Dish & Drink KC: Gyros at KC Smoke Burger and Hammerhand Coffee’s cinnamon-scented space
Hammerhead Coffee // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Hammerhand Coffee
Liberty, Missouri, holds a special charm for me—it’s my hometown, after all. However, this visit wasn’t just a walk down memory lane; it was a flavorful adventure to Hammerhand Coffee with my daughter. Just steps from Liberty’s downtown square, this cozy spot felt like so much more than a coffee shop—it felt more like a vibrant hub with big community energy.
When we walked in, the warm, inviting smell of cinnamon greeted us, so naturally, I kicked things off with a sugar-free vanilla cinnamon latte made with oat milk. It was exactly what I needed.
Plus, there’s just something about sipping a hot drink from a coffee mug in a cozy café—it’s like stepping straight into a movie scene.
My daughter, in her adventurous spirit, ordered a latte, only to remember she’s not on team espresso. But no worries—the amazing staff came to the rescue, crafting her a dreamy oat milk steamer with syrups that she declared a new favorite.
For food, we opted for a turkey sandwich, expecting the standard chilled fare. Instead, out came a piping hot creation with melted cheese that had us both doing a happy dance in our seats. The sandwich came with a choice of sides: plain chips, barbecue chips, or a protein ball. While the protein ball looked intriguing (and like it was trying to convince us it was dessert), we went with plain chips and weren’t disappointed.
Settling in at the bar, we immersed ourselves in Hammerhand’s inviting vibe. The space hummed with productivity and contentment—laptops clicked, and conversations flowed. Not to mention, the staff’s friendliness was infectious, and making sure we had everything our little hearts desired from the moment we walked in.
I also love that Hammerhand is just a short walk from Liberty’s downtown square, making it the perfect starting point for a charming day out. After finishing our meal, we couldn’t resist wandering through the historic streets, soaking in the small-town charm. It gave me a chance to share a few funny ‘back in my day” stories with my daughter before we headed to run errands.
Hammerhand Coffee is located at 249 West Mill Street Liberty, MO 64068
KC Smoke Burgers // Photo By Tiffany Watts
KC Smoke Burger
While KC Smoke Burger is known for its flame-grilled burgers, I discovered years ago that their gyros are an equally compelling reason to visit and so, we did. Nestled along 39th Street near KU Medical Center, this popular eatery has earned its place in Kansas City’s culinary scene.
The best part of this visit was that it was entirely by chance, yet it ended up being the most delicious decision of the day.
My family and I had planned a grocery run ahead of the big storm, but as the saying goes, you should never shop hungry. Looking to avoid the usual chain restaurants that dominate the northland, we decided to stop by KC Smoke Burger. Luckily we made it in just before the lunch rush, joining a steady stream of patrons who, like us, clearly appreciate this local favorite.
True to form, we each ordered gyros, tailoring them to our personal preferences. I opted to forgo the tomatoes and tzatziki sauce and add hummus, while my family embraced the full experience—some even requesting extra tzatziki. As we sipped our drinks, made jokes, and talked through our grocery lists, our conversation flowed easily. That is, until the food arrived. Then, silence.
Why? Because the gyros were exceptional.
Imagine tender, flavorful meat nestled in pillowy pita bread, with each ingredient remarkably fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The seasoning was perfectly balanced, delivering a symphony of flavors that made each bite memorable. And the fries—oh, the fries. As someone who takes their French fry evaluation seriously, I was thoroughly impressed. Golden, crisp, and seasoned with finesse, they’re the kind of fries you find yourself thinking about long after the meal is over.
It’s also worth noting that the service at KC Smoke Burger is consistently prompt and friendly—a remarkable feat given the steady stream of diners they serve. And while parking in the area can occasionally be a challenge, it’s a small price to pay for such a tasty meal.
KC Smoke Burger is located at 1610 W 39TH St Kansas City, MO 64111
