Dish & Drink KC: Two Sugars Coffee and Laila Lounge fuel KC’s day and night
Laila Lounge // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Kansas City’s nightlife just got a major glow-up with the arrival of Laila Lounge in the West Bottoms. This new spot blends the high energy of a nightclub with the sophistication of a craft cocktail bar, and the results are nothing short of stunning.
On my introductory visit, I started with the Ishtar made with tequila, guava, habanero, and lime. It hit every note beautifully: bright, tropical, and smooth with just the right heat at the finish. Next, I sipped the Guanyin, which was just as impressive. It’s made with a refreshing mix of cucumber gin, green tea, matcha, lime juice, and cardamom. Both are available in zero-proof versions and show just how much attention to detail goes into every pour.
Laila Lounge // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Laila has also teamed up with locally owned mobile cafe, El Café Cubano, to add the Pachamama, a smooth cocktail made with vodka, chocolate, coffee, Frangelico, and chili.
The space itself is gorgeous and playful. Think mirrors with adjustable lighting for all your selfies, swings on the dance floor, and art scattered throughout the lounge. Even the restrooms and menus feel designed to impress. Add in warm, attentive staff, lights that set the mood, and a dance floor that makes cutting loose feel easy, and you’ve got one of the most exciting new additions to KC’s late-night scene.
Laila Lounge is located at 1717 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO
Two Sugars // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Two Sugars Coffee has opened a new location off Troost inside Beacon Hill, and it is as cute as a button. The shop itself is housed in what looks like a retro camper trailer. That classic metal exterior and rounded edges—all renovated and reimagined into a cozy café. It’s basically a mashup of vintage charm and modern design that instantly makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden gem.
My daughter, who is completely obsessed with sweets, wasted no time and went straight for the cinnamon roll crowned with cream cheese icing. After her first bite, she declared it the best cinnamon roll she’s ever had, but I’ll leave it to you to swing by and test that bold claim yourself.
Two Sugars // Photo by Tiffany Watts
I went for something savory: the breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese. The bagel was soft with just the right chew, the seasoning on top adding a garlicky, salty crunch, while the melted cheese and crisp bacon tied it all together in that classic, comforting way only a really good breakfast sandwich can.
Two Sugars has built a reputation for pairing cozy vibes with treats that feel both elevated and approachable, and this Beacon Hill spot only adds to the charm.
Two Sugars is located at 2501 Troost Ave. Kansas City, MO.
