Came for the patio seating and enjoyed it! Plenty of indoor and outdoor that is shaded. Drinks themselves were good! Not bad not great. What's really nice about this spot are the hours, 8a-8p daily. Would be nice to study or read in my downtown Vegan friendly read more

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Stopped by this spot because the vibe looked super cool and it definitely delivered on atmosphere! There is a lot of seating, which is a huge plus if you're looking to get some work done or just hang out for a while. Outlets are available in certain areas. We ordered an iced latte and were a little bummed that they didn't use espresso shots but rather dispensed from a container of cold brew? It didn't hit the mark for me unfortunately. The flavor was milder and was almost watered down. If you are craving a classic iced latte, I would not recommend this item. Overall, Java Break is an option on Mass St. to chill or study. But, I'll have to try a different drink next time. read more

The Java Break - Iced Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

The Java Break is not just a coffee shop. It's 'the spot'. Back when L was living in Topeka and I was holding it down in Shawnee, this was our halfway hideout. "Meet you at the spot" was basically our love language. This place never cared how weird we were--eclectic, messy, loud, soft. However we showed up, it matched the mood. The coffee: strong enough to slap your soul awake. The cereal bar: full blown childhood fever dream. Grunge café meets cozy disaster. Glorious. But the best part was always the little nooks and corners, rooms tucked everywhere just waiting for someone to disappear into. Just the two of us, talking about everything and nothing. Hands too close. Eyes saying too much. There used to be this beat-up couch in the back--ripped, stained, scribbled on by a thousand stories. And yeah, we added ours. A janky heart in Sharpie: L loves S. No filter. No promises. Just truth in ink. Fifteen years later, that heart still lives in the bones of this place. So no, it's not just coffee. It's memory. It's grit. It's us. We dropped in again this weekend to visit like it's our love child. Still weird. Still ours. Still the spot. read more

This is my favorite coffee place in the whole wide world. I wish it was a chain, but that would detract from its coziness and unique hospitable environment. Love the free speech room. Love the cereal. Love the iced vanilla blossom with an extra shot almond milk and their home made vanilla whipped cream. I would drink two a day if I could. read more

The Java Break - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

The food is bland and sloppily made. The drinks are okay but taste watered down half the time. Ambience is honestly the only redeeming factor but lately thats ruined by the weird creepy guys that make me and other women uncomfortable. But they're usually on good terms with the owner/employees so they never do anything. Now I just feel gross and unsafe there. read more

This place is a quirky/funky little coffee shop. They have Keto options and a LOT of sugar free options on their food and coffee menus! Latte's are AMAZING!!! They have sugar free, gluten free, low carb snickerdoodle cookies that are to die for!!! Great and relaxing outdoor seating area too!! Open 7 days a week, 8am to 8 pm - easy hours to remember. Enjoy!!! read more

The Java Break - Cookie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

One of my favorite study spots with my friends. They used to have a 2 hour Wifi limit for every purchase but they've gotten rid of that recently which is a hugeee plus for students. They have a really great hot chai and the front man is always working which gives you a nice sense of comfortability whenever you walked in. They've got a "loud" room where people draw all over the tables, walls, etc & an "antique" room where it's more cozy but some of the tables a tad lopsided. My friend is a fan of their cookies and they have pretty good smoothies as well. read more

The staff was extremely rude and slow and I got the chicken club and it was extremely lazily made . It did not contain all the ingredients listed on the board . The chicken tasted like it was out of a can. And the overall vibe and quality was extremely poor . Never again don't recommend read more

The Java Break - Chicken Club - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Great service, quality beverages, and amazing pastries and food. We got a vanilla blossom and Lieutenant Dan! Both not too sweet but the flavors were present! We got the Devils picnic and the chicken pesto for lunch both very fresh and yummy! Lastly we enjoyed a pumpkin muffin and a choco banana scone both most fresh and not too sweet. Everything tasted very natural and homemade. Not even mentioning the inside!! It's such a cute cozy atmosphere will be back next visit! read more

The Java Break - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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A Lawrence staple. Frequented this coffee shop during my time at KU. I'd usually come here later in the evening to study, as it's one of the few coffee shops open late. It can get pretty busy, especially around finals week, but there's a decent amount of seating. On busier nights it can get a little noisy with the music and background chatter. This wasn't an issue for me, but definitely a personal preference depending on your studying styles. With a purchase, you get access to the wifi for 2 hours. However, the staff has always been kind enough to give me a new access code if I came up and asked for a new one. The building and interior itself is eclectic and retro. The drinks are fabulous. Loved the iced white cow (chocolate and vanilla iced latte), Choconilla w/blended espresso beans (blended java/frappe) and the chocolate banana smoothie! read more

Came here with my friend while in town for work. The first thing I noticed (and am super impressed with!) is that almost everything is made from scratch. Their almond and oat milks, a handful of their syrups, their whipped cream, their chai, and of course their pastries. The prices are very much in line with big chains who do not have this quality or care going into their products. I think the owner was the one serving us and he was so kind and of course knowledgeable. I ordered the Vanilla Blossom. I'm not usually a fan of floral drinks, but wanted to try their homemade organic lavender syrup. It was SO delicious. The lavender is subtle and fresh and perfectly balanced with the vanilla. The sugar-free whipped cream is $.75 extra (only because monk fruit is so expensive, regular homemade whipped cream is free!). The sugar free whipped cream was so good, no after taste and really fresh. They also have chocolate whipped cream! I think the prices here are so reasonable for the quality and care that goes into making the drinks. Way better than spending the same at a big chain. I hope to come back here while I'm in town and try a couple of their delicious drinks! read more

Good service, good drinks at reasonable prices (the caramel apple cider is perfect for late on a cold night!), and a DIVEY, eclectic interior. It's a bit like you're in a hipster apartment within a cave in there. I probably wouldn't come here to study as I've heard the wifi isn't great and it's just not a place I would want to sit in for hours on end, but it's a fun stop to make during a day of shopping or a local favorite location for a coffee date. Definitely on the Lawrence must-try list. read more

Vibes were so off. Chai is mid and expensive. Worker was so rude yelling at me and all of my friends as we ordered. And the best food they had was legit cereal... read more

Nice little coffee and food spot tucked away that's just off the main street. Good place to go if you want a quite spot to do some studying, reading, or work as they have different areas that are secluded on the different levels. I only ever ordered black coffee and it was nice and flavorful. Their mini cheesecakes are the perfect little sweet treat but not too overpowering like a full slice is. They have a few different kinds and all are great. Never did the cereal bar as I am not into sugary cereals but it is a neat concept where if you want to mix and match you can. read more

As someone who says she is quitting coffee, it's places like this that make me grateful that I didn't. It has everything you need to start the day, great hot and iced options, massive scones, homemade whipped cream (they even have a sugar free option), so many chai flavors and you can ask for a FREE shot of espresso!! The man behind the counter was so sweet, easy to talk to and helpful as we blankly stared at the menu. I would happily not quit coffee if I lived closer to this place. read more

this place on mass is a very good calming place to study BUT every time i walk in they force me to buy something or ask me to leave. i think its kind of off how they beg for your service if its a public area. the workers are not very friendly either. if your looking for a spot to study you should come to java break but be prepared for the workers to beg for your service. read more

Came here for some coffee. Drinks are fairly tricked up. I got the Mudslinger, and my daughter got the Snickers. Honestly, they taste the same. It's pretty good, but for $5, not sure it's any better than the standard cold brews from Starbucks or other places. I'd come here again if in the area but probably wouldn't mKe a special trip. read more

The Java Break - Mudslinger and Snickers - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Was visiting from California and was recommended to try it. Absolutely loved it!!!! Wish we had one locally. The cereal bar was SO much fun. I got a quesa-nini. It was yummy. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. It was VERY clean too!! You can always tell a restaurant by the cleanliness of the bathroom. It was pristine. This California girl was impressed. Don't usually leave reviews but this was such a unique coffee shop. read more

Good food, good drink, good peeps, fair pricing. Snatched up the panini and a chai w/house almond milk. Panini = wow Chai = even more wow. I will absolutely be returning for my fix. Thanks you guys n great job! -A read more

Awesome place! Excellent drinks. Friendly staff. Unique place with nice ambience. Loved it! read more

The Java Break - Iced House-Made Chai with mocha flavor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

I had many late nights studying at Java Break, caffeinated out of my mind. It's a good little spot that's very much made for a college town. I don't remember the coffee being particularly memorable, but the funky vibe and friendly staff are. It's the kind of place that you can meet up with friends or hunker down solo, and find many others doing the same. Also helps that it's right downtown in an easy-access spot; you can park on side streets all around. All in all it's fun, quirky, and unique. read more

This place has a really neat concept that was really fun to try. It has a cereal bar you can choose and mix whatever cereals you want in your bowl. So fun with a friend. Not the best meal ever but it wasn't necessarily about that for us. Love all the character in the place too! read more

The Java Break - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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This is a cool little spot with friendly staff. I enjoyed the menus and the underground vibe.

Coffee shops call my name and Java Break is speaking that language. Aside from having a underground vibe, a cereal bar (visiting that later), and a nice shaded patio area, what else would you need to enjoy a good cuppa joe? Java Break seems to be focused on more than just a strong brew. Boutique offerings like Italian-style soda (opt for the strawberry) and house-made chai mix highlight a solid slate of offerings. You can also get a bottle of chai concentrate to take home (it's like a small growler) and get that bottle refilled on a next visit. First bottle runs you around $13 but part of that cost is the bottle deposit, so the refill is cheaper. My daughter was/is partial to store brands like Tazo and Oregon Chai, but once she tried the local brew, she was hooked. And the in-house pricing is comparable to any other outlet if not a touch cheaper. Then there's that 'cereal bar'. While corn-based, sugar-laced products aren't my current jam, I did spend many a Saturday morning with cartoons and sugary bowl of cereal. If Java Break had existed in my college days, then I could have seen me with a bowl of Lucky Charms and an organic chem book in the late hours. Talk about catering to your audience... There are ample and unique seating options, including a 'Free Speech Room' which is a cross between graffiti and poetry, all as a living document. If there is any one knock for Java Break, it's the gloominess coupled with the WiFi policy. I know, it's under street level, so that's kind of inferred, but it gets cavelike in some of their nooks and crannies. WiFi is free *with purchase*, which is fine, but the access is controlled by single authenticating passwords vs. a standard connection. Again, not the worst, and a free token runs three hours, but it's an antiquated way to connect and yes, insert grumpy old man comment *here*. Just open it up, for heaven's sake, put out some self-serve refillables and let your patrons camp and be loyal. All the cool kids are doing it, Java Break owners, so get with the program. You're kicking butt in other areas, so unshackle the rest and you'll be the cream of the LFK crop. read more

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Staff kinda seem like they do not want to be there and can do no wrong. To get WiFi you have to buy something (and only get 3 hours worth, 1 thing = 1 WiFi slip). Drinks are good most of the time but a little pricey for the quality sometimes. Latte is not espresso but this "cold press" they have, which is a little disappointing to be paying $7 for. Food is okay, got a panini and was so soggy on the bottom, chicken was dry and strawberries a little sus. Can get a large thing of cold press to take home for ~$20 which I also think is a little pricey for what you get but you do get this cool rustic glass bottle that comes with it. The actual location and ambiance is rustic and is open until 10pm everyday which is great to smash some homework out, but again you have to pay for 3 hours of WiFi despite if you are a regular or not. My boyfriend loves their baked goods. Overall, will probably stop coming here as often (I feel judged every-time I come in) and start buying my cold press from the store. read more

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Don't even bother with the Starbucks up the street. By any metric, Java Break is a much better coffee shop. The atmosphere of the place is a weird, strange, wonderful blend of 1950s diner, modern coffee shop, and, for one of the rooms, free speech wall. It seems like every room has a different theme. Each room seems to have a varying degree of quietness/loudness, so if you're here to bring your laptop and study for that exam you totally didn't procrastinate studying for until the eleventh hour, you can totally do that, and if you're here to bring all your friends and chatter away, you can do that too. The menu offers more than just the usual coffee and pastries. They have a pretty large panini menu, and a cereal bar, at which you can combine several different breakfast cereals and toppings, which include fruits, candies, and nuts. Sounds weird, but give it a shot. The coffee itself is many pegs above Starbucks coffee, and the pastries are fresh and tasty too. Overall, it's a fun place with good coffee, plenty of other great offerings on the menu, and a unique environment. Give it a try. read more

The staff is fabulous and always helpful The atmosphere is hip and fun and a great place to meet up with friends The coffee is good, but sometimes has a lingering taste of other flavors from previous orders read more

The employees here are great and amazing, I've never had a bad interaction with them. I really enjoy the atmosphere. I miss the wi-fi slips, those were always fun. And without the slips, there's been some entitled people coming here and getting upset when they get told they have to pay to sit in a place of business. There's been some reorganizing and there's now a large shelf behind the service counter that is very distracting and off-putting. Pretty hideous. It seems like the employees are having trouble getting around it. read more

Super friendly service this morning (February 5th) One fella working all alone and doing a great job. A large single origin brew with a shot of espresso is around 4 dollars and change. It's always good! This is a Lawrence institution. I've also noticed how delicately they put together their paninis, with a lot of care to making them look good! read more

I like this place! Fun atmosphere and good coffee. I ordered the cold brew and it was strong, smooth, and delicious. There are areas to work but bring headphones. It's loud but cozy. You can find a seat, table or stool. It's in an old cool building so that's a cool experience, too. Definitely worth the checkout! read more

I have fond memories of Java Break from my time in college. Being in town for a wedding, I brought my husband to experience the place that kept me awake for four years when I managed to pull an all-nighter - eating frosted cupcakes, chugging sugary espresso drinks, and indulging in the cereal bar. Whenever I return to Java break, I indulge my inner nostalgia and order the coffee drink of my college days: The Lieutenant Dan. However, I told the barista that I was looking for something a little less sugary, and he suggested an iced mocha latte with almond milk. He took time to share with me that they made the almond milk in house and that I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't. And I appreciated him taking the time to share with me. I love the concept of Java Break, and wish that they had a coffee shop as cool at this in Dallas. Whenever I am in Lawrence, I will make sure to return. read more

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Great local coffee place in Lawrence! Cute little shop that has a cereal bar and good coffee! My friend got the Lieutenant Dan and I got Jenny's Julep (I love Forrest Gump references... so much appreciated) I loved my drink a lot! What I appreciated more is that after the barista finished making our drinks, I asked him what milk he used and he answered "whole milk," I think he read my face well cause he asked right away if I was lactose. And then he remade my drink in a split second with skim, no frustration at all! That was incredibly kind and our barista was awesome to do that for me. Great place to visit as a out of townie. read more

The Java Break - Ice Jenny's Julep - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

It was a lot cooler when they were open 24 hours but since COVID happened they've used it as an excuse to shut down early and have yet to return to their former business hours. It was the one thing that absolutely set them apart, but now they're just another average coffee shop. I will update to 5 stars if they go back to 24 hour services as the Java break was the preeminent place to have cram study sessions in all of lawrence. It diminishes the Java break to close at 9pm. read more

went there on a rainy day and it was the perfect vibe. walked in and got greeted and helped right away! the baristas are amazing and surely know how to create their drinks! there is also a cereal bar that i didn't get to try but definitely will in the future. parking is easier in the back of the place! will definitely be coming here more! read more

So... I usually am a fan of java break. It is a funky place to get some coffee and study late at night. However, today, like 20 mins ago, my friends and I want to study for finals tomorrow and so we went to java break. We sat down before ordering and proceeded to study and we were doing so we overheard the baristas. It was 2 dudes, both in their 20s and they were saying how the HATE customers that just sit there and don't buy things and that this isn't a f*cking library in a loud manner that had us overhear him. It was v rude and uncomfy and it made me sad so we left and went to an actual f*cking library. I was going to get coffee once I had settled but the comments made me uncomfy, and it's not like the place was super busy, so we didn't think it was hurting anyone to just sit for a second, but guess not. Sad day for javabreak. read more

One of a kind coffee shop. The Freedom of Speech Wall is a must see and it'll make you want to stay longer just so you can get a glimpse of everything (which is impossible, you'll see something new every time you go). Instead of having a favorite drink, I just ask the barista to recommend me something just to get a taste for all the different drinks they have. Next time I go, I plan on trying some of their pastries bc they've always looked good and fresh every time I've been there. read more

The Java Break - Right side seating area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Super cool side street coffee. Iced Lt dan was just what I needed. Love the old school black and white tv playing cartoons.

Absolutely love this place!! The most fun and cool spot to study in Lawrence Kansas AND the coffee is spectacular!! The menu is fabulous and everything they serve is great! I love their pastries!! I would suggest the lieutenant dan, white cow, or just the cold brew! The breakfast panini, cereal bar and all scones are legit FIREEE! Must try!! read more

The Java Break - Breakfast Panini!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Its a trip. Anarchic 24 hour basement lair with food. There are smelly people, students, and hipsters. I expected red Lectroids. I looked at the back room and it scared me - not for my first visit. I will work up the courage to find the bathroom [i did - it was just fine], I stuck to the front room and dined in the shadow of the fantastic funky cereal bar. The breakfast panini I had was entirely fantastic. Really good. Cafe au lait worked once the sugar ratio was adjusted - house blend is pretty strong. read more

The Java Break - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Our first visit, we had a cappuccino, latte, and a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast panino to start Christmas Eve Eve day, paying just $10 for the whole shebang. The Java Break has friendly service and four large rooms perfect for studying while ingesting some much needed caffeine while studying or an early morning breakfast with your (my) sweety. The place may seem small from the outside, but it's not. They have fair prices and we will be back again soon! read more

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