Dish & Drink KC: Fresh Donuts and Friendly Bean Coffee prove to be accurate monikers
Fresh Donuts // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Fresh Donuts
Tucked away in the corner of a small, unassuming strip mall just off Barry Road, Fresh Donuts is the kind of place you might miss if you’re not looking for it—but trust me, you’ll want to look.
Step inside, and you’re instantly greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked donuts that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. The shop is simple, allowing the focus to stay right where it belongs—on the donuts.
Fresh Donuts boasts an array of options, from glazed classics to more adventurous flavors, but this visit called for a personal favorite: the Long John ($1.99). There’s something about its simplicity that always wins me over, and this one didn’t disappoint.
The moment I took a bite, I knew I had made the right choice.
Fresh Donuts // Photo By Tiffany Watts
The exterior had that perfect, ever-so-slight crispness that gives way to a soft, fluffy interior. While there wasn’t any filling inside, the bread itself was wonderfully moist, with a slight sweetness that made each bite incredibly satisfying. The icing on top was silky smooth, adding the perfect layer of sweetness without being overly sugary. Every bite was pure bliss, making me slow down and savor the experience.
On top of the irresistible flavors, the prices are extremely affordable, which makes grabbing a few extra donuts for yourself, your coworkers, or your family a no-brainer. At Fresh Donuts, indulgence doesn’t come with a steep price tag, and that’s just another reason this spot shines.
Fresh Donuts is located at 5557 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154.
Friendly Bean Coffee // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Friendly Bean Coffee
In the heart of Kansas City’s Northland, Friendly Bean Coffee has quietly thrived for over 15 years, becoming a beloved neighborhood spot.
This small, community-focused coffee shop is known for its fresh-roasted coffees, which they roast themselves at their own roasting facility. Along with a variety of espresso-based drinks, frappes, smoothies, and teas, they offer an assortment of made-from-scratch baked goods, making it a convenient stop for both drinks and treats.
During my visit, I couldn’t resist a wave of nostalgia and ordered a hot chocolate ($3.28) instead of my usual coffee.
There’s something about holding a steaming mug of rich, creamy cocoa that instantly transports you to simpler times, and Friendly Bean’s hot chocolate did just that. The drink was velvety smooth, with just the right balance of sweetness—warm and comforting, the perfect companion for a chilly day.
Friendly Bean Coffee // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Friendly Bean Coffee might not be the kind of place where you set up shop to work for hours, but it’s the perfect drive-thru stop when you’re in need of a quick, delicious pick-me-up. Whether you’re craving one of their fresh roasted coffees or just want a hot cup of something to warm your hands, this spot hits the mark. And if you’re in need of a quick bite, their homemade baked goods are ideal for grabbing on the go.
What truly stands out is their quick and friendly service. The staff at Friendly Bean live up to the shop’s name—greeting each customer with a smile and making sure you leave with not only a great drink, but a great experience.
Friendly Bean Coffee is located at 420 NE Barry Rd Kansas City, MO.
