Sure, the Filling Station is a coffee shop but that title doesn't quite tell the whole story. You can also think of it as a bakery, a juice bar, a sandwich stop or a hipster oasis. There are two Filling Station locations in KC and both of them are packed with personality. We decided to visit both to get the full experience.

The Filling Station at  2980
McGee Trafficway — The Filling Station at 2980 McGee Trafficway

Drive Through Window at Filling Station 1010 Westport Rd.

We started by going to the location on 1010 Westport road pictured above on the right, which boasts a drive through and some limited bar style seating.

The vibe is casual. Rock music playing in the background, and a bulletin board covered with the business cards of local tattoo artists and the occasional missing pet flyer. When we showed up, the Station was pretty quiet and we all agreed that it would make a pretty good hideout to study or think. The downside to this location is that the menu stays pretty basic with coffee and pastry’s, but no juice or sandwiches.

Relaxing and Reading the Pitch at 1010 Westport Rd.

Next we hit up the main location in Midtown located at 2980 McGee Trafficway. This is really the place to go if you want the full Filling Station expereince.

Seating at Filling Station 2980
McGee Trafficway — Seating at Filling Station 2980 McGee Trafficway

Making it Happen at Filling Station, 2980
McGee Trafficway — Making it Happen at Filling Station, 2980 McGee Trafficway

Their lunch menu includes everything from their “Killer Veggie” wraps, to a black bean burger and a soup of the day. The fresh squeezed juice selection give you options ranging from red bell pepper to strawberry or pineapple.

One thing many people don’t know is that The Filling Station now owns the local favorite, Soho Bakery and that means that every one of their pastries is freshly baked and packed with quality.

The Filling Station Acquired Soho Baker in 2012 — The Filling Station Acquired Soho Baker in 2012

Our drinks put an exclamation point on the experience. The Filling Station pulls espresso shots using Broadway roasts and their drip is brewed with beans from Oddly Correct. When we asked the staff about their coffee brewing techniques, it was their passion for quality that really impressed us.