Locally Owned Coffee Shops to Visit

Brewing Local Flavor

A Closer Look at Salina’s Local Coffee Scene

Salina, Kansas, is home to a growing community of locally owned coffee shops. All reflecting the city’s charm, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. These independent cafés not only provide quality coffee but also serve as gathering spaces for residents and visitors alike. From cozy, tucked-away spots perfect for quiet reflection to vibrant hubs buzzing with conversation, Salina’s local coffee scene showcases a dedication to craftsmanship, community, and hospitality that larger chains often can’t match.

Ways the Local Coffee Shops Contribute to the Community

The locally owned and operated coffee shops in Salina do more than just sell good drinks, they make real contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the community. Here are some of the ways they do so:

• Creating gathering spaces: these coffee shops serve as community hubs; places where people meet friends, study, work, or just relax.
• Preserving/highlighting local history and identity: 1858 Coffee House uses Salina history explicitly, the name “1858” is when Salina was founded; they have murals, and some of their signature drink names reference local places and landmarks.
• Contributing to downtown revitalization and placemaking: New businesses (like 1858 Coffee House) are part of the “vibrant downtown” trend. Their physical presence (storefronts, outdoor seating, murals, historic buildings) helps make downtown Salina more attractive.

1858 Coffee House

1858 Coffee House  is located at 131 S. Santa Fe Avenue, and opened around April 2024. A unique fact is that 1858 shares a building with Salina Homes Real Estate. The coffee house is located up front while the real estate offices occupy the back section. 

The name “1858” is a nod to Salina’s founding year, and the interior reflects that historic character. Featuring large murals, exposed brick, vintage touches, and remnants of older architectural elements. They offer both indoor seating and outdoor/patio style seating along Santa Fe, giving customers an opportunity to sit and watch downtown life. 

Their menu is broad. In addition to classic coffee and espresso drinks (lattes, mochas, cold brew, etc.), they highlight “signature drinks” tied to local Salina landmarks (e.g. Indian Rock, Santa Fe, Stiefel, Smoky Hill). For non‑coffee drinkers, they have smoothies, teas, matcha options, and seasonal or flavored beverages. The bakery side includes pastries, muffins, scones, danishes, cookies, bagels, and their homemade cinnamon rolls.

If you are interested in learning more about 1858 Coffee House, be sure to check out my profile of the coffee shop at https://www.kwustudentmedia.com/2025/03/19/1858-coffee-house-profile/?utm

“I really like 1858’s atmosphere, as well as their drinks. I like having the option to either sit outside or inside. 1858 is one of my favorite places to study because of the chill atmosphere.”

Ad Astra Books & Coffee House

Ad Astra Books & Coffee House is a hybrid cafe and bookstore that is located at 141 N Santa Fe Avenue. Ad Astra markets itself as more than just a place for coffee and quiet reading. They aim to be a cultural center for regional arts, literature, and community gatherings. 

Inside, guests will find used and new books, comics, vinyl records, and gift items, plus various seating arrangements for studying, conversation, or downtime browsing.

Their drink menu is broad, offering brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, cold brew, and non‑coffee options (latte, chai, London fogs). They also serve baked goods, such as bagels, and pastries. 

Ad Astra keeps extended hours (opening early on weekdays, staying open late midweek and weekends) to accommodate a variety of schedules. It also serves as a venue for community events, such as poetry readings, author talks, music nights, and even hosts a Tiny Art Vending Machine to display and sell small works by local artists. 

“Ad Astra is a very unique coffee shop, with good drinks and pastries. The atmosphere is very calm, chill, and cozy.”

Mokas Coffee & Eatery

Mokas Coffee & Eatery is a fast‑casual dining concept (started in Salina, KS in 2005) that pairs quality coffee with a full eatery‑style food menu. Their menu offerings extend beyond just brewed and espresso‑based drinks to include in‑house roasted coffee, cold brews, smoothies, energy drinks. While also offering a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items like wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads, and freshly baked pastries.

In recent years, Mokas has begun scaling up; in leadership, operations, and geography. The company is now part of JRI Hospitality, has established new CEO/President arrangements, and is launching its first franchise agreements. They are also expanding their footprint: besides multiple locations in Salina, there are locations in Colby, Wichita, plus plans for more in Wichita and Hays, and future franchise stores in the Kansas City area. 

One of their notable Salina locations is at 902 E Crawford St., which operates early (around 6 am) most days, and stays open into the evening.

Blacksmith Coffee Drive Thru

Blacksmith Coffee Drive Thru is a cozy, community‑focused drive‑up coffee stand located at 2029 S. Ohio Street, Salina, KS. Operated by the owners from Lindsborg, John and Jill Esping, with management help from their daughter, the shop opened in Salina in April 2020. They serve hand‑crafted drinks using coffee roasted in Lindsborg; specialties include the “Ember Latte” (maple bourbon/cinnamon/cayenne flavoring) and rotating seasonal options. Their menu also includes brewed coffee (blend & single origin), blended iced drinks, and baked goods (such as cinnamon rolls).

Free Bird Coffee Co. (Mobile/Espresso Cart)

Free Bird Coffee Co. is a husband‑and‑wife operated mobile espresso cart business based in Salina. The owners are Samuel and Isabella, and they started the business in 2021. They focus on providing a high quality coffee experience using locally roasted beans, house‑made syrups from organic ingredients, and dairy options like A2/A2 milk or oat milk. They serve at private and corporate events (weddings, showers, etc.), and are able to set up anywhere with enough space and electricity.

Free Bird Coffee Company emphasizes the values of community, service, and faith, aiming not only to serve great coffee but also to build relationships through work. 

“Salina has a variety of locally owned coffee shops all around town. I like going to each one to support local business, as well as to try different drinks from different places.”