Are you feeling hungry? Check out our list of 10 top places to eat in Lawrence, Kansas below.
1. Little Saigon Café
Little Saigon Café is an excellent stop for a hearty meal, no matter how you cut it. This family-owned Vietnamese joint is known for friendly service, absolutely delicious eats, and an incredibly welcoming environment. Little Saigon Café is open from 10-7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and is closed Saturday-Monday.
Little Saigon’s food is classic Vietnamese fare in all its glory. Vietnamese summer and egg rolls, crab rangoons, and fried dumplings are readily available. You’ll also find pho (an incredibly-spiced beef broth and rice noodle soup), countless noodle dishes, and a hefty assortment of rice and steam bun dishes. Ultimately, Little Saigon is top-notch southeastern Asian food in its best form.
Go to Little Saigon Café’s contact page for more information.
2. Terrebonne Po’ Boys
Terrebonne Po’ Boys serves classic Cajun and Creole food in absolutely delicious Louisiana fashion. They’ve developed a reputation as traditional comfort food in its best form and have, simply put, created something truly exceptional in the process. Terrebonne is open from 11-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
Terrebonne Po’ Boys’ menu will be incredibly familiar to southerners and New Orleans natives alike. While Po’ Boys are a clear menu focus, they serve countless southern favorites. Hushpuppies, gumbo, rice and bean bowls (and yes – they serve it with andouille, as they should), and more have earned Terrebonne’s reputation for excellence – so give them a try!
Go to Terrebonne Po’ Boys’ Facebook page to learn more.
3. Thai Diner
Lawrence’s aptly named Thai Diner is quite simply the best Thai restaurant in the city. While one could argue that they’re among the best in the Midwest, we’re focusing on lil’ old Lawrence today. Thai Diner serves classic Thai food in large portions for reasonable prices. Thai Diner is open from 11-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and closes a half-hour later Thursday-Saturday.
The menu at Thai Diner is loaded with familiar favorites. Crab rangoons and spring rolls are ever-present, as are the many soups, curries, and stir-fried dishes. And obviously, the Thai noodle dishes are a highlight, bringing excellent spice and vibrant flavor to the forefront of each bite. Give Thai Diner a try the next time you need a taste of southeast Asia at its best.
You can find contact details on Thai Diner’s website’s home page.
4. Ladybird Diner
Ladybird Diner is classic Americana at its best. They’re known for serving fresh-baked pies and American comfort food for breakfast and lunch alongside their luxurious cocktails. Ultimately, their catchphrase of, “Tiny diner, big heart!” is true to form, earning them both local love and a spot on this list. Ladybird Diner is open from 8-3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and is closed Monday-Tuesday.
Ladybird’s breakfast menu is genuinely eggcellent. The regular favorites on the menu are egg dishes – huevos rancheros, hashes, biscuits and gravy, and more are simply waiting for you. As for lunch, you’ll find burgers and sandwiches – though the true standouts are the daily-baked pies, cocktails, and hearty coffee drinks.
Swing by Ladybird Diner’s Facebook page to learn more.
5. The Burger Stand
The Burger Stand is proper American fare at its best. Burgers, brews, and a surprisingly sizeable vegetarian menu have earned The Burger Stand local love for over a decade. They’re particularly beloved for their unique environment and extensive tap and cocktail list. The Burger Stand is open from 11-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
The Burger Stand’s menu is surprisingly extensive, consisting of far more than the name might suggest. Burgers (both meat and plant-based) are readily available, as are the usual suspects of deep-fried deliciousness (fries, onion rings, etc.). They also offer hot dogs, several rotating monthly specials, and have a genuinely incredible drink and shake menu.
Head to The Burger Stand’s Facebook page to get in touch.
6. Sandwich Bowl
The Sandwich Bowl is a straightforward establishment that does things with excellence in every step. They’re a “homestyle” sandwich, soup, and salad joint that’s known for serving delicious, large servings for incredibly reasonable prices in a family-owned-and-operated joint for well over a decade. Sandwich Bowl is open from 11-8 p.m. from Wednesday-Saturday, from 11-3 p.m. on Tuesdays, and is closed Sunday-Monday.
Let’s be honest – you know what to expect here. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are really the only offerings here of note, coming in quite a few forms. Creative sandwiches, both hot and cold, are readily available, with carnivorous and veggie offerings alike. And if you’re feeling a burger – they have those, too. Ultimately, Sandwich Bowl is a simple and top-notch joint for lunch or dinner.
Go to Sandwich Bowl Lawrence’s Facebook page to reach out.
7. Nagoya Japanese Cuisine
Nagoya Japanese Cuisine is Lawrence’s premiere Japanese dining establishment. They’ve created something genuinely unique, serving classic Japanese fare with incredible plating, the freshest ingredients, and the most delicious (yet simple) offerings. Nagoya is open from 11-3 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and from 11-9:30 p.m. on Fridays. On weekends, Nagoya is open from 12-10 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12-9 p.m. on Sundays.
The menu at Nagoya Japanese Cuisine is incredible. Bento boxes, sushi rolls, hibachi, and ramen are truly excellent standouts, though they’re not alone. Nagoya runs off-menu specials consistently (going so far as to devote a web page to it), meaning each visit will be new and refreshing. At the end of the day, Nagoya is truly incredible Japanese fare made with love and care.
Swing by Nagoya Japanese Cuisine’s Facebook page to learn more.
8. Culinaria
Culinaria is a Lawrence local dream come true, owned by Aaron and Regan Pillar. What began as a simple catering endeavor has morphed into a brick-and-mortar, from-scratch Mediterranean kitchen known for serving what may be the best food in the city. Culinaria is open from 3:30-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and is closed Sunday-Wednesday.
Culinaria’s menu is something truly unique. It’s Greek fare in its best form, with loads of flavors both new and familiar to explore. You’ll find the usual olive, hummus, and fattoush offerings, alongside delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes such as Mujadara and Fatteh. Ultimately, Culinaria is the best stop to have a fresh, flavorful, and rich meal in the city, if not in Kansas.
Go to Culinaria’s Facebook page to get in touch.
9. Leeway Franks
Leeway Franks is a simple joint with a stunning vision – to serve handmade sausages alongside a cool brew. While they have a straightforward offering, it’s something that’s gained traction with locals due to their commitment to genuine quality in everything they do. Leeway Franks is open from 11-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, from 10-8 p.m. on Saturdays, and is closed Sunday-Monday.
The food at Leeway is elementary – sausages, one burger, one patty melt, one breakfast burrito/sandwich (your choice), fries (or poutine), tater tots, and a few other loaded potato snacks. That’s it. If you’re thirsty, you can cracka cold one any day they’re open from a rotating tap of local American craft beers. If you favor simplicity and flavor, Leeway Franks is likely for you.
Head to Leeway Franks’ Facebook page to learn more.
10. Merchants Pub & Plate
Merchants Pub & Plate is an excellent place to grab a beer, some tasty food, and just… relax. They’re a local operation that’s chef-owned and operated – so you just know it’s going to be delicious. Chefs TK & Emily Peterson have created something extraordinary in Lawrence. Merchants Pub & Plate is open from 11-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, from 10-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and is closed Monday-Tuesday.
The menu is crafted to “reimagine familiar dishes through [Merchants’] lens of seasonal + local + Flexible + fun.” This translates to a joint that offers familiar gastropub fare with multiple options for those that are gluten-free (and/or Celiac), vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free. Burgers, sandwiches, greens, poultry and pork are equally present for brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring every person to grace their doorstep leaves full and happy.
Go to Merchants Pub & Plate’s contact page for more information.
