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Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
816 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
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Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
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La
Review β„–1

Wishing I lived in Lawrence after eating here. Id eat breakfast here as much as possible! Excellent food and at a good price. Pic is of their everything bagel breakfast sandwich, and the Alchemist, cold brew with dark chocolate almond milk. πŸ˜‹

Kr
Review β„–2

Pricey but with good reason. I’ve never had a latte I liked until I went to Alchemy. Their coffee is the best coffee I have ever had and the interior design just seals the deal. Love.

Hu
Review β„–3

Friendly staff, they’re trying to be a restaurant now which is cool if that’s what you want. They close at 2 even though it doesn’t say it online or on the front of the store. Also asked for honey in my coffee, they gave me a tiny cup of milk instead? Not sure about that. Still a very cute atmosphere. Not upset, lots of room to improve!

Kh
Review β„–4

They have delicious coffee and creative pastries. Also, they serve varieties of brunch.

Da
Review β„–5

Another fancy coffeeshop in Lawrence. More of a restaurant, really. Was very busy and they put the coffees in a mug before dumping them into our to go cups. They werent doing pour overs, today.

Pl
Review β„–6

My girlfriend and I decided to eat a late breakfast here. She had the Lonnies breakfast, cinnamon roll, and grey tea while I had English, lemon Berry scone, and Berry tea. It took quite some time to get waited on, and we received our cinnamon roll and scone before our teas! After some time our tea arrived followed again by a long wait whereas we received our food. After finishing our food and another long wait our waiter decided to arrive and ask us if we needed our ticket. Upon receiving our ticket we just happen to notice the already added gratuity of 15%. Usually I tip at least 20%, but since our service was hit-miss at best I left it.Since this is automatically added it seemed that our server did not feel it necessary to even try to be decent in their job.Three stars only because the food is quite good but the service is unreliable and unorganized.

Aa
Review β„–7

Beautiful building and super nice staff. But a latte was almost $7 before tip and the coffee was really weak

Da
Review β„–8

A quick stop in to get out of the cold and my wife loves the coffee. I get the benefit of sharing an awesome giant peanut butter kiss cookie. What a treat and great place to visit!

An
Review β„–9

First time coming here since before the pandemic, and I was disappointed to find the quality wasnt what I remembered. We ordered a chocolate chip cookie and the ginger cookie with buttercream, along with two flash brews, or pourovers over ice.The cookies were ok. The chocolate chip was fine, but not the best in town, and not better than you could make at home. Just a decent cookie. The ginger one had a good flavor, but was a bit dry (possibly overbaked?) and the buttercream was excessively sweet and was a bit grainy with sugar crystals. Again, ok but not great.The coffees, which were made from different bean selections, were both muddy in flavor, lacking the complexity and clarity I recall so vividly from the past, while also being both bitter and watery. They were in no way superior to an iced coffee from Starbucks. We didnt finish them.I would have been satisfied if I had paid $2.50 apiece for each of the above, but at Alchemys price point? No way. At their prices, I expect high quality, not just mediocrity, which is why I feel I must rate them so poorly. Hopefully they will improve, and I will be happily surprised on some future visit. Until then, Id rather spend my money at 1900 Barker.

Ja
Review β„–10

Super good bakery items. The cinnamon donut (which is more the consistency of a coffee cake) is fabulous, as is the ginger cream pie. I’m confident that other things would be just as delicious. The coffee, on the other hand, was less impressive. The espresso isn’t bad, but there’s not much complexity to it, truth be told. Or, maybe it just seems weak? (I’m an experienced coffee connoisseur but horrible at describing tastes.) The pour over I selected (a Nicaraguan) was likewise OK – not spectacular. But the real issue with the coffee was the unbelievable amount of time that it took. Yes, when I went it was crowded... like, crazy busy. But still, I’m not exaggerating when I say the two drinks took about 10-15 minutes (felt like 15+), which is just too dang long to be waiting for a cup of coffee. Anyway, I’d be happy to give them another chance because the baked goods are so yummy, and hopefully the extremely slow drinks were an anomaly.

Ry
Review β„–11

Alchemy is a one-of-a-kind coffee shop! Artisanal, high-quality, and always presented with care, you certainly won’t find a superior cup anywhere else in Lawrence. Alchemy was the first place I ever tried a draught coffee. It’s phenomenal! Their new downtown location is spectacular, and that expanded space was much needed. If you’re a serious coffee drinker like myself, do not miss an opportunity to visit Alchemy!

Be
Review β„–12

This place is fantastic! I was waiting for a table at Limestone Pizza - which is next door - and I went in with my family for a drink. There is beer, wine, mixed drinks, and of course, coffee. The is also a selection of pastries and other foods. Great menu and awesome atmosphere!

Br
Review β„–13

Great place to grab a coffee and hang with friends.

Bo
Review β„–14

Alchemy is hands down my favorite coffee house. If you are a coffee lover, enthusiast, fanatic, connoisseur, savant, or if you are just a casual coffee enjoyer you will love Alchemy. They take the time to understand how to bring out the best in the beans to make a purely delicious product. Whether you enjoy a pour over, an espresso, some cold brew, or just a classic drip press you will be thrilled with your drink. Oh, and as if fantastic coffee wasnt enough, theyve got a world class bakery that serves up creative morsels daily that will never let you down.I have never been disappointed at Alchemy and will forever stop in any time Im in Lawrence area.

Ni
Review β„–15

Service suckedβ€”food was great.... highlights included leaving our food to β€œdie” in window and being told that there was β€œlimited water”!

Ni
Review β„–16

Sad to report a recent bad experience, we generally love this place, but the service was poor enough (and we had a hungry two year old with us), that we likely wont be returning.

La
Review β„–17

Every time I ask for a non toasted bagel, they toast it... If they are frozen or raw and you have to, just tell me that when I order.. since I dont want to waste food, everytime I just take it and leave.. but not going back for that reason..

Om
Review β„–18

This bakery, you can’t imagine how good it is

Is
Review β„–19

A great spot in mass street to get a nice well crafted latte! So glad they moved and expanded.

Sa
Review β„–20

The sweetest barrista wanted us to enjoy our canoe trip and offered us free cold brew. What a thoughtful and caring person! Obviously Alchemy hires good people and the coffee was delicious. πŸ™πŸ½

JΓ©
Review β„–21

I remember going to the first Alchemy location very often for their cold brew. I am glad that they now have a bigger place on Mass. They’ve got really nice coffee, a good drink selections and pastries with seasonal specialties too. I just wish the weather was a little warmer so I could order a cold brew, theirs is one of my favourites.

J
Review β„–22

Great coffee. Great pastries. Possibly the worst bagel Ive ever had. I encourage the chef or owner to visit New York one time and try a bagel anywhere, then compare it to what you guys are calling a bagel. Technically they dont serve a bagel, they serve bread in the shape of a bagel and they call it a bagel. A bagel has a specific process to be made and they dont follow that process to make their bagel. My only other complaint is that there are so many other milk alternatives out there, why do they only serve almond milk? Coconut milk, oat milk and even hemp milk are amazing substitutes. Im sure Ill visit again, but I wont be ordering the bagel.

Ka
Review β„–23

Highly overrated. It used to be good back when they first opened but not so much anymore. Especially since expanding to the bigger location on mass. Additionally, coffee drinkers usually like coffee in the mornings. Not opening until 730 or later is just inconvenient. Plenty of better places to go for coffee.

St
Review β„–24

Where do I begin? They dont except cash so I was forced to tip and then I didnt even get a napkin and I ordered a cinnamon donut. I dont mind tipping good service. I wont be back. Sorry I cheated Starbucks!

Dy
Review β„–25

My happy place. My home 200 ft from my home. I love this place. A friendly mom & pop shop with unbeatable baked goods and coffee.

Ne
Review β„–26

This was my first visit to this fantastic place. I will be back for more plus the service is excellent. However, the didnt have cheesecake the service was good. Thank you all.

Pe
Review β„–27

This is the original Alchemy location. Its expensive but totally worth it.My girlfriend and I stayed with some friends who live nearby for a few days while we were in between apartments last summer. I could not live within walking distance of this place. I would spend all of my money here.Parking is limited, but workable if you know what to look for. The space is small and the ambiance is smart and modern. There are only a handful of seats, but the options do not feel limited. My go-to was a large cold brew with dark chocolate almond milk and whatever pastry looked the most scrumptious that day.The little garden area to the west of the entrance is so cute and feels so intimate! Its the kind of place where you can find a restful moment in nature before heading to work. Though I have had my share of rogue bee/wasp/hornet encounters in this beautiful sitting area.The people who work here are nice and do a good job of judging how much interaction Im down for in a given morning. This is the kind of place where silence with the barista feels natural and easy.

Ni
Review β„–28

How this place could ever get anything less than 5 stars is beyond me.The owners are delightful with their cute kids. What wonderful people!The coffee and tea is incredible. The cold brew is a must try for anyone. Its done better than any other cold brew Ive had. The rest of the coffee including the pour over is yum and done right to bring out the flavors of the bean.The tea is potent in a good way. You are better than safe ordering just about anything here.

Ja
Review β„–29

I love this place, one of the few coffee shops in Lawrence without the bitter taste to their beans. Smooth drinks and tasty snacks! Good atmosphere too

Em
Review β„–30

Best breakfast sandwich in town!

Je
Review β„–31

I love the coffe and the baristas are always friendly. However, if gratuity is automatically being charged I expect my sugar to already be in my coffe, especially when driving its a distraction to have to add it myself.

Em
Review β„–32

The cold brew coffee is great, but as with many places that specialize in weird and wonderful coffees, their plain hot black coffee was not very good, which is always a disappointing start. The staff seemed constantly overwhelmed by the constant line of customers which made them come off a little gruff and impatient though Im sure theyre perfectly nice people. For example when I ordered bacon and eggs the screen was already flipped toward me and the cashier gone working on other peoples coffees or something before I could specify how I wanted my eggs cooked - I dont know - maybe you dont get to choose?The eggs came over medium, which seems odd if thats the default. Though they were a great example of over medium eggs. They also came pre salted which also seemed like an odd choice. The bacon is thick cut and super greasy (thats not a criticism, just an observation, who doesnt love greasy bacon?). One piece of bacon was quite tough and took a LOT of chewing to get through (that is a criticism). The brioche toast was good and very lightly toasted.The space is nice. Well lit, clean, and very casual. Theres not a lot of seating which isnt helped by the presence of people working on their screenplay who spread their laptop and papers across the seating areas for 4 or more people.My overall experience was just fine. I might consider going back.

Jo
Review β„–33

Best Pour over coffee and lovingly crafted treats in Lawrence. Their cold brew is also top notch. Premium pricing for premium goods. If you desire a great cup of coffee and a treat like a muffin or cookie take the time to hit Alchemy. The baked goods are always rotating so check back in for new tastes.

Do
Review β„–34

He prepared a cold mocha, served it and I offered to purchase a hot mocha (reasoning I didn’t specify). He turned abruptly and said he had to get the next person in line. It’s 46 degrees outside and he didn’t serve my coffee iced. Fortunately, most baristas are more considerate and articulate.

Ty
Review β„–35

I just live the store front design.

Ch
Review β„–36

This place put me in a bad mood. Felt like I got robbed at gun point. Extremely over priced for under par quality. Had better coffee at gas stations for a fraction of the cost. Breakfast sandwich was better at previous location. Definitely last visit for me.

Bo
Review β„–37

Oh boy oh boy. Alchemy has a beautiful setup. It has a warm, well lit, cozy and friendly atmosphere. The entire building is a gorgeous site, and you could spend hours admiring the well trained staff create drinks and baked goods. The coffee and food will speak for themselves, but I highly encourage you to take some time out of your busy day to enjoy yourself at this lovely coffeeshop. Plus, they have beer! Whats not to enjoy? 6 stars.

Ha
Review β„–38

Amazing! I had the black walnut iced latte- incredible flavor! The everything bagel was also very delicious, like the homemade bagels I had as a child :) The customer service was great, friendly and patient peeps! Thanks y’all

La
Review β„–39

Alchemy has quickly become a foundational part of the Lawrence community. It breathes out baked good smells into the zippy side streets. Although the location and parking is quirky, any possible negatives are overcome by the friendly staff and love filled baked goods. Coffee Brewing gear mimics an alchemists kitchen as simple beans are transformed into liquid gold for the drinker. Brass accents trim the shop in a unique and zesty way making Alchemy a truly Lawrencian location. Will return till I am physically unable.

Jo
Review β„–40

I tried Alchemy for the first time and loved it! I tried an iced latte which was mildly flavored but delicious, and a carrot cupcake which was fabulous. The staff was super friendly and there was ample seating. Good vibes all around!

Ra
Review β„–41

We were in town visiting from TN for the KU basketball game. We happened upon this great spot for breakfast, highly recommend! We loved the biscuit and raspberry jalapeΓ±o jam πŸ˜‹

Ka
Review β„–42

Cozy brunch spot downtown Lawrence. The house mug of coffee was delicious. The homemade biscuits were amazing - need more meat, toppings and/or jelly to go on their sandwiches for the price.

Gr
Review β„–43

Best coffee shop and bakery Ive ever been to by a long shot. The attention and knowledge that Ben and Joanie bring to their crafts are beyond. There is a constantly rotating selection of perfectly roasted beans from ethical sources. Their pour overs are a must. You should definitely give their draughts a taste, too. The baked goods are far above any other bakery anywhere. Joanie also makes cakes to order that are incredible. Try the lemon. I cant recommend this place enough.

Sr
Review β„–44

Best coffee I have had in a long time. Friendly staff and quiet setting. Good for dates.Cons.Very small place, louder than normal music and less variety in coffee flavors.

Mi
Review β„–45

Went in with no idea what I wanted so I told them to surprise me. Staff was friendly and attentive. Atmosphere was great. I will definitely be back for more.

Jo
Review β„–46

Super busy but great coffee and atmosphere. I dont really recommend this place as a good study spot. Also they have great bakery items!

Ji
Review β„–47

This mom & pop cafΓ© is first rate. The baked goods by mom Joni are delicious. The gourmet coffee selected by pop Ben are awesome. Cold brew coffee on tap. Varieties from many countries with sophisticated notes on each. Come often as the bakers vary the fare.

Kr
Review β„–48

Love this place! Great Chia Latte! The desserts are AMAZING!πŸ₯°

An
Review β„–49

First visit. I had a pour-over coffee that used some delicious beans that tasted like a mix between pineapple and vanilla. May be the best coffee Ive ever had. Inviting atmosphere with friendly employees and relaxing music. Conversation can get loud though. My only gripe is that I wish it was bigger.

Ch
Review β„–50

Love everything about Alchemy! Wonderful coffee and space. The food and baked goods are also heavenly.

Sa
Review β„–51

Amazing cinnamon rolls!!! The staff and environment were so friendly and inviting!! It was clean, the lighting was soft, but not for, just cheerful. Im not a coffee drinker and I will be thrilled to return!!!!

Ju
Review β„–52

A very cool space. Looks fantastic, but espresso is bitter. Did not try the baked goods that looked really great. Maybe an off day for them.

Ju
Review β„–53

This is a serious coffee place. The decaf pour over I had was excellent. There was a very limited selection of baked goods when I came. Ambience is stark modern.

Ja
Review β„–54

This is some of the best coffee in Lawrence. Plan on playing along with the hipster, craft, small arthouse coffee vibe but play well and enjoy fine fresh coffee. Pretty much the exact opposite of Starbucks on the coffeehouse spectrum.

Fi
Review β„–55

Best gluten free peanut butter chocolate cookie. Never seen anything like it. Would recommend for sure and definitely coming back.

Mo
Review β„–56

This is a lovely quaint coffeeshop on Mass. The coffee is always made fresh and they give you the option to enjoy it there or on the go. My only complaint is a couple of times I have gone there, theyve run out of chai. Otherwise I always have a pleasant experience.

Je
Review β„–57

AWESOME PLACE !!! Great food and atmosphere. Try the cold brew and chocolate almond milk. Matt is a great barrister, best latte ever

Ka
Review β„–58

Gorgeous atmosphere, clean, and delicious high quality coffee and food. Owners and staff did such a great job on the new location.

Su
Review β„–59

First of all, they are dog friendly and allow them inside!!! Huge win in book. Small little place with limited seating, but both the coffee and baked goods are fantastic

Dm
Review β„–60

They have great blueberry nitro on tap and biscuits with vegetables and a hard boiled egg. Their selection of jams that go with biscuits is impressive.

C
Review β„–61

Midwest hospitality at its finest! Come for the coffee/baked goods, stay for conversations with staff that is passionate and knowledgable about their products. All of the thumbs up!!!

Ma
Review β„–62

Loved the Strawberry Shortcake last week. Old-fashioned and delicious.

St
Review β„–63

Super cool coffee house with a great variety of coffees, teas, beers, and other beverages plus fantastic house made baked goods.

Je
Review β„–64

Cold brew coffee there is amazing! You can get it topped with chocolate milk and it is to die for. Their fresh in-house made baked goods are also amazing!

Is
Review β„–65

Really great local place, why would you ever go to Starbucks again? Nice atmosphere and staff..Omid made me a mocha with almond milk that was to die for..they could use some more seating but I heard they are moving downtown, cant wait to see the new location!

br
Review β„–66

Excellent coffee (try the cold brew) and the all the baked goods are phenomenal. I ordered my wedding cake and cupcakes from the owners and they were superb, garnering many compliments on both taste and presentation.

Ca
Review β„–67

The Baristas are always friendly! The coffee is always good. And coming from a true coffee snob. The cold brew is the most delightful I have ever had.

Mo
Review β„–68

What a wonderful place. Homemade syrups provided me with the best Vanilla Latte Ive ever had. Key Lime pie was out of this world!!!

P.
Review β„–69

Easily the best coffee I have ever had. Also ordered a biscuit sandwich that was absolutely delicious. Glad we gave this place a try.

Am
Review β„–70

First timers and had the Dragonwell Tea and Ethiopia Flannel Drip. Pretty dang good. And the people are very inviting and friendly! The atmosphere is fun and unique. Well be back for sure!

Su
Review β„–71

Some of the best cold brew in KC... I often keep a growler in the fridge, refilling it at one of several spots in downtown KCMO.

Ro
Review β„–72

If youre looking for the best cold brew coffee in town this is the place to find it.

J
Review β„–73

Just a great place. Super nice people great baked goods and the best coffee you can get... Really anywhere

Du
Review β„–74

Awesome coffee. Best around! Baked goods are also top notch. Cool people!

Da
Review β„–75

Great vibe. Awesome, friendly and helpful baristas!

Ga
Review β„–76

Gorgeous expansion on the smaller original location. Friendly staff, excellent baked goods, and some of the best coffee around.

CD
Review β„–77

Server was very helpful in advising use to get the coffee just right, great place

Ab
Review β„–78

As far as Im aware, this is the best coffee shop in Lawrence. Their cold brew coffee is out of this world, and their bakery makes incredible desserts!

Mi
Review β„–79

People who work here are great. Very kind and knowledgable. The coffee is amazing the bakery items are the bets around.

Ke
Review β„–80

Great bakery items that include gluten free options.

Ci
Review β„–81

Best from scratch egg biscuit with homemade spicy strawberry jam EVER! Love this place!

Lo
Review β„–82

Loved the atmosphere, staff, and desserts/coffee. But dont be in a hurry!

Je
Review β„–83

Great cold brew and the best draught cold brew Ive had yet

Li
Review β„–84

Friendly staff, great coffee, good ambiance.

Be
Review β„–85

Good service and nice atmosphere. Mostly coffee and baked goods, most if not all made in house.

J
Review β„–86

Im mostly a at home coffee brewer. I do get out enough to try different coffee chains and to be honest from customer service to the taste of a hot pour over cold press with two biscottis to go with it, I know that I cannot beat the price, taste, or service anywhere else that Ive been. All for a total of 5 dollars with a cheap tip included in the five I would say its money hella well spent.

Ro
Review β„–87

Its good coffee and the cold brew setup is visually interesting. I get it. Nevertheless, the location is cramped and somewhat uninviting. I feel like theres a general pretension around the place as well. Case in point: I ask the barista, Whats your standard cup of coffee? to which he responds, We dont serve ***standard*** coffee.

Do
Review β„–88

I love this place! My favorite is the cold brew with dark chocolate almond milk; it is super yummy!

Jo
Review β„–89

Wonderful pourovers, cold brew, and a wide selection of coffee. Theres something for everyone.

Ke
Review β„–90

Great food. Loved the salad. Guys were great

La
Review β„–91

The coffee: delightfulThe staff: welcoming and informedThe shop: Light and airyIts a little out of the way, but I recommend taking the time to check it out, you wont be disappointed.

Mr
Review β„–92

Oh. My. God. This place is freaking amazing!! Okay, its hipsterlandia, as hipster as you can get in Lawrence, KS but the baristas were super cool and friendly.Roscoe the bartender/barista was genuinely friendly and professional. He never stopped moving behind the bar.They make their own syrups and liquid concoctions for their drinks and cocktails.The back of the joint looks like a baking laboratory and the music is off the hook.A+++ all the way. 5:03 pm 8.4.18My fancy iced tea was bomb ass, why isnt this place closer to us?Ps. The bathrooms are cool AF. 😎

Ja
Review β„–93

Great food and coffee...mail order for beans!!!

Ma
Review β„–94

Great people. Great place. Great food and drink.

Pr
Review β„–95

This place is fantastic! As a barista who travels to Lawrence from time to time I always make sure to stop by Alchemy to get a pour over. Couldnt rate the experience and quality high enough.

Ch
Review β„–96

Use to frequent here even though way over priced because its right across the street but no longer will after witnessing staff and owner treat cannabis activist like second class citizen in the parking lot. Not a good look Alchemy! Completely unreasonable approach. All my friends will no longer support your business.

Ch
Review β„–97

Wonderful coffee and delicious sweets

Jo
Review β„–98

Excellent coffee, beautiful decor, and a slew of fresh baked goods. Would make an excellent date or study spot for college kids.

Ad
Review β„–99

Pretty nice place. Cold brew is their specialty.

Ca
Review β„–100

Great place! Amazing gluten free cookies, too!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:816 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
  • Site:http://www.alchemyks.com/
  • Phone:+1 785-424-5601
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • Bakery
  • Breakfast restaurant
  • Cake shop
  • Cookie shop
  • Espresso bar
  • Meeting room
  • Pie shop
  • Tea house
  • Wedding bakery
Working hours
  • Monday:7:30AM–6PM
  • Tuesday:7:30AM–6PM
  • Wednesday:7:30AM–6PM
  • Thursday:7:30AM–6PM
  • Friday:7:30AM–6PM
  • Saturday:7:30AM–6PM
  • Sunday:7:30AM–6PM
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible seating:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
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