Dish & Drink KC: Cocktails and tamales at Café Corazón, plus Parkville’s tastiest sandwich

Café Corazón // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Café Corazón 

I have a go-to order for most cafes—a small cup of dark roast coffee. No cream, no sugar. 

Sometimes I’ll get a little adventurous and order a shot of espresso or an Americano. Still, I keep the order pretty basic with the hopes of tasting and rating their coffee for my own personal benefit. 

Last week, however, I stepped pretty far outside of my box, and boy, oh boy, did that turn out to be a delicious decision. 

And here’s how it unfolded. 

I randomly strolled into Café Corazón on a sunny afternoon in the mood for something sweet and cold. Since it was Friday-eve, I was drawn to the list of cocktails on their menu and went straight for the RonChata ($10), a cocktail made with aged rum, cinnamon, and horchata. 

Don’t laugh, but I’ve never had horchata before, so I didn’t realize I was in for such a treat. I just knew I needed a sugar-free, dairy-free version, and since they were able to make it happen, I took that as a sign that it was meant to be!

Along with my cocktail, I ordered three chicken tamales made with white corn masa, well-seasoned chicken, and a side of salsa verde ($4.25 each).

When my order was ready, my tamales came out steaming and on two plates. I had no idea they’d be so massive—the perfect breadth for my foodie-sized appetite. 

What’s more, I smelled the cinnamon that topped my RonChata right away and it took me back to my childhood. I used to drown every pancake, waffle, and piece of toast in cinnamon. Those were such good times. 

Café Corazón // Photo By Tiffany Watts

As I sat down, I took the first sip of my RonChata. Immediately surprised by the sweet, creamy, freshness of the cocktail, I started sipping faster, forgetting that I was drinking a cocktail with rum. 

Feeling quite good, I  began to dig into my chicken tamales. The contrast between the moist masa and the tender, savory chicken inside made for the perfect bite. 

The combination of the cold, sweet RonChata and the hot tamales seasoned with herbs, turned out to be one of the quickest and tastiest lunches I’ve munched on in a while. Not to mention, the café was a haven of warmth and vibrancy. The walls were adorned with local art showcasing the rich Latin and indigenous culture.

Since I couldn’t finish all of my food before heading to my next stop, I sipped the last of my cocktail, boxed up my remaining tamale, and left already planning my next visit.

Café Corazón has two locations. Westport 1721 Westport Rd., KCMO 64111, and Crossroads 110 Southwest Blvd., KCMO 64108.

Yardbird Sandwich at Acre Restaurant // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Acre

If you haven’t visited Acre Restaurant in Parkville, MO, you’re missing out on a true gem! 

Nestled in the heart of this charming town, just a short drive from downtown Kansas City, Acre offers a delightful dining experience with a cozy atmosphere and exceptional service.

And If you’re anything like me and you’re a lover of a good cocktail and fine wine, you’ll be in awe of their cocktail menu and wine selection. Seriously. There’s an entire wall of wine! 

To top it off, Acre’s commitment to quality and flavor shines through in every dish. According to the restaurant owner and Liberty, MO native, Andrew Longres, their fried chicken is a favorite—ordered by tons of their guests. 

To see what the hype was all about, I ordered the Crispy Yard Bird Sandwich ($15).

I’ve got to say, this sandwich is truly a masterpiece. The perfectly fried chicken is crispy on the outside yet juicy and tender on the inside. It’s also served with a tangy slaw and a zesty aioli, all sandwiched between a soft, jalapeño-flavored toasted bun. 

Acre Restaurant // Photo By Tiffany Watts

I obsessed over the kettle chips. The crunch and flavor was heavenly. I honestly needed more of those on my plate. 

But it’s not just about the food. 

Acre’s warm, inviting atmosphere and excellent service make it a top spot for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner. The ambiance, with its charming décor and friendly staff, adds to the overall dining experience.

It’s a perfect place for a date night, too. Hint, hint to all the partners who are still deciding how to celebrate National Girlfriend Day on August 1. 

Acre is located at 6325 Lewis St, Parkville, MO 64152.