5 Best Cafes in Lawrence KS
Updated 11 October 2026 · 12 cafes in Lawrence KS considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers five cafes in Lawrence, Kansas, ranked from Google ratings weighted by review count. It is meant for people who want a dependable place for coffee, breakfast, pastries or a laptop-friendly afternoon. Only businesses with at least 300 reviews were considered, and 12 qualifying businesses were in the pool. Each entry lists the hours, address and price range shown on Google, followed by the themes that reviewers mention most often. The order reflects the ranking rather than a personal recommendation, so check current hours before you go.
#1
The Big Biscuit
★ 4.7 (3,788 Google reviews)Breakfast restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Big Biscuit is a breakfast restaurant at 4821 W 6th St, open daily from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, with a price range of $10–20. Google lists great coffee, table service, catering and a private dining room, and the location has full wheelchair access. Reviewers mention fast, friendly service, generous portions and a menu with plenty of choices, and they say it handles large parties well. The hash and biscuits draw praise, while one reviewer found the pancakes dry.
Best for: Large breakfast groups and weekend brunch
- Address
- 4821 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049, United States
- Hours
- daily 6:30 am–2:30 pm
#2
Ladybird Diner
★ 4.7 (1,870 Google reviews)Diner$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ladybird Diner sits at 721 Massachusetts St and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours run from 8 am to 3 pm on most open days and until 8 pm on Fridays. Google lists outdoor seating, great coffee, great dessert, a broad tea selection, beer and cocktails, with breakfast, lunch and dinner service. Reviewers mention a whimsical, nostalgic setting, unusual flavor combinations and a strong selection of pie. Several say the wait on a Sunday morning can run 20 to 30 minutes.
Best for: Relaxed diner breakfast with pie
- Address
- 721 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–8 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 8 am–3 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 8 am–3 pm
#3
Wheatfields Bakery Cafe
★ 4.7 (1,560 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Wheatfields Bakery Cafe is at 904 Vermont St, open most days from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with shorter hours on Saturday and Sunday. Google lists in-store shopping, pick-up, dine-in, breakfast, coffee, Wi-Fi and free parking, with full wheelchair access. Reviewers mention a wide range of fresh breads that freeze well, sweet and savory baked goods, and a Mushroom Melt on grilled French bread. Several note long waits on busy holiday weekends, especially for takeout orders placed online.
Best for: Fresh bread and baked goods to take home
- Address
- 904 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–5:30 pm; Mon 7:30 am–5:30 pm; Sat 7:30 am–5 pm; Sun 7:30 am–4 pm; Thu 7:30 am–5:30 pm; Tue 7:30 am–5:30 pm; Wed 7:30 am–5:30 pm
#4
TOUS les JOURS Bakery Café - Lawrence
★ 4.8 (359 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
TOUS les JOURS Bakery Café is at 525 Wakarusa Dr C and is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Its Google rating of 4.8 comes from 359 reviews, and the listing shows delivery, in-store pick-up, dine-in, breakfast, coffee and a free parking lot. Reviewers mention a bright, clean interior, attentive staff and an outdoor patio shaded by umbrellas. Pastries, cakes, beignets and savory bites come up often, as do iced matcha drinks and lattes.
Best for: Pastries and iced drinks until 9 pm
- Address
- 525 Wakarusa Dr C, Lawrence, KS 66049, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–9 pm
#5
Uplift Coffee
★ 4.7 (334 Google reviews)Cafe$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Uplift Coffee is at 624 N 2nd St, open Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. Google lists it as identifying as women-owned, with outdoor seating, a drive-through, delivery, live music, a great tea selection and vegan options. Reviewers mention craft coffee roasted in house, house-made syrups, and muffins and turnovers described as fresh and homemade. The shaded outdoor seating and live music are repeat themes, and the listing notes it is good for working on a laptop.
Best for: Craft coffee and a shaded outdoor seat
- Address
- 624 N 2nd St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6:30 am–4 pm; Mon 6:30 am–4 pm; Sat 6:30 am–4 pm; Sun 8 am–4 pm; Thu 6:30 am–4 pm; Tue 6:30 am–4 pm; Wed 6:30 am–4 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 12 cafes in Lawrence KS with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by weighted Google rating across the city, 300 reviews minimum. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, The Big Biscuit opens at 6:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
The Big Biscuit ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.7 from 3,788 reviews. Ladybird Diner is second at 4.7 from 1,870 reviews.
Which cafes in Lawrence KS are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is TOUS les JOURS Bakery Café - Lawrence, at 9 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: The Big Biscuit $10–20; Ladybird Diner $10–20; Wheatfields Bakery Cafe $10–20; TOUS les JOURS Bakery Café - Lawrence $10–20; Uplift Coffee $10–20.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for The Big Biscuit, Ladybird Diner, Wheatfields Bakery Cafe, TOUS les JOURS Bakery Café - Lawrence and Uplift Coffee.
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