Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile

You WILL leave here smelling like a fry cook. That's a promise. 2 minutes inside or a solid hour, fry oil smell that sticks to your clothes all day.

I used to be an avid Whistle Stop goer, my coworkers could count on me coming in on Friday with my white cup pre Covid. During Covid I used door dash, and now I'm back to going in stores, rotating Whistle Stop to once a month with other LS coffee places. I realized this morning I had 12 punches and hadn't been to Whistle Stop in a while, couldn't figure out why it had been so long. When I got to the store I opened the door and was immediately hit in the face with the atrocious fry oil smell. I remembered why it had been so long...

There was no line and employees were running around stocking items. Approached the counter and the employee stocking the shelf right there got up and came around the counter. Ordered my White Mocha and Hazelnut latte, extra shot. Employee said my card was for a small only, but my card didn't say that, only the new ones. Well whatever, kept my large coffee and paid for it.
During my time placing the order a line long line came in behind me. I went around the bar and sat on the benches, ready to wait my average 10 minute time it takes them to make a drink. The group the was behind me eventually came up next to me and also took a seat when I made a realization- the espresso machine wasn't going. I looked up and not a single other employee, I counted 5-6 in the store, were behind the bar. What? I understand they were busy, but so was the counter.
Eventually my coffee was made, like I said, 10 minutes with no one in front of me.
As I sat in my car the fry oil smell began to stink up my surroundings so I rolled down all the windows to air it out. Even as I'm sitting here, after having run several errands spanning several hours, my clothes stink.
The coffee leaves a film on your tongue, and I think the employee forgot my extra shot, so that's cool.
There are other coffee places in LS, this one isn't terrible to try, but just expect to stink after. I'm sure I'll be back in another 6-12 months, wondering why I haven't been back and then make the realization when I open the door.

Friendly people, nice menu selections. Great atmosphere. The barista was accommodating when I asked for an unusual order. The coffee and food was good and reasonably priced.

Pretty cool place, good coffee and good breakfast sandwiches. But it’s always super busy and can be hard to find a place to sit. But it’s good stuff.

I love this place. Many coffee shops in Lee's Summit I have felt judged as soon as entering. This one is cozy and like home. I've met fantastic people there, and I am now a regular. My friends and I frequent this place a lot. It is good for all ages.
It's a perfect place to have Bible study or to so some art ❤

This has been my favourite coffee shop ever so far! I got the Spiced Chai Latte and it was the best drink I've had. The staff was super friendly and the place was clean and modern. Very chill environment.

Love the breakfast sandwich The Staple but with bacon instead of sausage! The drinks are all so tasty! Everyone there is so nice and hospitable.

Great coffee spot in the heart of downtown Lee's Summit! Enjoy meeting friends here to coffee and chat. ❤️

This is an adorable coffee shop tucked in the middle of downtown Lee's Summit. We decided on a whim to get coffee and we're so glad we did. Great atmosphere and great coffee.

While the atmosphere and food are amazing, this place needs to do some serious examining of their online order system. I thought it was probably just a mistake or one-off situation, but this is now my 3rd visit this summer where my food ticket was either lost or not printed, causing me to wait an additional 20-30 minutes when I arrive while the food is completed. Not sure if they got a new ordering sytem or something, as this had never been an issue in the past. They are always apologetic and get it done, but no discount given for the inconvenience of waiting. The lack of organization/timeliness can sure ruin your lunch hour.

Awesome place! Coffee and food were very good, and the staff was all smiles and friendly.