Dish & Drink KC: Good mornings at Two Sugars Coffee and Westside Local
Two Sugars Coffee // Photo By Tiffany Watts
As a food writer and content creator, I’m always on the hunt for new coffee spots where I can park myself between meetings and power through some work. This time, my search led me to Two Sugars Coffee, a centrally located café that checked all the right boxes: ambiance, aesthetics, and—of course—good coffee.
Walking in, the first thing I noticed (and immediately fell in love with) was the abundance of natural light pouring in through the massive front window. There’s something about a well-lit space that makes a coffee shop feel warm and inviting, and Two Sugars shines. The decor and color scheme also struck me, a balance of cozy and chic, designed to make you want to settle in for a while.
Originally, I planned to order a decaf latte, but to my dismay, they don’t carry decaf. No big deal—I went for the real thing, and honestly? No regrets. I intended to power though some tasks, after all.
The menu offers multiple milk and sweetener options, allowing me to stick to my dietary preferences while still indulging in a well-crafted latte. The owner happened to be working behind the counter that day, and she whipped up my drink with a perfect latte art heart on top. I’m a sucker for coffee shops that have baristas who can take a simple latte and turn it into a mini-masterpiece.
Space-wise, Two Sugars has plenty of seating, which means it’s well-suited for both work sessions and social meetups. While I was glued to my laptop, other patrons were having meetings or catching up with friends, and the layout made it feel equally accommodating for both.
Though I didn’t get a chance to try any food items, I did catch a whiff of something delicious and followed my nose to the counter, where they were making a breakfast sandwich that looked absolutely divine. Next time, I’ll make sure to order one.
Two Sugars Coffee is located at 1412 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Westside Local // Photo By Tiffany Watts
When it comes to great restaurants in Kansas City, there are plenty of contenders—but few places hold my heart quite like Westside Local. This farm-to-table gem in the historic Westside neighborhood is a go-to of mine for meetings, lunch dates, and catching up with friends. I recommend it to people so often, I should probably start earning commission.
I first discovered Westside Local when I attended an event there. I didn’t even eat on that first visit, but between the warm ambiance, stellar service, and plates of food that looked like works of art, I knew I had to return. My next visit was a first meeting with someone who is now a close friend, and we indulged in an unforgettable meal. Ever since, Westside Local has been cemented on my list of Kansas City favorites.
For this latest visit, I met up with a few friends and fellow writers for brunch. It was the perfect setting for good conversation, great drinks, and a meal that left me more than satisfied. While I should probably branch out and try something new, I just can’t help but stick with my go-to order: the Portabella Sammy.
Yes, it’s vegan. But hear me out—this sandwich is a masterpiece. A beer + tempura battered portabella mushroom topped with mashed avocado, jicama, Thai-chili slaw, fresh jalapeño, and vegan sriracha aioli? Absolutely irresistible. You can add bacon or a burger patty, but trust me, it’s already perfect as is.
As much as I loved my meal, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by my friends’ drink order—a sangria pitcher made with a red or white wine blend, orange, grapefruit, and cava. It sounded delicious, but since I try to avoid cane sugar, I opted for a margarita made with agave instead. It was just what I needed to complement the meal and set the tone for a laid-back brunch.
And, of course, the service was exceptional—which honestly, is always the case here. Our server was attentive, friendly, and on top of everything, making an already great experience even better.
Westside Local is located at 1663 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108.
