Dish and Drink KC: A must-try mushroom coffee at Herban Tea Bar and a tasty latte at Parkville Coffee

Muspresso from Herban Tea Bar // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Herban Tea Bar

I like to keep a diverse go-to list of cafes in Kansas City in case I’m in the mood for a particular drink or vibe. When my mind and body call for tranquil and soothing energy, I go to the Herban Tea Bar located inside The Laya Center. 

The Laya Center itself is a Black- and woman-owned spa situated in the Crossroads district. It was created to hold space for those of us in need of rejuvenation and healing. 

With that being said, it’s easy to understand why I chose the Herban Tea Bar as my first stop after a short but emotionally intense weekend. Not to mention, their drinks and snacks are plant-based and will keep you coming back for more!

While I’ve tasted quite a bit of their rich teas and vegan goodies, I’m always pulled towards the Muspresso ($4), a delicious and earthy mushroom coffee that’s inviting on its own, but even yummier when it’s served iced and sweetened with agave. 

In the colder months, I order it hot and sweet. But no matter what the season, it’s an easy drink to become obsessed over.

The Laya Center & Herban Tea Bar// Photo by Tiffany Watts

As you may know, I’m also a sucker for an aesthetically pleasing space, and The Laya Center is beautifully designed. Furthermore, their adorable patio is perfect for chatting it up with friends and enjoying the days when the sky is sunny and the wind is slightly blowing through your hair. 

During my visit, I also took some time to browse their shop. Aside from looking for teas, African Black Soap, and sage for smudging, I noticed that I could buy a package of Muspresso to brew at home for only $28.

As I did the girl math in my head I decided that shopping local plus being able to have a cup when I wanted added up to a pretty smart deal. So I snagged it and walked out a happy woman. 

Herban Tea Bar is located inside The Laya Center at 1814 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Latte at Parkville Coffee // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Parkville Coffee 

Speaking of coffee shops and vibes, Parkville Coffee is a historic cafe located in downtown Parkville and is the perfect fusion of small town and big city. 

I love walking in and feeling welcomed. Greetings just don’t feel generic here. I also love that it’s just minutes from downtown Kansas City so it’s the perfect cafe to stop in to before I head south of the river. 

For a bit of added context, Parkville Coffee isn’t just a cafe. They’re also a small-batch roaster and a great place for breakfast, lunch, and small bites.

If you’re a fan of black coffee, I will say, this is also one of the few places I will go and drink the coffee black. 

No milk, no sweetener—just their house-roasted coffee in a 16 oz cup ($2.75). Since they’re experts when it comes to blending unique flavor profiles to create their delicious coffee, sipping on a cup of their black coffee is delicious and easy. 

During this particular visit, I wanted a true cafe feel and a slow morning with my daughter so I ordered an oat milk latte in a 16 oz coffee mug ($4.78). As we sat inside and sipped our drinks, I realized how busy it had gotten in the little time we were there. 

Parkville Coffee // Photo by Tiffany Watts

From the moment we ordered to the moment we got our drinks, multiple people had popped in and out and I have to say, I love seeing local businesses bustling. Our local business owners deserve to be loved by their city!

As for my oat milk latte, I quite enjoyed the crisp, smooth taste of the espresso mixed with the slightly sweetened milk. I drank it happily as my daughter planned out all of the places she wanted to drive me to now that she has her permit. 

Although I tend to lean into simple drinks, Parkville Coffee offers a wide range of coffee and tea options as well as flavors like lavender and caramel that you can add if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth. Their handcrafted meals look tasty, too. 

Maybe I was hearing things, but I’m pretty sure the croissants were calling my name. 

Parkville Coffee is located at 103 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152.