Best Independent Cafes in Kansas City

One place has plush sofas in hidden corners. Another roasts it's coffee in house, catering to bohemians in a artsy, hip neighborhood. Another is tucked away deep in the suburbs, unassumingly in a nondescript strip mall, yet hosts live music in it's backroom.

These independent cafes epitomize Kansas City - where you have to search to find the gems, and where you never feel rushed to leave. Lounge away the day in a comfortable sofa, listening to live music, or enjoying fresh roasted coffee among aspiring writers. I count myself among them - the right cafe, with the right atmosphere, can make writing, and working, a breeze. Here are my favorite places to work and relax in Kansas City.

Broadway Cafe, Westport (4106 Broadway) - Kansas City premier roaster, Broadway Cafe, just a few minutes walking from the bars and shops of Kansas Cities youthful art district, Westport, is one of those cafes that seems always packed, yet, where you can easily find a seat. The refills are cheap, making this the perfect place to spend a few hours studying, or to finish that book that's been floating around your head. The central location also makes it a popular place to meetup.

Negative: No free wifi - one reason there's always a seat.

Crave Cafe, 39th St (1615 39th St) - A true hidden gem, in this renovated, 100 year old house lies a quant cafe. The rooms have all been converted into seating space, with sofas everywhere. Rarely too crowded, and with plenty of corners to tuck yourself into, this is a place that could easily turn into your second home. Free wifi also makes this a great place to telecommute.

Toad's Pub and Perk, Overland Park (12056 W 135th St) - This is a place you could easily pass by. On a strip mall out on the far end of Kansas City's largest suburb, Overland Park, this cafe is open the latest of any mentioned here - till 2AM, everyday. The front is a regular cafe, with smoothies, coffee, and daily specials. The back room is a small, irish pub style bar, with a small stage that hosts local acts, plenty of board games, and a great selection of local beer. Plus, they have free wifi and plenty of outlets for workers, and in my experience, you can always find a seat.

A little secret at Toad's, sometimes, when the crowd is thick, they keep the back door open past 2AM, making it the latest cafe in all of Kansas City.

Whether you are looking for quality coffee, a bohemian atmosphere, comfort, or a place open late, Kansas City has something for you. Best of all, you're helping promote locally owned business (you'll never find me at one of Kansas City's 100+ Starbucks). It's a win-win!