river-marketWork-friendlyWifi
Jackie Nguyen's Cafe Ca Phe on 5th Street in Kansas City's Columbus Park is the city's first Vietnamese coffee shop, with Vietnamese-American specialty drinks and pastries.
Signature drink: Vietnamese iced coffee, ube latte
Tip: The Hella Good with ube is the signature; the cafe operates as a community hub on weekends.
crossroadsWork-friendlyWifi
PT's Coffee on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City's Crossroads pours the Topeka-based direct-trade roaster's beans, with a steady espresso programme and counter seating.
Signature drink: Direct-trade espresso, filter
Tip: Sister Power and Light location at 1310 Baltimore covers the downtown blocks.
lenexaWork-friendlyWifi
Black Dog Coffeehouse in Lenexa has poured Messenger Coffee beans and Ibis Bakery toast since 2003, with a family-friendly counter and the suburb's farmers market on weekends.
Signature drink: Messenger filter coffee, Ibis toast
Tip: Live music nights and game nights are regulars on the calendar; free dog biscuits at the counter.
brooksideWork-friendlyWifi
You Say Tomato in Kansas City's Brookside-Longfellow corner is a quirky neighbourhood cafe with daily specials and a strong veg-friendly menu. Sit-down breakfast counter.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, daily quiche
Tip: Wed to Sat 8:00 to 14:00, Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. The shop is small; arrive early on weekends.
midtownWork-friendlyWifi
Amanda Lopez's The Russell on Main Street in Kansas City's Midtown is the all-day cafe and lunch counter, with house-baked biscuits and strong gluten-free options.
Signature drink: Drip coffee, biscuit sandwich
Tip: Tue to Sat 7:00 to 14:00, Sun 8:00 to 14:00. Egg-and-biscuit sandwich is the move at 8:00.
crossroadsWork-friendlyWifi
Mildred's Coffeehouse on Wyandotte in Kansas City's Crossroads has run breakfast, brunch and lunch since 1994. The Standard Breakfast Sandwich is the city's most-ordered.
Signature drink: Espresso, Standard breakfast sandwich
Tip: South Plaza outpost at 5060 Main and the 9th Street downtown shop carry the same menu.