5 Best Family-Friendly Cafes in Downtown, Lawrence KS
Updated 11 October 2026 · 14 cafes in Downtown, Lawrence KS considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers five cafes and casual restaurants in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, that Google lists as family friendly. Each entry is ranked by its Google rating, weighted by how many reviews it has, so a strong score with thousands of reviews counts for more than a perfect score with a handful. Fourteen qualifying businesses were considered. The blurbs draw on opening hours, price ranges, listed features and what reviewers mention, to help families pick a place for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon coffee.
#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 on West 6th Street, rated 4.7 on Google from 3,788 reviews. It is open daily from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, and prices run about $10 to $20. Reviewers mention generous breakfast portions, fast and friendly service, and a menu with options for everyone. Several say it works well for large groups. Listed features include takeaway, catering, a private dining room and vegetarian options.
Best for: Big breakfasts and large family groups
- Address
- 4821 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049, United States
- Hours
- daily 6:30 am–2:30 pm
#2
Merchants Pub & Plate
★ 4.6 (1,438 Google reviews)Gastropub$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Merchants Pub & Plate is a gastropub on Massachusetts Street, rated 4.6 on Google from 1,438 reviews. Prices sit between $20 and $30, and the restaurant is open every day. Reviewers say the gluten-free and dairy-free choices are wide and that cross-contamination is handled carefully. Some also praise the brussels sprouts and the lobster bisque. Listed features include outdoor seating and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Best for: Family dinner with allergy-friendly choices
- Address
- 746 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9:30 pm; Mon 3–9 pm; Sat 10 am–9:30 pm; Sun 10 am–9 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#3
Cafe The Mani 더마니
★ 4.7 (212 Google reviews)Korean restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Cafe The Mani 더마니 is a Korean restaurant at 7 East 7th Street, rated 4.7 on Google from 212 reviews. Prices run about $10 to $20, and it is closed on Mondays. Reviewers mention japchae, bibimbap and spicy fried chicken, and some say the portions are large. One reviewer says the children in their group loved everything on the menu. Listed features include counter service, vegan and vegetarian options, and Wi-Fi.
Best for: Korean dishes for kids and adults
- Address
- 7 E 7th St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 pm, 4:30–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–2 pm, 4:30–9 pm; Sun 4:30–8:30 pm; Thu 4:30–8:30 pm; Tue 4:30–8:30 pm; Wed 4:30–8:30 pm
#4
La Prima Tazza
★ 4.6 (300 Google reviews)Cafe$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
La Prima Tazza is a cafe at 638 Massachusetts Street, rated 4.6 on Google from 300 reviews. Prices run from $1 to $10, and hours are roughly 6:30 am to 9 pm most days. Reviewers describe an old-school coffee shop with rich, traditional espresso and a good coffee selection. Several say the staff are quick and friendly, and one was happy to fill a travel mug. Listed features include Wi-Fi, outdoor seating and a cozy, quiet feel.
Best for: Traditional espresso and a quiet stop
- Address
- 638 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6:30 am–9 pm; Mon 6:30 am–9 pm; Sat 7:30 am–9 pm; Sun 7:30 am–9 pm; Thu 6:30 am–9 pm; Tue 6:30 am–9 pm; Wed 6:30 am–9 pm
#5
The Java Break
★ 4.5 (760 Google reviews)Cafe$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Java Break is a cafe at 17 East 7th Street, rated 4.5 on Google from 760 reviews. It is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and prices run from $1 to $10. Reviewers praise the ambiance, the friendly staff and the drinks, and one calls it a favorite study spot. One reviewer says it rarely has a line, and another says it can feel cramped with more than three groups. Listed features include breakfast, brunch and vegan options.
Best for: Study spot with breakfast and drinks
- Address
- 17 E 7th St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
- Hours
- daily 8 am–8 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 14 cafes in Downtown, Lawrence KS with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Family friendly”, then by rating. 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
- Merchants Pub & Plate and Cafe The Mani 더마니 take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- 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. Merchants Pub & Plate is second at 4.6 from 1,438 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Lawrence KS are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Merchants Pub & Plate, at 9:30 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: The Big Biscuit $10–20; Merchants Pub & Plate $20–30; Cafe The Mani 더마니 $10–20; La Prima Tazza $1–10; The Java Break $1–10.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for The Big Biscuit, Merchants Pub & Plate, Cafe The Mani 더마니 and The Java Break.
Run a business in Downtown?
Get a fast website with your hours, menu, location and reviews. If your business is listed here and something is wrong, tell us and we fix it.
Email support@pagenearby.com