Dish & Drink KC: Neighborhood favorites at Midtown Kava and Kitty’s Cafe
Midtown Kava // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Midtown Kava
I’ve always loved discovering places that make me want to stay a little longer, and Midtown Kava is exactly that kind of spot. As a first-timer to the world of kava, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but this cozy Midtown lounge turned out to be a hidden gem.
Walking in, the atmosphere immediately drew me in—think warm lighting, comfortable seating, and an energy that feels as welcoming as a good hug. It’s the kind of space that invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and just be. Before I knew it, I was tucked into their “Zen Den,” a quiet, peaceful corner that ended up being my office for the afternoon.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without diving into their drink menu. I started with an herbal hibiscus tea infused with kava ($7). The tangy, floral flavor was perfectly balanced with kava’s earthy notes, and it tasted like relaxation in a cup. The calming effects came on gently, making me feel both relaxed and clear-headed.
Midtown Kava // Photo By Tiffany Watts
I also grabbed an herbal peppermint tea infused with THC ($11) to enjoy later. That evening, it became the ultimate wind-down ritual. Lightly sweet and soothing, it was the perfect way to relax before bedtime without feeling overly heavy.
But Midtown Kava is more than just a lounge—it’s a one-stop shop for all things wellness. From CBD products to kombucha and beyond, they’ve curated a selection that makes it easy to find something for everyone.
What I loved most about my visit was how intentional everything felt, from the drinks to the space itself. It feels like more than just a place to grab a cup of something—it feels like a place to reset, recharge, and maybe even find a little peace in your day.
Midtown Kava is located at 1415 W 39th St # d, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Kitty’s Cafe // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Kitty’s Cafe
If you’re from Kansas City, there’s a good chance Kitty’s Cafe holds a special place in your heart. A beloved staple since 1951, Kitty’s has been serving up nostalgia alongside their famous dishes for generations. After their recent remodel, my girlfriend and I couldn’t resist popping in to see if the food was still worth the special place in our collective KC experience. Spoiler alert: it is.
Despite the new glow-up, Kitty’s still feels like the same cozy, no-frills spot that locals have cherished for decades. The remodel has given the space a refreshed look, but the bustling energy and familiar charm remain untouched. Judging by the crowd during our visit, Kitty’s hasn’t missed a beat since reopening.
Kitty’s Cafe // Photo By Tiffany Watts
This time around, I decided to step outside of my usual diet and go all-in on their famous pork tenderloin sandwich ($9.50)—a true Kansas City classic. Paired with a side of crispy tater tots ($4), the meal was everything I hoped it would be: hot, fresh, and packed with flavor. The pork tenderloin was perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, with just the right amount of crunch. Every bite felt like a trip down memory lane, reminding me of why Kitty’s has been a cornerstone of KC’s food scene for so long.
One thing that hasn’t changed? Kitty’s is still a cash-only cafe, but with its reasonable prices, you won’t need to bring a fortune to enjoy a hearty meal. It’s part of the charm, really—keeping things simple and accessible, just like they’ve always done.
Welcome back, Kitty’s Cafe! You’re proof that some things really do get better with time.
Kitty’s Cafe is located at 810 1/2 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64109.
