Dish & Drink KC: Breakfast hits with luxe sips at HomeGrown and Urban
Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen
There’s something special about gathering your people for a surprise celebration, especially when it involves brunch in downtown Kansas City. My friends and I recently took our new friend out to HomeGrown in the Power & Light District to surprise her with a birthday brunch, and it turned into one of those slow-smiling, memory-making mornings that remind you why KC’s brunch scene hits every time.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
Of course, I kicked things off with my go-to order at HomeGrown: the Avocado Toast. They keep it simple and fresh, just how I like it. A thick slice of toasted Farm to Market artisan bread topped with creamy avocado mash, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, and a gentle drizzle of olive oil. It normally comes with two cage-free eggs, but I switched it out for a side of their roasted rosemary potatoes. If you haven’t had them yet, let me put you on: oven-roasted with onion, red pepper, garlic, and olive oil… they’re soft, savory, and dangerously easy to finish without blinking.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
But the real standout this time? The Honey Bee. I decided to step outside of my usual diet routine and treat myself, and listen, I would go back for that drink alone. It’s made with Speckman’s honey, Messenger espresso, and steamed Belfonte milk (I swapped for oat milk, of course). Warm, cozy, lightly sweet, and nicely balanced. Absolutely worth breaking habits for.
The best part of the entire brunch, though, wasn’t the food. It was the moment we surprised our friend. We came armed with a crown and sash, ready to celebrate. The table lit up with laughter, and our server immediately hopped in with a sweet birthday shoutout that made the whole thing feel even more special. Little touches like that go a long way, and HomeGrown delivered.
HomeGrown has five locations in the KC metro.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
I finally stopped into Urban Restaurant specifically for breakfast, something I’ve never done there before, and now I’m wondering why it took me so long.
I decided to start the morning with their Veggie Hash ($16), a colorful bowl packed with sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, caramelized onions, collard greens, and bell peppers. I’m officially obsessed. Sure, the ingredients sound simple, but when they’re seasoned well and cooked with intention, they hit different. The bowl came out full, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Photo by Tiffany Watts
Midway through my meal, I found myself glancing at the cocktail menu (as one does), and decided that it was a perfect morning for a sip of something special. I ordered The Botanist’s Tea ($13), made with Tom’s Town Gin and lavender Earl Grey. I swapped the simple syrup for honey, and that was the move. It kept the drink light, floral, slightly sweet, and incredibly smooth. Imagine the calmest, classiest cup of tea you’ve ever had, but with a little kick.
Between the food, the cocktail, and the genuinely great service, I walked out feeling completely satisfied. No misses, no notes, just a really good breakfast at a spot that continues to impress.
Urban Restaurant is located at 3420 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109.
