On a beautiful Friday morning, the little neighborhood known as the Westside in KC became the perfect place to enjoy a rare day off. The diverse eclectic corner had new and old favorites to explore and soak in some beautiful weather and relax before a busy weekend!
Start the Day out Right: Breakfast
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda
Looking for a good cup of coffee? Many of us were sad when we heard popular joint Little Freshie was closing their doors last summer. Now, in it’s place, new residents that have a familiar feel.
Goat Hill Coffee & Soda opened their doors on September 16th and an old favorite was on their menu. Alongside delicious cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes, Goat Hill also serves Little Freshie snow cones and soda. Their soda and snow cone flavors are rotated but we found old favorites green tea pear and blackberry. I tried the Spiced Orange with Honey soda and it was both perfect for fall and refreshing for the warm sun of the morning. Need a small bite? Heirloom Bakery provides some delicious pastries to munch on.
The quaint coffee shop looks a bit different than Little Freshie’s with additional bar space and soothing paint colors on the wall. The beautifully designed flowered wall was hand painted. This is a great spot to relax in the morning, noon, or early evening with friend or family.
Blue Bird Bistro
Need something heartier for breakfast? Walk up the hill and grab a table at the blue bird bistro. The blue bird bistro specializes in organic and local fresh ingredients, from kitchen to bar. Their breakfast menu is extensive, ranging from omelets to bowls to benedicts, all made from ingredients from local farms and suppliers. The quaint and rustic atmosphere is a perfect spot to meet a friend. Can’t make breakfast? The blue bird bistro also serves lunch and dinner, with special Farm to Table dinners on Wed. night. Our favorite breakfast? The Breakfast Chili, a house made bean and veggie chili over a jalapeño corn cake topped with a Campo Lindo Farm soft-cooked egg!
A few other breakfast/brunch options: Fervere and Chez Elle, both around the corner from the Blue Bird Bistro. These formidable competitors are excellent options for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
A Little Local Shopping
Exploring The Westside Storey is always a fun adventure. So many new finds and all are made here in KC! I have found some of my favorite gifts at The Westside Storey and though many new stores have popped up with local brands, The Westside Storey remains an icon and staple. Brands to look for: Easy Tiger, Coaster to Coaster, Socks 101, and Charlie Hustle..
MADI, a small but mighty lingerie and intimate apparel shop headquartered here in KC is down the street. It’s mission: to make a difference domestically and globally. MADI is founded upon the principles of American manufacturing, self-sustaining fabrics/packaging and socially conscious global impact through underwear donations. They believe in the world’s women – aiming to impact the lives of these women, one undie at a time. Founder Hayley discovered underwear is the most under-donated clothing item and formed MADI in 2012 after learning a family member was once a victim of domestic violence. Underwear tops the list the most urgent needs list at most domestic violence shelters. When you buy these luxurious (yes, luxurious, but made with bamboo!) under garments, MADI donates to a woman a new, clean pair of undies. Benefiting partners of MADI include Hope House and SAFEHOME, both in the Kansas City area.
Dinner, Drinks and Everything in Between
The Westside Local, Novel and FüD are all within walking distance of each other and each offer an extensive, fresh, local menu. Novel’s unique American cuisine has received rave reviews all over the city and has a fantastic happy hour. A personal favorite are the happy hour snacks and the Rosé Lemonade, a refreshing drink made with raspberry, elder flower, and rosé! The Westside Local is an old favorite that always has something new on the menu, most from local farms and producers. The Farm-to-Table menu offers many vegan and gluten-free options. A go-to favorite remains the Westside Mac and Cheese, often with a suggested add-in like Brussels Sprouts, Pork Belly, or Chicken. FüD, a vegan and raw-food restaurant is making vegan food accessible to everyone by reinterpreting American favorites into an all-veg, organic, local menu bursting with flavor. They have a huge menu with many healthy options on salads, sandwich, sautes, and Latin-inspired food!
The Westside neighborhood technically extends about one square mile also includes Southwest Boulevard and Boulevard Brewery. This small slice of KC packs in more flavor and diversity than a neighborhood twice it’s size- you will find something here that will keep you coming back.
#eatlocal #drinklocal #shoplocal #PromoteKC
