Drinking Coffee in Kansas City: Deviant Kava
We’ve revived the series that helped launch Explore–
we take our coffee seriously, over here!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
Parkville is home to an abundance of local treasures, and we love to spend time there. Aside from exploring the tiny main drag of downtown, there is an abundance of natural beauty, including a scenic walking path by the river, and a nature sanctuary (or two). To round out a quaint day in this beautiful area of the Kansas City Metro, however, you should make a stop in at Deviant Kava.
While the name may sound a little more sinister, this little shop does fulfill its promise as a full departure from your norm. A self-described “booze-free community hub,” Deviant Kava is located in a refurbished home just north of the shops in Parkville, on Main Street itself. A former wine bar, this storied property has provided community in some way or another for decades, and this reiteration is no different.
When you walk in, you are greeted by a clean, white space with a high-contrast design on the bar to your left, which draws your eyes to the menu board almost immediately. (You do have time to notice the box of dog treats on the ledge to your right first, which is such a cute touch!)
I was lucky enough to enjoy a drink off of their seasonal options board, a Banana Bread Latte. While I will say it was one incredibly decadent latte, it was missing the autumn seasonings that I have come to expect from similar beverages. That said, it was beautifully made, perfectly frothy, and served quickly by a really kind barista.
For what it’s worth, my friend who has been there multiple times is a very big fan of the Florida Man latte, which features nutmeg and orange zest.
While Deviant Kava can make a mean latte, the Kava is their specialty. They traditionally and safely brew it, a natural tea that is used as a relaxant. People who drink it often feel relaxed which makes it a wonderful post-work or school beverage to help calm your anxieties, though many people don’t feel those effects. Try your hand at a delightful kava seltzer, in flavors like blackberry orange, pina colada, and tangerine mango. (Yum!)
Their mocktails are deliciously layered, providing a perfectly refreshing (and hydrating) experience any time of day.
What is perhaps most striking about the space is the variety and amount of seating in the space. There is a first floor, with seating at the bar and in the lobby area, with an additional two rooms to find joy in. One room on the first floor has a gorgeous fireplace, luscious plants, and a well-stocked library that you are encouraged to pull from during your stay in the space.
But if you walk up the narrow staircase to the second floor, you will find multiple convenient study areas and reading nooks. I mean, have you ever been in a coffee shop with a nice piano?
When the sun is out and the weather is a little warmer, there are multiple spots on the property to enjoy your cup of java or other delicious finds from Deviant Kava. A peek outside showed us a fabulous deck area that has a fantastic view of the Park University campus.
Deviant Kava has done its best to provide a taste and a space that is unique to Parkville. Cozy up inside its doors all winter long, learning, socializing, and enjoying the slow life.
Check out Deviant Kava Monday through Wednesday from 7am to 7pm, Thursday through Saturday from 7am to 10pm, and Sunday 8am to 8pm.
