The Java Break

Make no mistake--this place is a dump. It looks like the common room of a poorly-funded frat house or maybe a community house build out of scavenged materials. And that's EXACTLY why I like it. It is NOT a yuppie hangout, thank God. After my old hangout remodeled it became a magnet for cell phones, suits, and loud marketing meetings at 10 a.m.

Java Break ain't like that. There's a funky, studious vibe about the place; kids hanging out in the Free Speech room, students and artists with laptops in the back booths, and a weird circular antechamber with a TV and lots of board games. None of the light fixtures match; they and the furniture are all mid-century rejects (ugly but well-built)--it's kind of like hanging in the props trailer of an Austin Powers movie set.

Anyway, the coffee is decent, the baked goods are first-rate, and their panninis look and smell terrific though I haven't sampled one yet. There is a microwave in which to warm your bagel/muffin, and sprinkles to put on your cupcakes. There are electrical outlets near every booth so you can plug in your laptop. The lighting in the back room is low, perfect for screen viewing, and there is plenty of seating. Yes, the staff expect you to buy drinks if you're going to hang out there. Yes, you have to get a web access pass with a 4-hour time limit (which is included in the cost of your coffee drink). But I ask you, are those unreasonable requirements for a business that stays open 24/7 and will make you breakfast after midnight? Keep in mind, this is downtown in a college town--there are a lot of homeless people and local characters who would wander in and stay all night if they were allowed to. And yes, sometimes those characters can get a little intrusive and creepy, but that's one of the hazards of a vibrant downtown community.

There are a lot of coffee shops in Lawrence and I think it's safe to say there's an ambience for every taste. I salute the owners of Java Break for doing what they do.

The Java Break is the epitome of a work atmosphere. It has great coffee, ample work space, and a great atmosphere. I have been to the Java Break on several different occasions to work and on all of these visits I have left with weight off my shoulders. Solid cafe.

One of Lawrence's hidden treasures. The barista was friendly and willing to talk about the different types of coffee served. He allowed us to sample the nitro cold brew, which was amazing. Great spot.

I've been coming here for nearly 20 years. Good place to chill and they've made some menu changes over the times, but still have a good variety of drinks and house-made food items as well as a cereal bar with a wide selection. Best Chai around town and eclectic yet friendly staff.

Best coffee in town, Barista's are helpful and real, they make their own chocolate syrup and whipcream, brew their own cold press and make amazing scones, but for my taste it, S the raspberry matrimonials that hit the spot. (Update) they now have a 🍋 cookie cake that tastes amazing, and cold press is now on tap, oh happy day!

My experiences at Java Break are always super whelming for several reasons, but mostly it's do with their unpleasant interior and their inconsistent service. The place is not a cozy place to enjoy a coffee with friends. Pretty much all the seats are either uncomfortable for one reason or another (no back, corrugated steel back, hardwood bench, etc.) or don't have a decent table surface to work or play at. It makes the booths in the back prime real estate that you hope you get your hands on whenever you go. And that room with the writing on all the walls? Creepy af.

The service varies from barista to barista. Some of them are super awesome; some are awful. Tonight, we went in with a friend and orderer three drinks between us. Somehow, the two baristas on staff couldn't keep the drinks straight, and then charged us incorrectly for them. All of us ordered regulars and our friend managed to get a free drink from their dice roller. Not only did they mix up who got the free drink (for some reason they refused to give it to him even when we insisted he was the one who rolled the freebie), but they also charged us for a large drink, despite the fact that there were three regular drink cups on the counter in front of them. I don't know if they were just super stoned or what, but it's those experiences with Java Break that make me groan whenever someone suggests the place.

Great place to catch up socially distanced outside! Coffee tastes different than it used to. Stop by this local hangout if you haven't already.

Closed at 9pm.. what is this 2020? Guess the best coffee in town goes to 24/7 mcdonalds now.

Always friendly, fast, and delicious!

Java Break is the end all, be all, of coffee shops in Lawrence. End of conversation. I don't ever write reviews, so the fact that I am really speaks volumes. It is a bit on the pricey side, but you could not ask for a friendlier, quirkier, more lovable environment. The space just screams retro 70's and every room is a space for you to do your thing, no questions asked. One piece of advice. GO WHEN MIKE IS IN! You could be 5 espresso shots deep into homework with tears of school stress dripping onto your notebook and he will still walk over any ask your caffeine-psycho-induced self if you would like a water (to which you should reply yes... ALWAYS)

End of the day...just go here, for everything, it's worth it.