Happy hour is the backbone of our nation and the heartbeat of Kansas City. Here's a guide to some of our city's very best.

Whether you need a morning jolt on your way to work or a warm cozy beverage on a chilly day off, these coffee shops around Kansas City are some of our favorites. Some roast their own beans just feet away from where you drink them, some source from places around town, but they all contribute to one definite fact: Kansas City is a coffee mecca. 

Genessee Royale is the lunch place for those who are willing to venture off the beaten path. It is full of bold colors and personalities and it might be a little hipster at heart. Visitors can seat themselves at the bar or at mismatching tables throughout the bistro. The lunch menu is full of classic sandwiches with lots of personality like the Flank Steak Sandwich or the Toasted Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwich. We love this spot and highly recommend it, especially if you can appreciate some thick rimmed glasses and bright colored lipstick. Oh and order a cookie...its worth it.

Anton's is a crowd favorite. It boasts 74 taps, 28-day aged cuts and an urban vibe. Located right between Crossroads and downtown KC, this isn't the place for a fine dining experience, but if you want foodie quality steak, with a little exposed brick and reclaimed wood, this is your spot. The verdict is still out, but the grain fed, 28-day aged rib is a definitely a front runner here. 

We polled some of KC's most date-savvy people (self-proclaimed), and here's what they recommend for a great day or night on the town. Results not guaranteed.

You can have froyo for any meal of the day, but breakfast is important. Make it count with any of these top Kansas City restaurants for breakfast, brunch and morning cocktails.

If you find yourself looking for a local creperie and coffee house, look no further. Chez Elle has all the charm of a French creperie and is a staple of the much loved neighborhood, Westside. 

Genessee Royale is a perfect little vintage bistro tucked in the West Bottoms industrial area. The bistro is a converted gas station with plenty of personality and serves a unique breakfast and lunch menu.  

Oddly is the kind of place that you go for inspiration. Its full of coffee lovers, of course, but Tyler, Greg and the rest of the crew are brewing something else too. Beneath the surface, Oddly is a place for creatives, big thinkers and everything else that's urban. 

FUD is an experience. You won't find starched linens or fine china. It is authentic. In fact, you'll need to bring cash or a check because they don't accept credit cards. Go to FUD for some amazing vegan concoctions and some seriously nice people. FUD isn't polished, but that might be the point. 

Bluestem might be Kansas City’s worst kept dining secret. If you were to interview patrons at their award winning location on Westport road you might hear things like, inspiring, elegant, bright, urban but mostly just delicious. Husband and wife duo, Colby and Megan Garrelts, have been delighting the city since 2004. On a recent Sunday morning we decided it was time to give Bluestem's Sunday brunch a try.