Dish & Drink KC: Unforgettable experiences at Comic Coffeehouse and The Antler Room

Comic Coffeehouse // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Stumbling across hidden gems is easily one of my favorite parts of this job. Okay—maybe this one wasn’t exactly stumbled upon. It was more of a deliberate 35-minute trek from my corner of the city to Comic Coffeehouse. But I can confidently say: the coffee, the vibes, and the nostalgia were worth it.

True to its name, Comic Coffeehouse is a charming little café that blends two of life’s pleasures—good coffee and comic books. It’s a warm, welcoming space where you can sip a latte while flipping through vintage Marvel, dive into a game of Mario Kart, or just hang out in a place that feels like it was designed for your inner kid and your grown-up caffeine needs.

They offer a variety of drinks—everything from the classics to smoothies, to something called “The Fizzy,” with club soda and flavored syrups. You can mix and match the flavors to build your own quirky, carbonated creation.

I kept it simple this time around and ordered a hot sugar-free caramel oat milk latte. Kansas City weather had me fooled that day—it looked sunny, but it was giving “bring a coat” energy. My latte came out piping hot, silky smooth, and surprisingly rich. I’m always a little cautious with sugar-free syrups (you never know), but this one delivered. Sweet without being overwhelming, and it paired perfectly with the oat milk for that cozy, wrapped-in-a-blanket kind of vibe.

While I didn’t try any of the pastries this time, they did have a tempting selection behind the counter—definitely something I’ll go back for. But honestly? It was the decor and atmosphere that really won me over. The walls are lined with carefully kept comic books, from beloved classics to newer titles, and the space is furnished with the kind of cozy chairs and plush couches that practically beg you to settle in and stay a while. Add in the vintage video game setup—complete with Nintendo and a stack of games—and you’ve got a space that hits you right in the childhood feels.

This is the kind of café I’d gladly drive back to—if only to sit cross-legged in front of the TV, controller in hand, pretending I’m back in my after-school snack and Super Mario days.

Comic Coffeehouse is at 1857 S Ridgeview Rd Olathe, KS 66062.

Seared Rohan Duck Breast at The Antler Room // Photo By Sabrina Schmidt

Let me just say this: The Antler Room deserves every flower in the garden.

It’s only April, sure, but as someone who eats out for a living and who’s been to more Kansas City restaurants in three months than most folks visit in a year, I can confidently say that this was my favorite dining experience of 2025 so far. And that’s not just about the food (although we’ll get to that). It’s about the care, the intention, and the quiet excellence woven into every step of the experience—from the reservation to the final sip of wine.

Before we even arrived, The Antler Room had already shown me they were playing a different game. My friend let them know I had dietary restrictions when booking. When we were seated, I was handed a menu that had been personally marked for me. Items I couldn’t eat? X’d out. Items I could? Checked. And dishes that could be easily modified were underlined with notes. Do you know how rare that is? I’ve eaten at plenty of great places, but never have I seen this kind of thoughtful, proactive attention. It might’ve taken them five minutes, but it made me feel seen, valued, and genuinely welcomed.

Our server continued that same energy throughout the night. He moved gracefully through the room, quick on his feet but never interrupting unless necessary. He introduced the concept of shared plates and encouraged us to order 4–5 total, but we started with two—figuring we’d play it by ear.

First up: the Braised Rabbit Rigatoni ($23). Now listen, neither of us had ever tried rabbit before, so we dove in with cautious curiosity. One bite in, and we were sold. The meat was incredibly tender, folded into perfectly al dente rigatoni, and cloaked in rich tare butter that gave it this umami depth you won’t soon forget. The cornbread crumble brought this beautiful sweetness and crunch, balancing out the slight bitterness of the radicchio. It was the kind of dish that makes you stop talking mid-sentence, close your eyes, and just savor.

But the dish that stole the show? The Seared Rohan Duck Breast ($34). I’m still dreaming about it. It came plated like a work of art—rosy slices of duck breast nestled against parsnip purée, drizzled with a roasted red wine duck jus that was velvety and rich with just the right tang. But what really sent me into orbit were the duck confit cabbage rolls. Imagine cabbage leaves wrapped tightly around shredded duck, slow-cooked into a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and then topped with salsa verde and toasted buckwheat for brightness and crunch. It was layered, it was elegant, it was sexy.

By the time we finished those two dishes, we were full-full. So, instead of ordering more, we leaned back, sipped our wine, and took in the vibe. And let me tell you—The Antler Room’s atmosphere after sunset? It’s giving intimate, modern romance. The kind of place where the lighting dims just enough to feel mysterious, the room hums with quiet conversation, and the energy feels refined without ever being stiff.

This is how it should be done. Flowers, tossed.

The Antler Room is at 2506 Holmes Street Kansas City, MO 64108.