Lawrence Kansas | Jefferson's Restaurant Review

Lawrence Kansas Jefferson's Restaurant Review

Located on historical Massachusett's Street, Jefferson's Restaurant is home to not only the cutest waitstaff in Lawrence, Kansas, but by far the best chicken wings. At Jefferson's, the beers are always cold, the smiles are always big, and the wings are always fresh, hot and spicy.

A semi-local establishment, the first thing you'll notice upon entering Jefferson's are the dollar bills covering nearly every square inch of wall space. Adorned with fraternity letters, words of wisdom, drawings, and birthday memorials, it is just a part of what makes Jefferson's such a fun place. The dollars serve as not only a reminer to tip your waiter and bartender, but enrich the fun loving, care free environment that symbolizes the restaurant.

With daily local specials (particularly on KU game days) and hot off the grill food, everything on the menu is a treat. My personal favorite is the buffalo chicken sandwich, which provides all the tasty goodness of a hotwing without the mess. It is also important to note Jefferson's is one of the few restaurants in Lawrence where you can eat oysters on the half-shell. I personally have never tried them, but I know they are fresh. As a reported aphrodisiac, why not give a shot?

If you're not in the mood for food, Jefferson's has a full bar with several great brews on tap. The abundance of tasty libations coupled with the always enthusiastic clientele makes it a great place to be on gameday (particularly away games). With at least 10 TVs (it seats about 50), there is nary a bad seat in the house.

Finally, if you're not in the mood for crowds and ball games, Jefferson's Restaurant has a fairly good sized patio perfect for sipping a cocktail with your sweetheart and watching people walk up and down Mass. St. (and believe me, there is plenty of people watching to do).

Next time you're in Lawrence, Kansas, make your way over to Jefferson's Restaurant. It won't disappoint.

Lawrence Kansas Jefferson's Restaurant Review

Lawrence Kansas Dentist | Galen Van Blaricum

Although I've been living in Lawrence for about 10 years, I never once visited a dentist in Lawrence until about a month ago. Before that time I either went in my home town (when I was in college and mom scheduled them) or didn't go at all (probably at least the last 3 years - can you believe that, no dentist visits in 3 years!). In any event, and I mean this in the most loving way possible, eventually my wife made me go to the dentist. I just told her to sign me up with whoever she used, and I ended up at Dr. Van Blaricums.

Dr. Van Blaricum's office is located at 3310 Mesa Way, Lawrence Kansas, 66049. Their website can be found here. The office from the outside looks like any other. It is located in a business plaza and has an unassuming exterior. Upon entering, I was greeted at the front desk (at 5:30 mind you - catering to the working crowd is definitely a good thing) by a cheerful young woman who guided me through the initial paperwork required of an initial visit. After finishing that up I began my visit.

I won't bore you with the details of the visit, but I will tell you this; it was about as good a visit as you could have at the dentist. I personally get a little creeped out at the dentist, and don't really like people digging around in my mouth. But the assistant that did the initial check and the dentist that checked me out (it wasn't Van Blaricum, I think it was Dr. Newkirk, who although looks young did a great job) were great. Not only did they check my teeth out well, they were personable and nice.

If you are just moving to Lawrence or have lived here for a while and haven't selected a dentist yet, I'd highly recommend Dr. Galen Van Blaricum and his team. They provide great service, are happy to help you, and want you to have better teeth. Give them a try the next time you need some dental help, you won't be disappointed.

Lawrence Kansas | Yacht Club Review

Yacht Club, located at 530 Wisconsin St., is another one of Lawrence, Kansas's pride and joys. Sitting off the beaten path a little (you want to turn North off Sixth when on the same corner as the Subway), this bar and grill provides the perfect game day experience and is also a great place to go and let off a little steam.

Yacht Club not only features great drink and food specials, it is also the only place in town that boasts "beer towers." These behemoths of beer sit in the middle of the table, inlcude their own spiggot, and hold between 1 and 3 liters of beer (you can order however much you want). Once it comes out, just work your way to the bottom and start all over again. But on game days get one early. They are limited in number and once grabbed by a group, they don't free up quickly.

Overall the food and drinks are great. The burgers are big and juicy, the fries are crisp and hot, and the rest of the food on the menu is great. If undecided when you get there try the chili cheese tots, they won't let you down.

The service there is also A+. Like many other bars and restaurants in Lawrence, the servers are probably 100% college students who are eager to serve you (remember to tip for the starving students!). They are happy to see and are quick to provide all the libations you need to get through the game.

One final note on the Yacht Club that might push you toward checking it out. In addition to all the fun times you can have on your own, it has also been known to be a hangout of the KU men's basketball coaches (and the players occasionally eat there too), so you in addition to having a great beer, you might get to chat up Bill Self! In fact, last night after the KU K-State men's basketball game the four hosts of ESPN's College Gameday, Digger Phelps, Jay Bilas, Reece Davis, and Hubert Davis were hanging out having a post-game drink.

Overall I give the Yacht Club 5 out of 5 stars.

Lawrence Kansas | Free State Brewing Company Review

Free State Brewing Company, located at 636 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas and nestled in the heart of the entertainment district, is the home of one of several local breweries in town. Known for its Wheat State Brew and great patrons, Free State Brewing Company sits in a class by itself.

The first thing you'll notice when you get to the restaurant is its great location and decor from outside to in and top to bottom. Everything about this place screams brewery, but it isn't dirty or repugnant. The casks and brewing machinery sit behind panes of glass that only add to the aesthetics of the restaurant.

As a brewery, the best thing about the place should be the beer. And it is. With several year round staples and at least one seasonal brew on tap, there is something on the menu for everyone. No matter what beer you have poured, you will not be disappointed. And if you like it so much you want to take it home, they have "growlers" on demand.

The food offerings match the variety and the quality of its beers. Whether it is a hearty burger or a pasta dish that whets your appetite, Free State will have something on the menu for you. And with daily specials, including utilizing native Kansas ingredients, every trip is an opportunity to experience something new.

As would be expected, the service of the staff matches the quality of its offerings. Quick to help and quick to serve, in all my dining experiences here I have never once felt the need to hold back a tip for lack of service. The wait staff here, although matching the younger demographic of the towns nearby university, tend to be much more experienced and interested in providing an enjoyable dining experience.

When you decide to visit, call first 785-843-4555, because you may have to wait for a table, and they will put you on the list before you get there. Don't fret about the wait, though, as that provides an opportunity to savor the libations flowing from the beer taps. And with a generously sized front patio, it may actually enhance your experience to sit out there for a drink, chat with the locals, and do a little people watching. Free State Brewing Company is one of the best places to truly get a feel for what the city of Lawrence has to offer.

Free State Brewing Company Review - 5 Stars

Lawrence Kansas | Henry T's Bar & Grill

If you are looking for a place to have a great beer, get some great food, and watch some good sports, Henry T's Bar and Grill in Lawrence, Kansas is the place to be. With many TV's (some HD, some not), daily food and drink specials, and great service, I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.

I've been going to Henry T's, located at Sixth and Kasold, every Tuesday (cheap buckets o'chicken strips and fries), Wednesday (wings specials) or Thursday (half-price apps after 9:00 and $1.00 draws) for the last two or three years now and have never been disappointed with the service or the food. And speaking of the food, Henry T's has got the best selection and tasting appetizers in Lawrence. It is not even close. The nachos are piled high every night, the wings are always made fresh, and the mini-corn dogs are amazing.

In addition to the surroundings inside, there is also a fairly large outside space outfitted with its own TVs and tables. Whether a smoker (Lawrence restaurants and bars are smoke free) or wanting to catch some fresh air, you don't have to miss a second of the game. And speaking of games, you can catch whatever you want at Henry T's - their selection of basketball and football games is excellent, and they are more than happy to change the channel if you ask.

Whether new to Lawrence or a longtime resident, give Henry T's a try. You won't be disappointed. Be forewarned, though, if you are going on KU basketball game days get there early. It fills up fast, and they are pretty strict about not letting people save tables or put a bunch of tables together.

All in all, I'd give it five out of five stars.

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