A Mom’s Best Friend: Must Visit Local Drive-Thru Coffee

It is quite ironic that as I write this post, I am sipping a coffee in my car. My two little ones are asleep in the back seat. The oldest is two years, and the other is four months. Today is one of those days where nothing has gone smoothly, and no one has napped. I finally decided to throw our regular schedule out the window and hop in the car, praying they would go to sleep. Ten minutes into the drive they were both asleep. Next stop, drive-thru coffee shop and writing in the car.

Drive-thrus have become my best friend and so necessary since having kids. If you find yourself in a similar phase of motherhood here is a list of the best local drive-thrus in the Kansas City metro area.

The Roasterie

The Roasterie has two drive-thrus and has become my best friend since having a second child. Located next to their actual factory on Southwest Traffic way is their Drive-Thru Café. The other drive-thru is at their Main Street Café off 43rd. Recently, I have lived on their cold brew. I can get more done with a half a cup of that than two cups of anything else.

Splitlog Coffee Co.

Located in the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood of Kansas City, KS, just off of the Central Ave exit from 670. Splitlog Coffee is a hidden gem. Opening at 6:30 a.m. it is one of the earliest coffee places to open in the area. They use Oddly Correct’s espresso and Messenger’s coffee. Also, they serve Hana’s donuts. Caffeine and donuts what more could you want? Oh, and if the kids are napping, you don’t have to share!

The Wild Way Coffee

While this coffee camper is not a traditional drive-thru their popularity with the mommas has led them to urge mommas to pull up, and they will bring the coffee out. The camper is parked in the El Torreon parking lot, at 31st and Gilham, from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays usually another vendor from pies to crepes will join the fun. If I’m driving around during nap time, then it has been a rough day, Wild Way Coffee is just the indulgence I need to reset my day. Not only are their lattes and coffee delicious, but their seasonal drinks are to die for. Their fall specialty drinks include a s’mores latte and Salted Trail Mix latte.

Unbakery and Juicery

A Brookside staple, Unbakery and Juicery, has a little more to offer then caffeine and carbs. If you have lost your mind and gave up coffee, they have great options like juice, tea, house-made mylks, kombucha, and even kombucha floats! Their focus is on mindful eating and also offer raw snacks, salads, and breakfast items. While they do have a drive-thru the inside is beautiful, and you must have your next lunch date there.

Filling Station Coffee (Westport Location)

Just off of Southwest traffic way and Westport Rd the Filling Station serves up a great cup of coffee and also carries delicious pastries from Ibis Bakery. In the morning before work, the drive-thru line can get long, but if the kiddos are napping put on an excellent podcast or song and enjoy the moment.

Headrush Roasters

Located up north, Headrush Roasters has two locations. One in Briarcliff Village and the other on North Oak Trafficway just before 72nd. For some reason, a drive-thru coffee place is hard to come by up north, so this is a sight for tired momma eyes.

Friendly Bean Coffee

Further north is the Friendly Bean, a local favorite. They have an endless list of flavors. Seasonal favorites include a S’mores macchiato and Caramel Apple Cider. Another favorite is their chai tea latte.

McLain’s (Overland Park Location)

While the original McLain’s is located in Brookside, their Overland Park location has a drive-thru. Need I really say more? The pastries, the coffee, the food, the options are endless.

What are your favorite spots to stop with napping babies? Let us know where you like to go and what your favorite treats are!

Hannah Niehues
Hannah was born in Colorado and raised in Kansas. While attending Kansas State University she met her husband, Ben. They moved to Kansas City in 2011 and couldn't imagine calling anywhere else home. Currently, they live in Columbus Park with their sons, V and Chauncey. When she is not chasing almost two-year-old V around and wearing Chauncey (2mo old), Hannah is supporting families as a birth and postpartum doula. Her happy place is in her kitchen preparing food for her family. While breastfeeding V she had to stop eating and drinking dairy. Since she was never really a fan of meat, this led her to plant-based cooking. For the past two years, her family has been primarily plant-based, which has opened up a whole new way of looking at food and cooking for her family.

1 COMMENT

  1. Love each of these places! It’s so important to have drive-thru options for moms!! When I had my second, it just didn’t seem worth it to get both kids out just to get coffee (or even occasions snacks or drinks for them), and drag everything and everyone back to the car. Have been relying on these drive-thrus (yet to try the north KC ones) since then. Now wish more restaurants did drive-thrus or curb side pick ups 😊

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