coffee + eats recap: november edition

I have been running around the midwest lately, collecting cappuccinos and meals, so here’s a little roundup of everywhere I’ve been and what earned a gold star from me!

1. Messenger Coffee Co - Kansas City

   
   

   Listen… we all already know this one is so good. nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the atmosphere here. You walk in and immediately understand why I keep coming back. Three stories of pure magic. sunrise brekkie sandwiches? perfection. honey bear cappuccinos? also perfection. The whole building feels like it was designed for lingering, people-watching, and pretending you’re in a movie. What more could you want?

2. The Mediterranean Quickstop - Lawrence

   
   

   Yes, it is literally a gas station & i love it anyway. there’s fresh meat sizzling behind the counter, and ordering is basically chipotle-style: point, choose, tell them how indecisive you are. Get the chicken shawarma bowl and then wander into the gas station part to grab a Poppi soda. I promise the combo will change your day. their pitas and gyros? so so good. this place is chaotic in the best way.

   
   

3. Barker on Mass — Lawrence

   
   

   The vibes here are always immaculate. the cappuccino — and i say this with my whole heart— is one of the best in town. They’re always out of pastries, but honestly, i don’t mind because I only ever come for the capps anyway. vanilla + oat milk = my forever order.

   
   

   4. Circle Coffee — Topeka

   
   

   Circle will always be a treat-yourself moment. They’re a bit pricier, but their winter menu dropped recently and i tried the Andes mint cappuccino with oat milk… unreal. like drinking a cozy blanket, but chocolatey & rich & comes in a cute lil green mug!! it’s the kind of place where you brace yourself at the register and then immediately forget the price once you take the first sip. we do love supporting them because the owners & manager attend our church, also. & we always see people we know <3 we have been here soooo many times this week, but i love it. might need to get my own job to help pay...jk!

   
   

   5. Soli Deo — Kansas City (Westport)

   
   

   My family and i stumbled upon what might be the cutest café in the world. seriously. granny chic perfection. mismatched chairs, cozy corners. Get the blackberry oat milk cappuccino — it’s one of those drinks that makes you stop mid-sentence. the pastries? Do not even get me started. The cinnamon danish, the blackberry cream danish… actual trouble! And the name, Soli Deo, meaning “glory to God alone,” makes it feel even sweeter to support them. Not many seats, but isn’t that exactly how a café should be? an old guy reading the newspaper, people popping in for the new pistachio white chocolate latte, the tiny room buzzing with winter energy… it’s perfect. Wear a warm coat if you sit near the door — consider that your warning.

   
   

   6. Anton’s — Kansas City

   
   

   oh my goodness. This was a treat. The filets and ribeyes? buttery, tender, droolworthy. The collard greens, meatballs, and sauce selections were all incredible. And the crème brûlée at the end sealed the whole deal. atmosphere = top tier. Yes, it’s higher-end, so be prepared to spend a bit, but steak is meant to be a treat. nothing wrong with that. huge thanks to my dad for taking us — he picks the best spots!! i think that’s all for this month… probably. maybe. we’ll see.

   until next time, happy sipping and happy eating.

   
   

   7. Judee's (inside of God's storehouse) - Topeka

   
   

   This hidden gem deserves its own shoutout. It’s a little café tucked inside a thrift store, and you’re basically sipping luxury on a budget — I mean, $2.50 hot cocoa?? Unreal. Cozy vibes, warm drinks, and a little nook of sweetness amidst racks of secondhand treasures. Perfect for when you want a quiet spot to recharge between errands or just wander through the thrift store and then treat yourself.

I think that’s all for this month… probably. We’ll see. Until next time, happy sipping and happy eating.

xoxo,

bylilyjohanna