The Ox Cafe Bakery - Kansas City

The barista, who was the only staff member present, recommended the sweet potato bisque, so I decided to order a cup while I browsed the all-day breakfast menu. Wanting something not too heavy or greasy, I opted for the bagel with lox. I was blown away! The bagel in this lox sandwich had a sweet glaze that perfectly complemented the salmon, enhanced by a dash of dill and a smooth cream cheese spread. The bisque was light, sweet, and packed with flavor. I sipped on a Topo Chico while surrounded by portraits of cattle lords and gazed at the mid-century glass display cases. The ambiance was a stylish mix of black, white, leather, and steel, creating a surprisingly spacious feel despite the low ceilings. The music played through vintage wooden PA speakers that seemed to have come with the venue, but were kept just as polished and clean as the rest of the café. With my flannel on a gray, cloudy day—where the light still illuminated the space—I felt a bit of a Seattle vibe, which is a perfect reflection of Kansas City itself. It’s a city rich in unique history and a melting pot of influences from all over the country. As you enter through the front lobby of the Exchange apartments, you’re greeted with the opportunity to meet some locals and enjoy a surprisingly welcoming atmosphere for such a new establishment. This café is a fantastic addition to an already vibrant block, and I’m grateful to have a spot to enjoy when I find myself in the West Bottoms during weekday daylight hours!

I stopped by before the KC Garden Show. The food was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. I will definitely return!

Fantastic lunch destination! We enjoyed a turkey club with fries and a house salad, and both dishes were absolutely delicious! We also picked up a peanut butter cookie and coffee to take away—so yummy!

The food was definitely overpriced. My filet, priced at $60, was only about 6 ounces at best and unfortunately dry. I asked for A1 sauce but received a different thin steak sauce instead. Additionally, everything else was a la carte, and the sides left much to be desired. The fries were lukewarm at best. The atmosphere was extremely dark, making it difficult to see my meal, and I left with a hoarse voice from having to raise it to converse. Having worked as a server myself, I consider my expectations reasonable. While I was glad to try this restaurant, I left feeling satisfied that I have many other steakhouse options that I enjoy more. There's definitely potential here, but it certainly missed the mark this time.

This cafe is adorable! I ordered the portobello Bahn Mi along with a pasta salad, and it was quite delicious. However, the menu is quite limited.