A video version of this review is available on my Youtube channel, which is linked at the end of this post.
Billie’s Grocery is an American restaurant and bakery that specializes in organic and healthy entrees and desserts. This self-described “culinary oasis” is brought to us by Robin Krause. Her past Kansas City food ventures have included Apothé Wellness Herbs, Billie’s Juicery, and the Filling Station coffee shops. The original Midtown location of this concept has been high up on my restaurant wish list for years, but I finally got to check out both locations in 2024.
I was a frequent visitor to the Filling Station shop location on Gilham in the mid 2010s, so I’m well acquainted with Krause’s culinary and restauranteur talents. Krause sold the Filling Station chain several years ago. I got pretty excited when I heard that a restaurant concept was coming to a neglected, yet beautiful, building at Linwood and Gilham in KCMO. When I heard that Krause was spearheading the project, I knew it would be a winner. Before 2020, I had become a fan of her sandwiches and juices from the Unbakery on 63rd Street (now Billie’s Juicery).
Billie’s Grocery has two locations, the original in Midtown KC and a new location in Leawood, which is located in the north part of the Ranch Mart shopping center.
The first thing you’ll notice when you enter Billie’s are the large dessert displays. Cookies, dessert bars, gluten free cakes and more. Then you’ll notice the modern, minimalist, yet cozy atmosphere. Both locations are often bustling.
Their desserts are gluten free and they always look beautiful. The flavor combinations and textures are wonderful. I’m not that interested in gluten free food products, but I’m glad there are so many options available to that diet. I appreciate tasty food and my previous experience with gluten free desserts has been Mud Pie Bakery and Coffee.
I had lunch and dinner at Billie’s Grocery in Leawood. On my first visit, I tried their Beet Veggie Burger. It was wonderful! The beet burger had great flavors and held together, or the most part. The toppings were just right and the bun was not an afterthought. Vegetarians are always looking for alternatives to traditional veggie burgers. Beet burgers are a refreshing take on the format, but they can be hard to find. Several years ago, the late Pirate Bone restaurant here in KC had a good beet burger.
On another visit, I tried their Thai Bowl. I’ll say up front that this was better than similar bowls I’ve had at top tier Thai restaurants. Well done! As you can see here, I had tofu as my protein. Always love a chance to include tofu in a meal. Beautiful presentation. Fresh ingredients. A winner.
It’s impossible to ignore the desserts at Billie’s Grocery. They are everywhere, so indulge in some gluten-free deliciousness. I got desserts on all five of my visits. On the first visit, I had the Orange Dream Bar. The vegan, plant-based bar had the top layer that was cheesecake or custard texture. Orange flavors. Very good.
Had the chocolate chip peanut butter sammie on the second visit. Chocolate chip cookies are one of my favorite foods. One of the few foods I’ll get cravings for. I also love Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups, so a “sandwich” of two choco chip cookies and a creamy peanut butter filling is going to float my boat. Billie’s really does this dessert well.
I’ve also picked up some desserts to-go for the Youth Review Crew and Dining Companion #1. One day, we visited the Midtown location. I don’t recall what they got on that visit, but all were very impressed with the restaurant and the desserts.
I also took the Youth Review Crew to the Leawood location for their annual “back-to-school lunch.” I figured they would appreciate the broad menu options and the huge selection of desserts. One of the teens had their first lox bagel plate, the Smoked Salmon Bagel, which they enjoyed. They are the big seafood lover. The other teen had the Miso Wild Caught Salmon Burger. They weren’t impressed. “I prefer dad’s salmon burgers.” (Their father is a professional chef).
And for dessert? Well, teens being teens, they asked if they could go somewhere else. One wanted to go to Nothing Bundt Cakes in Brookside (which was good) and the other opted for a big pretzel from Quik Trip.
On my most recent visit, to the Midtown KCMO location, I had the Lavender Earl Grey Tea Cake. The cookie-cake has Mallomar vibes. I’m not a fan of tea flavors, but this had just a hint of tea, which was perfect for me. I dislike iced teas and most forms of tea. I will only drink hot black tea at Chinese restaurants or chai tea (Blue Nile Cafe does that nicely). Otherwise, great dessert.
Their original location on Gilham in midtown KCMO features the restoration of a classic art deco style building that I used to walk past weekly years ago. The dessert case and dining area are smaller than Leawood, but it has a bigger patio. This location also includes a demonstration kitchen for their cooking school. They offer 2-3 cooking demonstrations each week featuring local chefs.
Billie’s Grocery is perfect for a meal with your friends or relatives. A lunch with a client. A dessert and some coffee. They also do special dessert and cake orders. Available for catering.
Billie’s Grocery
3216 Gillham Plaza, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO
3614 West 95th St, Leawood, KS 66206, 913-415-2222
eatwithleawood@billiesgrocery.com
Web: https://www.billiesgrocery.com/
The Desserts
The Entrees
Leawood Location
Midtown Location
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