Absolutely one of my favorite places in KC. Whether you are hungry and want to eat a meal or drink some coffee YJ's has you covered. Always feel comfortable to stay in for 20 minutes or 2 hours.
Devin Forsyth
I used to eat here weekly, years ago when I worked in the area. The only thing I didn't like back then was the cramped space, but that was enough for me not to visit again for ten years, once I no longer had the excuse of work proximity.
Phil Shafer
Great 3rd world atmosphere with high ceilings lined with books and mini altars throughout the space.
Ai Orihara
Food is ok but Mr. David Ford, the owner, does not pay employees so not much point in paying for food here
Jessica B.
I was really hoping on this visit to increase my rating for YJ's, but it continues to miss the mark and fall short of its former glory. My old fave was the Southern Love Brunch on Sunday mornings, or if you were lucky, in the wee hours after Saturday night revelry. It used to be a full southern brunch plate - or you could get a loaded breakfast sandwich, with or without gravy. And I'm pretty certain they used to have a vegan gravy or the sausage gravy, but I could be remembering wrong. At any rate, Southern love is now just a single biscuit, sausage gravy, and eggs. I thought something tasted funky with that gravy, but couldn't put my finger on it at first. It was still spicy, but not the same flavor as before, it was a weird orange color, and very thick and gloppy. I realized that it is NOT southern-style sausage gravy. This gravy is made with chorizo. A.K.A. - leftover chorizo from Saturday's Mexican breakfast! So, this is essentially Mexican Breakfast: part dos, but not good. YJ's why do you keep disappointing me? I remember when Southern Love Sundays meant there was a line down the block. Now there are four other tables in here with me. One is a guy sleeping - maybe he works here? One is a couple people hanging out and taking photos who seem to be friends with the employee behind the counter. One is a guy drinking coffee only, and one is a young family eating pastries. No one else came here for the breakfast, and now I know why. The space may be bigger and more laid back, but they've lost their weekend patronage. I won't be back for breakfast - at least not on Sunday. Hoping their weeknight dinners are still as tasty as always. I'm going to give you a third chance, but can't imagine that first-time visitors would be willing to return.
Lori F.
I just stopped for lunch and ordered the only item they had on the menu which was a mac and chees, which was served in a cup and was basically some boiled noodles with a little parmesan and cost $7.50, it is ridiculous, the phone number listed for this place is not a working number.
Terry Hanes
I was a fan of the old location, and the new one has the same feel in a larger space. Great job!
Shá D.
The food it is just okay. It taste about as good as if an uncle or brother made it, but that seems to be the vibe that he's going for. It's basically a guy who wanted a place where people could socialize, and "feel at home," but also make money from it. Pretty good model.
Jeff T.
Go check out the new location!! It's so much better! As long time patrons of YJ's, we were skeptical about the location change, but the new venue (just a few blocks West) is so much more open and comfortable. The coffee is still amazing (hard to believe I know, but the espresso drinks here are among my top 3 favorite in the entire city), and the homemade pies are great. They offer great food too, don't overlook YJ's for a great lunch. A lot of evenings they will have live music and the parking is so much better here than when they were in the old location. Love, love, love this local business, stop reading Yelp and go check it out for yourself and support a local small business owner!
One of the coolest places/coffee shops in Kansas City. Not only is the coffee delicious (using a local roaster), but the food is phenomenal. The owner is friendly and attentive, this is one of the few personal and genuine shops left in an increasingly corporate landscape. The prices are fair and the decoration is inspired by the owner's travels around the world, it will not disappoint! Worth the visit for any out-of-towner or local!
JD Fleming
Never disappointed great people great food and service
Marty H.
Thank god for this oasis away from corporate restaurants. Come to just hang out for a great cup of coffee and an even more amazing breakfast, lunch or dinner. I come often for the pie - it's home made. My favorite is the American breakfast and the African chicken for dinner. Oh and a copy of the latest New York Times is always available to read. Oh and the people who work here are not only friendly but very real. Remember the Chatterbox cafe from Garrison Keillor well this is Kansas Cities version and it's real. And oh did I mention David Ford's (the owner) art collection?
Nicholas Redding
Very unique restaurant. The employees are very nice and the food is delicious. The prices are extremely reasonable. You won't be disappointed.
Taylor T.
This is a cool place to hang out with friends or stop in alone! Grab a snack, water, soda, tea, or coffee and just browse around the snack bar! The people who work there are super inviting and chill and just want you to feel at home. I went with a group of friends (6 people) and the cook made us some fresh burritos on the stove. While we waited for our snacks we had a great time sipping on our soda and talking with the owner while we browsed around the shop. Awesome place to appreciate in KC!
It was so fresh. Prices that won't break you.
Absolutely one of my favorite places in KC. Whether you are hungry and want to eat a meal or drink some coffee YJ's has you covered. Always feel comfortable to stay in for 20 minutes or 2 hours.
I used to eat here weekly, years ago when I worked in the area. The only thing I didn't like back then was the cramped space, but that was enough for me not to visit again for ten years, once I no longer had the excuse of work proximity.
Great 3rd world atmosphere with high ceilings lined with books and mini altars throughout the space.
Food is ok but Mr. David Ford, the owner, does not pay employees so not much point in paying for food here
I was really hoping on this visit to increase my rating for YJ's, but it continues to miss the mark and fall short of its former glory. My old fave was the Southern Love Brunch on Sunday mornings, or if you were lucky, in the wee hours after Saturday night revelry. It used to be a full southern brunch plate - or you could get a loaded breakfast sandwich, with or without gravy. And I'm pretty certain they used to have a vegan gravy or the sausage gravy, but I could be remembering wrong. At any rate, Southern love is now just a single biscuit, sausage gravy, and eggs. I thought something tasted funky with that gravy, but couldn't put my finger on it at first. It was still spicy, but not the same flavor as before, it was a weird orange color, and very thick and gloppy. I realized that it is NOT southern-style sausage gravy. This gravy is made with chorizo. A.K.A. - leftover chorizo from Saturday's Mexican breakfast! So, this is essentially Mexican Breakfast: part dos, but not good. YJ's why do you keep disappointing me? I remember when Southern Love Sundays meant there was a line down the block. Now there are four other tables in here with me. One is a guy sleeping - maybe he works here? One is a couple people hanging out and taking photos who seem to be friends with the employee behind the counter. One is a guy drinking coffee only, and one is a young family eating pastries. No one else came here for the breakfast, and now I know why. The space may be bigger and more laid back, but they've lost their weekend patronage. I won't be back for breakfast - at least not on Sunday. Hoping their weeknight dinners are still as tasty as always. I'm going to give you a third chance, but can't imagine that first-time visitors would be willing to return.
I just stopped for lunch and ordered the only item they had on the menu which was a mac and chees, which was served in a cup and was basically some boiled noodles with a little parmesan and cost $7.50, it is ridiculous, the phone number listed for this place is not a working number.
I was a fan of the old location, and the new one has the same feel in a larger space. Great job!
The food it is just okay. It taste about as good as if an uncle or brother made it, but that seems to be the vibe that he's going for. It's basically a guy who wanted a place where people could socialize, and "feel at home," but also make money from it. Pretty good model.
Go check out the new location!! It's so much better! As long time patrons of YJ's, we were skeptical about the location change, but the new venue (just a few blocks West) is so much more open and comfortable. The coffee is still amazing (hard to believe I know, but the espresso drinks here are among my top 3 favorite in the entire city), and the homemade pies are great. They offer great food too, don't overlook YJ's for a great lunch. A lot of evenings they will have live music and the parking is so much better here than when they were in the old location. Love, love, love this local business, stop reading Yelp and go check it out for yourself and support a local small business owner!
Restaurantji Recommends
One of the coolest places/coffee shops in Kansas City. Not only is the coffee delicious (using a local roaster), but the food is phenomenal. The owner is friendly and attentive, this is one of the few personal and genuine shops left in an increasingly corporate landscape. The prices are fair and the decoration is inspired by the owner's travels around the world, it will not disappoint! Worth the visit for any out-of-towner or local!
Never disappointed great people great food and service
Thank god for this oasis away from corporate restaurants. Come to just hang out for a great cup of coffee and an even more amazing breakfast, lunch or dinner. I come often for the pie - it's home made. My favorite is the American breakfast and the African chicken for dinner. Oh and a copy of the latest New York Times is always available to read. Oh and the people who work here are not only friendly but very real. Remember the Chatterbox cafe from Garrison Keillor well this is Kansas Cities version and it's real. And oh did I mention David Ford's (the owner) art collection?
Very unique restaurant. The employees are very nice and the food is delicious. The prices are extremely reasonable. You won't be disappointed.
This is a cool place to hang out with friends or stop in alone! Grab a snack, water, soda, tea, or coffee and just browse around the snack bar! The people who work there are super inviting and chill and just want you to feel at home. I went with a group of friends (6 people) and the cook made us some fresh burritos on the stove. While we waited for our snacks we had a great time sipping on our soda and talking with the owner while we browsed around the shop. Awesome place to appreciate in KC!