Dish & Drink KC: The Little Store on Knox and QZ Poke Ramen

The Little Store on Knox // Photo by Tiffany Watts

The Little Store on Knox

Sometimes, the best coffee shop finds are tucked away in unexpected places. That’s exactly what my friends and I discovered when we decided to visit The Little Store on Knox, a small neighborhood coffee shop in North Kansas City that offers coffee, flowers, and goods from local vendors.

Our coffee date had been long overdue, and none of us had been to this charming spot before. As I drove into what seemed like a residential area, I began to wonder if I was lost. But then, there it was—The Little Store on Knox—looking like a postcard-perfect retreat. I parked right in front of the cutest, coziest shop, ready to dive into caffeine and conversation.

Each of us grabbed a coffee to suit our tastes. My go-to, a decaf vanilla latte with oat milk, was perfectly balanced and smooth. My friends ordered their favorites, and we all agreed the coffee here is top-notch. But it wasn’t just about the drinks—we were all craving something sweet and decided to try their blueberry muffins.

Let me tell you, these muffins were nothing short of magical. They were perfectly moist, with juicy blueberries bursting in every bite—it felt like a little hug for my taste buds. The sweetness was just right, not overpowering, and the texture was so soft and pillowy that it practically melted in my mouth. We couldn’t stop raving about them and honestly regretted not grabbing a few extras to take home.

While waiting for our drinks, I couldn’t resist browsing the shelves lined with goods from locally owned brands. The thoughtfully curated selection made the shop feel more like a community hub than just a coffee stop.

Though The Little Store on Knox is small and intimate, there’s a cozy seating area inside. It was too chilly for patio seating during our visit, but I couldn’t help but picture myself coming back in the spring or early summer. Sipping an iced coffee on the patio, soaking in the good energy of the space, and enjoying the company of my favorite people sounds like a perfect day.

The Little Store on Knox is located at 2107 Knox St, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

QZ Poke Ramen food delivery robot // Photo by Tiffany Watts

QZ Poke Ramen

Winter calls for comfort food, and on a chilly day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a steaming bowl of ramen. Feeling under the weather, I decided that a visit to QZ Poke Ramen at Zona Rosa was exactly what I needed. My mom joined me, equally in the mood for something hot, and we were both excited to dive into the warm, cozy vibes of ramen.

What really sets QZ Poke Ramen apart is its unique, innovative setup. While the staff is friendly and ready to assist, the ordering process is all done through a convenient kiosk, making it quick and easy. Once your order is ready, it’s delivered right to your table via a rolling machine—it’s a fun and modern touch that adds to the experience!

I was in the mood for ramen, so I headed straight to the kiosk to create my perfect bowl. I opted for a rich chicken broth base with rice noodles, tender chicken, and an extra spicy kick. To take it up a notch, I added a generous portion of seaweed, fresh jalapeños, and sweet onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture. I couldn’t resist also ordering their spring rolls, which come in a set of three.

While we waited for our food, I grabbed our chopsticks, soup spoons, and napkins from the condiment station. Soon, the rolling machine arrived at our table, delivering our meals. We grabbed our dishes, sent the machine back to the front desk, and dug in.

This ramen really hit the spot. The chicken broth was rich and savory with the perfect level of spice, especially with the addition of jalapeños that added a nice kick. It came out steaming hot too, which made me feel good. The rice noodles soaked up all that flavorful broth, and the tender chicken brought a satisfying heartiness to every bite. The seaweed added a wonderful umami depth, while the onions brought a bit of crunch and flavor that brought it all together. It was a filling bowl full of cozy, warming goodness.

The spring rolls were a perfect addition to the meal—crispy on the outside with a fresh, flavorful filling inside. The tangy dipping sauce complemented them beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor. All in all, this visit did not disappoint! 

QZ Poke Ramen has multiple locations: Zona Rosa, Liberty, Lee’s Summit, and Legends Outlet.