The Jayhawker

701 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States
+1 785-749-5011
$$$ Restaurant
(88 Reviews)

If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Lawrence, Kansas, a visit to The Jayhawker is an absolute must for an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled at 701 Massachusetts St, this restaurant serves a delightful fusion of comfort food and innovative dishes that pay homage to classic culinary traditions.

The cuisine at The Jayhawker is a masterful blend of hearty American fare with an artisanal twist. Take, for example, their renowned shepherd's pie special. Diners rave about this dish, with its rich layers of fresh ground lamb intermingled with vibrant, locally-sourced vegetables, all enveloped in a buttery topping that’s baked to golden perfection. You’ll find every forkful bursting with flavor, creating a delightful harmony that keeps patrons coming back for more.

The atmosphere is as inviting as the food, with a warm and friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home. From the intimate grill room to the more formal dining area, The Jayhawker accommodates all tastes, whether you're dining solo or celebrating a special occasion with friends and family. Customers like June Jones have praised the thoughtful service and relaxing ambiance, noting that it's the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying innovative holiday drinks crafted by Chef Mark.

As you sip on one of their artisan cocktails, you'll appreciate the attention to detail that brings An exceptional dining experience to life. The bartenders, like the one mentioned by Bradley Hook, are not just skilled mixologists—they are artists, crafting drinks that are as beautiful to behold as they are to taste. It’s a vibrant social scene, especially on Thursday nights when guests can revel in half-off cocktails, creating a jovial yet relaxed atmosphere.

For those who appreciate the historic elements of a venue, The Jayhawker holds a notable place in downtown Lawrence's narrative, having survived tumultuous times and witnessing the evolution of the city. The restaurant’s decor reflects this rich history while seamlessly merging with its modern offerings, promising an environment that is both nostalgic and fresh.

However, be prepared for a bustling crowd, especially during peak hours. If you plan to visit with a group, making reservations is highly recommended to ensure a spot in this popular local gem. As noted by Kevin Keegan, parking can be a challenge, but the experience is well worth the effort. With each bite and sip, The Jayhawker offers a memorable culinary adventure that celebrates both tradition and modernity, ensuring there's never a dull meal.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to indulge your senses and savor the extraordinary food and drink at The Jayhawker - you won’t be disappointed.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Friday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

88 Reviews
june jones

09 Oct 2025

Today I have the shepherd's pie special for lunch and it was delicious. I especially liked the fresh ground lamb, fresh ingredients, attentive service, nice atmosphere. I if you haven't been for a while I'd highly recommend trying the holiday mules and specials created by Chef Mark, and recommend reservations for groups. You won't be disappointed. I've greatly enjoyed every meal that I've had these last few months. Well worth the trip!

Kevin Keegan

03 Aug 2025

Historic hotel in downtown Lawrence. The atmosphere is great. Excellent food and staff friendly service. A grill room and adjacent more quiet formal dining available. Street parking can be challenging and perhaps the only real negative element of this location.

Bradley Hook

06 Jul 2025

Stopped in for a social with some colleagues. The have a bunch of doorways that look like you can enter through them, but they are all non-functional except for one. Once you find the right door, you'll be in a very nice looking little restaurant with a small bar. We were hanging out at the bar. The service was great. We got to enjoy watching an excellent bartender making artisan drinks all night, and some of us indulged ourselves. The atmosphere was great. The noise volume was very low, making it easy to have conversations. The prices were on the high side, but everything was so good, I can't really complain about the price. Really great experience.

Niq Howard

05 Jul 2025

The bar might take a bit to get your drink but they offer a fun variety of cocktails in town. Thursday night is half off night and it will be busy. Expect a wait or to be standing at the bar if you don't have a server. By my last count, Limestone was serving the best hand crafted cocktails downtown. This is a historic spot, surviving an ol raid. Good setting for a drink and even TVs for sports. Good food.

Christian Andrew Moulton

29 Jun 2025

Food is excellent. Might have been the most perfectly cooked fries I've ever had. Perfectly crisp. Service was a little slow, but I think the waitress was in training still.

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