Best Places to Caffeinate Yourself when Staying Awake Feels Like a Chore

Uncovering the ultimate coffee havens for the sleep-deprived

Israel Nelson, 2L

It’s October. Which means, that for law students, assignments are quickly coming due, midterms are happening, and every single event for clubs is happening all at once. To top it all off, the weather is becoming drearier and all you probably want to do is curl up under a nice weighted blanket and sleep for three years.

Unfortunately, you’re in law school, which means you absolutely do not have time for naps and weighted blankets. So here are my personal favorite places in Lawrence to caffeinate yourself when you need to get through that next 60 pages of reading or your next brief.

S&S Artisan Pub & Coffee Shop

Located on Iowa, S&S is a cute little haunt with food, coffee, and even a full bar. You can order from an app on your phone, meaning if you don’t want to interact with anyone, you absolutely can! Come here during the day (or until 9 on Fridays and Saturdays) if you need to crank out some work. The best part about S&S is that it’s not on Mass Street, meaning it’s not frequented by undergrads, making it a bit quieter place to study. (map and directions)

La Prima Tazza

I’m a bit of a night owl, and so I tend to do my best work in the evenings and later at night. Enter La Prima Tazza. Located on Mass Street (like many of the others on this list), La Prima Tazza is open until 10:00 p.m. (10:30 on weekends). Their coffee is amazing – my favorite thing on the menu is the Mole Mocha, which is a spicy mocha! However, if coffee isn’t your caffeine of choice, they sell Matcha, Chai lattes, a variety of teas and even Red Bull! (map and directions)

Java Break

Probably the most popular (and most famous) coffee shop in Lawrence, Java Break is a unique space with booths, outdoor seating and writing all over the wall. The most unique feature, however, is a cereal bar, where you can customize a bowl of cereal to go with your caffeinated beverage! And if you’re not sure about what cereal and toppings you want to eat – there’s a handy cereal bar randomizer on their website for when making a decision seems like the last thing you want to use your brain power for! (map and directions)

J&S Coffee

Located on 6th Street, J&S is a perfect option if you are trying to get away from campus and explore other parts of Lawrence. With an opening time of 6:30, this place is perfect for all the early birds in town who want to get some studying done before class. The owners are super friendly towards students and even offer a student discount, so make sure to bring your KU ID! (map and directions)

The Bourgeois Pig

Alright, so The Bourgeois Pig frequently comes up as one of the best bars in Lawrence, but it’s important to remember it’s ALSO a coffee shop! It is my personal favorite on this list, as during the day and on the weekends, you get a good atmosphere of both graduate students studying next to people having a quick drink on their way home from work. They also have amazing outdoor seating, and well, if you happen to be up very late at night, they will serve you coffee until bar closing time at 2 a.m! (map and directions)

– Israel Nelson is a 2L KU Law Student Ambassador from Gastonia, North Carolina