Drinking Coffee in Kansas City: Pitchside Coffee
We’ve revived the series that helped launch Explore–
we take our coffee seriously, over here!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
If you are a fan of coffee and are looking for a newer, spacious spot from which to cozy up with your favorite cup of caffeine, then Pitchside Coffee is the spot. There’s an added bonus if you like a spacious storefront to read, work, or socialize in without feeling cramped, and even moreso if you have an affinity for women’s soccer.
Pitchside Coffee – for those who are not aware quite yet – happens to be owned by several Kansas City Current players. (If the astroturf wall to your right when you walk into the warehouse space is not indicator enough, there are a few more clues that this space is sports-friendly.) Not only do Elizabeth Ball, Vanessa DiBernardo, Kristen Hamilton, Hailie Mace, Desiree Scott and Mallory Weber co-own the space, but they have also all trained as baristas.
There is a giant monitor that operates as a bright beacon of hope, easily identifiable as soon as you walk in the door – the menu. Bright and inviting, it hangs on the back wall. It details a delicious array of espresso, matcha, and traditional tea options.
Seasonal beverages make their appearance in the corner, and I was able to pop in while the Playoff Menu was on proud display. It featured a blueberry, lavender, and agave matcha (Teal Time Matcha), a pumpkin spice latte, and the Golden Goal Latte, which includes pear, rosemary, and honey.
As you approach the order line, the back wall also has an array of fun clothing and merchandise to choose from, with the beautiful surroundings of living greenery and vibrant foliage. There is a fit check/backdrop moment along the wall as well, with a full-length archway mirror and a fun neon “Pitchside” sign. A selfie in your winter coat will give you a dopamine boost for quite a while, which I say from experience.
Right in front of the counter is a row of other fun merch items, including travel glasses, thermoses, totes, and mugs. There is a beverage holder for every type of caffeinator, and they have some really cute options that would make perfect gifts this holiday season.
Pitchside has also partnered with existing local food businesses to offer bagels from the fan-favorite Luca Bagel, and donuts from Hana’s Donuts, with menu items featuring Buck Tui BBQ and more. The current food menu is available at the register if you are interested in ordering.
Behind the counter is pretty bare bones, a staff of three was behind it creating such a vibe when I walked in. The impression I get from this staff is that they know their flavors, especially with the beautiful Golden Goal Latte I got. The pear was subtle but just enough to really make an autumnal impression, perfectly balanced with the rosemary. The honey gave it a sweet aftertaste that really made this drink like nothing else I have ever experienced.
While so much of this unique space is beautiful in its own regard – it’s clean, the bathrooms are elevated, and the decor is bold and simple - the statement piece, perhaps, is the beautiful mural that adorns the wall where the pickup counter is. You can find a couple of comfortable couches in that corner, and a water dispenser. (Because… did you think female soccer players would run an establishment without open and easy access to hydration?)
Each seating space is set up to accommodate multiple people, making Pitchside Coffee a great place to convene with friends, have a brainstorming session, co-work, or otherwise. There are tables with barstools, lower tables, couches, televisions, a ton of natural light, and a plethora of wall outlets. You can tell that the owners put thought into the design and layout, and intend to make it a space for community moving forward.
Pitchside Coffee is closed Sunday and Monday, but open 7am-3pm every other day.
