Food and Drinks

Festival Day 1: Friday Night at Woodneath Library Center

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

Recommended restaurants near the historic Woodneath Library Center include:

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

Purchase coffee, salads, sandwiches, pastries, and more from the Central Library's cafe, The Nook, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located on the first floor.

NEW: Food Trucks

Two food trucks will be parked just outside the Library: A Taste of Soul by SAM and Pura Vida 

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.

 Inspired by travels to Costa Rica, the Pura Vida KC food truck has been voted "Best of KC" six years in a row. Pura Vida KC welcomes everyone to try Costa Rican coffee and gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly açaí bowls, featuring sorbet made from the açaí berry and delicious toppings.

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

  • Open: breakfast and lunch.

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

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

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.