Dish & Drink KC: Filling our cups on election day at Filling Station, plus a new Halal hot chicken chain

Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen

Whew. Some days don’t leave much room to slow down. 

Between running errands with my mom and making our way to the polls, the afternoon felt like one long checklist. We needed a quick reset before tackling the rest of the day, so we pulled into Filling Station Coffee in Westport. 

My order was simple: a dirty matcha with oat milk and sugar-free vanilla. 

I usually prefer almond milk lately because it contains less sugar (sometimes), but I’ve found it can dull the flavor of matcha. Oat milk, on the other hand, gives the drink a smoother texture and lets the earthy notes of the tea shine without overpowering the espresso. So that’s what I stuck with. 

The matcha carried its signature grassy, slightly vegetal flavor, while the espresso added a rich, roasted depth that transformed the drink into something refreshing and comforting. I love trying the same drink at different places. They always taste different, and this one was smooth and delicious. 

Photo by Tiffany Watts

My mom went in a different direction, ordering a hot chai. She said she needed a little sweet spice in her life.

Between the two of us, we had both sides of the coffee shop experience covered. 

After tasting so many different kinds of coffee in so many different coffee shops here in Kansas City, I’ve come to realize that sometimes the best café visits aren’t about discovering an over-the-top seasonal special or an elaborate signature drink. Sometimes they’re simply about finding a place that delivers a “hit the spot” kind of experience one needs in the moment. This efficient but satisfying stop did just that. 

Filling Station Coffee is located at 1010 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO, plus two more in Overland Park and Midtown.

Photo by Tiffany Watts

I’ve seen a lot of hype around the new Byrd’s restaurant in KCK. The California-based Halal hot chicken chain just opened its first KC metro location, so I wanted to stop in and see what everyone has been talking about on my social feeds. 

The most popular on the menu is The Honey Byrd. I kid you not, it’s made with two glazed honey buns instead of a traditional bun, and topped with hot pickles and their signature 24K sauce. 

According to my mom, who fell in love with the sandwich at first bite, the heat from the pickles and chicken and the sweetness of the sauce are extremely well balanced. She really enjoyed the 24K sauce too. Even had a little extra on the side. 

I, being the foodie I am, ordered both the tenders and the wings.

The tenders—massive. And I loved that the word crispy wasn’t just added in for fun. The crunch was truly in every bite. Not to mention the tenders are packed with juicy white meat. 

And of course, I couldn’t leave a chicken spot without trying the wings. I ordered them naked and tried the mango habanero and the barbecue sauces. Sure, the sauces were tasty. But I’ve got to say, they really are hitting home with the meat. They were crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. 

If you wanna try something new, The Honey Byrd might get your attention, but don’t sleep on the tenders or wings. 

Byrd’s is located at 3801 B Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, KS 66104.