Dish & Drink KC: Good energy at Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co. and Café Gratitude

Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co. // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Growing up in the Northland, Parkville was a special kind of backdrop to my childhood, especially around the holidays. The historic buildings, twinkling lights, and small-town charm always made it feel like something out of a Hallmark movie. 

So, stepping into Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company in Parkville wasn’t just about getting coffee; it was a moment I’d been waiting for years. A moment I hoped would satisfy the nosy little kid in me since I never had the chance to step inside this building as a child.

To top it off, Rochester isn’t your average coffee shop. It has a charming little patio that’s perfect for the current weather. Trains attached to the building add to the allure of the space. Plus, It’s a full-fledged brewing and roasting company, which means they don’t just serve coffee—they serve craft beer and cocktails, too. 

The menu is stacked with creative, well-thought-out drinks that go far beyond your standard latte or cold brew. For example, there’s the Flying Irishman Latte, a rich combination of Irish cream, hazelnut, caramel, espresso, and milk. Or the Carrot Cake Chai Latte, made with house-made chai, carrot, cream cheese, and milk—a drink that sounds as decadent as the dessert it’s named after. And then there’s the Cherry Bomb, a bold mix of cherry, Coca-Cola, and espresso, for those who want a little extra kick.

But me? I keep it simple. I ordered a hot oat milk latte with sugar-free vanilla ($5.50)—smooth, velvety, and just the right balance of espresso and creamy oat milk. I asked for mine in a mug because if I’m having coffee in a cozy spot, I want the full experience. From the first sip, it was everything a latte should be—hot, fresh, and perfectly crafted. There’s something about sipping from a real mug that makes the experience even better, and I savored every last drop.

I had planned to post up and work for a bit, but Rochester had a lively energy that made it hard to focus—friends catching up, meetings taking place, music humming through the space. Without my headphones, I decided to just enjoy my drink and take in the atmosphere before heading out. During my next visit, I’ll be sure to go prepared. 

Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company has two locations: 100 S Main St., Parkville, MO 64152 and 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, MO 64108.

Café Gratitude // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Stepping into Café Gratitude feels like entering a space where good energy is just as important as good food. Every visit brings a sense of warmth, from the consistently delicious plant-based dishes to the genuinely kind servers who seem to carry an extra dose of positivity. And then there’s the Question of the Day. A simple yet thoughtful touch that invites you to pause and reflect. 

On this visit, the question was: “What is your dream?” Since I was dining solo, my server let me know I could share with her if I wanted to. I didn’t, but the question lingered with me, eventually making its way into my journal.

The feel-good energy is in more than the exchange you’ll have with your server. It’s also in the menu. Each dish is titled with an affirmation, so when you order, you’re not just picking a meal—you’re speaking positivity into existence. And when your food arrives, the server repeats the affirmation back to you, making sure you don’t forget it.

For my entrée, I ordered I Am Magical ($15.50), their signature house-made veggie burger. It came on a toasted whole-grain bun with creamy pumpkin-seed cheddar, crisp lettuce, onion, and dill pickles. Normally, it’s served with a side of mixed greens salad with fig balsamic dressing, but since they were out that day, I opted for the garlic potatoes instead. No regrets—those potatoes were golden, crispy, and packed with garlicky goodness.

To drink, I ordered one of my favorites: I Am Incredible ($11), a chocolate banana smoothie blended with raw cacao, maca, almond butter, dates, almond milk, and vanilla bean. It was thick, creamy, and naturally sweet, with just the right balance of chocolate and banana. Each sip felt like an indulgence but with ingredients that actually nourished you.

I used to be a regular here before Kansas City’s plant-based dining scene began to expand. Even now, Café Gratitude remains a go-to recommendation for friends, family, and even strangers visiting town. With its feel-good food, uplifting atmosphere, and self-affirming menu, it’s the kind of place that leaves you not just satisfied but lighter, happier, and maybe even a little more in tune with your dreams, and I love that for everyone who gets to experience it.

Café Gratitude is located at 333 Southwest Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64108.