Lawrence Weekend Mornings: Where to Eat Brunch & Find Great Coffee

One of our favorite parts about living in Lawrence was a trip downtown for a leisurely brunch or hang at a coffee shop. Lawrence has some of the best spots to hit those early morning cravings. Below are some of our favorite places to visit.

Breakfast & Brunch

• The Roost

  This popular spot is always hopping on a weekend morning, so be prepared for a wait. We feel it’s worth it. Their menu offers a variety of omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and benedicts, as well as standard breakfast plates. I love trying lots of different items and one of the things The Roost does well is offering some smaller plates and ala carte items so you can mix and match as well as the usual large breakfast plates. Their brandy spiked French toast is thick and decadent and their biscuits and gravy is comfort on a plate.

• Ladybird Diner

  Ladybird Diner is a modern take on your classic diner. It has a cool vintage vibe and features comfort food classics like Chicken Fried Steak, biscuits and gravy, cheeseburgers, and pie. The Blood Mary comes with a little beer shooter and you would be remiss not to save room for a slice of pie.

• Wheatfields

  Looking for a sweet treat to start your day? This little bakery has been a Lawrence staple since 1995. They make all of their bread and pastries in house and you can find their bread being sold around the city. Choose from a plethora of pastries and desserts or order one of their breakfast sandwiches to try their freshly baked bread.

• Milton’s

  Milton’s is also a local favorite that has been around for decades just off the main drag of Mass Street. Featuring a large menu with traditional breakfast fare including omelettes, benedicts, hashes, sandwiches, and sweeter dishes like pancakes and French toast there is something for everyone. This is a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy your Lawrence morning on their patio.

Coffee Shops

• La Prima Tazza

  For the coffee connoisseurs out there, La Prima Tazza hits the mark. It is a simple, quaint shop that takes their coffee seriously. Of course they have your traditional coffee drinks, but they also do original coffee specialty drinks when you are looking for something more adventurous.

• Nostalgia Room

  If I had to describe this spot in one word it would be cozy. The vintage furniture, lighting and vibe instantly draw you in. The Nostalgia Room is the perfect place to sink into for a hour or two. Interested in a morning cup or a mocktail to round out your evening? This place has got you covered too. They have an inventive selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those that want to enjoy without the alcohol.

• The Java Break

  Beloved by locals and KU students, the Java Break is Lawrence gem. Well known for their iconic cereal bar, you’ll feel like you are a kid again. Select a spot in one of the many corners of this hot spot and you’ll likely see the place peppered with KU students hunkered down studying. We love their drink menu as it caters to all with a selection of coffee, teas, seasonal drinks, Italian sodas, and more.

• Barker - Cafe & Bakery

  Barker opened up its second location in downtown Lawrence not too long ago, making it another perfect pitstop while strolling along downtown. They’re serving up some excellent coffee and teas, but they really shine with their food offerings of pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Here on a Friday night? Barker does a Friday pizza night from 4:30-5:30 that can’t be missed.

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