top 25 coffee shops in the midwest

1) FRETBOARD COFFEE | COLUMBIA

2) MUDHOUSE | SPRINGFIELD

Since opening in 1998, Mudhouse has been serving great coffee, and they have been voted Springfield’s Best Coffee Place 15 years in a row as proof. Mudhouse owners Brian King and Rob Weislocher were inspired to open the shop after they traveled to Asia and visited friends in South Korea. While they were there they visited multiple diverse coffeehouses and decided Springfield needed its own. Eventually Mudhouse grew into what it is today. Their full menu offers beverages such as coffee, smoothies and tea and food options including soup, salads and sandwiches. In 2001, they started roasting their own coffee beans, and Mudhouse Coffee Roasters opened. Their freshlyroasted beans are roasted in guest’s homes and at multiple local businesses. Soon after they started roasting, another interesting addition to the Mudhouse family was created — the MudLounge is a full bar only a three-minute walk from the coffeehouse. They serve beer, wine, martinis and coffee cocktails such as Devil’s White Mocha, Naughty Skipper and Twisted Chai. Guests can start their day at Mudhouse and end it at the MudLounge. There are great drinks to enjoy all day, from warm and creamy to cool and spiked.

3) PICASSO’S COFFEE HOUSE | ST. CHARLES

The perfect cup of coffee might seem like a work of art, and at Picasso’s they truly are. Picasso’s Coffee House uses fresh, micro-roasted coffee beans to create their masterpieces. Art is everywhere at Picasso’s. Each month local artists display their work, and at least twice a week live bands perform. From painters to photographers, multiple artists have come to Picasso’s to display their work, and each month a new artist is featured. Jazz, acoustic classics, blues and country play while the guests enjoy themselves. There’s a coffee and sound for everyone’s individual taste. Picasso’s focuses on supporting the local economy and nurturing a positive relationship with the community at their two locations on Main Street and Beale Street.

4) CUP N’ CORK COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ CAPE GIRARDEAU

There’s always something to do at Cup N’ Cork Coffeehouse and Café, whether it is the Open Art Studios, Singer-Songwriter Nights, Live Music Fridays or Saturday Movie Nights. In addition to its fun events, Cup N’ Cork has a delicious selection of coffees and a warm, calming vibe. They specialize in gourmet coffees and espresso-based drinks, but they also have a colorful menu filled with plenty of breakfast options along with soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Wine is also an important part of the Cup N’ Cork duo, and they offer an extensive collection customers can enjoy by the glass or by the bottle. There is something for everyone at Cup N’ Cork, whether the guest prefers coffee in a cup or wine from a freshly uncorked bottle.

5) MAUHAUS CAT CAFE & LOUNGE | MAPLEWOOD

Imagine sipping a cup of coffee and reading a good book. There isn’t much that sounds better than that, but Mauhaus Cat Cafe & Lounge took it a step further by adding cats. The cats at Mauhaus are adoptable and come from Stray Haven Rescue, so if a customer falls in love with the cat that fell on their lap, they can take the cutie home with them. Reservations are highly encouraged, and there is a $10 reservation fee, which ensures a spot will be available and comes with one free beverage and 20 percent off any food or additional beverages. Walk-ins are welcome, but a wait is likely, and there is a minimum cost of $5. Fees go toward taking care of the cats while they wait for their forever home. The drinks and other menu items available at Mauhaus change seasonally, but they always try to have gluten free and vegan options. Their recipes use high-quality ingredients, and they make a majority of items in house.

6) VB CHOCOLATE BAR COTTLEVILLE

Chocolate and coffee is a great combination, but it is even better when the chocolate is handmade by someone who truly cares. Conor Vanbuskirk, owner and chocolatier of VB Chocolate Bar, spent hours practicing recipes from books before he started perfecting his own creations. Vanbuskirk creates distinctive truffles including passionfruit caramel, pear and goat cheese, and coffee blossom honey. These interesting flavors are not limited to truffles. VB Chocolate Bar offers multiple flavored lattes, chocolate cocktails and drinking chocolate options. Drinking chocolate is made with real chocolate, not the packets of powder from the store. Guests can pair their drink with any of the handmade treats at VB’s and start or end their day with something great.

7) THE WOODS | IRONTON

The Arcadia Valley is full of fun and adventurous places like Elephant Rocks, Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Missouri’s tallest mountain, Taum Sauk, but for those wanting to relax, The Woods is a great destination. The Woods captures the essence of the forest by creating a calming environment that manages to make all the stress of everyday life simply melt away. Community members with completely different interests find a way to bond over coffee at The Woods. Guests come in to enjoy the regular concerts and lip sync battles, and customers can come in just to grab lunch or a coffee with friends. There’s even the occasional checkers match between strangers on a table with a built-in checkerboard. The coffee at The Woods comes from The Arcadia Valley Roasting Company, and customers can buy their own beans to roast at home.

8) QUAY COFFEE KANSAS CITY

Quay — pronounced “key” — Coffee emphasizes their simple menu because there is no need for complicated items when their coffee tastes great by itself. They get their coffee beans from Oddly Correct Roasters in Kansas City who focus on roasting small quantities of specialty coffee beans. For those who enjoy something extra in their coffee, Quay offers some house-made syrups, like lemon lavender honey and soy or almond milk. The coffee is simple, but the flavors are bold. Quay Coffee shop features an industrial-chic, exposed brick setting, a large service bar, plenty of tables and a meeting room. There is a lot of space for reading, studying and socializing. The owners want the coffeehouse to feel like a home away from home with great coffee already brewed and ready to drink.

9) JAVA JIVE | HANNIBAL

The relaxing atmosphere of historic downtown Hannibal flows at Java Jive. In the morning, customers come in and chat with one another, cozy up on a sofa to read and catch up on their studies. In the afternoon, local musicians play their music out on the sidewalk. Java Jive’s coffee options feature multiple flavors and roasts sure to please any visitor. Java Jive’s coffee beans come from Chavin Coffee of St. Louis, a familyowned business in its fourth generation of roast masters. There is so much to take in at Java Jive — even the plates they serve their food on are a work of art. Java Jive founder, Steve Ayers is also the owner of Ayers Pottery, and all of the cafe’s baked goods and sandwiches are served on this pottery. Ayers has been making pottery for 40 years, and his pieces are well known throughout the community for their beautiful form and intense colors. From the coffee to the plates, everything at Java Jive is made with the customer in mind.

STORY BY MEGAN GIBBONS AND BETHANY SPITZMILLER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COFFEEHOUSES