Freshly Brewed: Staffer reviews two of Kansas City’s newest coffee shops

For high schoolers, caffeine is a necessity 24/7. Whether it’s a 6 a.m. cold brew pickup or a Celsius just to get through the English essay of the week — caffeine is what we thrive off of.

Here’s a run down of two of Kansas City’s newest coffee shops for all the caffeine lovers at East.

Bear Necessities

My first stop was Bear Necessities Coffee & Bar at 9609 W 87 St. The back wall features a  mural of a green forest and an ocean blue sky covering mountains. With plants hanging over two high-top tables, the atmosphere felt like a Colorado mountain town.

Once I got up to the chalkboard menu, I noticed the house-made syrups including three flavors: rosemary vanilla, spiced brown sugar and pumpkin caramel. My first instinct was of course to go for pumpkin caramel for the fall spirit.

I decided on an iced latte with pumpkin caramel syrup after my mom ordered a hot latte with spiced brown sugar syrup and oat milk. To go with our coffees we ordered the pumpkin and chocolate coconut protein bites.

After sitting down at a high-top table I instinctively swirled the syrup in my coffee and took a sip. I didn’t taste any syrup until I stirred the latte again and got a mouthful of only syrup which was tasty, but I would’ve preferred it mixed in with the coffee.

I pulled my attention to the hot latte — after one sip I asked my mom if we could swap drinks. The warm foam of the latte mixed with the sweet taste of the syrup was incredibly enjoyable. The syrup didn’t overpower the coffee but rather topped off the drink instead. 

The  iced latte was a 2/5 and the hot latte a 5/5. The next time I want a hot latte and a place to study, you’ll find me at Bear Necessities.

Hitides

My next stop took a trip downtown to Hitides Coffee at 519 E 18th St. Light wood accents and bright colors of yellows and oranges covered the walls with a wall of ukuleles topping everything off for the perfect tropical theme. 

I ordered an iced chai and once again my mom ordered a hot vanilla latte with oat milk. For a snack we chose the berry hibiscus and coconut donuts.

I took a lap around the shop before deciding on a place to sit in the front so I could be by the opened front door and old garage door for gusts of fresh October air. 

Within one sip of my chai once again I was in awe. The spice of the chai and sweetness from the vanilla worked perfectly together. The hot latte was perfect for those who prefer their coffee not too strong. The chai was a 6/5 and the latte was a 4/5.

Next up, the donuts. I have never enjoyed a donut so much in my life, served warm and with a drizzled glaze. It was fresh and had a tang from the berry but the fluffy dough balanced the flavor.

I could not be happier with my experience at Hitides — this coffee shop has #1 on my list.