Dish & Drink KC: A snow day sustenance crawl in Parkville
Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen
With schools closed for snow, I decided to turn an unexpected free morning into a little adventure with my daughter, and Parkville’s charming downtown felt like the perfect escape. We stepped into Deviant Kava, a warm, welcoming spot known for its kombucha, teas, and creative coffee drinks. The barista greeted us right away, and a few regulars looked up with friendly smiles, setting the tone for an easy, comfortable visit.
One regular was especially enthusiastic about his favorite latte: the Florida Man. His excitement alone convinced me to try it, and I’m glad I listened.
The drink is crafted with Cafe Corazon espresso, oat milk, honey, orange zest, and a light dusting of nutmeg. It usually comes topped with whipped cream, but the owner, Wes, who is genuinely a bright, welcoming presence and great to chat with, offered to create an oat-milk foam instead since I can’t have dairy. That small gesture already made me feel taken care of, but the first sip sealed the deal.
Deviant Kava // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Before the flavor even hit, the scent of fresh orange zest rose from the cup—bright and unmistakable. Then came the layers: smooth espresso, the calm sweetness of honey, a gentle citrus lift, and just enough nutmeg to warm everything up. It was thoughtful and memorable.
We ended up sticking around longer than planned, hanging out with our new friends and enjoying the vibe before heading back out into the snow. But before we left, we made a plan to come back and explore the rest of the café, and we did. Deviant Kava offers more than you see at first glance. There’s an upstairs level, a game room, and a cozy nook with a fireplace perfect for working or lounging. They even have the sweetest front porch and a back patio that I can already picture myself enjoying once the weather warms up and there’s no snow in sight.
Deviant Kava is located at 405 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152.
Alvarado’s Champion Burritos To Go // Photo by Tiffany Watts
After warming up at Deviant Kava, my daughter and I hopped in the car and made the quick three-minute drive to Alvarado’s Champion Burritos To Go, a spot I’ve had on my list for a while. With the snow still covering the ground and both of us ready for something hearty, it was the perfect next stop.
My daughter ordered the Smothered Burrito ($14.39), a fully loaded 12-inch tortilla covered in green sauce, melted cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. When it came out, it looked incredible. Big, colorful, and absolutely covered in all the good stuff. It even arrived with a ring of fresh, hot tortilla chips that were crisp, warm.
Alvarado’s Champion Burritos To Go // Photo by Tiffany Watts
I went for the lunch special ($10.98), a burrito stuffed with chicken, grilled onions and jalapeños, potatoes, and rice. The moment I picked it up, it betrayed me by immediately falling apart, so there went my chance to let my phone “eat first.” But honestly, the flavor made up for every ounce of the mess. It was packed with smoky grilled veggies, and the potatoes gave it that satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs feeling that hits perfectly on a cold day.
And the verde salsa deserves its own shoutout. It’s bright and green with a smooth texture and a flavor that starts mild and earthy before building into a small, satisfying kick at the end. Not too spicy, not too tame, just enough heat to keep you reaching for another bite.
Alvarado’s Champion Burritos To Go is located at 7416 NW River Park Dr, Parkville, MO 64152.
