The Roasterie DC-3 Airplane
- Admission
- Free to view from outside
- Hours
- Visible 24/7; Cafe open daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Duration
- 15-30 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking lot on site
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible viewing area from the parking lot and cafe
Perched atop a Kansas City coffee roasting facility, this vintage 1943 Douglas DC-3 aircraft looks like it is soaring right off the roof. It serves as a striking landmark for The Roasterie, representing their adventurous spirit and global sourcing. Visitors can photograph the plane from the ground or take a coffee tour.
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Perched dramatically atop the roof of The Roasterie's headquarters in Kansas City's Westside neighborhood, a fully restored 1940s Douglas DC-3 airplane serves as one of the city's most whimsical landmarks. The aircraft, affectionately named 'Betty,' was hoisted onto its custom-built pedestal in 2012 to honor the aviation-inspired branding of the local coffee roaster.
Visitors to the site can view this impressive 43-foot-long vintage plane, which is angled as if it is eternally taking off into the Midwestern sky. Below the iconic aircraft, the facility operates as a fully functioning roasting plant where guests can enjoy fresh coffee, take tours, and learn about the roasting process.
The DC-3 represents the adventurous spirit of early coffee importers who traveled the globe to source the finest beans. At night, the plane is beautifully illuminated, making it a favorite photo-op for locals and travelers exploring the city's unique architectural quirks.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee inside the cafe before heading outside to photograph the plane.
- ◆ Visit at dusk or night to see the plane completely lit up against the Kansas City skyline.
- ◆ Book a factory tour in advance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the roasting process directly underneath the aircraft.
- ◆ Look for the best photo angles from the parking lot or the nearby street corners to capture the illusion of the plane taking off.
Heads Up
- ◆ The plane itself is mounted on the roof and is strictly a visual display; visitors cannot climb inside or board the aircraft.
- ◆ Parking can be tight during peak morning coffee hours, so be prepared to search for street parking nearby.
Common questions
Can you go inside the DC-3 airplane at The Roasterie?
No, the airplane is mounted on top of the building as an exterior display and is not accessible to the public.
Do the propellers on the Roasterie DC-3 airplane actually spin?
Yes, the propellers on the aircraft are motorized and spin daily during the coffee shop's regular operating hours.
Is there a fee to view or photograph the Roasterie DC-3 airplane?
No, viewing and taking photos of the plane from the parking lot is completely free.