Dish & Drink KC: Savoring the morning at AR’s and Soli Deo

AR’s Breakfast & Brunch // Photo by Tiffany Watts

If you’re a brunch lover in Kansas City who’s not afraid to mix things up, AR’s Breakfast and Brunch just might become your new weekend obsession. They call themselves “the best brunch spot in Kansas City,” and while that’s a bold claim, their packed restaurant in Westport makes me think they might be right.

The menu is full of creative dishes that fuse classic comfort with global inspiration. Think breakfast tacos, loaded omelets, and sweet options that change seasonally. 

My best friend ordered the chilaquiles ($12.99), and if you’re the kind of brunch-goer who loves bold flavors, this is the move. The dish comes loaded with corn chips fried to crispy perfection, smothered in your choice of red or green sauce, topped with sour cream, queso fresco, and two eggs made your way. It’s served alongside breakfast potatoes and black beans — a complete, colorful brunch plate that looked and smelled like heaven from across the table.

Now, here’s where it gets real: this spot isn’t quite for everyone, at least not for those of us with certain dietary restrictions. I realized pretty quickly that my no-tomato, no-dairy, limited-meat, and sugar-free lifestyle meant I’d have to eat something bland or sit this one out. 

AR’s Breakfast & Brunch // Photo by Tiffany Watts

I decided to make the best of it and ordered what I could. A simple veggie burrito with a side of potatoes ($13.99). There’s not much to say about it; it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t memorable either. Still, I don’t regret going. Some restaurants know exactly what they do well and stay in that lane, and AR’s Brunch KC seems to be one of those spots. Judging by the plates that passed by our table, they’re doing their thing really, really well.

So, if your brunch style leans indulgent, bold, and full of flavor, go to AR’s and enjoy a plate (or three) for me. I’ll be living vicariously through all of you — happily imagining the smell of sizzling eggs and fresh tortillas from across town.

AR’s Brunch KC is located at 4117 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Soli Deo Coffee + Bakery // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Recently, I’ve been making my way through Kansas City’s growing coffee scene, spotlighting the cafés that give the city its flavor and personality. The latest stop on my list is one you’ll definitely want to know about.

It’s a quaint little cafe near Westport called Soli Deo Coffee & Bakery.  The space (formerly Enchanté bakery) glows with natural light and the air smells of espresso and warm pastries. It feels like something straight out of a movie, really. 

I originally stopped in just to grab a coffee and see how it compared to other cafés, but the moment I walked inside and spotted a cozy little table by the window, I knew I’d be there for a while. I ordered a hot latte sweetened with honey, served in a mug, because presentation always matters, and it was everything I wanted it to be: smooth, strong, and comforting.

The atmosphere checks every box for me, too.

Soli Deo Coffee + Bakery // Photo by Tiffany Watts

It’s warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, deep blue-green tones, and gold-framed artwork layered throughout the space. Dried floral arrangements hang from the ceiling, catching the sunlight that pours through the front windows and giving the whole café an earthy, romantic glow. The wooden tables and vintage chairs make it feel both intentional and lived-in. Then there’s the pastry case, overflowing with golden, buttery treats that smell as good as they look.

Even with a steady stream of people coming and going, the café never lost its sense of calm. I sat near the front door, laptop open and latte in hand, surrounded by light that made the room feel like my own private corner of the city. Whether you’ve been here before or this just landed on your radar, I highly suggest a visit this fall. Fall feels like the perfect time to stop in and appreciate the vibes.

Soli Deo Coffee & Bakery is located at 3934 Main Street. Kansas City, MO 641111.

Categories: Food & Drink