Drinking Coffee in Kansas City: Penrose Espresso Bar and Pastry Counter
We’ve revived the series that helped launch Explore–
we take our coffee seriously, over here!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
If you haven’t gone for a walk or a drive around The Crossroads District in a hot second, then you may not have realized a cutesy caffeine experience has popped up – outside! – at McGee and 20th Street. A concept by the highly-touted Novel restaurant to which it is attached, the new Penrose Espresso Bar and Pastry Corner opened July 5th.
There is an unassuming one-way parking lot on the south side of the lot, so be sure to take advantage of that easy-access spot. As you approach the red awning, you will be greeted kindly by your barista. I got to bask in the sun as I considered some of the menu items.
The great thing about this classic coffee bar is that it has an incredible menu. Penrose’s general Manager, Kyle Evans, has been in the coffee industry for 15 years, with stints at The Roasterie, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Honolulu Coffee before creating Cielo Coffee Roasters, which is served at Penrose.
The shop is very conscious of the syrups they feature to complement the coffee. The menu seems simple at first glance, but is expansive when it comes to available French pastries and desserts like macarons, canelé, coffee cake, and more.
With a simple, patio concept comes the beauty of the outdoors. The venue has done a good job of making the area inviting. Lush grass and big trees serve as shaded spots, while each customer can feel free to choose from an array of seats in a covered seating area, or out in the sun. There is a standing table close to the ordering window to hang out and wait for your drinks at.
Penrose is primarily a coffee spot, yes, but they serve wine and chai as well. Grab a glass of either and sit deep in a patio couch, or try out the swing posted up on the side of the building by some greenery. It looked to us like it may be too close to the wall to truly swing in, but I have no doubt you can sit comfortably and it’s a great spot for photos.
The view from the patio is pretty great, with some local art and the back of the Western Auto building off in the distance. Penrose serves as a fresh breath of air in the concrete jungle of The Crossroads District, and we highly suggest it. Check it out between 7am and 3pm Tuesday through Friday, and 8am to 2pm on Saturday.
