Filling Station Coffee

The Filling Station always can be counted on for a good cup of coffee. The one near my house is more of a drive through, which offers great convenience. I found myself driving home from north Kansas City on a cold, wet and dreary winter day and decided that I needed an espresso shot to lift my spirits. When I arrived at the pick up window, the barista handed me a glass demitasse coffee cup with a perfectly pulled espresso shot. I said my order was to go, obviously. He said the only way to drink an espresso shot is in the appropriate cup. He said I could bring the cup back around through the drive through window when I was done. That was the nicest surprise and the best espresso shot ever!

Definitely unique. This isn’t quite the stereotypical industrial, brick-​walled coffee shop you find everywhere else, which is nice. Good place to go if I need something quick or want to go through the drive through.
Sample size: one straight espresso which came with something they told me was coffee
Pros:
1. Espresso is definitely rich and full, and had a mostly good taste
2. Very good use of space with lots of seating along the outer wall
Cons:
1. Espresso definitely has that burnt/​over-​saturated taste, but the flavor was evident anyway
2. Espresso shot came with a small coffee, which initially was awesome… until I drank the coffee. I have no idea what went into that cup but it tasted awful (watery, grainy, etc.). I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt here and assume I just had a bad cup!

I set up a Unilocal account just to leave this review. That’s how bad this place is! Was passing through KC and wanted to try something local as opposed just finding the nearest Starbucks and Unilocal led us to the highly rated Filling Station on Westport.
Tried the nitrous infused cold brew on tap, which is something I’ve tried from other businesses in the past and enjoyed. There version was horrid and one sip made my lady almost sick to her stomach. I took it back up and asked for an iced coffee instead thinking the lady running the register would give me a refund or just a straight up exchange. No luck there as she seemed unaffected that her costumer was unhappy with the product. «Oh, sorry. Iced coffee is $ 3.50.» Whatever. You take chances and sometimes you gotta buy 2 coffees. No big deal, I got over it. Then somehow (not sure how they did it) but the simple iced coffee tasted worse than the nitrous cold brew! Sort of like what I imagine wet cardboard would taste like? What a disappointment. Also, the lady running the register gave us a regular croissant instead of the ham and cheese one we ordered, the granola in the yogurt was old and soggy, the homemade pop tart tasted like the inside of Jerry Garcia’s bowl and the overall service was poor.
I will say, the one saving grace was the cup of ice water which I needed to wash down whatever garbage they were selling me. Surprisingly, The Filling Station really knocked it out of Kaufmann stadium here with their iced water. I thought for sure, they’d find a way to mess up water as they had everything esle. But no complaints and it almost made up for the whole experience.
In the end we went to Starbucks. People of KC, don’t drink this black swill and better yet, if you feel the same way as I, recommend a better place for next time I’m through.

People here were very nice, but the coffee was very disappointing. We had a mocha, latte, and chai latte, all of which tasted pretty off.

Good cappuccinos. One of the best I have had in Kansas City. And the drive thru is very convenient on days with bad weather.

This is my favorite coffee in the city — they serve an absolutely perfect cappuccino, and their toddy au lait is a fantastic alternative on hot days. Always friendly service.

Nice barristas … Excellent mocha with nice foam … Inside and outside seating … Music discreet but interesting …

Nice little place to meet a friend for coffee. Lacked a bit of charm for my taste, but the food and drinks were unique and tasty!

I love this place. I started taking a different route to work just so I can drive through in the morning. I’ve lived in the area for years and hadn’t tried it before. I can’t believe what I was missing out on! I adore their macchiato and get it with caramel. The service is always friendly and they are incredibly quick.

It’s okay. About ten percent more expensive than competitors. Usually only one person tending. I like the taste of the mocha better than most places. But still…

Coffee is great. Service? Hmmmm…
Hit or miss.
I once walked in and had great coffee, great explanations of the pastries and great convo with the clerk.
Another time I walked in and the woman behind the counter never looked at me, asked what I wanted and kept counting tip jar change the whole time, forgot to punch my frequent customer card, forgot to charge me for an extra shot and then reminded herself AFTER I had paid and asked for the extra .50.
Nah.
Not when Quay and Thou Mayest are close by.

Filling Station has an awesome location! I loved the vibe of the place.
During my stay, I had the drip coffee (Columbian blend) and protein balls. The protein balls tasted awesome! They have peanut butter and tons of nuts.
Unfortunately, the coffee was incredibly bitter. They get their beans from Oddly Correct. So, I’m attributing the bitterness to how the coffee was brewed.
I’d say 2 stars out of 5 for the coffee. The protein balls and location saved the trip.
I’ll visit again when I’m hungry in the mornings. But probably try an esspresso based drink next time. Hopefully, they prepare espresso with more care than their coffee.

Filling Station Coffee was my last coffee shop stop during my recent trip to Kansas City. And shame on me, it should have been my first! I was able to visit 4 different coffee shops and hands down Filling Station was the best. I had the soy latte and an iced toddy. Both were delicious and deserving of 5 stars. But the real winner was the toddy.
Hoping to visit KC again soon and this time I know where my first stop will be.

The absolute worst chai latte I have ever consumed. It had a nasty, bitter, pungent taste that was undrinkable. I don’t know if this is the norm or if something went wrong in making the drink, but I won’t be returning to find out.

Absolutely deserving of a 5 star review. Stopped here on our way out of Kansas City. I got the toddy au lait, and tried my husband’s Americano. Kiddo got the hot chocolate which came with a nice design in the foam– made her feel like she was drinking «coffee» and was a big hit. What I had was their regular drip, both that and the espresso were fantastic. Smooth and rich. Very simple menu and friendly baristas. Asked us where we were from and chatted for a bit. We left with a shirt and stainless mug– tourist style

A miniature version of the location off Gillham (and now Johnson Drive) with a drive-​thru. This coffee shack offers the same great coffee (their current provider is Messenger Coffee Co) with the convenience of never getting out of your car. Filling Station coffee is nearly unbeatable in the Midtown, Westport, and Crossroads districts. This location is just another sterling example of great coffee brewed by friendly staff with some great tasting food and juice options thrown in.

On my recent trip to KC, I sat next to a really cool guy and we talked the whole flight. He ended up learning of my coffee snobiness and recommended this place. I went three times during my 10 day stay. Every time I went, I hoped for better coffee and better customer service. I never received either. Maybe next time I will try one of their other locations because this one was underwhelming. I wanted so bad to be impressed. The workers were unfriendly and the latte was missing the power I seek in espresso drinks, especially in the morning. I did like the prices here and the fact that they have a drive-​thru

Perfect latte, twice in one day. And without the shot of hipster that usually taints your crema with bitterness. Unlike Oddly Pretentious, these mofos are open Sunday. Get outta church and make my coffee!

Excellent quiches & croissant sandwiches!
The place is nice and unique. Chai latte & the juices are also pretty good. Would definitely come back.

I love this little slice of heaven in Westport. Nothing makes my day like a cheerful barista making my drink to order, while I am sitting in my car. I have only enjoyed the Oddly Correct coffee and excellent location several times, but have always been pleased with the speedy and friendly service and the quality of my beverage.
The lattes are delicious-​even with skim milk they have a richness that is so pleasing. I am a fan! The only draw back, with my love of frou frou flavored drinks, is that I wish they had a listing of the flavors currently available on the menu… minor I know, but I love to think about my salted caramel mocha extravaganza:)