Sure, there's a Starbucks on every corner, but what fun is that? There are some truly unique locally-owned shops throughout Missouri that offer a much more interesting experience. Many of these coffee havens sell books, have bakeries, display unique art, feature live music, and so much more - creating an atmosphere that is not only uniquely MO, but full of local charm and personality too! While not a complete list of the best coffee shops in Missouri, here are a few of our favorite shops you might want to check out.

1. Walkabout Coffee Shop - Nixa

Walkabout differs from your typical coffee shop by offering coffee procured from across the globe including Ethiopia and Guatemala. They also take on Australian culture including a unique "Aussie" food menu along with specialty drinks and smoothies.

Editor's Note: Patrons have noted that Walkabout is no longer in operation, but a new coffee shop has recently opened in its former location. Check it out and let us know what you think!

2. Westport Coffee House - Kansas City

More than just a coffee house, the Westport has a "black box" theater located just below the coffeehouse that features comedy, theater and music. They are a non-smoking, non-alcoholic establishment that also provides live music upstairs. In addition, it is a Cyber Café providing high speed Wi-Fi. Specialty drinks, exceptional coffee and grilled panini sandwiches are also available. Try a sweet baked good with your cappuccino!

Visit the Westport Coffee House website for hours and menus.

3. Picasso’s Coffee House - St. Charles

Picasso's takes "The Art of Coffee" to a whole new level by using only the freshest locally roasted coffees. They even have special lunch hours as well for those hectic days when caffeine alone won't get you through the week! Be sure to check out their open mic nights if you're feeling brave (with enough coffee, you just might!) And, of course, their selection of liqueurs, wines, and craft and import beers in addition to delicious coffee.

For more info about hours, locations, and special events, visit the Picasso Coffee House website.

4. Foundation Grounds Coffee House & Cafe - Maplewood

Foundation Grounds is proud to be considered a "green" coffee house, using 100% Organic Fair Trade Goshen Coffee beans, farm-fresh eggs along with locally sourced produce and meats and environmentally friendly to-go-containers. Their menu features breakfast and brunch items, grilled sandwiches, soups and salads, quesadillas, and kid’s menu items in addition to their extensive coffee and tea menu, hot chocolate and smoothies.

Editor's Note: Foundation Grounds may be closed, but a delicious coffee shop and deli combo is in its former space. Dig in and share the love!

5. Vintage Paris - Hollister

Vintage Paris is a quaint and cozy coffee shop in historic Downtown Hollister. They serve only their own hand-turned, small batch and craft roasted coffee from their own hand-built custom roaster. In addition, they offer organic loose leaf teas, fine wines, craft beer, cigars, and local pastries. Outdoor seating including a fire pit, and special events make this place like nowhere else in the area.

For more info about special events, visit the Vintage Paris website.

6. Three Story Coffee - Jefferson City

Three Story Coffee has a unique relationship with the coffee bean farmers they work with and are interested in learning and sharing their incredible, often untold stories. They view them as partners and want to give them a fair and better than average price for what they produce and grow. Through Grounds of Hope, a non-profit mission organization, they work to engage and educate communities, churches and individuals to the idea that although coffee is grown and harvested in over 50 countries, most of them rank among the poorest in the world, and the farmers are often living in poverty, even though they are producing one of the most popular products worldwide. Available to order online, or visit the store to support this great cause, and enjoy some great coffee.

Get the full story on Three Story Coffee by visiting their website.

7. Java Jive - Hannibal

This might just be the coolest place to go in Hannibal. They have a little bit of everything including a coffee shop, a bakery, a deli, an ice cream shop, Wi-Fi hot spot, and even an art gallery right next door! Sit at a table, cozy up on a sofa or sit outside where in the afternoons and evenings you can hear live music from one of many local musicians. With a great coffee selection, suiting any taste, created by roaster Chauvin Coffee of St. Louis, Java Jive is proud to be family owned and in its fourth generation of roast masters.

For hours, menus, and directions, visit the Java Jive website

8. Boji Stone Café, Coffeehouse and Bookstore - Chillocothe

Boji Stone is a truly unique coffee spot located on the west side of the square in downtown Chillicothe. Seemingly endless options of fresh brewed coffee, hot lattes, cappuccinos, frozen frappucinos and even fruit smoothies are prepared in front of you by a trained Barista. In addition, they also offer food such as pasta, grilled sandwiches, stuffed pitas, salads, and quiche. For dessert, enjoy homemade cheesecakes, homemade ice cream or tiramisu. Another unique feature is that Boji is a bookstore and they also sell interesting Boji-themed gift items, and don’t forget to ask about a monkey named Mooch.

Books, ice cream, and coffee? Count us in! Get more info.

9. Oddly Correct Coffee Bar - Kansas City

At this unique coffee shop in Southern Missouri, they serve by-the-cup coffee brewing (chemex, pourover) and espresso extractions of intriguing coffees. They serve it in an all classic traditional sense - black coffee (no sweeteners or cream) and Shatto whole milk for the lattés. They also offer whole-bean coffee sales, and true to its name, you can find for purchase some hand-made prints and occasional baked goods. So good! In fact, #13 on our list gets their coffee beans here.

Oddly intrigued? Find more info and directions on the OCC website.

10. Quay Coffee, Kansas City

The quality of Quay’s coffee is due to their source of beans: Oddly Correct Roasters (see above). However, the décor and vibe is a little different. They have a large service bar, multiple tables in a pretty large space, even including a large meeting room. They strive to create an environment that is an extension of your living room, but with amazing coffee. In addition, they direct all of their positive cash flow back into local and global community needs, and throughout the shop you may notice signs promoting the organizations they support.

Editor's Note: Local KC coffee-lovers note that Quay Coffee is no longer open, but that a new coffee shop has taken over the original space. Grab a cup the next time you're in the area and let us know what you think!

A coffee shop is usually a place you go to relax and unwind, warm up some frosty hands during winter, or even jumpstart your day with a delicious cup of joe. But even if you're just grabbing a quick java to go, the best coffee shops in Missouri know that the quality of the service, the atmosphere, and the taste of the coffee all work together to create a memorable experience.

Did your favorite coffee shop or cafe make the list? Where is your favorite place to go for delicious pick-me-up? Share in the comments below.

Now that you have a coffee in hand, settle in with a classic novel at this three-story bookstore in Missouri - the largest in the state! Or get a behind-the-scenes tour of all things caffeinated at Missouri's largest coffee factory.