As a regular coffee shop inhabitant, I like to call myself an expert on coffee, especially in Kansas City. Granted I can drink it black, as a latte, frozen, and basically any form it comes in as long as I get a buzz. Living on the border of Kansas City and Missouri, I’m exposed to all kinds of new coffee shops and small cafes so I feel obligated to try them out. I’ve categorized this scoring system as follows:

- coffee taste

- atmosphere

- kindness

- cost and portion sizes

I get texts saying, “Hey I’m in Kansas City what coffee shop should I go to?!” and I always send a long list of places I have stockpiled in my mind. For this reason, I ranked all of my favorite places and why they're loved so fondly. I have spent at least two hours in each of these classic cafes in the Midwest and I can confidently say that they're all amazing and different in their own way.

I encourage you to drop by one of these caffeine stations next time you're in the city because you're bound to meet unique and creative people while sipping the countries best. All of the addresses are attached to all of these cafes but no pictures because each of them should be experienced in person and be made into memories.

10. Monarch Coffee

3550 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111

This shop is all the rage on main street. It was very recently opened and let me tell you it is one of the classiest cafes I have ever stepped foot in. For this reason, I put it as number ten on my list. I feel like I have to dress up to work on homework in this place. Their portions are small but mighty in quality. This is a must try and the tile floors make for perfect basic photo shoots.

9. Quay Coffee

412 Delaware St B, Kansas City, MO 64105

Charming and sweet this coffee shop is perfect to study in or for a quick coffee on the go in the River Market. The staff is super friendly and they make a mean mocha. The rustic atmosphere is perfect for a conversation and a pit stop while exploring the market. Get a latte and a bouquet of flowers and take the streetcar for a perfect Kansas City day.

8. Hi Hat Coffee

5012 State Line Rd, Westwood Hills, KS 66205

I grew up coming to this tiny house. Because of the size of the building, this charming shop is perfect for a patio chill out with a jet tea in the summer. They know their customers personally and make great frozen drinks. It is quite possibly the cutest cafe in America.

7. Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffeehouse

1615 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Located next to an awesome tattoo parlor, Mud Pie has your vegan fix. Everything is vegan from their chocolate to their pastries to their lattes. Their iced vegan lattes are to die for and the shop is in a refurbished house. Very homey inside and out with art in every corner. Definitely, a must try on 39th Street.

6. Filling Station

1010 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111

2980 McGee Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64108

7420 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202

With multiple locations downtown, in Westport, and in Merriam, this is a must go. This is hands down the most adaptable coffeeshop in Kansas City. Their pastries are catered by Ibis Bakery and their juices are freshly made in front of you. Perfect for both a friend date and a coffee on the go on a rainy day.

5. Blackdog Coffeehouse

12815 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215

One of the busiest coffee shops I have ever step foot in. This place is constantly filled with bible studies, homework sessions, and even a game of chess or scrabble. Its modern style draws in mostly high school and college kids and by the taste and looks of their famous toast, I can see why. With sweet coffee, this place is a millennial magnet.

4. PT’s Coffeehouse

310 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

This timid and sharp coffee shop makes some of the strongest brews I’ve ever had. With a naturally lit atmosphere, this is where I take all of my pictures for my portfolios because the lighting is THAT good. If you're looking for a place with an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and cocaine-like coffee, this is the place.

3. The Roasterie

1204 W 27th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

2250 W 47th Pl, Westwood, KS 66205

This brewery shows coffee in the “big picture.” You can learn about coffee beans and how different roasts are brewed in the building with the iconic plane lifting off on the roof. They have other locations too, all offering the same brews and classic Kansas City taste. This coffee is so popular that my high school even had its own brew and cafe offered in the morning. When you think Kansas City beer you think Boulevard. When you think Kansas City coffee, The Roasterie should come to mind.

2. Thou Mayest

419 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Hands down the best cafe/bar combo in Missouri. This is the ultimate first date, coffee date, catching up venue in town. Starting with a perfectly made coffee and later moving to a perfectly made cocktail. Thou Mayest is a perfect combo of creative and hipster but not in a basic way. This is a must check out next time you find yourself in the Crossroads.

1. Westport Coffeehouse

4010 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111

I spent an entire summer at this cozy coffee shop. If you're from Manhattan, Kansas and are familiar with Bluestem Bistro before the renovations, that's the kind of vibe this place gives off. Calm yellow walls, a jukebox, rainbow Christmas lights, and a classic Ms. Pacman arcade game, this place can appeal to just about anyone.

They have the best vanilla latte I have ever had and their portions are huge so you get your money's worth. They also have live entertainment from bands to improv on weekends making this shop the ultimate attraction.

There's a parking lot right next to it and every store in Westport is within walking distance. Do yourself a favor and go to this place already; you won't regret it.