Rebirth in the Crossroads
About darn time.
And no, I’m not talking about the delay to post this review (although it was substantial…). I’m talking about the space at 310 Southwest Blvd. Ever since Coffee Girls moved their shop down to Waldo, the Crossroads has been far too decaffeinated. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled YJ’s and Mildred’s held strong. But it just seemed … off.
I’m amused that they chose the name ‘Crossroads Coffeehouse’, after Rev! had that as a working name for about 9 months. But that’s where the joking stops. Crossroads Coffeehouse is a treat to visit.
One thing that is immediately apparent when you walk in, is that the proprietors A) know what makes a good shop, B) had the money to make it so, C) had the restraint to not go over the top.
Power outlets every few feet, and where there aren’t… power strips.
A mix of comfy chairs, meeting tables, solo tables, bar stools… you want to sit in it, they’ve got it. Rocking chairs! And if you’re bold enough, an acoustic guitar to casually play.
They seem to have settled upon a new-to-me bean, Intelligentsia Coffee. Bold move, considering we’ve got great beans in both Parisi and Roastarie, right here in KC. But the taste doesn’t disappoint. The espresso tasted good; both the beans and the barista did their things.
And of course, friendly enough people running the place. All in all, a good morning coffee.
I wanted to try the yogurt+fruit+granola, but wasn’t that hungry today. But it certainly looked good. On the flip side, they didn’t seem to have much in the way of food or snacks for mid-day non-coffee cravings. That’s fine though. I’d much rather go to LuLu’s for that.
April 21st, 2010 at 6:05 am
I’ll have to check it out, even though I’m a dedicated Mildred’s fan.
April 21st, 2010 at 1:31 pm
i’m a mildred’s fan as well, but they don’t have nearly enough outlets. and no outlets by the couches. brutal. i’ll check this new joint out.
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Worst blog review ever?
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
A COFFEE shop should not be judged on how many outlets they have or how great their wi-fi connection is. This place has a great coffee, but why they wouldn’t support a local company be it Parisi, Broadway, The Roasterie, Oddly Correct or any number of other local roasters is beyond me. back to the coffee, Intelligentsia should be ashamed of themselves for the lack of training they gave to these “baristas.” They seem to be more of a sandwich maker first and a Barista second or possibly third. As for the “comfy” atmosphere. I feel more like I’m in a newly renovated hospital cafeteria complete with coca-cola machine. ugh this place could, and SHOULD be so much better than it is. This comes from several visits not just one “well maybe next time it will be better” review. sorry to be blunt but, COME ON KC!
April 29th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
The coffee is expertly prepared and served by a courteous staff. Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea should be very happy to be included in a market with such good roasters as Oddly Correct and Parisi. Bravo for Kansas City ! Crossroads Coffeehouse is a fine, unintimidating place to work or collect your thoughts. Very comfortable.
August 25th, 2010 at 9:48 am
I finally made it to Crossroads Coffeehouse. I’ve driven by a few times, but it wasn’t until my office was being renovated today and I needed a place to work that I made a successful stop. And successful, it is. I like the abundance of flat-top tables for working – and Kyle, YES, many of us do judge a coffeeshop by their wi-fi and outlets – it’s important for people who like to work while they enjoy their coffee.
I think the decoration is cute and refreshing – not sterile at all. I love the exposed brick wall and the (slate?) counter. The raised area by the window with the couch and rocking chairs is really nice, but I almost wish there were at least one more couch, so that more than one group of people at a time can have comfy seating.
It’s almost too bright and cheery for such a hipster location, and (today, anyway) I’m unimpressed with the music being pumped in through the overhead speakers.
While I certainly appreciate when people use local roasters, I’m frankly sick of EVERYONE using the Roasterie and Parisi! Yes, they roast some delicious beans, but I don’t mind a little uniqueness. In Chicago Intelligentsia coffee is EVERYWHERE. They have several storefronts and sell their coffee to many independent coffeeshops and restaurants in the Chicagoland area. I frankly got tired of Intelligentsia while I was living in Chicago, but I was so excited to see a little taste of the big city here in KC. I don’t mind at all that they went outside the box and brought in a coffee brand from outside KC. They’re just exposing KC coffee drinkers to something other than Starbucks or what every other shop in town roasts.
So far I say “well done,” but I do wish there were more snack offerings and more creative latte recipes on their menu board.
May 19th, 2012 at 10:08 am
crossroadscoffeehouse@rockmail.com