the best bread in the area Tuesday - Sunday, so you should plan your work day accordingly! Open Monday - Friday from 7am - 5pm and Saturday - Sunday from 8am - 2pm.
Lake Lotawana:
The Lottie Coffee & Cone (9502 Lake Lotawana Rd) is the perfect work spot if you are in the area! The natural light in this space is hard to beat and you'll love the coffee and food! I recommend any of the breakfast burritos (they're all great) and the lavender vanilla latte. Plus during the summer, they have ice cream! Open Monday - Saturday from 7am to 6pm and Sunday from 8am to 2pm.
