In keeping with my premise that it is vitally important to know a great coffee spot in each and every section on the map, I present to you Second Best Coffee - 328 West 85th Street in Kansas City. There are 4 essential things you need to know about this java spot.
#1 They have a barista who is a perfectionist - he remade my coffee because he wasn't satisfied with how it looked the first time.
#2 An exceptionally fine preparation of my Gibraltar. Smooth and dark without being bitter.
#3 A small pastry case containing baked goods. Not too little and not too big, just the right size - so as not to overwhelm with too many choices. And in that case ... was this sour cherry pop tart from Heirloom Bakery.
#4 I love that the name describes their philosophy about coffee, and it was clearly on display during the preparation of my drink. "Second Best is not about self-deprecation, but a way for us to acknowledge and pledge that tomorrow's coffee will clearly make today's Second Best".
This was truly an enjoyable coffee experience. I feel that the sour cherry pop tart accompanied by the Gibraltar is likely the very best combination to be had there. However, I do not want to be hasty in my judgement. Therefore, I am making it my mission to return and consider other pastry selections to accompany the Gibraltar. Stay tuned.
Will you be my new Best Coffee Friend? I will visit you and you will take me to your amazing coffee houses. Then you will come to NY and we will tour the island cup by cup,
I am addicted. Better to coffee than heroin, oui?
Posted by: loretta | 06/22/2015 at 10:14 PM
Love the name and the reason for the name! Great!
Posted by: jacki long | 06/22/2015 at 10:25 PM
A Gibraltar is a new one to me! Must check that out after I leave the compute for a homemade iced coffee. I'm learning to love coffee but it's no caffeine for me. Yes, I know...but I do my best to keep my gp happy.
Posted by: Maureen | 06/23/2015 at 11:26 AM
You are always so fair. A second try is definitely called for! I have to start finding some coffee shops that don't model Starbucks. We seem to be shy of them here so I might have to go to Chattanooga. It is only 25 miles - not too far for a really good cuppa.
Posted by: Caroline Berk | 06/23/2015 at 04:17 PM
20 years ago i would have slipped him a love note. somehow. maybe in the poptart case...?
Posted by: sister | 06/23/2015 at 07:54 PM
My same old whine...we have nothing but Starbucks in this city of over 2 million people. There are a couple of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf shops, but about the same with weaker coffee.
The sour cherry pop tart! Makes my mouth water.
Posted by: Joan | 06/24/2015 at 12:46 AM