Drinking Coffee in Kansas City: Headrush in Briarcliff
We’ve revived the series that helped launch Explore–
we take our coffee seriously, over here!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
Headrush Roasters has been dazzling the Northland for over a decade, since Eric and Nancy Schneider delved head first into the coffee and tea industry and never looked back. First, with their cutesy North Oak location and now, with their expansive Briarcliff location. Each storefront has its own quirks, lots of natural light, art, plants, and a general upbeat energy. This one happens to have a fantastic view of the downtown skyline.
The ordering counter and front entry of the Briarcliff Headrush is painted with vibrant colors, the hand-drawn chalk menus inviting – and a reminder of the flexibility and creativity of the rotating menu. You can get an idea for what pastries are available by taking a gander into the pastry cabinet to the left, and confirm your beverage size with all of the resources at the front.
Don’t forget to ask for a punch card!
Both Headrush locations hold a huge selection of loose leaf teas to explore and take home. While we have had several educational conversations with Nancy about each tea, there are normally people there that are excited to speak with you about blends you might not be as familiar with, and to answer any questions you may have.
I love that they have a well-curated selection of teas chosen by who I would consider an expert. Some tea shops have so many different teas and don’t always have the discernment for flavor profile. Not at Headrush.
They also carry a few bottled beverages and take-home items that are located at the cash wrap and in the refrigerator case at the Briarcliff location.
While there is a little area tucked into a more private corner to the right of the main entryway, those tables are rarely vacant when I get there, no matter what time of day or week it is. If you walk straight through to the back doors that line the patio, there are a couple of more cushiony couches and a little, almost living room-like setup you can claim if no one happens to be loitering in the area. (It’s highly sought-after.) You will find a host of additional seating, both inside and outside, just behind that area.
The natural light is gorgeous in this area, so if the weather isn’t nice enough to sit outside – or if the patio is full, which is often the case – spending some time working or visiting with friends in this space is truly inviting and feels like a breath of fresh air.
There is a little booth area for those who need a little extra support while they sit. I often walk into church groups and families enjoy this little space toward the back. Spacious public restrooms are easily identifiable and accessible.
With a drive through and so much access to the outside, Headrush in Briarcliff feels like its own community, with constant energy and foot traffic. Plus, they serve some of the best, most customizable coffee options in the Northland. Give me a Sunset Rush, a Blueberry Matcha, or a new seasonal French Toast Latte any day. (Iced, of course!)
