The best part about this place is the cereal bar! But since you can get cereal and milk at home I wouldn't make the trip here. The coffee wasn't tasty and on top of that the barista and the staff members were very rude. The place has a lot of seating options but isn't very clean. Wouldn't recommend. read more

Always such a warm and welcoming staff! Everything is cleaned and well maintained. It's got such a different positive vibe over all!

Coffee was meh but the workers this afternoon were unbelievably rude. If you hate your job that much, move on and get a different one. I'd avoid this place. There's much better coffee in Lawrence with friendly servers for those of us who don't want to be treated poorly when spending our hard earned money on overpriced drinks. read more

I come here about 3 times a week when school is in session. The employees are all super friendly and fun to talk to. The drinks are really sweet (might be too sweet for coffee lovers) but I think it's just right for me. The chocolate whip is delicious. I also recommend their minty chai - perfect for a cold winter day. A large amount of space that's perfect for students to come and study. They also have a collection of board games, so it's a cool hang out spot too! The music they play is awesome - unique alt/indie music, perfect for their atmosphere. Love this place! read more

This is your typical hipster, dirty coffeeshop that fills with college kids pretending to do their homework, but really just checking out everyone else. It reminded me of the places I used to go at the same age. When you're too young to hit a dive bar (or too poor for a fake i.d), but want to be seen socially--you visit a place like java break. Like any great coffee place, this place offers free wi-fi, has sandwiches, baked goods and non-caffeinated alternatives. But even better, it's 24 hours. I would have killed for a 24 hour coffee place like this (I had to settle for Denny's, pissing off the waitress by ordering only the endless cup of coffee...) Though, I'm not sure what this place is like at 3am... read more

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

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Went here for my first time ever and the staff helped me decide what i wanted to drink. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! Later on after playing a few of the many board games available to the customers, i decided to grab cereal from the cereal bar. They had so many good options to choose from and they walked me through everything i needed to know. It's a very cute place that's pretty affordable. This place may have to be my new go-to(: read more

The Java Break - By far the best serviced and aesthetically pleasing coffee shop that i have ever been too. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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My friend took me here and said that I should get their hot chocolate and chocolate whip cream so obviously that's what I did! They make the chocolate sauce/syrup in house which I think is awesome! It still tasted a little too much like Hershey's chocolate sauce for my liking, however. They were sure to put on a ton of whip cream which I loved! The worker was really friendly and was chatting with us as she made my drink. After she made my drink, I got to roll dice to see "if I could get me drink for free." I obviously different but it was a cute thought. I also love how they have a cereal bar! Where you can choose your cereal and toppings. The place is super cool, with different rooms that all look different and are decorated in interesting ways. read more

Yes, I love the Java Break. The vibes are as immaculate as they can get and it feels like home when you walk in. Not to mention how good their cold brew is, I'd love to know what kind of beans you guys use. Everyone is super friendly and I always have a good day when I stop by in the morning ! kudos to y'all for creating such a nice environment ! read more

First I want to say that the Java Break used to be open 24/7. Sad to see that it is no longer but I can understand how hard it can be for the staff. I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2016 and I honestly think if it wasn't for Java Break, I would not have made it. I've spent COUNTLESS nights staying here to study because they used to be open 24/7. The staff was always friendly and something about the decor made it very homey for me. As the night progressed, the hubbub of people would slowly die down and it would only be me studying the night away and it was grand. Yes the coffee is not some lavish, over-the-top expensive stuff but it's the culture that I love of Java Break. Over the 4 years I studied here, I watched families come in to spend time with their children, competitive games of Magic the Gathering (card game), homeless people at 3AM to escape the cold winter and enjoy a hot cup of coffee, church groups to share their faith, students of ALL ages from middle school to college to study, meet with friends, or play board games. This place was my second home. I am proud to say that coming from a family that immigrated from South Korea and had nothing, I now hold a degree in Chemical Engineering and the Java Break played a VERY big role in helping me achieve that. read more

Love their house made almond milk. The cereal bar is one of the only reasons I go here. Their coffee is ok just too sweet for my taste. But if you love sweet coffee this is the spot for you! I also love how the place is open 24 hour. read more

The Java Break - Peanut butter Cocoa Puffs with lucky charm marshmallows and house made vanilla almond milk. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

This place is just so fun. I love the different rooms and collections. The staff is personable and the choices are interesting!

Only place that I can study and not feel like I'm bothering the staff. I noticed a lot of people complaining about the service...but they're comparing it to places that will do anything short of getting on their knees to please you just so they make a $1 tip from you. Java Break's staff is pretty spot on for their clientele...they don't have to tell you how awesome their product is for you or where it's from, you just grab a cup of go-juice and a Wi-Fi code and get your studying done. Oh, and once you're hungry...CEREAL BAR! Sorry they aren't trying to be the most hip-Seattle-dbag coffee shop around. They're a Lawrence staple and have a purpose in our community. Java Break is nothing short of solid gold. read more

If you think this place is too "hipstery", you have serious problems. For starters, there are only about 3 people in KS that would possibly qualify as hipster, and they are way to busy wearing non prescription glasses and looking bored and cool and drinking PBR somewhere we've never heard of (or possibly at a concert for an underground band). The only clientele I've ever met are the staff (humanities majors from KU / drop outs from KU who can't seem to move on) which are generally nice and fun, and college kids. If that isn't your 'scene' then don't gripe because you go to a coffee shop in a college town and find students procrastinating. Gasp! The horror, the horror! They have wifi, they have good coffee (especially the espresso drinks), they are always open, and you can linger as long as you want. If that doesn't sound like a good way to completely waste several hours, then there is no pleasing you. Going to Java Break is great because it's dingy and low key, just like your own apt, so you can ostensibly go out, while basically staying at home drinking coffee. read more

I've been lucky enough to travel the midwest and visit lots of coffee shops. That being said, Java Break is top 3 "WORST" I ever seen, heard, or witnessed first hand! Unbelievably bad service, product, patron rules, and environment. Being a grad student and living in Lawrence and Kansas City over past 30 years, Java Break takes arrogance in the coffee business to a whole new level. Yes, I guess its understandable to have time limit policies for internet usage, but this place is rediculous. They act like this is some great shakes of a java cafe. Since the owner, management or whomever likes to get on here and rebutt reviewers, take a piece of advice: Dont forget who pays your bills.........the freaking consumer you goons! Stop treating your patrons like garbage when its not deserved. I understand not wanting students or vagrants sleeping at the tables, but chill the hell out with some of your other rules. Too many other choices in Lawrence to put up with this garbage. Its not like they serve PT's or any other respectable coffee in this joint. No point in me reviewing the food or drink served at Java Break. Not the worst product ever, but this review is mainly about the service and down right horrible ways they treat customers. The sad thing is, Ive never been crapped on too bad at Java Break. It's the way I and so many others have watched them treat many customers. I'm a positive person by nature, but this place sends off a bad vibe. read more

If I were to have written this three years ago, Java Break probably would have ended up with two stars. It's cleaned up its act. The atmosphere certainly has improved. Except for the graffiti room, which is what it is, the place has been redone since I originally left for the East Coast. The decor has improved (it's not particularly great, but it's far better than it used to be). More importantly, the drinks have improved markedly, too. I always remember being thoroughly underwhelmed by the coffee I used to get there. Now, I'm rather pleased with the quality. It's not as good as La Prima Tazza, but it's more than sufficient. The food ... I haven't tried a panini there in ages. The cupcakes are quite yummy. I've been meaning to try the new cereal bar, but that hasn't happened yet. They got rid of their hummus plate, which earns a thumbs down. Free wifi is quite good too. With the improvements, I'm finding myself frequenting Java Break more than ever. read more

Your non-corporate choice in Lawrence! This place is full of character. There are four separate seating areas, plus a garden for sitting outside and chatting with friends or smoking. The decor is kitschy--I'm sure if your grandmother still has that Felix the cat clock it would easily find a new home here. Definitely Starbuck's arch enemy! People are themselves here not clones. You'll find unique creations here...and not just coffee. My favorite is the Hummus...a nice break from the bag of chips or energy bars found at most places. Baked goods are awesome...though I still miss the baked biscotti. I also like getting the breakfast panini's anytime day or night. Some people really rave about the 15 or so Italian Soda's but I'm not a sweet fan. I also think they are the only place in town that actually *makes* their Chai rather than getting it from the box. Best feature is how fast they are! Only got 90 seconds to get in and get out...this people hustle! For those traveling, it has 3 stations for checking email. A nice Mac cybercafe. The crowd is younger...lots of students studying and mooching off the free wireless. Not a suit and tie crowd, though you'll get a large number of the staff from the World Company eating there (Sunflower, Geeks, and Journal World). Like any college town business, the staffing is sometimes inconsistent, though when a staff member is rude, I rarely see them the next time I get coffee ---the person is gone quickly. Pros: Eclectic bohemian environment conducive to long chats about philosophy and existentialism. Republicans need not apply! Cons: Like to see more consistency in the homemade bakery items (my Mom was just as bad about her bakery items!). Staffing typical of a college town--just because you flunked your final doesn't mean I need your 'tude. read more

This is a really special place. Love the happy hour, love the environment, love the super awesome staff. And whatever you get, ask for whipped cream on top. You won't regret it- it's fresh.... read more

I believe this is the only 24 coffee shop in Lawrence, at least a place you can sit down. I particularly like the morning happy hour--inexpensive good quality as I make the trek on I-70. The handy cereal containers make for a quick breakfast or opt for a cupcake. I think they are the quickest barristas in town. They get you your order quickly. Heck, I've even left the car running while I run in they are that quick. read more

Java Break is a definite Lawrence original and a really cool place to hang out. The coffee is excellent, especially the espresso, mochas and mixed drinks, and I personally think they have the best homemade baked goods of any coffeehouse in Lawrence, especially the chocolate chip cookies and muffins. They also have grilled sanwiches that are damn tasty. The vibe is definitely "college-y" and artistic/intellectual, but I am way beyond my college years and still really feel welcome and enjoy myself there. I would highly recommend giving JB a try. A couple side notes, Java Break is open 24 hours, very nice for the owl crowd, and they have a cool outdoor area, like a litte garden which is nice when the Kansas weather cooperates. read more

The very definition of Lawrence, Kansas-eclectic, eccentric and fun. It offers homemade almond milk (a plus for the lactose intolerant, vegan, paleo, etc.), and an assortment of gluten free treats (the mini cheesecake and peanut butter cookie come to mind). It is faithfully open 24 hours for your early mornings or late nights. The lit outdoor patio is my favorite spot for early morning reading or relaxing. read more

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

I'm big on coffee shops, something about the atmosphere. And believe me, I have been to many. The good thing about Java Break is that it is open 24-7, so for you late night crammers, it's a great place to get some studying done, though it can be packed during finals week. During finals week, I remember having a conversation with a friend via webcam, and was shushed by an employee since everyone was studying for their exams. It's not a library for goodness sakes! I've tried the cereal bar, slightly pricey for cereal and a couple mix-ins, in my opinion. Wi-Fi is not exactly "free." You do have to make a purchase, and then they give you a code to access the Internet for a mere 3-hour period. Either way, they're big sticklers on buying something. So beware of employees coming up and asking you to get something if you hadn't purchased anything yet. There is a $5 minimum to use a credit or debit card, so they suggest you purchase a future drink, and issue you a coupon for your future purchase. There are TONS of coffee shops in Lawrence that practice better customer service. This place should be your last resort if everywhere else is closed. read more

I Cherish Twenty-four Hour coffee shops Who answer late night wi-fi booty calls. read more

Let me tell you why this place deserves five stars. 1. Open 24 hours. This is Lawrence, it's either this or the KU library. The coffee is OK. But who cares? Buy a cup of whatever and sit down to do whatever you have to do thanks to the free wifi. Hipsters, weirdos, nerds...all in there. 2. Everybody is welcome. If you give this place 2-3 stars because of the service or quality of the coffee, you need to get your head out of your you-know-what. Yeah, there are cereals and baked goods and sandwiches...blah blah. Whatever. My favorite thing, though? 6-10am half price drinks. Some over-chocolated coffee concoction is always a nice reward after pulling an all-nighter in THE ONLY PLACE IN LAWRENCE THAT IS OPEN 24 HOURS. read more

I'm probably Java Break's biggest fan, return visit punch-card, discount travel mug, the whole she-bang here. My favorite coffee drink is the "Snickers" (hazelnut and chocolate!) but I'm also always up for a Cafe Lawrence or Hazelnut chai when it's their seasonal special. It's my favorite casual hangout and my favorite draw for the place is definitely the graffiti room. I patiently wait for the yearly repaint (usually in January) so I can do a big piece by the door. This has been a tradition with my friends for years now, and I'm going to miss it when I finish school and move on. the graffiti room is a perfect place to hang out with artistically inclined friends whether you're contributing to the walls or not. It's the perfect place to bring a sketchbook or even a watercolor set and draw some inspiration from other people's work! I do miss back when they had smaller and more personal tables rather than the bench seating now, but I can also see how that can fit more people into the room for business. They also have tiny cheesecakes that are 100% amazing!! read more

24 hours, al fresco dining. Solid panini, solid coffee. I can see why some folks call it pretentious, but hey, it's just a coffee shop in a college town in Kansas. Did I mention 24 hours...nice! read more

It's kitschy cute goodness. It's a good value for the price. I have not been where it is crowded, but the baristas do a good job of getting you your food and drinks quickly. It's not fancy, but it is a great place to go have a coffee and chat with a friend. Or, a great place to study. read more

Java Break is my go to spot, especially at night. Fo some reason I particularly like going in the winter, it's so cozy. Finals and midterm weeks can be hectic with college students, but other than that it's an ideal place with varied rooms, and an eclectic taste. I reccomend trying it. read more

Food/drinks - The food and drinks are reasonably priced. The sodas are freaking delicious. Atmosphere - Depending on the time you go can make or break your visit. There are some really creepy people there sometimes.. There is a room with board games and an old school black and white tv. There is a room with a lot of booths and tables that I see people studying at often. There is also a room where you can write anything on the walls with sharpie (bring your own sharpie) ANYTHING.... There are quite a few pornographic cartoons and racist joke up there. I would suggest not going in there with your parents or child... Customer service - Every time, but once that I have gone to Java Break I have been greeted with a condescending glare. A "why the hell are you here" look. I would really suggest these people work on their emotes attitudes. -2 stars because of the horrible employee vibes. I would recommend going in once and checking it out while you enjoy your drink, but from then on stop by for a soda or something and take it with you. read more

Terrible service. Only ones in the place, and told we'd have to wait 30mins+ for a panini. Good thing Starbucks is right across the road.

I went to The Java Break a few weeks ago for the first time. Absolutely love this place! At first sight when I walked in, the seating is very retro and limited. To the side of the bar they have several rooms attached with lots of different rooms with all kinds of different/unique seating. Since my first visit, I go and try sitting in a different room. I did take advantage of the outdoor seating on one occasion and enjoyed the evening atmosphere. I'm a black coffee drinker and enjoyed theirs. Java Break also has great blueberry scones. They also have a happy hour every morning from 6am to 10am... So the pricing I got on my coffee has been beyond reasonable. read more

Watch out for cockroaches. Good place for studying if you hate studying at home. Frou-frou coffee and non coffee drinks as well as your typical cup of coffee. read more

The first time I had ever heard of Java Break, I had been looking for a place to go for a cup of coffee, a bit of breakfast, and snag some net for a couple hours. After a bit of Googling, I found this place and true to my pseudo-foodie nature, i decided to head here to try something new. Since that moment, Java Break has become one of my favourite places to head to when I want to get away, work outside of my home, and have a cuppa. The atmosphere is incredibly chill, my favourite type of music tends to pour out from the speakers, and the employees there tend to be absolutely lovely and helpful. At this point, it's safe to say that I've tasted most of the food and drinks they offer. I'm not a huge fan of their cereals, but I'm, admittedly, not a huge fan of cereal in general; however, the selection is far more vast than other cereal bars I've come across. All of the paninis and scones are lovely. I recommend the Veggie Sausage panini and the Banana Choc scone as the former is customisable (up to three additions) and filling despite the small size while the latter is just as hearty and great as a snack or a breakfast item. Their coffees are absolutely delicious and the fact that they offer Almond Milk as a substitute makes me ridiculously happy, despite the extra cost. I, also, am a huge fan of their Italian Sodas. The flavours are unique and if you get them with milk, the taste just seems to amplify. By now, I'm convinced that adding Mint to any of those sodas makes them significantly better. And have I mentioned that pretty much everything is homemade? It's great. So, why did I give it 4 stars instead of 5? I would have given it 4.5, but there isn't a way to do so. That said, despite how much I love the place, I'm not a fan of the price tags. I think that for what you get, the price is a bit high; however, I understand why it's done and get the overall reasonings. It's not something I overly enjoy. All that said, Java Break is lovely. I recommend it to everyone who wants to try and enjoys the atmospjere of a retro, somewhat indie setup of a coffeehouse. ( Note: I apologise for any typos in this post as I'm typing this from my mobile. I do, however, hope it is still understandable. ) read more

Java Break, because of its WiFi, booths with outlets, outstanding coffee and 24/7 availability, has probably helped countless KU students actually graduate. It's a staple of the Lawrence experience. You can get your drink as plain or as fancy as you wish. I like the kahlua syrup drink, hot or cold. There's also sandwiches, cupcakes and a cereal bar there if you need a nosh. The patio is comfortable and relaxing, while the front room is a good place to see and be seen. If you're more into studying, find a booth or table in the back and plug your laptop in. I and most other people I know have pulled at least one, and often several, late-night work sessions. I will say that much of its grungy, graffitied charm disappears once you graduate. All the more reason to make the most of it while you're there. read more

Best place to study, best place to go have a nice conversation over cereal and coffee, best place to spend your weekends and week nights! My favorite place in all of Lawrence. read more

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Java Break is one of my favorite places in Lawrence. This place is great for any occasion: studying solo, hanging out with a group of friends, going on a date, or just grabbing a drink to go. My go to drink is either a chai latte or hot chocolate. I could write an entire paragraph about how good their whipped cream tastes. Each room has its own personality which is what makes this coffee shop so unique. Here you can find a room where you can draw on the walls and another where all the framed pictures on the wall are inanimate objects that look like faces. All in all, this place has a fun and quirky vibe and one should definitely visit here when in Lawrence. read more

Hot baristas, hotter coffee. Cozy hip atmosphere, quick service. Homemade syrups, house brewed cold press, the best blend of coffee this side of the Shunganunga. Best spot for a cup of coffee, flavored latte, or in house pastry. My favorite is the raspberry matrimonial. read more

I actually really enjoyed my coffee and the barista was super kind, but I don't understand a coffee shop that lets you use wifi based on what you bought. To clarify, my friend bought a tea and her wifi shut off after an hour, since she only spent $2. I understand that this might be an incentive to get customers to spend more money here, but it is an incentive for me to go to another coffee shop with unlimited wifi. read more

The atmosphere in this place is really special. It's just my kind of place. I absolutely love the really quirky rooms in the back and the graffiti. It's like you're going into a little quirky, secret, and fantastical "cubby" to escape reality or something. That probably doesn't make sense. Just go check it out and you'll see what I mean! I just had a plain old coffee and it was good. Will try some other stuff next time. read more

Pros: Great tables and booths to work at. Friendly service from the staff. Con: Internet usage is timed. Edit: Please see the below response for the internet usage policy. It's a good venue to send some email or work on a paper late at night, but there are more economical venues in the area during the day that offer free internet access. read more

I've been drinking coffee here for 2 decades. Great coffee, large variety. Always very pleased with anything I get here. They have a wonderful cereal bar with so many options it's mind boggling, and baked goods as well. Their peanut butter cookie is delicious. read more