Food and Drinks

Festival Day 1: Friday Night at Woodneath Library Center

Enjoy live music and a reception with light hors d'oeuvres provided by Mid-Continent Public Library before the featured conversation with author Tayari Jones.

Recommended restaurants near the historic Woodneath Library Center include:

Festival Day 2: Saturday morning and afternoon at the Central Library

Bookish Treats (Inside)

Stop by Central Library's cafe, The Nook, for grab-and-go items, including salads, sandwiches, and festival specials. 

Food As Fuel: Food Trucks! (Outside)

Based in Raytown, Missouri, dishes from A Taste of Soul by SAM are a "rollicking roadhouse of flavors," according to RoamingHunger.com. Since 2021, this family business has served rib tips, seafood mac, Cajun chicken and shrimp, cheesy brisket fries, chicken, fish, Philly steak sandwiches, and more. Don't miss their stuffed turkey legs, filled with spicy shrimp Alfredo or brisket mac.

As The Stuffed Mushroom puts it, they're "reimagining street food with wildly good, fungi-fueled flavor." This food truck launched in 2025 with a menu featuring vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free takes on burgers, tacos, salads, pizzas, and more. Fan favorites include the Mane Burger and the Ultimush Melt.  

More food options a short walk from the Library

Mildred’s Café: 908 Baltimore Avenue  

  • Coffee, tea, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, and more 

  • Stop by to place an order or skip the line and order online

  • **BOOK FEST DISCOUNT – 15% off with READBOOKS coupon code** (10/10 - 10/12)

  • Open: breakfast and lunch: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Milwaukee Deli: 101 W. 9th Street (9th Street and Baltimore Avenue)   

  • Pizza, sandwiches, calzones, fresh salads, local beer, cocktails, and more  

  • Stop by to place an order or skip the line and order online

  • Open: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  

Wrap it Up, 104 W. 9th Street (9th Street and Baltimore Avenue) 

  • Breakfast burritos, burritos, tacos, taco salad, nachos, quesadillas, and more  

  • Stop by to place an order or skip the line and order online

  • Open: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Fat Bee Cafe KC, 1111 Main Street 

  • Vietnamese artisan cafe, offering coffee, slushies, and tea drinks, including boba lattes  

  • Stop by to place an order or skip the line and order online

  • Open: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.  

MadeinKCCafé&Taproom: 1114 Baltimore Avenue

  • Artisanal pastries, coffee, tea, locally made wine and beer, and seasonal cocktails crafted by bartenders from a curated collection of Kansas City spirits, shrubs, and mixers 

  • Open: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.