Sometimes, the tastiest cup of coffee is served in a Kansas café you must look a bit harder to find. That’s part of the fun experience.
The following Kansas coffee shops are located off the beaten path or in a nontraditional setting, such as the rear of a store or inside an underground building.
Tucked-Away Coffee Shops Worth Discovering In Kansas
COLLEGE HILL COFFEE – WINFIELD
I made the short drive to College Hill Coffee (403 Soward St.) in desperate need of caffeine with a side of breakfast. Located in a renovated house in a residential neighborhood, the coffee shop draws locals for its relaxed vibe. People sit on patio tables on the front porch or at tables inside a converted old house.
It feels homey and comforting like someone invited you over for breakfast.
From the breakfast menu options viewable within the glass bakery case, I chose a slice of Farmers Quiche to go with a steaming cup of cappuccino. It was made from delicious ingredients and had a flaky crust. It hit the spot.
PRO TIP: Order a dessert to go. I recommend a soft snickerdoodle cookie.
CREDO COFFEE – WICHITA
You’d likely never know this coffee shop existed unless someone told you about it. Located in the basement of St. Paul Catholic Student Center at Wichita State University, Credo Coffee (1810 N. Roosevelt Street) is a faith-based cafe that welcomes the general public to enjoy a specialty coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
The café is student hangout between classes, so expect college-aged patrons to chat amongst themselves and play billiards. If you’re hoping to use a laptop to concentrate on work or read a book, I recommend using the overflow lounge space in the next room.
JAVA BREAK – LAWRENCE
I’ve frequented the Java Break (17 E. 7th Street) in Lawrence since my college days in the late 90s. The below-ground cafe is an excellent place to grab a drip or specialty coffee before nestling into a backroom table for conversation with a friend.
If hunger strikes during a intense book reading session, ask to review the panini menu.
THREE BEES POTTERY AND COFFEE SHOP – KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
At first glance, one might think a limestone building covered in ivy is a retail store selling pottery, but locals know Three Bees Pottery and Coffee Shop (925 Southwest Boulevard) in Kansas City, Kansas, doubles as a cafe and eatery serving handmade tamales.
I recommend sticking with the Mexican cuisine theme by adding a Dirty Horchata with espresso drink to the Two Tamale Meal. Who knows, you may spot a vibrant piece of pottery to purchase before you leave.
JUDEE’S COFFEE – TOPEKA
If someone hadn’t told me to check out Judee’s Coffee (2111 SW Chelsea Drive) while visiting Topeka, I may never have discovered it. Located inside Gods Storehouse Thrift Store, the cozy cafe serves coffee at cost “so that it can be a blessing to everyone who comes in.”
I sipped a steaming chai latté from one of a handful of seats before shopping next door for bargain finds. Most visitors choose to order a portable to-go coffee, but I enjoyed relaxing at one of the refurbished tables watching people come and go.
PACE E BENE – ATCHISON
If you think Pace E Bene (503 Commercial Street is only a Catholic booksore, think again. The family-run café is a hidden gem in the rear of the bookstore serving coffee, baked goods and panini at lunchtime.
During an early morning visit, I ordered a coffee and a single serving of imported gelato.
Cozy up with your laptop or a book in the comfy lounge or shop for gifts after coffee and a meal. If traveling with kids, board games and puzzles keep it entertaining.
CAFE EQUINOX – SHAWNEE
Start the day with a lavender latté and a warm cheddar scone amongst the beautiful flowers at Family Tree Nursery Kansas City’s Cafe Equinox. Hidden inside a plant store, the café offers seating amongst beautiful botanicals on the patio promising chill vibes.
The guest WI-FI and copious sunshine are complimentary. Kids will appreciate watching fish at the koi pond.
TEN & TWO COFFEE – BONNER SPRINGS
In a converted factory building near railroad tracks sits Olde Mille Properties, the home to Ten & Two Coffee (611 W. 2nd Street). The baristas double as bartenders at the tucked-away coffee bar.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
THE FEATHERED NEST – BELLEVILLE
Upon arriving in Belleville, Kansas, my first stop was The Feathered Nest, a store that a friend of mine raved about as soon as she heard I was traveling to the area. It’s a massive home interiors/decor shop with a coffee lounge serving drinks and pastries.
I sipped a specialty coffee, The Feathered Frenzy, and enjoyed a scratch-made scone from the espresso bar. As we talked, I noticed several locals sitting together in small groups, talking over coffee. You’ll feel a sense of community at café.
BONUS! A TUCKED-AWAY COFFEE SHOP WORTH CHECKING OUT BEYOND KANSAS
If you’re in Lincoln, Nebraska, check out Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N. 8th Street), an underground coffee house in the Historic Haymarket District.
The lower-level café is a Lincoln institution where artists, musicians, and poets take the stage to share their talents while java lovers sip on locally roasted coffee.
Part of the fun of travel is discovering new-to-you experiences, which can include enjoying a cup of java in a unique setting. Consider adding one of these tucked-away Kansas coffee shops to your travel plans.
If you’re seeking a more robust list of Kansas coffee shops worth checking out, refer to this blog post featuring over 30 cafés I’ve visited over the years.
The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.
As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.
PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. 
It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.
PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.
Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.
PRO TIP: I agree with Google reviewers. The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.
The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.
Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.
PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its 
Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.
The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.
Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house. 
PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the 
Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, 
My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.
The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.
PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.
Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.
The north-central community of over 45,000 people has much to be proud of. Daytrippers will be impressed by the downtown area’s thoughtful design and unique businesses with something for every kind of traveler.
THE BATH PUB
The staff can also help you recreate a scent from an item you bring into the store, like an old perfume bottle or candle.
The fun continues throughout the store. Visitors are encouraged to take a photo in the store window’s bathtub. Children accompanying parents will enjoy the kids-only area that encourages artful play.
The smell of new books welcomes you as you walk through oversized wood doors into the store. The store’s shelves are organized by category while stacks of the latest titles are arranged upon dark wood tables.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover hand-made gift wrap, stationary for sale, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
Whether you’re in the mood to create a seasonal gift for your home or a complete dishware set, On The Pot provides all the supplies you need to finish the project.
Be sure to check out their inventory of Julie’s Stickers, a collection of whimsical drawings and sayings, to add to your purchase. The owners are in the process of creating five downtown Salina stickers to sell as well.
PRO TIP: Traveling with family? Groups of 10 or more can book the studio for a reduced rate on studio fees with a 
From outfits with vibrant colors to unique Cansuelas handbags, the store lives up to its motto, “Be a Little Eccentric.” Shoppers searching for day-to-day closet staples will also find what they’re looking for.
The clothing and shoes inventory is constantly rotating for the seasons, and shoppers are guaranteed to find sizes available from XS to XL.
Beautifully upholstered chairs sit adjacent to elegant lamps and candleholders. Ornate plates adorn tabletops. Framed artwork, figurines, blankets, and garden urns reveal the shop’s distinctly different inventory. Body products and greeting cards near the register make a fabulous gift for a friend.
PRO TIP: Browse Baron Mushmouse’s clothing racks for Bohemian-style blouses, dresses, and dark denim jeans.
Every well-equipped kitchen needs decorative towels and cookbooks with a pantry stocked with dip mixes and jarred condiments. You’ll find it all and more at The Market Shop.
PRO TIP: Wind your way through the store’s thematic displays for scented candles and home decor. The rear of the store is a clothing paradise for fashion-forward women.
A new outfit isn’t complete without matching accessories. Blushe Boutique’s selection of hats, jewelry, and shoes makes shopping for a last-minute dinner date a breeze.
PRO TIP: Because the store stocks seasonal clothing, check the clearance racks in the rear of the store for mega deals.
Locally-made furniture, art, and pottery are the focus of the shop’s inventory, and Flipping Fabulous carries most of the supplies one needs for at-home projects. You’ll discover the most extensive stock of Redesign with Prima in the world and Melange One Paints.
PRO TIP: Walk upstairs to admire custom-made gifts and home decor created by local and regional artists.
Thanks to ever-changing displays, you’re guaranteed to see something you want to purchase each time you visit.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend about half an hour inspecting the store to see everything it offers. If you bring a gal pal to shop, prepare to spend more time because so many of the finds are conversation-inducing.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet as a small group.
PRO TIP: Check the 
The menu consists of “world regional” fare, which to my surprise, includes 15 types of sushi rolls as well as nigiri and sashimi platters.
The linen tablecloths, orchestral music playing in the background, and robust menu options deliver an unforgettable meal experience at Barolo Grille.
I stopped for a refreshing margarita only to discover it was already Happy Hour at 2:30 pm. The setting was relaxed, and I made conversation with the bartender between sips while sports played on the TVs. I look forward to returning for lunch and Horchata Bread Pudding.
I felt like a kid again, savoring every bite of Lemon Custard ice cream as a Dagney’s employee shaped homemade waffle cones behind the counter. The color-changing plastic spoon made the whole experience nostalgic.
Choosing my entree, Penne Carbonara with Chicken, wasn’t easy because the menu ranged from seafood dishes and steaks to wood-fired pizzas. I appreciated the pasta dish, topped with a raw egg yolk that I was encouraged to stir into the black pepper cream sauce before enjoying it.
While all the street art designs are worth discussing, the enormity of the Mural at the Mill (343 N. Santa Fe Ave.) by Guido van Helten begs visitors for a closer look. The Australian muralist’s work wraps around all sides.
There is a buzz of creative momentum in Salina’s downtown. You can feel it as you shop, eat, and admire the area’s art scene. I recommend spending the day exploring it like a local.
Opened in its original location in 2015, the cafe won Best Atmosphere for two years running by Restaurant Guru. You’ll love the casual, comfy ambiance of the café, which reminded me of The Perk in the TV show Friends. Trending music plays in the background as patrons sit at tables sipping coffee and bent over laptops. Paired-up friends chat about the day’s happenings.
It is nearly impossible to order at the register without spying on a delicious homemade pastry in the bakery case. The owner told me she had just pulled warm blueberry muffins from the oven so it was a no-brainer. It was the perfect pairing with my chai latté.
KC Wine Co. is not just a tasting room next to a vineyard. It’s a winery destination located on five acres with a multitude of things for visitors to enjoy.
Inside The Barrel Room, adults can savor tasting flights ranging from dry whites and reds to sweeter varieties. You’ll discover an expansive open-air building with outdoor seating and a scenic view of the vineyards just beyond its doors. An oversized KC Wine Co. lights up at night, providing a picture-worthy moment.
Plan your visit to the winery around one of their popular 
The red barn is also open to visitors. Walk inside to order a wine slushy, a pint of Free State Brewing Company craft beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Look for a seasonal display with a bench to take a photo with friends or family.
The building is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and outdoor patio space with you can sit back and be yourself, plus dogs are allowed on the patio.
The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening last spring. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to my character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.
The food menu included a short list of flatbreads. When they told me that the brisket on the Meats Pizza was made by an American Royal award-winning barbecuer, 
My suite was a 456 sq. ft. living room separated from the bedroom by a privacy door. I appreciated its amenities, including free WiFi and a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Each room had a 42-inch HDTV, and the king-size bed was as comfy and plush.
The five-generations, family-owned vineyard and winery produce more than 20 wines, hard ciders, and wine slushies. During my taproom visit, I discussed the winery’s history with the owner while savoring the “Thankful for Wine” $10 flight (5, 2oz pours), a wide-ranging selection of dry to sweet wines.
Their best-selling wine, Hoftoberfest, tastes semi-sweet with pineapple notes that finish crisp. I prefer full-body, dry reds, so, I was a fan of Zin XXI, which had blackberry and plum notes.
Outside, wine enthusiasts can take advantage of patio seating and covered seating inside a second building also available for group parties. I recommend planning your visit around the sunset hour.
I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game.
PRO TIP: The brewery is closed Mondays, so you’ll want to plan your visit when the brewery and the food truck are open. View the hours 
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominated the menu, and the place smelled like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Not in the mood for ice cream? Choose a hazelnut iced coffee, latte, or vanilla macchiato from the Espresso Bar menu.
A quick scan of the shelves and I noticed that they sell their bagged coffee beans, so I kept it simple and ordered a tall drip coffee. Irresistible pastries stared back at me from the glass case. A warm strawberry homemade Pop-Tart and a slice of quiche tasted delightful while I watched it rain outside from a window seat. Nearby, a cabinet with jewelry, branded merchandise, and retail candles sat on display.
The owner of Junque Drawer also owns Holiday House across the street (101 W. Cedar), which is one-stop shopping for all things festive. Thematic rooms are designed by style and color creating Christmas decor and ornaments. Wait until you see the bathroom shower filled with pillows!
PRO TIP: Start on the third floor and work your way down, ending the shopping experience at the register. If you’re searching for a specific gift item, ask the friendly staff to point you in the right direction.
I recommend scanning the bakery case and the menu before ordering breakfast or lunch. I was searching for lighter fare and chose a flakey scratch-made croissant filled with chocolate. The chef could be seen in the kitchen busily cooking eggs for someone’s breakfast order.
PRO TIP: Don’t be surprised if they say you can pay for your order after dining in. Bring cash, or you must spend $5 for a credit card purchase.
The menu includes drool-inducing sandwiches like The Z-Man Sandwich, made with slow-smoked beef brisket topped with provolone cheese and onion rings. People rave about it for a good reason. It’s filling, so consider ordering the regular sandwich instead of the jumbo portion.
The food Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is putting out is pure kitchen magic. Do you want to try a variety of smoked meats? Order a Combo Sandwich or a Two Meat Dinner. Save room for dessert – ask about the seasonal dessert while ordering your meal. 
PRO TIP: Walk across the parking lot and check out 
The town’s first responders led a long trail of trucks and cars pulling floats. Kids sat in truckbeds poised with Supersoaker water blasters ready to spray parade bystanders. But the onlookers also had their own water canons! The energy was palpable as groups took their place on both sides of the railroad’s tracks that separated onlookers.
The restaurant is popular with locals who bring their families to dine on everything from buffalo wings and nachos to ribeyes and street tacos. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it on the 
Tables and shelves are stacked with jellies and jams, jarred pickles, candles, kitchen towels, artwork, and more. Walk past the register and you find yourself inside Miss Pretty Pickles, a boutique store that stocks plush toys and children’s clothes.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the award-winning wines. They carry two dozen varieties of wine that are grown a short drive west of town. I was pleased to discover that they carried dry wines that were not overly sweet. However, if you’re someone who appreciates fruit-forward sweeter wines, you’re in luck. The store is an excellent place to bring a friend or purchase a gift for one.
You won’t leave empty-handed at Rosewood Winery Cellars. The inventory includes jars of gourmet relishes, salsas, honey, crackers, and more. If you’re on the lookout for a housewarming gift for someone, bath products, kitchenware, or aprons make shopping a breeze. Seasonal displays beckon home decor shoppers in search of accessories.
A short drive across downtown led me back to Main Street to view “Starting Line,” a 3,000-square-foot mural serving as the perfect backdrop for race fans. If you’re headed to the dragstrip west of town, make a detour to this mural for a selfie or group photo.
Directly across the same parking lot is another beautiful mural on the side of the building housing 
The sculptures outside of Barton County Courthouse in the center of downtown dot the landscape.
Situated in front of the 
If you’d prefer not to walk or drive to each public art installation, consider renting a free electric scooter. You’ll spot groupings of scooters sitting around the downtown corridor. Simply download 
I observed grizzly bears in a tall grass habitat lounging on rocks and inside a man-made pond. The siblings played with one another and splashed around under the waterfall providing an opportunity to observe the bears’ natural behavior. Later, I was given the chance to use a slingshot to toss apple slices to them, which they happily enjoyed. Would you feed a bear if given a chance? Watch a video of the experience 
Another amazing animal encounter was when I had the privilege of meeting a Great Horned Owl named Thurston. Raised in captivity since it was a baby on a Kansas farm, it wasn’t skittish around humans. In fact, I stood six feet from it as it mimicked the sounds a zookeeper called to it. It mimicked clucking sounds like a chicken! Today, Thurston comes along for zoo presentations to school children and small groups.
The sister lions in the photo below took an interest in me. Perhaps it was because I was tagging along with a zookeeper. Whatever the reason, it was fascinating watching them sun themselves and flick their tails.
The male African lion was inside a building out of sight, but I heard that he is large for his size and most certainly dominates his territory.
After winding your way through the zoo (colorful murals painted by school children), head inside to check out the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates housed in aquariums. The education center consists of informative displays to aid visitors in understanding the life of raptors. If you’re lucky, you may see a veterinarian at work on the other side of the display window.
You’ll find the zoo’s animals awe-inspiring and the staff to be cordial. They welcome school groups if reservations are booked in advance. Please consider making a donation near the cashier’s counter inside the gift shop. A surprise awaits those who choose to drop in bills or coins inside the box.
During a return visit to Great Bend, I hope to spend time at 
So much had changed since my childhood visit to Great Bend. It’s more than just another Kansas town surrounded by farm fields. Located 95 miles outside of northwest Wichita, it is worth the two-hour drive.
I listened to classic rock music play over a speaker as regular customers approached the counter. Between bites of ham and cheese quiche (homemade crust!) and sips of my vanilla honey Hearthwarmer Latté, I heard an employee tell a customer that someone had already paid for his meal.
I watched a little girl jump up and down with delight after her parents approved the purchase of a homemade Pop-Tart with purple frosting. I was equally as excited to dig into a warmed cinnamon roll between sips of my artisan coffee.
A group of locals chatted about the weekends happenings as conversation turned to coin collecting as I savored a breakfast burrito and hot coffee.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
Since 2008, it’s served as a community gathering place for small groups chatting up about the day’s happenings and remote workers who make use of the Wi-Fi to get projects done.
The cafe is where locals meet to catch up about the latest happenings in town. Where travelers like me enjoy quiet time and peruse the internet using free Wi-Fi. And where you can shop for gift items from kitchen towels to home decor.
My hot Lavender Fog tea drink prepared with lavender flavoring tasted spot on as I chatted with locals about the historic building turned coffee house.
It was easy to see why the coffee shop remains steadily busy after sipping my toffee nut coffee with a breakfast croissant sandwich.
I was warmly greeted by a college-aged employee as Ed Sheeran played over the speaker in the background. I chose a house roast coffee and the Breakfast Croissant sandwich prepared with scambled eggs, diced onion, and bell pepper. The spread, a pepper fruit jam, added sweetness.
I ordered from the specialty coffee and tea menu featuring a new-to-me chai latté recipe prepared with cookie butter. Expect the unexpected at Greater Ground Coffee & Co, a delightful downtown meeting place for the community.
This This list of coffee shops is just a handful of the ones I’ve visited across the state but worthy nonetheless to share with others. What coffee destination should I add to my travel bucket list?
