Dish & Drink KC: Northland gems at Meeting Grounds & Tree Hugger Kitchen

Meeting Grounds Coffee Co. // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Custom drinks at Meeting Grounds Coffee Co.

With so many big-name cafes opening in the Kansas City area, there’s something comforting about walking into a local coffee shop that smells like freshly brewed coffee and sweet baked treats, and ordering a drink that you just made up in your head a few seconds before arriving. 

Situated between Casey’s and Feldman’s Farm and Home in Liberty, Missouri, Meeting Grounds Coffee Co. proudly offers a fully customizable experience seven days a week. Like most cafes, they offer the typical coffee, espresso, and smoothie options. However, you can more than modify a drink on their menu. 

With their long list of flavorings, milk options, spritzers, boba, and more, you can create a new drink that really suits your mood and your taste buds. 

For example, ask the barista to whip up a Pineapple and Passionfruit Refresher ($4.99). It’s not on the menu as it’s a custom order, but with the sweet blend of tropical flavors and a hint of soda, it’ll be one of the most delicious decisions you’ll make all summer! 

Customization bonanza at Meeting Grounds Coffee Co. // Photo by Tiffany Watts

If you’re eager to order a more traditional coffee drink, their Lattes ($4.25) are smooth and creamy. Of course, you can customize them with an array of regular or sugar-free syrups. 

While lounging in their cozy seating area and waiting for my drinks, I snacked on something a little more solid. Their gluten-free brownies look heavenly and are a favorite amongst the staff. This time I chose the Chocolate Croissant ($5) and the Strawberry Pop Tart ($4). 

Although both were sweet and delicious, the croissant was devoured almost immediately. Its flaky golden brown crust with chocolate drizzle cracked satisfyingly with the first bite and gave way to soft, light, buttery layers of pastry.

Let’s not forget their happy hour and specials. Drop in on a weekday between 1 – 3 p.m. or Sundays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for 50% off any drink you order. Plus their weekly deals–shared online and in-store–are a godsend for helping you save even more. 

Meeting Grounds Coffee Co is at 124 S Forrest Ave, Liberty, MO, United States, 64068.

Tasty plant-based eats at Tree Hugger Kitchen

Speaking of godsends, just 10 minutes north of Kansas City’s famous City Market, Tree Hugger Kitchen is serving up flavorful comfort foods for the health-conscious eater. Think juicy burgers, pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, and loaded tacos… but make them plant-based. 

Run by a local husband-and-wife team, this bright and charming Riverside restaurant offers a menu filled with mouthwatering shareables and craveable meal options. 

For love at first bite, taste the Rueben ($12): a deli sandwich made with corned jackfruit, sauerkraut, Follow Your Heart Gouda Cheez, and house-made thousand island dressing pressed between two pieces of toasted marble rye. The savory and tangy flavors inside of the sandwich play quite well with the nutty, crunchy texture of the toasted bread.

If you’re hungry for more or your family or friends are in tow, you might also try the Double Trouble Tacos ($16) and a side of Mac N Cheese ($6). 

The Double Trouble tacos consist of two soft-shell flour tortillas layered with refried beans and wrapped around a hard-shell taco. Inside, the tacos are filled with seasoned ground walnut chorizo, shredded lettuce, pico, and plant-based cheese with a sour cream drizzle. They are also served with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.

The goal of the ground walnut chorizo isn’t necessarily to dupe a carnivore but to play up the overall textures and flavors expected in a taco. This dish is nothing if not hearty!

The side of Mac N Cheese is listed under “extras,” and although it’s super cheesy, well-seasoned, and delicious, it’s worth noting that there’s a unique aftertaste that smacks your tongue after each swallow. It’s a sensation that full-time plant-based eaters may be used to, but we found it surprising. Had it not been for that aftertaste, the Mac N Cheese would’ve completely stolen the show! 

Still, a close second to that decadent Rueben is a great spot to be in.

Tree Hugger Kitchen is at 1841 NW Vivion Rd. Riverside, MO 64150.

Tree Hugger Kitchen // Photo by Tiffany Watts