Dish & Drink KC: Unleash your inner Almond Mom at Billie’s Grocery and Splitlog Coffee Co.
Fried Chicken Sando and Golden Latte at Billie’s Grocery. // Photo by Lauren Textor
Pickled onions and Beet Lattes (oh my!) at Billie’s Grocery
Anyone can roleplay as one of the rich yoga moms who frequent Billie’s Grocery. I frequently pretend to be the mother of a Sad Beige Baby (aka an ultraminimalist)—a capsule wardrobe-committed, Almond Mom with a neutral-colored stroller.
Of course, Billie’s is housed in a gorgeous, historic 1920s building at Gillham Plaza, so you absolutely don’t need to be this type of woman to enjoy it. You just need to be a person with eyes and taste buds.
floraloom bouquets at Billie’s Groceries. // Photo by Lauren Textor
Billie’s capitalizes on natural light with clean white walls and a simple color scheme of natural hues that reflect the sunshine. There’s a patio, bar, and bakery in addition to the enormous dining space. The retail space is small but inviting, with leafy bouquets from floraloom studio, flowery soaps, and bottles of wine for sale. It’s the type of place that might belong in Seattle or Portland—you know, major Sad Beige Baby cities that are also beautiful and modern.
Owner Robin Krause is a nutritional therapist who’s imagined together a menu of antioxidant bowls, “healing soups,” and Miso Wild Caught Salmon Burgers. Most of the items on the menu feature fresh fruit, pickled veggies, bone broth, or something else that walks the line on strange-healthy-delicious, but the cashier’s recommendation to me was the chicken sandwich with fries ($15). Pretty basic, right?
Well, yes and no. The chicken is fried gluten-free, and the bun is gluten-free optional. Pickled red onion and garlic aioli dipping sauce add a tangy layer of interest to the otherwise classic meal. It’s a surprisingly big portion.
Amongst the specialty coffee options are the Beet Latte and the Charcoal Latte, both of which sounded intriguing and mildly off-putting to me (all the more reason to try them!). But I took the barista’s recommendation of the Golden Latte instead ($5.50), and I was not disappointed. It’s made with turmeric, cinnamon, almond milk, cold brew, and black pepper, which contribute to an earthy, mild, zen option that’s both calming and warming. It’s kind of the beverage equivalent of a sensory room.
Billie’s Grocery is located at 3216 Gillham Plaza Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64109.
Spiced Pear Latte and Girl Scout Samoa & Toasted Coconut & Caramel cookie at Splitlog Coffee Co. // Photo by Lauren Textor
Panoramic views at Splitlog Coffee Company
My little sister is one of my favorite people in the world, but as she’s gotten older, it’s become more difficult for us to bond over common interests. Currently, she’s 19, and I’m 23, so our joint passions include Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, our cats, soliciting money from our parents, and coffee shops.
Since she moved to Nebraska for college, we haven’t been able to visit as many cafés together. Every once in a while, she’ll recommend me something she loves from KC. A few months ago, she mentioned Splitlog Coffee Company to me, and I immediately filed it away for later as a Potential Sister Bonding Moment.
Splitlog is located in Strawberry Hill (a historic and just generally very cool neighborhood), but its primary draw is its rooftop patio. Even now, I’ll brave the cold to take in the stunning view of downtown KC. This part of the neighborhood has plenty of space between buildings, so it’s a great place to clear your mind while still people-watching, observing the flow of traffic, and appreciating the urban environment.
Splitlog also boasts a drive-thru, a spacious parking lot, and an event space directly next door—three major bonuses that have you covered for every caffeine-driven occasion.
In terms of breakfast, the coffee shop sells burritos, bowls, biscuits and gravy, English muffin sandwiches, baked goods, and—the Holy Grail—Hana’s Donuts. The kitchen closes at 1 p.m. (while the entire shop closes at 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays). Make sure to read the fine print on the menu! Pastries are 35% off after 12 p.m.
The fall drink menu includes “vibes” for each of the four listed concoctions. The Graham Cracker Pumpkin Latte is “cozy and warm.” The Citrus Sage Tonic is “refreshing and bright,” while the Horchata Cold Foam is “creamy and light.” I ultimately chose the “comforting and nostalgic” Spiced Pear Latte.
I can’t say that I picked up on much spice or pear in my drink. It was your basic iced coffee. I would’ve appreciated a heavier hand with the flavor, but I did enjoy my Girl Scout Samoa & Toasted Coconut & Caramel cookie (a literal mouthful) from Quarantine Cookie. It’s a thick, soft biscuit drizzled in chocolate and topped with coconut. Inside, there’s more caramel-chocolate goodness hiding in the center.
Next time, I’ll forgo the Spiced Pear Latte and instead add a shot of Strawberry Hill Lemon Lavender flavoring to my cold brew to satisfy my sweet tooth. Maybe I’ll even bring my little sister along with me.
Splitlog Coffee Co. is located at 548 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101.
