best places to eat in lawrence ks
The city of Lawrence, KS is a culinary mecca that is often overshadowed by its larger city neighbor Kansas City. Locals know the area well and have their favorite eateries. I have been exploring a lot of diners, cafes and pubs around the area. Places with freshly made food, friendly staff that doesn’t mind a good conversation.
In addition to being a great place to live, Lawrence, Kansas is also a great place to eat. With over 400 restaurants, there’s something for everyone here.
Here are the best places to eat in Lawrence:
1) The Free State Brewery: This brewery has been around since 1989 and is known for its wide variety of craft beers and delicious food. They have an extensive menu with everything from burgers and sandwiches to pizza and wings. If you’re looking for a good place to catch a game or just hang out with friends, this is it!
2) Sushi House: This sushi restaurant offers both traditional Japanese dishes as well as Americanized options like crab rangoon and shrimp tempura rolls. It’s located on Sunset Drive near the KU campus so it’s close enough for students but far enough away from campus that it doesn’t get too busy during school hours (which can make eating out difficult).
3) Minsky’s Pizza: This pizzeria offers some of the best pizza in town! Their thin crust pies come topped with everything from pesto sauce to caramelized onions—no matter which one you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Lawrence, look no further!
For a mouthwatering meal that won’t break the bank, try out [restaurant name]. With delicious options for all tastes and budgets, this is one of the best places to eat in Lawrence. If you’re more of a lunch person, don’t miss out on their amazing soup and sandwich combos. The simple but delicious menu has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for something a little more fancy than your typical diner fare, [restaurant name] is your spot. Their innovative dishes are sure to wow even the pickiest eaters. They also have some of the best drinks in town (and they’re not just talking about their wine list). If you’re looking for a romantic date night or just want to impress your friends with your culinary prowess, this is the place to go!
If you love Mexican food as much as we do then check out [restaurant name]. We promise that there’s nothing else like it in Lawrence! It’s got everything from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and fajitas—you’ll be dreaming about what’s next on their menu after just one visit!
unique eats in lawrence ks
1. Limestone
Limestone is a locally-owned restaurant and bar focusing on hand-crafted food and beer, well-chosen wines, and a unique version of the classic Neapolitan pie.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Neapolitan-style pies, American eats, and cocktails are the draw at this modern pizzeria with a patio.
If you find yourself in Lawrence, stop by Limestone to enjoy pizza with a homegrown crust and savor the flavors of the season — while you can.
15 Best Restaurants in Lawrence, KS
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What to Eat
There’s no other reason to visit this gem than their classic Neapolitan pie, and you’ll know the elevated difference it has with other pizzas from the first bite
2. Free State Brewing Co
A local legend and pioneer of craft beer in the area, the Free State Brewing Company has been one of the best restaurants Lawrence has to offer since opening in 1989.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re a food blogger looking for where to eat in Lawrence for an aesthetic background for some appetizing-looking, social-media-worthy food this is one of the best restaurants downtown to check out.
Exposed brick interiors, a convivial atmosphere, and an amazing selection of craft beers take center stage, but the food is excellent too, with tasty, daily specials on offer.
Look out for the gorgeous mosaic on one of its walls, painted by local artist Lora Jost for the brewery’s 25th anniversary.
What to Eat
From all-American flavors such as St. Louis ribs to Mexican-style favorites, the changing menu features dishes to please any palate.
3. The Roost
Named after a family farm in western Kansas, the Roost is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves casual American fare for breakfast and lunch.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
As one of the most popular restaurants to try, this breakfast, brunch, and lunch specialty restaurant serves a wide array of both sweet and savory breakfast choices, including French toast, corned beef hash, potato pancakes, and multi-egg omelets.
It’s hard to miss this spot too since it’s near some of the most popular tourist attractions in this town, so give it a go for the best food in Lawrence.
What to Eat
Lunch dishes range from gourmet sandwiches, Reubens, and signature mac ‘n cheese to meatballs, roast chicken, and roasted portobello mushrooms.
The full-service bar also serves a range of globally-inspired wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails crafted by hand, and the restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, daily.
4. 715 Restaurants
715 is a European-style neighborhood restaurant and bar located in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas that offers simple, fresh, handmade Italian food, cocktails, and more.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Interiors of the restaurant feature original stone walls, shiny black tables, sleek wooden chairs, and a fully-equipped bar that serves a wealth of libations, ranging from craft and draft beers, fine wines from around the world, and classic cocktails.
With their locally-owned and operated handmade food, with inventive cocktails you’ve never tried before, and an extensive wine list, it’s one of those local restaurants near you to visit for a good time.
It’s one of the best places to eat in Lawrence if you’re looking for the coolest casual spots to eat with a fellow foodie.
What to Eat
Choose your favorite flavor of Italy from options such as homemade cotechino, a plate of seared, Tuscan-style pork sausage medallions, the classic rib eye Angus steak, or any of the fresh, handmade pasta and you can’t go wrong.
affordable eats in lawrence ks
5. The Mad Greek
The Mad Greek is a long-standing, family-owned, and operated restaurant that has been serving traditional Greek food to the neighborhood for the past two decades.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and original family recipes, the restaurant serves a wealth of authentic Greek and Italian dishes.
The cuisine is accompanied by an impressive list of fine wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails crafted by hand.
The Mad Greek also has a food truck that serves a limited menu of Greek and Italian dishes to take away, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
This is one of those Lawrence eats where it’s been around so long everyone knows about their reputation, and the friendly service they offer in those years of experience is unparalleled.
What to Eat
Greek signature dishes include Santorini-style shrimp, beef or chicken souvlaki, moussaka, paidakia (lamb chops), and Theo’s kotopoulo lemonata, while Italian specialties include cannelloni Florentine, shrimp fettuccine alfredo, gnocchi carbonara, and chicken provolone.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lawrence, KS
6. Merchants Pub & Plate
Based in the historic bank building on Massachusetts Street that was once home to Teller’s, Merchants Pub & Plate is an elegant dining destination that has been serving refined cuisine and fine wines for the past 83 years.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for the best dinner places in Lawrence that are elegant and sophisticated but let you let loose a bit, this is a spot to check out.
The beautifully appointed dining space features dramatic windows, tiled floors, and soft lighting, which creates an intimate ambiance, in which co-owners Chef T.K. Peterson and Chef de Cuisine Chris Rieke create and serve mouthwatering contemporary cuisine.
What to Eat
Signature dishes include pulled-pork spring rolls, char-grilled short ribs, agnolotti stuffed with ricotta and spiced pumpkin, and braised rabbit cacciatore on asiago grits.
The full-service bar also serves a variety of drinks, including several rotating draft beers, an impressive wine list of renowned brands and local labels, and seasonal handcrafted cocktails made with high-end spirits.
7. Ladybird Diner
721 Massachusetts St
Lawrence, KS 66044-2345
(785) 856-5239
The Ladybird Diner is a cheerful diner featuring modern comfort eats such as sweet potato hash and fried chicken sandwiches.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Ladybird Diner may be a tiny spot you might want to skim over, their big flavors have earned themselves a reputation in this town.
Ladybird Diner is an upgraded twist on the stick-to-your-ribs diner food, perfectly paired with their iconic pie for dessert.
What to Eat
Grits Supreme, Sweet Potato Black Bean Hash, or a Blue Plate Dinner will fill you up.
But save room for what the Ladybird is best known for: pie.
If your timing is right, try the Blueberry Basil. Yes, really.