As companies based in Kansas City consider the prospects of remote work for their employees, expect more mobile workspaces to pop up and fulfill the growing demand.
But that’s not to say offsite locations haven’t been around in the area for quite some time. In the past decade, establishments with a similar approach to Starbucks’ concept of the “third place” have emerged here and there.
To help you with your search, we rounded up some of the best cafes, coffeehouses and coworking spaces in the City of Fountains:
Kansas City Public Library
The Central branch in the downtown area is perfect for days when you want to escape the buzz of your usual coffee shop. Preparing for a client presentation or dealing with data for your annual report? This place has what you need.
It has several rooms, lots of tables, free WiFi and a café. You can also explore its magnificent interior for inspiration or hike to the rooftop for some air. Outside, guests and passersby marvel at the giant bookshelf mural “lining up” the facade of its parking garage. This library is packed with personality and beckons you to put your library card to good use.
Blip Roasters
Blip Roasters is a homegrown specialty coffee brand based in the West Bottoms neighborhood. After closing its doors in Mulberry, the shop recently reopened in a new location at 1301 Woodswether Rd.
For those who dig the energy of industrial spaces, this coffee shop and roastery does not disappoint. It’s a pretty regular occurrence to enjoy your order of single-origin espresso drink or chai latte while sharing a table with truckers and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Filling Station Coffee
Swing by any of this Kansas City café’s three locations for your caffeine fix: Midtown, Westport and Overland Park. But don’t forget to come with an empty stomach if you’re planning to camp out. There’s no better way to enjoy Filling Station than sampling its scrumptious breakfast and lunch meals served alongside heavenly drinks and desserts.
If you’re looking for brunch options, the bestselling mix of quinoa, bananas, blueberries, spiced honey and peanut butter – called the Everyday Bowl – is worth a try. Savor all these offerings in a chill atmosphere that’s great for working, meeting with a client or colleague or simply hanging out.
Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co.
In 2019, four friends had the idea of combining a brewery and taproom with a roastery and coffeehouse. The result is this excellent, family-friendly source of craft beer and coffee on Washington Street.
The spacious location offers various types of seating. Tables for two or more are arranged side by side in the main area, underneath exposed vent pipes running across a high ceiling – a far cry from the design of claustrophobic office cubicles.
There is also bar seating for when you want to end a productive day of offsite work with a nightcap. This taproom and café is the place to be if you’d like to experience the best of both worlds.
Plexpod
Providing flexible workspaces, this coworking option houses a diverse group comprising freelancers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and even corporations. Its dynamic setup allows members and guests to tailor their usage to their priorities and preferences.
For instance, you’re free to take an open desk for as low as $100. But if you want something more private, a more permanent desk can cost you at least $350, while an entire office for you and your team can set you back a minimum of $550.
Firebrand Collective
Kansas City is home to this exclusive hub for professional women, providing its members with office space and community. Acing your day’s tasks and socializing during coffee/tea time or yoga class are possible in this all-around working spot. These amenities and more, including several meeting rooms, are open for plan members. If you want to sign up, make sure to ask for updates on the company’s operations.
Eastbrook Collaborative
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced alternative to coffee shops, you can check out the plans offered by Eastbrook Collaborative.
This Kansas City coworking space features single offices for standalone users who want privacy (prices start at $400) and team spaces for people who need to collaborate often. Training/conference rooms (see rates on the website) and open desk options ($150 and $250 for designated desks) are also available. For more casual meetings, you can also invite clients and colleagues to hang out at the open cafe.
Finding Your “Third Place”
Aside from serving up drinks and pastries or flexible offices to customers, these remote workers’ hotspots are centered around community and creativity. So whether you want to network with fellow entrepreneurs or score a consultation with digital marketing experts in Kansas City to boost your business, the right community-based mobile offices have something in store for you.
