Dish & Drink KC: Comfort food and community vibes at The Brick and Hull House Coffee

The Brick // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Walk into The Brick, and you’ll swear you’ve stepped onto the set of Cheers. Tucked in the Crossroads Arts District, this beloved neighborhood bar hums with easy camaraderie. Regulars drift in and out, greeted by name. The staff know their usual orders, their stories, and their drink preferences, and they’re just as quick to make newcomers feel like part of the family.

The Brick has all the hallmarks of a classic dive: scuffed-up floors, walls lined with art and memorabilia, and an anything-goes vibe that feels inviting no matter what age you are. But don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you. The kitchen cranks out an expansive menu of comfort food that’s every bit as memorable as the place itself.

During my visit, I watched one tempting plate after another emerge from the kitchen—towering sandwiches, sizzling burgers, and baskets of golden fried sides. I decided to take advantage of the “Make Your Own Burger” option and built a turkey burger stacked high with vegan cheese, portobello mushrooms, sautéed and raw onions, pickles, lettuce, and a hit of mustard. The meat was juicy and perfectly seasoned, tucked into a bun that held up admirably under all those toppings.

On the side, I went for the fried pickles. They came out crisp and piping hot. While I would’ve liked a thinner breading to let the tangy pickle flavor pop a bit more, the seasoning was spot on, and I had no real complaints.

All in all, for a stacked sandwich and an order of fried pickles, I spent less than $20. Basically, I got a lot of food for a little budget, and I love that for me. 

Plus, if you’re into live music, swing by on the weekend. The Brick hosts performances on Friday and Saturday nights. They also offer both indoor and outdoor seating, so it’s a great spot to post up with friends and enjoy a solid meal any day of the week. 

The Brick is located at 1727 McGee, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Hull House // Photo by Tiffany Watts

After a week of travel, conferences, and chasing stories, all I wanted was something caffeinated, comforting, and local. Hull House Coffee delivered on all fronts.

Located in Kansas City’s Northland, Hull House is a family-owned coffee house that’s quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, and for good reason. This vibrant spot isn’t just serving caffeine; it’s a brewing community. In a part of the city that hasn’t always been known for its locally owned hangouts, Hull House is changing the narrative with strong coffee and stronger roots.

I ordered an iced latte ($5.50) with oat milk, light ice, and a double shot. Simple, but exactly what I needed. Now here’s the part you need to know: if you’re adding cinnamon to your latte, ask them to steam it into the milk. Total game-changer. Luckily, I didn’t have to share that with the staff here. The barista was already one step ahead, and the result was perfection. Instead of just floating on top, the cinnamon blended seamlessly into the drink, giving it a warm, cozy depth. It tasted like a smooth, grown-up Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 

Beyond the drink, what really stood out was the energy of the space. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was training her son behind the bar. Watching her pass down not just skills but legacy felt incredibly wholesome. You could tell he was excited to learn, and you could feel how much intention and love was being poured into this place. Literally and figuratively.

The space itself is charming, with eye-catching artwork and thoughtful decor that gives the café both personality and presence. There’s also a sense of thoughtfulness to how the space is put together. Nothing feels overly styled or staged, but it’s clear some care went into making it comfortable. A place where people can gather, settle in, and feel at ease. A third space, if you will. 

Hull House Coffee is located at 434 NW Legacy Dr., Kansas City, MO 64155.