community | entertainment & nightlife | food & dining health & fitness | services | shopping
Abe & Jake’s Landing Abe Landing
abejakes.com
An extraordinary event venue overlooking the Kansas River in Historic Downtown Lawrence, KS
A VERSATILE EVENT SPACE NESTLED IN OLD WEST LAWRENCE
846 ILLINOIS ST • REVIVALROOMLAWRENCE.COM
True Blue Banking ®
for your family and your business.
True Blue® for over 130 years 888.8CAPFED • capfed.com
Best of Lawrence is a collaboration between Lawrence Journal-World and Sunflower Publishing
SUNFLOWER PUBLISHING PUBLISHER Bill Uhler DIRECTOR Bob Cucciniello ART DIRECTOR Alex Tatro EDITORS Gina DeBacker Jean Teller COPY EDITOR Leslie Clugston Andres MAGAZINE ADVERTISING Joanne Morgan 785.832.7264 jmorgan@sunflowerpub.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Fally Afani Jason Dailey Nick Krug CONTRIBUTING WRITER Fally Afani
LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD PUBLISHER Chad Lawhorn
dear readers Howdy, partner, and welcome to the 2026 Best of Lawrence magazine! Our team at Sunflower Publishing sure is tickled to bring you another fine issue highlighting the folks that make Lawrence one of a kind. You voted, we tallied, and now we’re proud to present the cream of the crop. Inside these pages, we get an insider’s look at what makes our top-rated businesses stand out from the herd, chat with some of our Top 5 winners about what it means to wear the “Reigning Champs” badge, explore the newest spots in our town and more. For those who are new here, our contest, in partnership with the Lawrence Journal-World, is a good old-fashioned celebration of the values and aspirations our city holds dear. With constant nods of support from other businesses, we hope to foster a spirit of community over competition. Because here, we ride together, and we hope you feel the same way. Thank you to everyone who made this issue possible. Without you, this contest and publication wouldn’t exist. So go on and saddle up for a ride through Lawrence’s very best. Happy trails! —Best of Lawrence team
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ADVERTISING Kevin Hall ADVERTISING Jeff Cuttell 785.832.7295 jcuttell@ljworld.com Peter Steimle 785.832.7119 psteimle@ljworld.com
on the cover
community | entertainment & nightlife | food & dining health & fitness | services | shopping
A fifth-generation cowboy, Chase Ice prepares to lasso up some of this year’s Best of Lawrence winners. Photograph by Nick Krug
Best of Lawrence 2026
5
what’s covered Reigning Champs Best of Lawrence winners talk about what it takes to stay on top of their profession
New in Town Best of Lawrence welcomes newcomers to the circle of finalists and winners
08
Best of Lawrence rounds up some of the best stops across the city
food & dining
Inside the Corral
17
Riding with the Best
Honoring restaurants and people who love food
Best of Lawrence winners discuss their secrets to success
Best of Lawrence gives a shout-out to other businesses in the community
community Celebrating city leaders and doers
25 shopping Highlighting unique stores and suppliers
35 health & fitness Paying tribute to those who sustain our well-being
42 services Focusing on professionals and artisans
51 entertainment & nightlife Saluting those who keep the party going
6
Rodeo Roundup
Best of Lawrence 2026
THE WINNERS ARE ...
The roost 1st – Breakfast Spot 1st – Place to Get a Bloody Mary
If you’ve eaten at The Roost, 920 Massachusetts St., chances are the weekend line extending past the patio nearly scared you off. This cozy spot serves up all the homestyle fixings for the perfect breakfast and lunch, including a killer Bloody Mary. (Just ask the Best of Lawrence voters.) We caught up with owner Manda Jolly to ask who else deserves recognition in the Lawrence community. She raved about Lawrence’s embrace of the Algerian team we hosted this summer during the World Cup. “The city of Lawrence has risen to the occasion,” Jolly says. “And there are some people who have done some incredibly creative things.” Yarn Barn of Kansas, she points out, hosted a fennec fox crochet class in honor of the team’s nickname. And Global Café extended its hours for select matches. “They were already huge soccer fans,” Jolly explains. “They have a TV and have been offering specials. It’s been a great place to hang out during the tournament.” Finally, Jolly wanted to give a shout-out to all of the restaurants in Lawrence: “It’s very hard work—and Lawrence is really busy right now!”
8
Best of Lawrence 2026
ASIAN FOOD (NON-CHINESE) 1) Encore Asian Bistro 2) Zen Zero 3) Lucky Seb’s Dumpling Bar & Grill 4) India Palace 5) Lulu’s Latin Food BAKERY 1) Munchers Bakery 2) WheatFields Bakery & Café 3) 1900 Barker Café and Bakery, multiple locations 3) Tous les Jours 4) Cleo & Leo on Elm Street 5) Great Harvest Bread Co. BARBECUE 1) Biemer’s BBQ 2) Q39 3) Bigg’s BBQ 4) Stanley James Smokehouse 5) Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q BARISTA 1) Zarintaj Ramaley, Sunflower Cafe & Pub 2) Trey Huslig, Uplift Coffee Shop 3) Madison Luchsinger, Cleo & Leo on Elm Street 4) Brittanie Sinisgalli, Espurresso Cat Cafe 5) Emma Francis, Morning Fog Bakery & Café BREAKFAST SPOT 1) The Roost 2) Ladybird Diner 3) The Big Biscuit 3) First Watch 4) Milton’s Café BURRITO 1) Burrito King 2) Los Guapos 3) Lulu’s Latin Food 4) JB’s Cali Fusion 5) Pancho’s Mexican Food BUTCHER SHOP/MEAT COUNTER 1) Checkers Foods 2) Yoder Meats 3) Hy-Vee 3) The Merc Co+op 4) Dillons 5) Meat, LLC
FOOD & DINING
meadowlark wine bar 3rd – New Restaurant 5th – New Business (Community)
CAKES, SPECIALTY 1) Munchers Bakery 2) Cleo & Leo on Elm Street 3) Tous les Jours 4) WheatFields Bakery & Café 5) Hy-Vee CATERING 1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Morningstar’s Pizza 3) Sandwich Bowl 4) Los Guapos Latin Food 5) The Mad Greek CHEF 1) Anna Serene and Daniel Galina, Maceli’s 2) Jesi Kelley, Sandwich Bowl 3) Nathan Desetti, Merchants Pub & Plate 4) Lourdes Esmeralda Perez Rojo, Los Guapos Latin Food 5) Finnegan Huerter, Sable Kitchen + Bar CHICKEN 1) Lulu’s Latin Food 2) 92 Chicken 3) Raising Cane’s 4) Jefferson’s, multiple locations 5) Ladybird Diner
Jake Moffitt, co-owner of Meadowlark Wine Bar & Kitchen
Named after Kansas’ state bird, Meadowlark Wine Bar & Kitchen, 1011 Massachusetts St., sets itself apart with a vegetarian-focused menu built from local ingredients and an extensive wine list sourced from eco-conscious producers. “Our slogan is ‘As local as possible, when possible,’” explains co-owner Jake Moffitt. “I work with a lot of local farmers to get a lot of our produce and with Michael Beard [Meat, LLC], who gets a lot of our meat.” Jake and his wife, Elizabeth, have packed a lot into the past year, from opening a new restaurant to welcoming their first baby. Amid the chaos, they love the intimate space they have created and the menu they have built, featuring specialty cocktails, small plates, main dishes and delectable desserts. The restaurant enjoys keeping customers on their toes, rotating a few menu selections weekly and letting the seasons and local ingredients guide their choices. However, Jake points to the vegan smoked beet dish as a crowd favorite that has remained on the menu for some time. He hopes that being part of Best of Lawrence will bring more attention to Meadowlark. “What’s great about this town is that local restaurants support one another,” he explains. “I’ve worked in many other cities, and you don’t always have that camaraderie.”
CHINESE FOOD 1) Encore Asian Bistro 2) Red Pepper 3) China House 4) Jade Garden 5) Lucky Seb’s Dumpling Bar & Grill COOKIES, SPECIALTY 1) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies 2) Cleo & Leo on Elm Street 3) CC’s Cookie Co. 4) WheatFields Bakery & Café 5) Munchers Bakery DELIVERY/TO GO (RESTAURANT) 1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Los Guapos Latin Food 3) Pizza Shuttle 3) The Mad Greek Traveling Taverna 4) Lulu’s Latin Food 5) Red Pepper DESSERT 1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream 2) Sandwich Bowl 3) WheatFields Bakery & Café 4) Ladybird Diner 4) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 5) Los Guapos Latin Food FOOD TRUCK 1) The Pretzelly Truck 2) JB’s Tacos 3) Uplift Mobile Coffee Truck 4) The Mad Greek Traveling Taverna 5) Ike’s OooWee BBQ Pit & Grill
Best of Lawrence 2026
9
FOOD & DINING
los guapos 2nd – Burrito 2nd – Delivery/To Go (Restaurant) 2nd – Gluten Free 2nd – Vegetarian or Vegan Food 3rd – Mexican Food 3rd – Outdoor Dining 3rd – Tacos 4th – Catering 4th – Chef (Lourdes Perez Rojo) 5th – Dessert When a fire swept through Cielito Lindo, an entire restaurant team found themselves out of work. But owners Victor Roman and Lourdes Perez Rojo refused to let that be the end of the story. Instead, they set their sights on a new venture. “We had Lulu’s Latin Food, but it wasn’t enough space to employ the whole team who had lost their jobs,” explains Perez Rojo about opening Los Guapos Latin Food one year later. “Los Guapos turned out exactly as we imagined.” Los Guapos, 1500 W. 6th St., bursts with color and flavor. The owners wanted to share their culture with Lawrence, so the menu offers an expansive lineup of dishes rooted in their Mexican and Guatemalan traditions. Beyond the familiar tacos and burritos, diners will discover standouts like their molcajete bowls, piled high with chicken, carnitas, chorizo and prickly pear cactus. “We wanted people to know that Latinos are about more than tacos and tequila,” Perez Rojo says. “We possess elegance and imagination. Our homemade food is the best because it comes from our ancestral chefs—our great-grandparents, grandparents and mothers.” With no signs of slowing down, Los Guapos promises to keep the party going and teases what may be coming next. “New things are definitely coming,” Perez Rojo says. “A drivethru, new dishes, new drinks and many other surprises.”
10
Best of Lawrence 2026
FRENCH FRIES 1) The Burger Stand at the Casbah 2) Lulu’s Latin Food 3) Runza 4) The Mad Greek 5) Five Guys From left: Victor Roman, Lourdes Perez Rojo
FRESH PRODUCE 1) Checkers Foods 2) Lawrence Farmers Market 3) Dillons 4) The Merc Co+op 5) ALDI GLUTEN FREE 1) Merchants Pub & Plate 2) Los Guapos Latin Food 3) Sandwich Bowl 4) The Mad Greek 5) Lulu’s Latin Food GROCERY STORE 1) Checkers Foods 2) Dillons 3) ALDI 4) Hy-Vee 5) The Merc Co+op HAMBURGER 1) The Burger Stand at the Casbah 2) Burgers By Biggs 3) Sandwich Bowl 4) Dempsey’s Burger Pub 4) West Coast Saloon 5) Five Guys
Thank You
FOOD & DINING
For Voting For US! Dr. Chris Wertin DC
Dr. Chris Wertin DC Dr. Colleen Auchenbach DC Dr. Mary Huss DC Dr. Kyle Wertin DC Dr. Eric Wertin DC Dr. Jessica Speidel DC
Rodeo Roundup
Dr. Mary Huss DC Dr. Kyle Wertin DC Dr. Jessica Wertin DC Dr. Eric Wertin DC
best of lawrence rounds up some of the best caffeine stops across the city
J&S COFFEE 2nd – Place for Coffee
1605 Wakarusa Drive Lawrence KS 66047 785-842-4181
407 Sycamore Street Valley Falls KS 66088 785-945-6137
13027 Kansas Avenue Bonner Springs KS 66012 913-721-5530
123 Dakota Street Holton KS 66436 785-362-7500
For more than 20 years, J&S Coffee, 4821 W. 6th St., has been the kind of neighborhood spot where friends run into each other, students claim tables until closing, and regulars know the baristas by name. Known for its in-house micro-roasting, J&S occupies a quiet corner of a strip mall lined with restaurants and an exercise studio. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved social hub for study groups and afternoon book clubs, and it remains the perfect pit stop for Topeka commuters. Stop in to unwind with a caffeinated pick-me-up or a from-scratch baked good, or grab a bag of their freshly roasted beans to enjoy at home.
1605 Wakarusa Drive Lawrence, KS 66047 785-842-4181
LA PRIMA TAZZA 3rd – Place for Coffee At La Prima Tazza, 638 Massachusetts St., it’s all about the vibes. Established in 1990, this intimate shop exudes old-world European charm right in the heart of downtown Lawrence. Large windows offer the perfect seat for people-watching, while a rotating selection of regional artwork adorns the walls. The knowledgeable baristas are always happy to steer you toward a drink recommendation—try the Moroccan, a rich blend of chocolate and exotic spices, or keep it classic with one of their standard drips.
BUBBLE BOX 1st – Place for Tea Replace your usual coffee with bubbles at Bubble Box, 1410 Kasold Dr., Suite A5. This locally owned shop serves traditional Taiwanese teas and juices made with fresh ingredients in flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else in Kansas. Try their popular starfruit juice or sip a wintermelon milk tea. And don’t forget the star of the show: boba. Order a drink to go, or settle into their cozy West Lawrence space. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Best of Lawrence 2026
11
123 Dakota Street Holton, KS 66436 785-362-7500
FOOD & DINING
ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT 1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream 2) Prime Ice Cream Truck 3) Betty Rae’s Ice Cream 4) Culver’s 5) Dairy Queen
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL FOOD GROCER 1) Checkers Foods 2) Au Marché, the European Market 3) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana 4) Mediterranean Market & Cafe 5) World Market
ITALIAN FOOD 1) The Basil Leaf Café 2) Morningstar’s Pizza 2) The Mad Greek 3) Olive Garden 4) Genovese Italian Restaurant 5) 715 Restaurant
MAC AND CHEESE 1) 23rd Street Brewery 2) Merchants Pub & Plate 3) Q39 4) Johnny’s Tavern, multiple locations 5) Latchkey Deli
Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 1st – Catering 1st – Chef (Anna Serene and Daniel Galina) 1st – Delivery/To-Go (Restaurant) 1st – Event Venue 1st – Event Planner (Shelby Bettles) 1st – Venue Coordinator (Shelby Bettles) 4th – Dessert The staff at Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering, 1031 New Hampshire St., know how to go where the community needs them. That’s likely why this beloved venue, run by Stephen Maceli for more than 30 years, keeps popping up in Best of Lawrence. “He’s a wealth of knowledge and experience,” says director of sales Shelby Bettles. Maceli’s caters to everything from large parties to intimate gatherings. They often get requests for weddings, celebrations of life and even comedy shows. But where Maceli’s truly shines is in its ability to adapt its business model to serve the community. Bettles points to the pandemic, when Maceli’s started offering curbside take-home meals. “He’s always keeping his doors open for those types of things,” Bettles says. “We keep it going, and not just for our own fun. People came to enjoy them and rely on them to make their lives easier. And here we are six years later. We even deliver!” Today, Maceli’s continues exploring new ways to serve the community. That includes a smaller concept with speakeasy vibes, tucked right across the back alley, where they plan to host more intimate gatherings. Clockwise from top left: Shelby Bettles, Steve Maceli, Steph Castor, Roberto Galina, Anna Serene, Daniel Galina
12
Best of Lawrence 2026
23rd & Louisiana | Lawrence, Kansas | checkersfoods.com Like us on Facebook @CheckersFoods!
Fresh Local $aving$
Presented by the Lawr and Sunflower ence Journal-World Publishing
Find the Best Cuts & Talk to the Butcher at Yoder Meats
Voted #1
Veterinary Services Since 2023!
Thank you, Lawrence! Adding New Items Weekly
Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 6pm Closed Sundays and Mondays yml@yodermeatsks.com • yodermeatsks.com
Care is what we do. Caring is who we are. Patient kisses are encouraged.
Thank you, Lawrence!
wakavet.com 785-843-5577 • 1825 Wakarusa Dr.
1410 Kasold Dr., Ste. 20 (In Orchards Corner) (785) 841-3173
Lawrence, Kansas The And bestthein ouris…book. winner
FOOD & DINING
And the winner is… Lawrence, Kansas
The best in our book.
MEDITERRANEAN FOOD 1) The Mad Greek 2) Aladdin Cafe 3) The Fresh Mediterranean Company 4) Culinaria 5) Mediterranean Market & Cafe
Lawrence, Kansas The best in our book.
MEXICAN FOOD 1) El Potro Mexican Cafe 2) Lulu’s Latin Food 3) Los Guapos Latin Food 4) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana 5) El Mezcal Mexican Cuisine
GRATEFUL TO BE A PART OF THIS
COMMUNITY
Lunch, WeekendBrunch, Brunch, Lunch,Dinner, Dinner, Weekend Happy OutdoorDining Dining HappyHour, Hour, Indoor Indoor &&Outdoor
Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch, www.jwilsonsrestaurant.com Happywww.jwilsonsrestaurant.com Hour, Indoor & Outdoor Dining @jwilsonslfk | 785-312-9057 @jwilsonslfk | 785-312-9057
14 www.jwilsonsrestaurant.com
Best of Lawrence 2026
MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE 1) Sandwich Bowl 2) 715 Restaurant 3) Free State Brewing Company 4) Merchants Pub & Plate 5) Sable Kitchen + Bar NEW RESTAURANT 1) Q39 2) Olive Garden 3) Meadowlark Wine Bar & Kitchen 4) Sable Kitchen + Bar 5) Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
FOOD & DINING
q39 1st – New Restaurant 2nd – Barbecue 3rd – Mac and Cheese
OUTDOOR DINING 1) 715 Restaurant 2) Morningstar’s Pizza 3) Los Guapos Latin Food 4) Fields & Ivy Brewery 5) The Mad Greek OVERALL RESTAURANT 1) Morningstar’s Pizza 2) Sandwich Bowl 3) Sable Kitchen + Bar 4) 715 Restaurant 5) Merchants Pub & Plate PIZZA 1) Morningstar’s Pizza 2) Big Mill 3) Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar 4) Rudy’s Pizzeria 5) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria PLACE FOR COFFEE 1) Uplift Coffee Shop 2) J&S Coffee 3) La Prima Tazza 4) Cleo & Leo on Elm Street 5) Espurresso Cat Cafe PLACE FOR PIE 1) Ladybird Diner 2) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 3) WheatFields Bakery & Café 4) Munchers Bakery 5) Auntie Em’s Deli & Bakery
Derek Losson, restaurant chef
Q39 Lawrence brings Kansas City barbecue to Lawrence. In 2014, Rob and Kelly Magee opened the first Q39 in Kansas City’s Midtown. A classically trained chef, Rob turned his passion for barbecue into a successful restaurant. The Magees opened a second location three years later in Overland Park. After Rob passed away in 2021, Kelly continued seeking new opportunities for the brand. As a third-generation University of Kansas graduate, she signed on with a developer to create a new restaurant in the old Lawrence Journal-World building. When those plans fell through, Kelly became a developer herself and pushed forward with the project at 639 New Hampshire St., the site of the old loading dock. The three-year project wrapped up earlier this year, and the restaurant opened in March. From pit to plate, Q39 chefs and pitmasters make everything in a scratch kitchen environment. That attention to detail comes through in every bite. Andrew Kneessy, chief brand officer, says the championship BBQ restaurant will add a fourth location in Lee’s Summit later this year. “We focus on good food and hospitality,” Kneessy says. “People leave after a great experience.”
PLACE FOR TEA 1) Bubble Box 2) Hi.Teà 3) Brits 4) Espurresso Cat Cafe 5) Uplift Coffee Shop PLACE TO BUY A DOUGHNUT 1) Munchers Bakery 2) Taylor’s Donuts 3) Dunkin’ 4) Slow Rise 5) Checkers Foods 5) Dillons 5) Humble Donut Co. SALAD 1) Jason’s Deli 2) Sandwich Bowl 3) The Mad Greek 4) Merchants Pub & Plate 5) Texas Roadhouse
SEAFOOD 1) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar 2) Lulu’s Latin Food 3) Concept 23 Sushi & Seafood 3) Terrebonne Po’ Boys 4) Merchants Pub & Plate 5) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine STEAK 1) Texas Roadhouse 2) 6 Mile Chophouse & Tavern 3) Lulu’s Latin Food 4) J. Wilson’s 5) Merchants Pub & Plate SUSHI 1) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine 2) Concept 23 Sushi & Seafood 3) Moriki Sushi 4) Gaia Sushi 5) Tokyo Sushi TACOS 1) Lulu’s Latin Food 2) El Potro Mexican Cafe 3) Los Guapos Latin Food 4) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana 5) JB’s Tacos TATER TOTS 1) Taco John’s 2) Sonic Drive-In 3) The Burger Stand at The Casbah 4) Burgers By Biggs 5) Jefferson’s, multiple locations VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN FOOD 1) Aladdin Cafe 2) Los Guapos Latin Food 3) Culinaria 4) Zen Zero 5) The Mad Greek WINGS 1) Jefferson’s, multiple locations 2) R Bar & Patio 3) Morningstar’s Pizza 4) Johnny’s Tavern, multiple locations 4) Wingstop 5) Cafe the Mani
SANDWICH 1) Sandwich Bowl 2) Latchkey Deli 3) WheatFields Bakery & Café 4) Yello Sub 5) Terrebonne Po’ Boys
Best of Lawrence 2026
15
THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR PIONEER RIDGE! The entire team at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community is honored to have been selected by readers of The Lawrence Journal World as The Best of Lawrence. With three care levels on one campus, our expert team is ready to cater to the unique needs of every Lawrence senior. Call us today to schedule a tour. Call (785) 504-1737 to Learn More 1000 Wakarusa Lawrence, KS | PioneerRidgeLawrence.com Independent Living | Assisted Living | Health and Rehab
Thank You Lawrence for voting us Best of Lawrence for Auto Service Repair! Serving loyal, Lawrence customers since 1957 • Full-service
• Maintenance
• Tires and tire repairs
• Batteries
• Oil changes
• No charge for air
Westside 66 and Car Wash Premium Ethanol-Free Gasoline
2815 West 6th St. • (785) 843-1878 Lawrence’s only full service and pure gasoline station
Art in the Park 2nd – Nonprofit Event
Not much beats a brisk September walk through South Park, browsing art from local creators. Lawrence residents look forward to this two-day event every year. “Art in the Park is like seeing 130 mini-gallery shows in one setting while also being able to listen to live music, enjoy a frosty beer and eat a corn dog,” says co-coordinator Jen Unekis. “It gives people an opportunity to talk to the artists and directly support their work.” Since 1964, the event has supported the Lawrence Art Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to making the arts accessible for everyone. And for a city that loves its artists, it’s no surprise this event landed in the Best of Lawrence Top 5 once again. “When I hang posters, people tell me how much they love Art in the Park,” Unekis says. “There have been many years of muddy, rainy, hot and stormy days. But I think what people usually remember are the beautiful days spent with friends and family.” Best of Lawrence 2026
17
COMMUNITY
THE WINNERS ARE ...
Bridge Haven Memory Care 1st – Senior Living Community Tucked away in West Lawrence, Bridge Haven Memory Care, 1701 Research Park Dr., offers its residents a sense of normalcy by reimagining traditional senior living and memory care through small, family-style homes set in cozy neighborhoods. When we asked executive director Haley Patterson who she believes deserves special recognition in Lawrence, she pointed to quite a few companies that have helped Bridge Haven find success, including Matt Huss at Rueschhoff Security. “He works on our security system,” Patterson says. “Whenever we call, he’s here quickly. He’s wonderful and kind and represents their company very well.” She also recommends Pride of Gumbo, a screenprintmaking company. “They’re great, and they go out of their way to get us things quickly.” Matt Johnson, who owns Pioneer Lawn Care, also gets a special shout-out. “He’s the kindest person to our residents and family members.” Patterson adds that Englewood Florist & Flower Delivery is always happy to donate gorgeous flower displays for special occasions. “They’re the only ones to say ‘We’d love to’ when asked to donate flowers to our facilities and residents,” she says. “They’re so kind, and they spent a lot of time on some special bouquets for Mother’s Day this year.”
18
Best of Lawrence 2026
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 1) Kimberly Foster, Cedarhurst Senior Living of Lawrence 2) BreAnne Krabbenhoft, Fagan & Emert 2) Fally Afani, KU School of Music 3) Ciara Sayler, Good Energy Solutions 4) Ashley Ballard, Alpha Roofing 5) Erin Mayer, The Chiropractic Element ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, NONPROFITS/GOV./GROUPS 1) Lindsay Frentrop, Heartland Community Health Center 2) Kirsten Lanpher, University of Kansas IT 3) Lisa Jones, Prairie Park Elementary 4) Jane Bowers, JobLink Cottonwood Inc. 5) Dawn Salisbury, West Middle School ART GALLERY 1) Lawrence Arts Center 2) Cider Gallery 3) Spencer Museum of Art 4) Phoenix Gallery 5) Van Go COMMUNITY LANDMARK 1) 23rd Street Bison Statue 2) Memorial Campanile 3) Lawrence Public Library 3) Liberty Hall 4) Watkins Museum of History 5) KU Natural History Museum COMMUNITY LEADER 1) Audra Fussell, Truity Credit Union 2) Nathan Hutchcraft, Fabulux 3) Jeff Sigler, Sigler Pharmacy 4) Demetrius Kemp, Kindness Is The Key 5) Don “Red Dog” Gardner, Red Dog’s Dog Days COMMUNITY LEADER, RACIAL JUSTICE/ EQUITY ISSUES 1) Demetrius Kemp, Lawrence Public Schools 2) Janine Colter, Lawrence Kansas Juneteenth Organization 3) Robyn Wagner, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 4) Carole Cadue-Blackwood, Lawrence Public Schools 5) Clare Nderagakura, Clare’s Community Closet EVENT VENUE 1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Venue 1235 3) Cider Gallery 4) Abe & Jake’s Landing 5) Liberty Hall
COMMUNITY
the comedy club of lawrence 1st – New Business
Step inside Lawrence’s new comedy club and you might feel like you’ve wandered into the very room where stand-up was born. With few windows, low ceilings, dim lighting, and a brick exterior, The Comedy Club of Lawrence, 811 New Hampshire St., delivers an aesthetic that was missing from Lawrence until late last year. “We’re really trying to build a space where people walk in and instantly love the vibe,” says general manager Sean Brennan. “Then we treat them to quality drinks, quality food and quality comedy.” Our community has many venues geared toward live music, but this is the first devoted entirely to comedy—and it’s bringing the laughs. The club has already hosted some major talent, including Jay Chandrasekhar (Super Troopers), Adam Ferrara (Rescue Me) and Dana Gould (The Simpsons). “We don’t only want to be a great venue that brings in quality comics,” Brennan says. “We want to create a true place of entertainment for the people of Lawrence.” Local stand-ups are also enjoying the chance to sharpen their punchlines on a professional stage so close to home. Owner Dustin Kaufman believes the city will benefit from having a dedicated space for comedy. “We’re always here,” Kaufman says. “We will have shows every weekend. It’s us, 52 weeks a year.” Dustin Kaufman, owner of The Comedy Club of Lawrence
HOTEL 1) Eldridge Hotel 2) The Oread Hotel 3) DoubleTree by Hilton 4) Circle S Ranch & Country Inn 5) SpringHill Suites by Marriott
JAYHAWK ATHLETE 1) Melvin Council Jr., basketball 2) S’Mya Nichols, basketball 3) Brady Ballinger, baseball 4) Josh Dykhoff, baseball 5) Kohl Rosario, basketball
MASCOT 1) Baby Jay, University of Kansas 2) Big Jay, University of Kansas 3) Chesty the Lion, Lawrence High School 4) Bobcat, Langston Hughes Elementary 5) Freddie the Firebird, Free State High School
Best of Lawrence 2026
19
COMMUNITY
EST. 2025
Thank you, Lawrence!
Rodeo Roundup Best of Lawrence rounds up some of the best places to take an out-of-town guest
DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE 1st – Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
Massachusetts Street—or “Mass,” as we like to call it—is the heart of Lawrence. Stretching roughly from Sixth Street to South Park, Lawrence’s downtown district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Stroll the strip for a one-of-a-kind experience you can’t find anywhere else in Kansas. It is home to many of the city’s historic landmarks, including Free State Brewery Company, Kansas’ first legal brewery in more than 100 years; the Eldridge Hotel, rumored to be haunted; and Liberty Hall, a music venue and movie theater built on the site of Kansas’ first abolitionist newspaper.
Store hours--- Wed-Fri 11am-7pm | Sat & Sun 10am-6pm
(785) 856-2121 | www.pawshstop.com 1520 Wakarusa Dr. Suite C. Lawrence, KS 66047
ALLEN FIELDHOUSE 2nd – Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
Watching a basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse feels like a legendary experience. This historic sports arena is home to one of the loudest crowds in the nation. Nicknamed “The Phog,” it has been the stage for some of basketball’s most legendary players, including Paul Pierce, Danny Manning and Wilt Chamberlain.
CLINTON LAKE
3rd – Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
VOTED #1 BBQ SINCE 2016
When the sun is out, pack up your out-of-town guest for a day at Clinton Lake. Its private marina is the largest full-service marina in Kansas, offering boat, paddleboard and kayak rentals as well as a deli and beer garden. During the summer, mark your calendars for fun events like the marina’s Float Local Fridays, which feature live music, food trucks and family activities. Be sure to check out Clinton State Park, as well—it has more than 1,400 acres to explore, including hiking and biking trails, campgrounds and playgrounds.
2016-2026
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, LAWRENCE! 2120 W. 9th St. • Lawrence, KS 785-842-0800 www.biemers.com
20
Best of Lawrence 2026
COMMUNITY
boys & girls club of lawrence
NEW BUSINESS 1) Comedy Club of Lawrence 2) Morning Fog Bakery & Café 3) Olive Garden 4) Sable Kitchen + Bar 5) Meadowlark Wine Bar
2nd – Nonprofit (Children/Youth Services)
NONPROFIT (ADULT/SENIOR SERVICES) 1) Cottonwood Inc. 2) Just Food 3) Heartland Community Health Center 3) Senior Resource Center for Douglas County 4) Lawrence Opera Theatre 5) Ballard Center NONPROFIT (CHILDREN/YOUTH SERVICES) 1) JHM Woodworks 2) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence 3) Ballard Center 4) Hilltop Child Development Center 5) Van Go NONPROFIT (FAMILY SERVICES) 1) Ballard Center 2) 100 Good Women 3) Just Food 4) Family Promise of Lawrence 4) Lawrence PRIDE 5) Heartland Community Health Center NONPROFIT (LAND, PRESERVATION, ANIMALS) 1) Lawrence Humane Society 2) Baker Wetlands Discovery Center 3) Prairie Park Nature Center 3) Shy 38 Inc. Kansas Farm Sanctuary 4) Lawrence Farmers Market 5) Native Lands Restoration Collaborative NONPROFIT EVENT 1) Clothing Exchange, 100 Good Women 2) Art in the Park, Lawrence Art Guild 3) Annual St. John Mexican Fiesta, St. John the Evangelist 4) Lawrence PRIDE Block Party 5) Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence is setting children up for success. Serving more than 1,300 kids each day, this nonprofit has become a vital supplement to child care for many working families. CEO Laci Maltbie stresses the value her organization brings to the community every day. “We have become an extension of their families in so many ways,” Maltbie says. “We give them [additional] positive role models and relationships while their parents go to work.” Beyond special programming, such as funfilled activities, events and field trips, Boys & Girls Club provides academic support and social-emotional learning counselors. “We’re creating futures,” Maltbie says. “We’re setting these kids up for success every single day that we work with them.” But their No. 1 goal? They hope to mold wellrounded, socially responsible and motivated young citizens of the community. “We can teach these kids all the skills we want,” Maltbie explains, “but unless they’re able to go out and showcase these skills, it doesn’t do them a lot of good.”
Chris Jones, teen services director at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
Best of Lawrence 2026
21
COMMUNITY OUTDOOR MURAL 1) Remembering La Yarda (8th and Delaware) by Javy Ortiz 2) George Floyd mural (Socha/Wagner fence) by Xavier Martinez 3) We Are Fairtrade (The Merc Co+op) by IT-RA Icons 4) East Lawrence Waltz (Hobbs Park Stadium) by Dave Lowenstein and others 5) Building Community (GPW & Associates) by Van Go artists PLACE OF WORSHIP 1) Plymouth Congregational Church 2) St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 3) Corpus Christi Catholic Church 4) First United Methodist Church 5) Outcast Church PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER (FREE ATTRACTION) 1) Downtown Lawrence 2) Allen Fieldhouse 3) Clinton Lake 4) Baker Wetlands 5) Watkins Museum of History PLACE TO WORK (LARGE, 100+ EMPLOYEES) 1) Cottonwood Inc. 2) Heartland Community Health Center 3) University of Kansas 4) Lawrence Public Schools, USD 497 5) LMH Health PLACE TO WORK (MEDIUM 25–100 EMPLOYEES) 1) Hilltop Child Development Center 2) Sigler Pharmacy, multiple locations 3) Pennington & Company 4) Alpha Roofing 5) Lawrence Humane Society PLACE TO WORK (UNDER 25 EMPLOYEES) 1) Cherry Hill Properties 2) Hemel Electric 3) Ruff House Print Shop 4) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 5) Ballard Center PRINCIPAL 1) Quentin Rials, Lawrence High School (in memoriam) 2) Amanda Green, Sunflower Elementary 3) Summer Moeckel, Deerfield Elementary 4) Denise Johnson, Prairie Park Elementary 5) Jackie Mickel, Langston Hughes Elementary
22
Best of Lawrence 2026
RADIO STATION 1) KJHK 90.7 FM 2) KPR (KANU 91.5 FM or K241 AR 96.1 FM) 3) KLWN 101.7 FM/1320 AM 4) KMXN 92.9 The Bull FM 5) KKSW 105.9 Kiss FM SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 1) Bridge Haven Memory Care 2) Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community 3) Neuvant House of Lawrence 4) Brandon Woods at Alvamar 5) Arbor Court Retirement Community at Alvamar 5) Cedarhurst of Lawrence SHOP OR OFFICE PET 1) Dave, Wonder Fair 2) Larry, Wild Birds Unlimited 3) Hamilton, CBD of Lawrence 4) Pete, Animal Hospital of Lawrence 5) Smaug, KU Undergraduate Biology Program
morning fog bakery & café 2nd – New Business 5th – Barista (Emma Francis)
SOCIAL MEDIA (ANIMAL) 1) Dave @WonderFair 2) Espurresso Cat Cafe @EspurressoCatCafeLFK 3) Ted @HugsForAmerica 4) Quin @QuinsPlanet 5) Chopper @ChopperTheHeartStopper SOCIAL MEDIA (BUSINESS) 1) Cherry Hill Properties 2) Wild Birds Unlimited 3) Espurresso Cat Cafe 4) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 5) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic SOCIAL MEDIA (CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT) 1) Radio Lawrence 2) Live Love Local Lawrence 3) I Heart Local Music 4) eXplore Lawrence 5) Oh 4 the Love Local Lawrence Police Scanner SOCIAL MEDIA (ORG. OR NONPROFIT) 1) Cottonwood Inc. 2) Lawrence PRIDE 3) Lawrence Humane Society 4) Lawrence Police Department 5) Heartland Community Health Center and Panda Pediatrics
From left: Emma Francis, John Smith, Casey Soper, Grace Burgess
Since opening six months ago, Morning Fog Bakery, 2412 Iowa St., has already built a rapport with its customers. Better yet, all sorts of people step into the bakery, from military vets and families to studentathletes and folks working on their laptops. “We want to be a safe space in the community for everyone to gather and feel welcome,” says owner Jessica Folken. “It’s not fun out there sometimes, so it’s nice to be able to get a quiet retreat.” Folken bought the Kansas City-based business, formerly McLain’s Market, after working with the company for 15 years. Today, she is running it with Lawrence in mind. Their dedication to the classics—think cinnamon rolls and sticky buns—is what makes them stand out, Folken says. Some of the bakery’s recipes date back to 1945. But Folken has also introduced new elements, including gluten-free cakes. “We make everything from scratch,” she says. “We’re constantly trying to improve and to listen to what our guests want. Customer service is our top priority. I think really listening to the feedback you hear from the people who come in every day—and taking that to heart—helped us get this nomination.”
COMMUNITY
TEACHER, GRADES 6–8 1) Paige Robinson, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School 2) Garrett Viets, West Middle School 3) Hank Rischar, West Middle School 4) Blair Waite, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School 5) Jay Deiser, Billy Mills Middle School TEACHER, GRADES 9–12 1) Sophia Coen, Lawrence Free State High School 2) Susan Carey, Lawrence Free State High School 3) Debby Ziegler, Lawrence Free State High School 4) Trina Langston, Lawrence Free State High School 5) Brittany Brintnall, Lawrence Free State High School TEACHER, PRE-K 1) Andria Devlin, Lawrence Arts Center Preschool 2) Faye Hale, First 5 Years Preschool 3) Rachel Johnson, Children’s Learning Center 4) Amber Merrill, Raintree Montessori School 5) Amy Cast, St. John Catholic School TEACHER, PRESCHOOL 1) Deanna Roberts, Children’s Learning Center 2) Andria Devlin, Lawrence Arts Center Preschool 3) Donika Wiley, Lawrence Arts Center Preschool 4) Alissa Chahine, Hilltop Child Development Center 5) Amber Merrill, Raintree Montessori School 5) Faye Hale, First 5 Years Preschool TEACHER, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS 1) Amii Castle 2) Charlotte Tritch 3) Susan Williams 4) Logan Jorgenson 5) Cynthia Melissa Colwell Dunn TEACHER, GRADES K–5 1) Jaclynn Williams, Langston Hughes Elementary 2) Susan Lomshek, Corpus Christi Catholic School 3) Michelle McLenon, Langston Hughes Elementary 4) Kaitlyn VanZuiden, Corpus Christi Catholic School 5) Jenny Humburg, Deerfield Elementary WORKING OR SERVICE ANIMAL 1) Rosie, Lawrence Police Department 2) Runner, Watkins Museum of History (in training) 3) Wayne, Lawrence Free State High School 4) Shakti, founding dog of Loving Paws Animal Therapy Program (in memoriam) 5) Animal Ambassadors of Prairie Park Nature Center
Best of Lawrence 2026
23
Thank you for your vote, Lawrence!
901 Mississippi St Lawrence, KS 785-842-4450
www.corkbarrel.com
g us Best of La wr tin vo
4 consecu for 1 tiv ce e en
! ars ye
Tank yo uf or
1801 W. 23rd St Lawrence, KS 785-331-4242
MAKING LAWRENCE FAMILIES SMILE FOR OVER 30 YEARS.
Love Garden Sounds 1st – Music Store
In a world where music is continually evolving—from vinyl records and 8-tracks to cassettes, CDs and now digital streaming—Love Garden Sounds, 822 Massachusetts St., seems to have it figured out. “Adaptability is important,” says owner Kelly Corcoran. “Being careful, trying to be smart and honestly paying attention to what people are asking and then responding.” Since 1990, Love Garden has offered new and used vinyl records, CDs and cassettes spanning everything from mainstream to obscure. Lately, the younger generation’s rediscovery of ’90s music has fueled a run on Nirvana and Deftones CDs. But they also keep fresh sounds on rotation, including Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, contemporary avant-garde sounds, and everything in between, giving regulars a reason to keep coming back. “We do a good job at trying to address lots of genres,” Corcoran explains. “I think that’s part of why people come into the shop. They can see all kinds of music from around the world here. The digital world feels less real these days, so coming into a physical shop where there are real, inperson interactions feels refreshing.” And with fairly priced items, including a $1 bin and even a free cassette bin that visitors love to peruse, Love Garden remains an affordable experience that earns voters’ support each year.
Best of Lawrence 2026
25
SHOPPING
THE WINNERS ARE ...
wild birds unlimited
ANTIQUE/VINTAGE STORE 1) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 2) Lawrence Antique Mall 3) Reclaimed by Michele 4) Wild Man Vintage 5) Arizona Trading Co. APPLIANCE SHOP 1) Stoneback Appliance 2) Menards 3) Home Depot 4) Westlake Ace Hardware 5) Best Buy
1st – Unique Store 2nd – Shop or Office Pet (Larry) 2nd – Social Media (Business)
BIKE SHOP 1) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 2) Cycle Works 3) Lawrence Community Cycles 4) Trek Bicycle Lawrence 5) Target 5) Walmart BOOKSTORE 1) The Raven Book Store 2) The Dusty Bookshelf 3) Friends of the Lawrence Public Library 4) LMH Gift Shop 5) The Bread & Roses Bookshop CBD SHOP 1) CBD of Lawrence 2) CBD American Shaman 3) GreenValley Smoke Shop 4) Quiet Trees 5) Black Diamond CBD
Shawn Malone says his customers are eco-conscious. A glance at the inventory at Wild Birds Unlimited, 2540 Iowa St., makes it clear why: he offers environmentally friendly products like 100% edible feed and birdhouses made from recyclable materials. Over the years, Wild Birds has become more than just a place for bird lovers to buy backyard feeders. It’s become a space for environmentalists to connect and support nature. “One of our missions is to help save the songbirds in North America,” Malone explains. “There are 3 billion fewer songbirds today than 50 years ago—that’s a 30 percent drop in the number of songbirds in our yards. That’s due primarily to habitat loss and pesticide use.” To help revitalize songbird populations, Wild Birds offers lessons for building bird habitats. “We believe that helping people create these sanctuaries in their own backyards is going to help our bird population recover,” Malone says. More than being a fun pastime, birdwatching from your own backyard offers a host of benefits. “There’s nothing better than having a new bird show up at your feeder that you haven’t seen before,” he says. “Health-wise, it’s proven that the more interaction you have with nature, the more it helps with your blood pressure and mental health.”
26
Best of Lawrence 2026
DEPARTMENT STORE 1) Weaver’s 2) The Third Planet 3) Kohl’s 4) Menards 5) T.J. Maxx From left: Emma Coffey, Shawn Malone
DRESS SHOP OR FORMAL WEAR 1) Weaver’s 2) J.Lynn Bridal & Suiting 3) Wild Man Vintage 4) Eccentricity Women’s Clothing 5) Arizona Trading Co. 6) Kohl’s FARM/LAWN EQUIPMENT STORE 1) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 2) Lawrence Feed & Farm Supply 3) Tractor Supply Co. 4) Westlake Ace Hardware 5) Bomgaars FLOWER SHOP 1) Owens Flower Shop 2) Pendleton’s Country Market 3) Englewood Florist & Flower Delivery 4) Clinton Parkway Nursery 5) Hy-Vee Floral
cabinet restoration • Staining • drywall repair interior & exterior painting • power washing Licensed & Insured • Free Quotes
Visit us on Facebook at: MKB Elite Finish Painting LLC 785-979-0234 | mkbelitepainting@gmail.com
Congratulations to this year’s Best of Lawrence winners! Thank you for all you do to help make Lawrence great! Matt Moegle, Store Director 3504 Clinton Parkway | 785.832.0044
Seafood Bakery
Floral De
partmen
t
Fresh made Nori Sushi Bar
Contact your Lawrence Hy-Vee store for your one-stop shop for all your catering needs! Catering options, including full meal catering, bakery cakes, floral arrangements, meat/cheese trays, fruit/vegetable trays.
SHOPPING
1st – Window Display 2nd – Gift Shop 3rd – Unique Store 1st – Shop or Office Pet (Dave) 1st – Social Media (Animal) (Dave @WonderFair)
For nearly two decades, Wonder Fair has been a whimsical haven for art and stationery lovers. In addition to browsing their carefully curated selection of pens, notebooks, cards, paints, stickers and self-published zines, people come for a glimpse of a local celebrity: Dave the cat. “Dave is kind of an incredible collaborator,” says store co-owner Paul DeGeorge. “We’ll build something for him and design a window display around it. As soon as he’s ready, he’s checking it out and ready to nap there. We’re so lucky that he knows his role.” Customers love that the Wonder Fair staff is a little goofy, DeGeorge adds, but what keeps them coming back is the shop’s commitment to keeping creative expression and freedom alive in a safe space. “I personally feel fulfilled by creating a space in the physical world that feels fun and fresh because the online world has gotten so demoralizing and stressful to engage with,” he says. “We’ve kind of doubled down and are investing our time and energy into making something fun and special for the community we live in.”
28
Best of Lawrence 2026
SHOPPING
Rodeo Roundup best of lawrence rounds up some of the best home shopping across the city
STONEBACK APPLIANCE 1st – Appliance Shop 1st – Appliance Repair Skip the big-box retailers and AI-driven chatbots. Instead, rely on the customer care and name-brand appliances from Lawrence’s only locally owned appliance sales and repair shop. Stoneback Appliance, 925 Iowa St., is a regular in Best of Lawrence’s Top 5, and we credit that to its team of caring staff who offer personal connections, direct and honest assessments, and cost-effective solutions.
HEDGEAPPLE 2nd – Furniture Store Beautify your home with furnishings and décor from North Lawrence’s hidden gem. HedgeApple, 644 Locust St., offers boutique shop appeal with thoughtfully curated pieces that exude modern and mid-century style. (Think wingback reading chairs that you can sink into or oak dining tables with a bold finish that invite lingering meals and lively conversation.) The Lawrence showroom gives shoppers an in-person look at its extensive collection, with a dedicated staff ready to offer help and share their design acumen.
COTTIN’S HARDWARE & RENTAL 1st – Hardware Store 1st – Farm/Lawn Equipment Store 3rd – Equipment Rental Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, 1832 Massachusetts St., is more than just another place to buy tools, housewares and even beekeeping supplies—it’s a quintessential community hub. Since 1946, this downtown business has served the Lawrence community with an attentive and caring staff. Be sure to visit on Thursday evening, when Cottin’s transforms its back parking lot—or its indoor space, depending on the season—into a vibrant farmers market with local vendors, fresh produce and homemade goods.
PENDLETON’S COUNTRY MARKET 2nd – Flower Shop 4th – Gardening Store Beyond its seasonal U-pick events, this multigenerational family farm is the perfect spot to find vegetables, bedding plants and cut flowers for every home. You can buy directly from their farm market, 1446 E. 1850 Rd., or find them at the Lawrence Farmers Market and the farmers market at Clinton Parkway Nursery. Pendleton’s is a regular in Best of Lawrence’s Top 5, but the community’s loyalty doesn’t stop at voting. In 2019, when a tornado leveled the farm’s greenhouses, volunteers showed up in full force to help rebuild.
FURNITURE STORE 1) Ready for Good 2) HedgeApple 3) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore 4) Reclaimed by Michele 5) HomeGoods GARDENING STORE 1) Clinton Parkway Nursery 2) Pines Garden & Market 3) Pendleton’s Country Market 4) Menards 5) Earl May Nursery & Garden Center GIFT SHOP 1) LMH Gift Shop 2) Wonder Fair 3) Ruff House Print Shop 4) Striped Cow 5) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles HARDWARE STORE 1) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 2) Westlake Ace Hardware 3) Menards 4) Tall Grass Windows & Doors 5) Home Depot JEWELRY STORE 1) Marks Jewelers 2) Goldmakers Fine Jewelry 3) Kizer Cummings Jewelers 4) K Spencer Collective 4) The Third Planet 5) Striped Cow KU SOUVENIR SHOP 1) Local Love KS 2) Kansas Sampler 3) Rally House, multiple locations 4) KU Memorial Union Bookstore 5) LMH Gift Shop LOCAL STORE OWNER 1) Jesi Kelley, Sandwich Bowl 2) Terry Taylor, 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 3) Will Anderson, Orchards Drug 4) Jeff Sigler, Sigler Pharmacy 5) Jill Shephard, Ruff House Print Shop MEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1) Weaver’s 2) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 3) Wild Man Vintage 4) Kohl’s 5) Arizona Trading Co. MUSIC STORE 1) Love Garden Sounds 2) Mass Street Music 3) Richards Music Co. 4) Beautiful Music Violin Shop 5) Guitarma 5) Supersonic Music
Best of Lawrence 2026
29
SHOPPING
PETS AND PET SUPPLIES 1) Pet World 2) Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery 3) Lawrence Humane Society 4) EarthWise Pet Supply & Grooming 5) Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital
PLACE TO BUY A NEW CAR 1) Crown Toyota Volkswagen 2) Bob Sight Auto Group 3) Laird Noller Auto Group 4) McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence 5) Cable Dahmer Kia of Lawrence
PLACE TO BUY A USED CAR 1) Crown Toyota Volkswagen 2) Bob Sight Auto Group 3) TheLot Auto Sales 4) Laird Noller Auto Group 5) Cordova Motors
Eccentricity Women’s Clothing 3rd – Women’s Clothing Store 4th – Dress Shop or Formal Wear The owners of Eccentricity Women’s Clothing, 716 Massachusetts St., know style. Founded by mother-daughter duo Maureen Mattison and Morgan Fellers, Eccentricity has been a hotspot for unique and stylish threads since 2007. When asked who she thinks deserves a special Best of Lawrence shoutout, Fellers named Ruff House Print Shop. “Jill and her team do an amazing job curating a space where you want to hang out,” Fellers says. “They make a ton of products inhouse, and you can occasionally see them working on their vintage printing press.” She also names Holman Needle & Ink: “We partnered with them to create some tees and pennants to commemorate Lawrence hosting Algeria in the World Cup,” she explains. “Our items blew up, and Richard and his team worked hard to help me keep up with demand.” When talking food, Fellers points to Rudy’s Pizzeria and its daily deals (shout out to Niko), as well as Eccentricity’s neighboring restaurant. “There are so many amazing businesses that I could talk about, but I have to mention the Lebanese Flower Café,” she says. “They’re located below Eccentricity, and we’ve developed an amazing partnership. They’ve catered almost all of our events. They are outstanding neighbors, amazing community partners and serve delicious food!”
SECOND-HAND/PAWN SHOP 1) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 2) Arizona Trading Co. 2) Lawrence Antique Mall 3) Reclaimed by Michele 4) The Dusty Bookshelf 5) 2 Shy Kids
30
Best of Lawrence 2026
SHOE STORE 1) Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. 2) Famous Footwear 3) Fleet Feet 4) Ad Astra Running 5) Footprints
SMOKE SHOP 1) Green Valley Smoke Shop 2) Wild Side Smoke Shop 3) Enami Cigars 4) Smoker’s Depot 2
BRANDON WOODS AT ALVAMAR
BICYCLES AND E-BIKES Trade-Ins Welcome
TEST RIDE AN E-BIKE TODAY
1501 Inverness Drive Lawrence, KS (785) 838-8000 Exceptional Living for Exceptional People!! Thank You for Voting for Brandon Woods for the Best Senior Living Community! brandonwoods.com
2121 Kasold Dr # A, Lawrence, KS (785) 842-6363 • kscycleworks.com
SHOPPING
The Toy Store 1st – Toy Store 2nd – Window Display
SPORTING GOODS 1) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 2) Dick’s Sporting Goods 3) Ad Astra Running 4) Jock’s Nitch 5) River Rat Print & Skate TOY STORE 1) The Toy Store 2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 3) Game Nut Entertainment 4) Target 5) KU Natural History Museum Gift Shop
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Toy Store, 936 Massachusetts St. This Lawrence institution has spent five decades delivering a unique blend of joy and wonder to generations of residents. According to owners Nick and Emily Guffey, the secret to their longevity comes down to one thing: experience. “We’re an experience that you can’t get somewhere else,” Emily says. “Sure, you can shop for toys at Walmart and Target, but you’re not going to find someone there as knowledgeable as here.” In an era when big-box retailers seem to dominate the retail landscape, it’s refreshing to watch a family-owned shop thrive. We chalk that up to how the store prioritizes its guests. And while the store stays on top of today’s must-haves (including walls of Legos and a certain squishy toy that has had kids scrambling to the store this year), nostalgia lies at the heart of its enduring appeal. “At our store, you can literally see people’s inner child rejuvenated by something they see from their childhood. That’s what we bring,” Nick says. “Parents and grandparents come in here and find something they have an emotional connection with and want their kids to be able to have that.”
32
Best of Lawrence 2026
UNIQUE STORE 1) Wild Birds Unlimited 2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 3) Wonder Fair 4) Striped Cow 5) Au Marché VINTAGE CLOTHING 1) Wild Man Vintage 2) Arizona Trading Co. 3) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 4) Lawrence Antique Mall 5) Daisy Lee Vintage WINDOW DISPLAY 1) Wonder Fair 2) The Toy Store 3) Ruff House Print Shop 4) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys & Collectibles 5) Weaver’s WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1) Weaver’s 2) Just Dandy Designs Custom Tees & Apparel 3) Eccentricity Women’s Clothing 4) Striped Cow 5) Kohl’s
Leadership you can trust. Results you can count on. • 2024 REALTOR® of the Year • 2025 President of the LBOR (785) 766-7840 BaileyStuartRE.com baileystuart@askmcgrew.com
Landscape LAWRENCE
785-843-4370
Landscape Design and Installation Lawn Care Irrigation Service & Installation Backflow Device Testing Tree and Shrub Care
Drainage Outdoorliving Walls and Patios Accent Lighting And More! www.lawrencelandscape.com
d rnal-Worl rence Jou ng by the Law blishi Presented d Sunflower Pu an
Residential and Commercial Interior and Exterior Full Service Painting Voted Best of Lawrence 13 years in a row!
Free Estimates!
Lawrence, Baldwin, Eudora, Topeka and surrounding areas
785-423-4464 | WWW.KBPAINTINGLLC.COM
THE WINNERS ARE ... ACUPUNCTURE 1) Lawrence Acupuncture 2) Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic 3) Abby Hanson, The Chiropractic Element 3) Advanced Chiropractic Services 4) Restore Chiropractic & Rehab 5) The Bodhi Tree Holistic Healing ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER 1) Heartland Community Health Center 2) Avalon Wellness & Recovery 3) DCCCA 4) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 5) Treatment & Recovery Center CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MIDWIFE 1) Lara Rivera 2) Pam Pray 3) Lilly Mason 4) Natalie Gepford 5) Melinda Lavon CHIROPRACTOR 1) Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic 2) Advanced Chiropractic Services 3) Restore Chiropractic & Rehab 4) The Chiropractic Element 5) Risley Chiropractic COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (PUBLIC) 1) Sports Pavilion (Rock Chalk Park) 2) Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center 3) Lawrence Community Building 4) East Lawrence Recreation Center 4) Holcom Park Recreation Center 5) Lawrence Gymnastics Academy
Wes Crenshaw, Family Psychological Services 3rd – Psychologist, Licensed Specializing in teenagers, young adults and families, Wes Crenshaw, PhD, has lived in Lawrence for more than 40 years and owned Family Psychological Services, 3320 Peterson Rd., for more than a decade. He has plenty of shout-outs for the community. The South Lawrence Trafficway may be a bit of a mess right now, he admits, but it will be great when finished. “It’s going to be an amazing addition that will literally save lives with a safer, faster, better road.” For anyone seeking a good barber, Crenshaw recommends Cayla Crowley at Tailored Men. He also takes visitors to one of his favorite spots for a killer spring roll salad. “Every time I have an out-of-towner, I take them to Zen Zero,” he says. “Wherever they’re from, they are delighted with the vibe and the food.” In Crenshaw’s opinion, Meg Heriford at Ladybird Diner is doing outstanding work. “For a for-profit business owner, Meg has the kindest heart,” he says. “She always strikes me as someone who is in business to be of service, not only to make money. The food is pretty darn good, too.” The Lawrence Humane Society, a nonprofit also doing a lot of good, makes Crenshaw’s list as well. “I always recommend young people foster through them before deciding to be a pet owner,” he says. “I am thankful they are there.” Best of Lawrence 2026
35
Thanks for voting me a “Best of Lawrence” Realtor and American Dream Realty a “Best of Lawrence” Real Estate Agency
Holly Garber
Owner/Broker American Dream Realty 785.979.7325 garber.holly@gmail.com www.hollyshomeguide.com
Holly Garber - Your High Energy Realtor!
40%
Did yo?u know
ntary elemteon e c n e r n ts cou of Latw b. s uden& Girls Clu s y Bo
childa y r e v E erves dese place saf rn, play to lea ow. r g d n a Join our team or support a child today!
HEALTH & FITNESS
Ranjbar Orthodontics
DANCE STUDIO 1) Lawrence Arts Center 2) Sunflower State Dance 3) Dance Hues Studio 4) Dance Gallery 5) Dazzlers Christian Dance
1st – Orthodontic Practice
DAY SPA/WELLNESS CENTER 1) Salon Lotus 2) Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub and Sauna 3) Body Specific 4) Gameday Men’s Health 5) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa DENTAL PRACTICE 1) Cascade Dental Care 2) Free State Dental 3) Peterson, Krische & Van Horn, DDS 4) Heartland Community Health Center 5) Heck Family Dentistry & Lawrence Dental Aesthetics at Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST 1) Free State Nutrition 2) Mandy Peers-Greaves 3) Ashley Combs, BSND 4) Melissa Norris, Body Specific 5) Gameday Men’s Health EYEWEAR OR VISION CENTER 1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care 3) The EyeDoctors Optometrists 4) Atteberry Eye Centers 5) Limestone Eye Care
When it comes to correcting your smile, you want someone you can count on. Ranjbar Orthodontics, 4929 Quail Crest Pl., has become a trusted name in Lawrence—one every family knows, even if their kids don’t yet need braces. “I am always curious if people will still like us,” says Dr. Daniel Ranjbar about placing first in Best of Lawrence for the last 14 years. “Whether it’s the fifth or the 13th time being voted first place, I’m always nervous. The recognition is humbling and we are honored. But the bottom line is that we have amazing patients.” What sets Ranjbar’s practice apart is its family-centered approach to care and its commitment to listening to patients. Beyond delivering top-tier treatment, he genuinely enjoys connecting with each family that visits. “We are treating kids of kids,” Dr. Ranjbar explains. “It’s fun to pull up old pictures of mom or dad at age 8 and compare them to their 8-year-old child.” At the end of the day, Dr. Ranjbar admits he couldn’t have found such success without his staff, whom he calls his “secret sauce.” “My 15 co-workers view each other as sisters and brothers,” he says. “Most have been with our office for more than 20 years, and each one is willing to pull for the other when needed. There is no such thing as ‘That’s not my job.’”
Dr. Daniel Ranjbar
FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE 1) Heartland Community Health Center 2) Lawrence Family Practice Center 3) Family Centered Medicine 4) AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Lawrence 5) LMH Health Primary Care – West Campus GOLF COURSE (TRADITIONAL OR DISC) 1) Eagle Bend Golf Course 2) Lawrence Country Club 3) The Jayhawk Club 4) Centennial Park 5) The Orchards Executive Golf Course GYM OR FITNESS CENTER (PRIVATE) 1) Prime Martial Arts 2) Kaw Valley CrossFit 3) Genesis Health Clubs, multiple locations 4) Body Boutique 5) Ground Theory Jiu Jitsu HEARING AID PROVIDER/AUDIOLOGIST 1) Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates 2) Associated Audiologists 3) Schiefelbusch Speech-LanguageHearing Clinic 4) Kaw Valley Hearing 5) Neighborhood Hearing Aid Center
Best of Lawrence 2026
37
HEALTH & FITNESS
lawrence otolaryngology associates 1st – Hearing Aid Provider/Audiologist 2nd – Surgeon (Lee Reussner, MD) 2nd – Speech-Language Pathologist (Jennifer Cannady, Kansas Voice Center) 5th – Medical Doctor (Lee Reussner, MD)
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS 1) Baker Wetlands 2) The Lawrence Loop 3) Clinton Lake Trails 4) Burroughs Creek Trail & Linear Park 5) Prairie Park Nature Center Trail
38
Best of Lawrence 2026
MARTIAL ARTS 1) Prime Martial Arts 2) Ground Theory Jiu Jitsu 3) Premier Martial Arts 4) Lawrence Tae Kwon Do School 5) Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MASSAGE THERAPIST 1) Jennifer Baldwin, Renew by Jennifer 2) Kimberly Mason, Willow & Sage Massage and Wellness 3) Nicole Manriquez, Body Specific 4) Noelle Noble, Noelle’s Massage + Wellness 5) Jake Fritzel, Body Specific
MASSAGE THERAPY 1) Body Specific 2) Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub and Sauna 3) Renew by Jennifer 4) Elevate Arts of Wellness 5) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
HEALTH & FITNESS MEDICAL ASSISTANT/CNA 1) Amber Bounthapanya 2) Delaney Schempp, LMH Health 3) Ceara Esparza, Heartland Community Health Center 4) Mayra Soto, Heartland Community Health Center 5) Tessa Norcross MEDICAL CLINIC 1) Heartland Community Health Center 2) Lawrence Family Practice Center 3) AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Lawrence 4) Family Centered Medicine 5) Atma Clinic
It’s no small feat to keep a business running, but Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates has served the Lawrence community since 1984. Over the decades, the practice has connected with generations of residents, from infants with tongue ties and ear infections to adults battling sinus infections or seeking hearing aids. “We serve patients of all ages,” says office administrator Cortney Kelly. “It’s an honor to care for [them] and sometimes even entire families. We get to watch families grow as they come in through the years.” With a team of 13 providers, including physicians, audiologists and even a speech pathologist, this private practice proudly provides access to specialized diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for any ear, nose or throat concern, including complex head and neck conditions such as skin cancer, thyroid disorders and facial injuries. “A strong commitment to remaining independent allows our physicians to make every decision based on what is best for our patients, our practice and our staff,” Kelly says. “We believe every community, regardless of its size, benefits from having local specialists. Patients deserve direct access to expert specialty care close to home.”
MEDICAL DOCTOR 1) Luke Mueller, Heartland Community Health Center 2) Caitlin Elmore, LMH Health Primary Care – West Campus 2) Chad Johanning, Lawrence Family Practice 2) Stephanie Suber, Family Centered Medicine 3) Beth Rundquist, Panda Pediatrics 4) Hallie J. Kretsinger, LMH Health Primary Care – 6th and Folks Road 5) Lee Reussner, Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates MEDICAL SPA 1) Sunflower Aesthetics 2) Head & Heart Health and Wellness 3) Modern Skin 4) Lawrence Acupuncture 5) Simple Wellness MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, OTHER THAN LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST/PSYCHIATRIST 1) Sunnie Dreu Shedd, Sun Of The Times Therapy 2) Alex Rodenbeek, Heartland Community Health Center 3) Lydia Lequesne, DBT Center of Lawrence 4) Sarah Doyle 5) Raven Rajani NURSE 1) Deanna Killingsworth 2) Stacy Kesinger Stubbs 3) Jennifer (Jen) Lemus, LMH Health 4) Roxy Modarres Sadeghi, Heartland Community Health Center 5) Katlin Clark, Heartland Community Health Center
NURSE PRACTITIONER/ PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT 1) Adrian Cade, Empowering Psychiatry 2) Lisa Russell, Heartland Community Health Center 3) Samantha Rush 4) Samantha Abram, Gameday Men’s Health Lawrence 5) Aubrie Bird, Lawrence Family Practice OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST 1) Makaila Garcia, Speech Solutions 2) Lindsey Murphy, New Heights Therapy 3) Jess Reed, LMH Health 4) Hillary Brunin, New Heights Therapy 5) Aña Williams, Infant Toddler Services of Douglas County OPTOMETRIST/OPHTHALMOLOGIST 1) Kenny Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Sharon Green, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 3) Kevin Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 4) Erin Hamilton, The EyeDoctors Optometrists 5) Jacob Letourneau, Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE 1) Ranjbar Orthodontics 2) McColm Orthodontics 3) Oread Orthodontics 4) Free State Dental 5) Oral Surgery Kansas PEDIATRIC CARE PRACTICE 1) Panda Pediatrics - Heartland Community Health Center 2) Lawrence Pediatrics 3) New Heights Therapy 4) AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Lawrence 4) Lawrence Family Practice Center 5) Speech Solutions PERSONAL TRAINER 1) Wyatt Williams, Evolution Athletics 2) Kevin Walker, Genesis Health Clubs 3) Drake Juenemann, Genesis Health Clubs North 4) Eric Wells, WellsWeights Strength and Fitness 5) Zach Schneider, Schneider Fitness
From left: Dr. Lee Reussner, Jennifer Cannady; Page 38, from left: Courtney Youngers, Misti Ranck, Kay Bassett
Best of Lawrence 2026
39
HEALTH & FITNESS
PHARMACY 1) Sigler Pharmacy 2) Orchards Drug 3) River City Pharmacy 4) Dillons Pharmacy, multiple locations 5) Jayhawk Pharmacy
Residential and Commercial Service, Repairs, Drain Cleaning, Remodels & New Construction
PHYSICAL THERAPIST 1) Jessica Lemus, Bird Physical Therapy 2) Kevin Bird, Bird Physical Therapy 3) Garrett Greaves, OrthoKansas 4) Tyrel Reed, OrthoKansas 5) Jessica Rohrberg, USD 497 PLACE FOR HEALTH & NUTRITION GOODS 1) The Merc Co+op 2) Natural Grocers 3) CBD of Lawrence 3) Sprouts Farmers Market 4) Total Body Nutrition at Body Boutique 5) Checkers Foods
CALL US TODAY!
785-841-0003
PLACE FOR YOGA CLASSES 1) Bluestem Yoga 2) Yoga Center of Lawrence 3) OmTree Shala - Sunflower Wellness Studio 4) Lava Yoga Lawrence 5) Body Boutique
www.advancedplumbingks.com advancedplumbingks@gmail.com
PSYCHIATRIST, LICENSED 1) Nick Evangelidis, Panda Pediatrics 2) Taylor Porter 3) Eric Atwood 4) Elias Chediak 5) Eeman Akhtar PSYCHOLOGIST, LICENSED 1) Meaghan McEachern, Heartland Community Health Center 2) Christy Blanchard 3) Wes Crenshaw, Family Psychological Services 4) Kirsten Watkins, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 5) John Jacobson, Intentional Living Psychological Services of Lawrence SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 1) Tammi Soileau, New Heights Therapy 2) Jennifer Cannady, Kansas Voice Center 3) Courtney Chacon, Speech Solutions 4) Kimberly Williams, New Heights Therapy 5) Jessica Clossen, EmpowerMe Wellness
Let us Thank You for voting for us!
SPORTS MEDICINE 1) Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic 2) OrthoKansas 3) Restore Chiropractic & Rehab 4) Advanced Chiropractic Services 5) Bird Physical Therapy
BRING THIS AD IN AND GET A FREE COOKIE
SURGEON 1) Scarlett Aldrich, Plastic Surgery Specialists of Lawrence 2) Lee Reussner, Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates 3) Blake Conklin, LMH Health 4) Emily Riggs, Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists 5) Adam Goodyear, OrthoKansas
Journal-World the Lawrence hing Presented by Publis and Sunflower
4931 W 6th Street, Suite 124 • Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: (785) 856-2253 • www.eileenscookies.com Offer valid until 8-31-2027
40
Best of Lawrence 2026
HEALTH & FITNESS
The Merc Co+op 1st – Place for Health & Nutrition Goods 3rd – Butcher Shop/Meat Counter 4th – Fresh Produce 5th – Grocery Store
Rodeo Roundup best of lawrence rounds up some of the most inclusive places to exercise across the city
BLUESTEM YOGA 1st – Place for Yoga Classes
Repeat Best of Lawrence winner, Bluestem Yoga, 3727 W. 6th St., has earned a loyal following for its bodypositive philosophy, intimate class sizes and diverse schedule. Choose your flow: Hatha Yoga grounds you in posture-based forms with longer holds, whereas Vinyasa Flow picks up the pace to build stamina. For those who are new to the mat, Gentle Yoga pairs soothing stretches with guided meditation.
EAGLE BEND GOLF COURSE 1st – Golf Course (traditional or disc) Operated by the City of Lawrence, Eagle Bend Golf Course, 1250 E. 902 Rd., is an 18-hole course open to everyone, and its affordable pricing makes it accessible to casual golfers and regulars alike. It offers well-maintained greens, a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly, helpful staff.
GROUND THEORY JIU JITSU 2nd – Martial Arts 5th – Gym or Fitness Center (private)
In the 52 years since it opened, The Merc Co+op, 901 Iowa St., has understood one imperative truth: it takes a village to feed a community. Owned by the community members who shop here, the Merc works with 178 local producers and its owners to supply local produce, ethically raised meats and a variety of health and nutrition goods. Marketing director Laura Marsh says the goal is always to make sure everyone in the community feels welcome and can find what they need. “As a community-owned store, our focus is on the community,” she says. “Whether it’s local producers or nonprofits we partner with, it’s great to have so many connections with the people who serve our community and make it what it is.” Marsh sees a long future ahead, thanks in part to the positive feedback the store continually receives from its owners. “The co-op model has so much potential. When our store is successful, the people around us profit,” she says. “I think the priority we place on community, the environment and wellness overall comes from what our owners say they need from the store.”
No matter age or ability, Ground Theory Jiu Jitsu, 1035 E. 23rd St., prides itself on teaching selfdefense to anyone willing to put in the work. This Brazilian martial art focuses on ground fighting and leverage. The studio offers classes seven days a week, with programs for kids and adults. Summer brings several free beginner seminars, including some designed specifically for women.
DANCE HUES STUDIO 3rd – Dance Studio Children seeking a judgment-free dance space need look no further than Dance Hues, 1414 N. 3rd St. This cozy studio, tucked away in North Lawrence, offers traditional dance, including jazz, ballet and hip hop, alongside tumbling and acrobatics. But what truly sets Dance Hues apart is its unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Best of Lawrence 2026
41
Volume Lash & Hair Studio 2nd – Hair Salon 2nd – Hair Stylist (Molly Morgan)
Shannon Horting knows what it takes to keep a salon happily humming along. Since 2018, she’s owned Volume Lash & Hair Studio, 2108 W. 27th St., Suite J. Hiring team members who grew up in Lawrence has certainly helped, she says. “A lot of the girls who work with me at the salon are townies,” Horting explains. “They’ve lived here their whole lives, and they know a ton of people. They’re super friendly girls. It helps to have a good team all working together.” But the salon’s success is about more than its close-knit team. Clients know each team member by name, and the team knows them right back, greeting each person as they walk through the door. That easy familiarity has become the heart of the business, creating a welcoming retreat for everyone who comes in. “You spend a lot of time with your clients behind the chair,” she adds. “They end up telling you a lot about their life. You learn a lot about them when they come to you every eight weeks for eight years. It’s fulfilling when they feel comfortable enough to tell you about their lives. They need that. They need the space to talk and feel good when they get their hair done.”
42
Best of Lawrence 2026
Back row, from left: Tennyson Wilson, Jules Richardson, Hannah Wahwassuck, Molly Morgan; Front row, from left: McKenzie Olson, Shannon Horting, Kara Easum
SERVICES
THE WINNERS ARE ... ACCOUNTANT/TAX CONSULTANT 1) Sarah Williamson, Sarah Williamson, CPA 2) Cameron Humerickhouse, Hume’s Tax Service 3) Jerrad Humerickhouse, Hume’s Tax Service 4) Ben Miller, Benjamin L. Miller, CPA 5) Cristy Taylor, Robinhood of Taxes
Screen Printing, Embroidery, Patches, Stickers, MORE!
ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING FIRM 1) Sarah Williamson, CPA 2) Hume’s Tax Service 3) The Roark Group 4) Robinhood of Taxes 5) Caroline H. French, CPA ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES 1) Vibralux Media 2) Fabulux Media 3) Wildman Web Solutions 4) YellowBug Creative 5) Minuteman Press
**Locally Owned, KU Licensed, and Union Proud**
Learn More at www.riverratks.com
APPLIANCE REPAIR 1) Stoneback Appliance 2) Steve’s Appliance Repair 3) Ted’s Appliance Repair 4) Affordable Repair Service 5) Black Hills Service Guard AUTO BODY REPAIR 1) Hite Collision Repair Center 2) Pearson Collision Repair 3) Crown Automotive 4) Collision Leaders of Lawrence 5) Bryant Collision Repair AUTO SERVICE REPAIR 1) Professional Glass Installers 2) Dale and Ron’s Auto Service, Inc. 3) Westside 66 and Car Wash 4) Big O Tires 5) K’s Tire Sales and Services
The biggest of thanks to all our loyal customers for voting for us! We couldn’t do it without your support!
BANK 1) Capitol Federal 2) First State Bank and Trust 3) Central Bank of the Midwest 4) TriCentury Bank 5) Commerce Bank
Check our Facebook page for daily soups, specials, and announcements!
FOR
BARBER 1) Downtown Barber Shop 2) Meg’s Sour Styles 3) Amyx Barbershop 4) Jimmy The Barber 5) Tailored Men
KIN
Located at the Southeast corner of Wakarusa and 6th street
G
LA
Best of Lawrence 2026
43
WR
ENC
4821 W 6th street Suite K, Lawrence KS 66049 (785) 856- 3675 • www.sandwichbowl.com
E SIN
C E 201
2
SERVICES CAR WASH 1) Club Car Wash 2) Shucks Auto Wash 3) Tommy’s Express Car Wash 4) EvelinsAutoCare 5) Mr D’s Auto Wash CHILDCARE CENTER 1) Hilltop Child Development Center 2) Lawrence Arts Center Preschool/ Kindergarten 3) Ms. Leslie’s Daycare 4) Children’s Learning Center 5) Stepping Stones CLEANING/MAID SERVICES 1) Savvy Manors 2) Signature Cleaning 3) Brooke’s Cleaning Services 4) Ali Yother, Ali’s Cleaning 5) Marvelous Mom’s COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR 1) Alpha Roofing 2) Good Energy Solutions 3) Mount Hope Garage Doors 4) SDM Construction 5) David Prosser, Homefix Lawrence COMPUTER REPAIR OR SERVICE 1) Doctor Dave Computer Repair 2) uBreakiFix 3) Stockham Tech Revival 4) UNI Computers 5) Best Buy 5) J Marshall Solutions CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 1) Construction Specialties 2) Waving Wheat Construction 3) George Homes 4) SDM Construction 5) Inside Out Remodeling CREDIT UNION 1) Truity Credit Union 2) Meritrust Credit Union 3) Envista Federal Credit Union 4) Mainstreet Credit Union 5) Midwest Regional Credit Union DRY CLEANER OR LAUNDRY 1) Scotch Fabric Care Services 2) Lawrence Laundromat 3) 31st Street Coin Laundry 4) Sunflower Wash & Fold 5) Hillcrest Laundromat ELECTRICIAN 1) Hemel Electric 2) Good Energy Solutions 3) Danielsan Electric 4) Brooks Electric 5) Lynn Electric & Communications EQUIPMENT RENTAL 1) Anderson Rentals 2) Sunflower Rental 3) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 4) United Rentals 5) Menards
44
Best of Lawrence 2026
Rodeo Roundup best of lawrence rounds up some of the best cleaning services across the city
SAVVY MANORS 1st – Cleaning/Maid Services
Lawrence residents have plenty of cleaning services to choose from, but Savvy Manors stands out with its commitment to all-natural, chemicalfree solutions. The company offers everything from general cleanings to detailed deep cleans, using aromatherapy products to leave homes smelling fresh. Whether you’re moving out, need janitorial services for an office, or simply want a home reset, Savvy Manors delivers a healthier clean. savvymanorsnaturalcleaning.com
SIGNATURE CLEANING 2nd – Cleaning/Maid Services
For businesses with large facilities, Signature Cleaning offers a tailored alternative to onesize-fits-all janitorial services. The family-owned company, run by the Rethman family, who have lived in Lawrence for more than 30 years, works closely with clients to customize cleaning plans based on their specific needs. Rather than locking customers into lengthy contracts, Signature Cleaning lets the quality of its work speak for itself. signaturecleaningks.com
BROOKE’S CLEANING SERVICES 3rd – Cleaning/Maid Services Like the others, Brooke’s Cleaning Services is a locally owned business. For 14 years, Brooke Freeman has built a loyal clientele through consistency. Her customers don’t just hire her once; they keep coming back. That loyalty is driven by the relationships she has formed—Freeman genuinely enjoys getting to know the people she works for, watching their children grow, and becoming a quiet and steady presence in their lives. Facebook: Brooke’s Cleaning Service
SERVICES
vibralux media 1st – Advertising/Marketing Services
Vibralux Media founder Adam Johnson just returned from a work trip that took him across the country to film a video series. “We ate great food,” Johnson says. “We went skydiving, raced NASCAR stock cars and jumped off the Stratosphere in Vegas. Then we rolled the footage into corporate videos. I never thought I’d be that lucky.” Johnson’s production company specializes in cinematic video production, product photography and drone services. Customers love his fresh perspective—something he has built over decades by being unapologetically himself. He got his start producing skating videos under a different name before pivoting to broader marketing. “I noticed that a lot of the marketing happening in Lawrence was coming from a narrow perspective,” Johnson
explains. “Then with the birth of social media and people being able to market in a more direct fashion, I wondered whether I could bring my creative, skater-boy brain and apply that to how people talk about their business.” It all comes down to getting the most succinct version of a story in front of an audience so that people stop scrolling. “That’s where my brain works really well,” Johnson laughs. Looking back at the turning point in his career, Johnson fondly recalls his work with eXplore Lawrence to attract the 2017 USA Track & Field Junior Olympic Championships to Lawrence. “It brought more than a million dollars of economic impact to the city of Lawrence,” he says. “It’s something I’m really proud of.”
Photo courtesy Adam Johnson
Best of Lawrence 2026
45
SERVICES
ESTHETICIAN 1) Kara Easum, Volume Lash & Hair Studio 2) Hanna Rieb, H.E.R. Esthetics 3) Whitney Pinegar, Sunflower Aesthetics 4) Alexus Jones, Body Specific 5) Liz Black, Season of Stars
EVENT PLANNER 1) Shelby Bettles, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Mackenzie Francisco, Along Came Abby 3) Hannah Friend, Venue 1235 4) Kianti Vann, KiantEvents 5) Libby Queen, University of Kansas
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND/OR INVESTMENTS 1) O’Connor Advisory Group 2) Miller Retirement Group 3) Truity Credit Union 4) Feldmeyer Financial 5) Central Bank of the Midwest
1st – Esthetician Kara Easum identifies as a townie. She’s lived in Lawrence all her life and has spent most of her adult years working in the service industry. In fact, that’s how she got her start as an esthetician. She was working at the breakfast bar Wake the Dead when the pandemic hit. Restaurants struggled, and Wake the Dead closed. So she sought new opportunities. A year later, she earned her esthetician license and started building relationships with her clients, much like she did when working in restaurants. “I’ve been in the service industry since my first job, so I’ve learned to read people and feed off their energy,” Easum says. “I want to make them feel as comfortable as possible.” The best part of the job, Easum adds, is making her clients feel beautiful in their own skin. Oftentimes, that emotional support feels like a two-way street. “The personal relationship is really important to me,” she says. “People share a lot of their life stories with me. … What we do doubles as therapy.”
46
Best of Lawrence 2026
SERVICES
FLOORING 1) Paradise Carpet One Floor & Home 2) Kring’s Interiors 3) SDM Construction 4) Homefix Lawrence 5) Five Star Flooring GREEN ENERGY PROVIDER 1) Good Energy Solutions 2) Cromwell Solar 3) Kansas Solar Systems, Inc. 4) Ra Power Solar 5) Bowersock Mills & Power Co. HAIR SALON 1) Wildflower Hair Company 2) Volume Lash & Hair Studio 3) Salon Lotus 4) Paisley & Stripe West 5) 11:11 Hair Studio HAIR STYLIST 1) Harleigh Moore, Wildflower Hair Company 2) Molly Morgan, Volume Lash & Hair Studio 3) Disty Kongkindavong, Salon Lotus 4) Rosalia Avila, BB Salon & Spa 5) Jodi Ray, Wildflower Hair Company HANDYMAN 1) Homefix Lawrence 2) Billings Handyman Services 3) Greg Springer Handyman 4) J. Scott Construction 5) Hatfield Home Improvement
“Proud Resident and Active Supporter of Lawrence”
HOME CONTRACTOR 1) Construction Specialties 2) George Homes 3) KB Painting 4) Homefix Lawrence 5) Top Gun Concrete Lifting
Talk to your neighbors.
HOME INSPECTOR 1) Cromwell Environmental 2) LaRue Inspection Service 3) Brent Boyle 4) Ad Astra Home Inspections 5) Clouse Inspection Services
Odds are, they’re already part of the State Farm® family. With so many ways to save and discounts of up to 40 percent,* you’ll want to be part of the family too. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is here. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.
HVAC SERVICE 1) Absolute Air 2) Stoker Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning 3) Bluestem Heating & Cooling 4) Advantage Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. 4) Cloud Heating & Air Conditioning 5) Scott Temperature Equipment
Thank You For Your Vote
Kurt Goeser, Agent 1811 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. 100 Bus: 785-843-0003 www.kurtinsures.com
INSURANCE AGENCY 1) Oread Insurance 2) Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial Services 3) Kurt Goeser Agency, State Farm 4) Kristi R. Keefer Insurance Agency, Inc. 5) CEK Insurance
Best of Lawrence 2026
47
statefarm.com®
*Discounts vary by states. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL
SERVICES
INSURANCE AGENT 1) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services 2) Kurt Goeser, State Farm 3) Kristi R. Keefer, Farmers Insurance 4) Pat Reed & Paul Reed, Farm Bureau Financial Services 5) Rochelle Tramp, State Farm INTERIOR DESIGNER 1) Sarah Kellogg and Kristie Campbell of Construction Specialties 2) Arch and Gable 3) KB Painting 4) Paradise Carpet One Floor & Home 5) Kring’s Interiors LANDSCAPING SERVICE 1) All City Lawn & Landscape 2) Johnson Grading Company 3) Turf Masters Inc. 4) Integrity Turf & Consulting 5) Lawrence Landscape LAW FIRM 1) Fagan & Emert 1) Stevens & Brand, LLP 2) Barber Emerson, LC 3) Connors Law 4) Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, CHTD 5) WM Law
Serving Lawrence for 12 Years!
2201 W. 25th St., Lawrence KS, 66047 | 785-856-1082
savvymanorsnaturalcleaning.com
LAWYER 1) Michael Lee, Lee & McInerney 2) Brennan Fagan, Fagan & Emert 3) Bethany J. Roberts, Barber Emerson, LC 4) Patrick Watkins, Watkins Law Office 5) Matthew Hoy, Stevens & Brand, LLP
Thank you
for voting for me!
MORTGAGE BROKER/LOAN ORIGINATOR 1) Lexie Haskin, Bank Midwest 2) Hakan Wildcat, Sunflower Bank 3) Elly Claussen, Mid America Bank 4) Amy Newell, Truity Credit Union 5) Brian McFall, Landmark National Bank MOVING COMPANY 1) PDS Professional Delivery Services 2) Professional Moving & Storage 3) Door2Door Movers 4) College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving 5) Starving Artists Moving
Patricia Reed 5020 Bob Billings Pkwy. Lawrence 785.856.8920 Patricia.Reed@fbfs.com
NAIL SALON 1) Salon Lotus 2) Wildflower Hair Company - Tiana and Teo 3) xLoveLe Nails 4) BB Salon & Spa 5) Nails In The Coffin PAINTING SERVICE 1) MKB Elite Finish Painting 2) Construction Specialties 3) KB Painting 4) Priority Solutions 5) Homefix Lawrence
Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,+* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,+* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. SR421 (6-23)
48
Best of Lawrence 2026
SERVICES
Haley Pest Control 1st – Pest Control Haley Pest Control, 2420 Harvard Rd., is a secondgeneration, family-owned business that began in 1975 as Comet Pest Control, founded by Ernie Haley. In 1993, Pete Haley took the lead for the renamed Haley Pest Control. Joanie Haley, office manager and Pete’s wife, graciously shared her thoughts on who she thinks deserves extra recognition in this year’s Best of Lawrence. For dining, she recommends Wine Dive + Kitchen, 715 and Culinaria. The Haleys’ dog recently made the acquaintance of the veterinarians at Gentle Animal Care Hospital. A Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Zeffy, who is currently 6, was what Joanie calls a “pandemic puppy,” so quality veterinary care was crucial. “I also love Waxman Candles,” she adds, “and I shop at Sprouts whenever I can get over there. That’s a good place to go.” Running a small business can sometimes make it difficult to get away, Joanie says, but it’s rewarding. “We love all our customers; they’re very loyal.”
PEST CONTROL 1) Haley Pest Control 2) Bracciano Pest Control 2) Laser One Pest Management 3) Midwest Exterminators 4) Critter Control of Kaw Valley 5) Schendel Pest Control PET CARE/GROOMING 1) Lickety Split Dog Mobile 2) EarthWise Pet Supply & Grooming 3) Absolute Pawfection Pet Salon 4) Pawsh Stop 5) Cayli Beer, Pawsh Stop PHOTOGRAPHER 1) Kristol Kumar Photography 2) MaKenna Greer, MTG Photography 3) Jenny Jolley, Jenny Jolley Photography 4) Fally Afani, On the Town Photography 5) Kendal Banks Photography PLUMBER 1) Durino Plumbing 2) Blue Duck Plumbing 3) Action Plumbing 4) Peace of Mind Plumbing 5) Jim Bost Plumbing PRINTING SERVICE 1) Minuteman Press 2) Pro Print 3) Copy Co 4) Ruff House Print Shop 5) River Rat Print & Skate PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY 1) Cherry Hill Properties 2) Lawrence Property Management 3) Midwest Property Management 4) Foxtail Real Estate Co. 5) First Management REAL ESTATE AGENCY 1) American Dream Realty 2) The Northrop Team, Compass Realty Group 3) McGrew Real Estate 4) Stephens Real Estate Inc. 5) R+K Real Estate Solutions REAL ESTATE AGENT 1) Holly Garber, American Dream Realty 2) Bailey Stuart, McGrew Real Estate 3) Larry Northrop, The Northrop Team, Compass Realty Group 4) Nicholas Lerner, McGrew Real Estate 5) Victoria Perdue, Platinum Realty ROOFING COMPANY 1) Alpha Roofing 2) Gutter Princess & Roofing 3) Free State Roofing 4) K S R Roofing 5) Andy’s Roofing SEWING/ALTERATIONS/EMBROIDERY 1) Kathy’s Alterations 2) Two Freckled Frogs 3) Sew Forth Alterations & Tuxedos 4) Holman Needle & Ink 5) Alterations and Sew Forth
STAFFING AGENCY 1) JobLink Cottonwood Inc. 2) Express Employment Professionals 3) Adecco Staffing 4) Manpower 5) LOUD Productions TANNING 1) Sunny Daze Sunless 2) Ultimate Tan 3) Sun Tan City 4) Body Boutique 5) Sensora Spa TATTOO ARTIST 1) Jake Rieb, Black Chapel Tattoo 2) Erin Bratzler, Black Chapel Tattoo 3) KayKay Marie, SkinDeep Artistry 4) Chris LaHue, Lawrence Tattoo Company 5) Holly Hackney, Standard Electric Tattooing TRAVEL AGENT 1) Amanda Storm, Amanda’s Travels 2) Taylor Hanna-Peterson, Key to the World Travel 3) Dorothy Pogge, Lawrence Travel Company 4) Carmen Hocking, Island Dreams Travel 5) Crystal Bonnel, Lawrence Travel Company TREE SERVICE 1) Lawrence Arborists 2) Prairie Enterprises, Inc. 3) Kansas Tree Care 4) San Marco + French Tree Service 5) Gonzalo Aguilar Tree Service 5) Trenary’s Tree Care T-SHIRT OR SCREEN PRINTING 1) Holman Needle & Ink 2) River Rat Print & Skate 3) Acme 4) Lawrence Shirt Factory 5) LFK Press UTILITY COMPANY 1) Honey Creek Disposal Service 2) Evergy 3) City of Lawrence 4) Midco 5) Black Hills Energy VENUE COORDINATOR 1) Shelby Bettles, Maceli’s 2) Chase Westheffer, Venue 1235 3) Hannah Friend, Venue 1235 4) Mike Logan, The Granada, The Bottleneck 5) Kiley Nottingham, Abe & Jake’s Landing VETERINARY SERVICES 1) Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 2) Animal Hospital of Lawrence 3) Lawrence Veterinary Hospital 4) Bradley Animal Hospital 5) Lewis Veterinary Clinic WAXING/HAIR REMOVAL 1) Salon Lotus 2) Bitter Sweet Wax 2) SkinKARA 3) Body Specific 4) Sunflower Aesthetics 5) Wax Bar Lawrence Best of Lawrence 2026
49
Thank you for your vote!
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. PERSONAL TOUCH. WWW.DURINOPLUMBING.COM M-F 8am-4pm • 785-592-0055 • jdurino@gmail.com
Where the night always plays out right.
Press START for a Good Night!
1527 W 6th St. Lawrence, KS empirebarbilliards.com
925 Iowa St. Suite P Lawrence, KS
1st – Local Band
One band that has burst onto the scene in the last couple of years is The Dead Bettys. Lawrence was hungry for punk-ska, and this powerhouse band delivered. With a full horn section—and bandleader Joe Vaglio at the helm—The Dead Bettys have entertained fans on large stages and at street festivals with fun, upbeat covers of some of their favorite tunes. Now, they’re returning to the Best of Lawrence’s Top 5, thanks to an expanding repertoire and positive word of mouth from their fans. “We have fans of all ages and backgrounds who have formed a vibrant community of music lovers, affectionately known as The Bettys,” Vaglio says. “They celebrate live music, the love we have for one another and our amazing hometown of Lawrence. It is truly something special.” It’s safe to say the world has felt tense lately. Whenever that’s the case, live music has a special way of cutting through the noise, and that’s needed now more than ever. “Anything that brings us together and unites us is needed,” he stresses. “And to be part of Lawrence and have music be what unites us at this time—when the world is on edge— is important all the way around.”
Photos courtesy Peaty Romano
Best of Lawrence 2026
51
Fiber-fast internet /mo. starting at $ Price locked for 3 years.
39
Wi-Fi equipment included.
1
No contracts.
Midco.com/Internet 1 Limited-time offer for new and qualifying customers adding service only. Not available in all areas; restrictions apply. Requires auto pay and paperless billing enrollment; removing either will increase your monthly bill. Advertised rate applies to Midco Internet 125 or Midco Fiber Internet 125 (reg. $49/mo.); actual price confirmed at order. 3-Year Price Lock applies to monthly internet service charge only for 36 months from activation; standard rates apply after. Includes one modem and one Wi-Fi pod; equipment lease returns to $11/mo. after promotional period. Installation, taxes, and other charges not included. Speeds may vary. See Midco.com/Internet.
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
THE WINNERS ARE ... ARTIST, PAINTING/SCULPTING 1) Vicki Vormehr 2) Jeromy Morris 3) Alycia Earhart 4) Liesel Callahan, Liesel Anne Studios 5) Angie Pickman ARTIST, PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL MEDIA 1) Nathan Hutchcraft 2) Fally Afani 3) Jeff Burkhead 4) Ann Dean 5) Ailecia Ruscin BAR 1) John Brown’s Underground 2) Dexter’s Grill & Pub 3) Gaslight Gardens 4) The Sandbar 5) The Bourgeois Pig BARTENDER 1) Helina Mekonnen, R Bar & Patio 2) Mac Crider, John Brown’s Underground 2) Tom Couture, The Wheel 3) Alyria Ontiveros, Gaslight Gardens 4) Zoe Wohlford, Dexter’s Grill & Pub 5) Paige Peterson, Rick’s Place BEER SELECTION (RESTAURANT/BAR) 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) 23rd Street Brewery 3) Lawrence Beer Company 4) Merchants Pub & Plate 5) Johnny’s Tavern, multiple locations 5) Red Lyon Tavern BREWERY 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Lawrence Beer Company 3) 23rd Street Brewery 4) Fields & Ivy Brewery 5) The Stag DJ 1) Chance Romance 2) GRVNDPA 3) DJ DP 4) DJ Scott Simpson 5) DeeJay Proof DRAG KING/QUEEN 1) Deja Brooks 2) Lambyyy Boots 3) Carma Lea 4) Chay D. Boots 5) Rose Champagne
Deja Brooks 1st – Drag King/Queen At this point, Deja Brooks is synonymous with Lawrence. Beyond her work as a drag artist, she is an activist who builds support for local charities and the LGBTQ+ community. When asked who deserves extra praise, she has a long list of local businesses. The patio at 715 is one of her favorite spots for one simple reason: “You can be seen, and you always know someone,” Brooks says. “It has great food and a great atmosphere.” She also recommends Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar. “It has the same vibe,” she says. “A little bubbles and oysters never hurt anyone.” Outside of downtown Lawrence, Juniper Hill Farm & Table offers an expansive view of the skyline, stellar Kansas sunsets and crisp woodstove pizza, she says. Theatre Lawrence, she adds, is another hidden gem: “There’s something for everyone at the theater.” “My favorite downtown stores include Swanson’s, a boutique-type store,” she says. “It’s unique with a variety of things and a lot of style.” “Jena Lynn Dick, owner of J.Lynn Bridal & Suiting, is also a cool individual who supports our community, which is something I hold near and dear,” Brooks says. “Waxman Candles is also worth adding to the list.” “Honestly? Anywhere downtown is perfect for someone coming to visit,” she adds. “It’s the heart of the city.”
HAPPY HOUR 1) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar 2) 715 Restaurant 3) LOCAL 4) 23rd Street Brewery 5) Johnny’s Tavern West
Best of Lawrence 2026
53
Thank you for your vote and confidence. Kristi R Keefer
Your Local Agent | License #6106279
3300 Mesa Way STE C. Lawrence, KS
785-843-7511
kkeefer@farmersagent.com
9th & Massachusetts • 785-843-6360
Underwritten by Farmers, Truck, or Fire Insurance Exchanges, or affiliate. Insurer license & location info: farmers.com/companies/state/. Insurers not authorized in all states. Each insurer solely financially responsible.
Proudly Serving Lawrence for 170 Years
Take a virtual tour at www.mybridgehaven.com or call 785-371-1106 for an in-person tour or more information
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
3rd – Artist - Photography/Digital Media “Recognition is nice, but it’s not why photographers do what we do,” says photographer Jeff Burkhead. “We do it because we are passionate about it.” Owner of Backstory Photography, retired communications coordinator at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and author of Our Pandemic Year in Photos (Imperium, 2021), Burkhead says the photography community in Lawrence is both supportive and collaborative. “I love following the work of other photographers. I am continually inspired by them,” he says. “Contests aren’t my thing, but I try to take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate my fellow photographers.” Although his name is on this year’s Best of Lawrence yet again, he keeps his eyes turned toward his work. “When I’m on a photo shoot, my focus is on making people feel comfortable and capturing the best images I can, in the most authentic and creative way I can,” he says. Burkhead’s favorite subjects are people, especially when he’s attending community events. He’s been the official Lawrence PRIDE photographer for the last three years. “I have been particularly proud and honored to have been a photographer for the Pride parade and other related festivities,” he says. “I’m grateful to Fally Afani, Shania Lopez-Cabrera and the entire Pride committee for the opportunity. I am in awe of all they do for our community to celebrate pride year-round.”
Photo courtesy Laurel Nagengast
INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1) Espurresso Cat Cafe 2) Royal Crest Lanes 3) Empire Pubcade & Venue 4) Breakout Lawrence 5) Game Nut Entertainment 5) Up & Away Indoor Play
LIVE MUSIC VENUE 1) The Bottleneck 2) Liberty Hall 3) The Granada 4) Lucia Beer Garden + Grill 4) Replay Lounge 5) Northside Social
LOCAL BAND 1) The Dead Bettys 2) Son Venezuela 3) RipTide 4) The Fun Guy 5) Split Lip Rayfield
PLACE TO GET A BLOODY MARY 1) The Roost 2) Louise’s West 3) Ladybird Diner 4) Gaslight Gardens 5) Johnny’s Tavern, multiple locations 5) The Bourgeois Pig
Best of Lawrence 2026
55
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
dylan bassett 2nd – Private Music Instructor 5th – Solo Musician
PLACE TO GET A MARGARITA 1) El Potro Mexican Cafe 2) Lulu’s Latin Food 3) Molcajete’s 4) LOCAL 5) Gaslight Gardens PLACE TO GET A MIXED DRINK/COCKTAIL 1) John Brown’s Underground 2) The Bourgeois Pig 3) 715 Restaurant 4) LOCAL 5) Gaslight Gardens PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTOR 1) Michael Hamm 2) Dylan Bassett 3) Eric Sakamura, Lawrence Piano Studio 4) Matthew Mulnix 5) Linda Tilton SOLO MUSICIAN 1) Perry Lockwood 2) Jordan Tucker 3) Michael Hamm 4) Megan Luttrell 5) Dylan Bassett STORE TO BUY BEER 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On The Rocks 3) Roy’s Wine & Spirits 4) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 5) Mass Beverage STORE TO BUY LIQUOR 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On the Rocks 3) Roy’s Wine & Spirits 4) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 5) City Wine Market
Dylan Bassett can’t quite explain what sets him apart from other music teachers. His mission has always been to ignite a love for music in anyone eager to learn and to share in that joy together. Joy, after all, is what first led Bassett to music. At 10 years old, on a family trip to New Orleans, he watched a group of percussionists lift an entire crowd. He fell in love with that energy and the almost magical way the drummers seemed to spread happiness with every beat. “Music brings people together,” Bassett says. “It crosses those political divides and is a way for us to come together in peace. It’s a really powerful art form, and I’m happy I get to share it with so many people in Lawrence and around the world.” With students ranging in age from 8 to 80, Bassett teaches private lessons on drum set, snare drum, orchestral percussion, marching battery and world percussion. He also serves as a lecturer in world percussion at the University of Kansas. When he’s not in the classroom, he’s either performing across the globe or somewhere in the community. Catch him performing with his funk band, SUNU, the salsa band, Son Venezuela, or look for him each February leading the Mardi Gras parade through downtown Lawrence with the River City Brass Band.
56
Best of Lawrence 2026
STORE TO BUY WINE 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On The Rocks 3) City Wine Market 4) Roy’s Wine & Spirits 5) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits WINE LIST (RESTAURANT/BAR) 1) Wine Dive + Kitchen 2) 715 Restaurant 3) On The Rocks 4) Trivedi Wine 5) City Wine Market
THANK YOU, LAWRENCE 3400 S. Iowa, Lawrence, KS (785) 843-7700
crownautomotive.com
g us n i t o v r u fo o y k n Tha ce! n e r w a L Best of
FOR VOTING US BEST OF!
Your Hometown Team for Hearing Aid Services
Hearing Screenings For more than 40 years, we have been honored to serve as your hometown team for Ear, Nose & Throat care. We offer one of the largest selections of hearing aids and accessories in our area, along with comprehensive hearing screenings and diagnostic evaluations for patients of all ages.
785.841.1107 www.lawoto.com Convenient locations in Lawrence & Ottawa
Diagnostic Treatment Tinnitus Care
Hearing Aids & Accessories
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
1st – Bartender Bartending is about more than pouring drinks. For Helina Mekonnen—a familiar name in the Best of Lawrence Top 5—it’s about crafting an experience for the customer. “Whatever you can do to make someone’s visit meaningful, that’s what you should aim for,” Mekonnen advises. “There’s a saying—drop your baggage at the door. I do that pretty often. I’m pretty bubbly, and I try to treat everybody like a friend, whether they’re a new customer or one of our regulars.” Mekonnen has found her home behind the bar. For seven years, she has shaken fresh cocktails and built genuine connections with the community at R Bar & Patio. “It’s a comfortable place,” she says. “You walk in not knowing anybody, but you always leave knowing somebody.” When she isn’t mixing her favorite shots—the Thin Mint, a mix of Rumple Minze and cookie dough whiskey—or serving R Bar’s wings, which won second place in Best of Lawrence, she’s soaking in everything the Lawrence community has to offer. “Lawrence has a unique ability to make people feel welcome,” she adds. “Everyone at R Bar and I are so grateful to be in Best of Lawrence again. It’s incredibly validating to know that people appreciate the experience we’re trying to create.”
58
Best of Lawrence 2026
Rooted in
LAWRENCE. Grateful for 14 Years of Support.
For 14 years, you’ve named us Lawrence’s Best Credit Union. We’re proud to serve, support, and grow alongside this community we call home.
Investing in our community with our East Lawrence branch.
Supporting local nonprofits and community partners.
Empowering the next generation through financial education.
Creating stronger communities together, every day.
We love this community.
Let’s keep building it, together. Scan to learn more!
The Official Credit Union of KU Alumni
Your downtown Lawrence destination for live music, tasty food, and an exceptional craft beer and bar selection
1016 Massachusetts St • Lucialawrence.com
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Rodeo Roundup Best of Lawrence rounds up some of the best places to listen to live music
THE BOTTLENECK 1st – Live Music Venue
If you’re feeling classic rock and roll vibes, head straight to the Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. In recent years, this historic venue has undergone major renovations, ensuring a stronger and more enduring presence in the music scene. But this venue—like many in Lawrence—is steeped in music history, hosting headliners such as Weezer, Radiohead and The Smashing Pumpkins. It’s a mid-sized venue that features both touring acts and local bands along with regular drag nights.
LIBERTY HALL 2nd – Live Music Venue
stepping
Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., is one of the best places in Downtown Lawrence to catch a major headliner passing through town. This historic theater has undergone significant changes over the past century. Originally home to an abolitionist newspaper, the building was burned during the Sacking of Lawrence in 1856. It was rebuilt as a gathering place for influential voices and has since seen such music acts as The Wallflowers, Hozier and The Flaming Lips. When it isn’t hosting touring acts, visit Liberty Hall to catch an independent film or a beloved cult classic.
stones
Providing quality care and education for children 2 months - 11 years.
Thank you for your votes!
THE GRANADA 3rd – Live Music Venue
A Downtown Lawrence staple, the Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St., is another great place to catch a show. Big tours come through the Granada, as well as themed dance parties. Originally built as a vaudeville theater in 1928, the Granada has hosted some of the biggest names in the business, from Ben Folds and The Killers to Carly Rae Jepsen.
Making Lawrence brighter since 1987.
785-843-5919 steppingstones-childcare.org
60
Best of Lawrence 2026
Design + Build, One Team. One Schedule
7x
Your dream space starts here. Our in-house designers work with you through every step—from initial consultation to final reveal. Four simple steps. One seamless experience. Guaranteed.
1
Meet with Our Designers Share your vision. Our experts guide you through styles, materials, and possibilities.
2
Custom Design & Clear Estimate Detailed plans with no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what to expect.
3
Professional In-House Team Our dedicated crews handle everything. No subcontractor headaches.
4
Track Everything in Real-Time See daily progress, photos, and updates through our digital platform.
Schedule your private consultation:
(785) 424-5225
pbell
Kristie Cam
1213 E. 25th St Lawrence, KS 66046
Sarah Kellogg
www.csdesignremodel.com
WE’VE GOT LAWRENCE COVERED!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 IN BEST OF LAWRENCE FOR 10 YEARS IN A ROW!
!
Gracias, Lawrence!
PROUDLY SERVING LAWRENCE FOR 30+ YEARS! RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY, RETAIL, AND OFFICE CENTERS Live close to campus or around town. Work, eat or shop at some of the best restaurants and stores in Lawrence.
785-830-0888 www. ch e rryhillproperties.net
Voted #1 Mexican Food in Lawrence 15 years in a row!
Au t h e n t ic To rt il l a s
Made I n Ho u s e !
al-World ence Journ shing by the Lawr Presented Sunflower Publi and
Enjoy the Taste of Mexico!
2/$5
WEDNESDAYS HOUSE MARGARITAS Made from 100% Agave Great Outdoor Patio Dining! Take Out Margaritas Now Available!
3333 S. Iowa St. Lawrence, KS | 785-331-2500 | www.elpotrokc.com
Journal-World the Lawrence hing Presented by Publis and Sunflower
Thank You for Your Votes for Top Real Estate Agency and Top Realtor Larry Northrop Debbie Heinrich 785-842-3535 785-766-8621
LAWRENCE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE! Potato Olés = Best Tater Tots
2026
2026–
Kickball Fever
2027
25/26
Kickball League The Kaw Valley 25 years for players gear up
P L U
PLUS.
S
KU Impa State Growcts th Med Cent Starts Trialer s Player Rememb KU’s 1952ers Champion s
Artists hidden in plain sight Local authors celebrate women Authentic flavors on Sixth Street 2025–
Universi 2026 ty Athletic of Kansas Schedu les
Eat + Play + Explore
Your N w Tra iteio n StartdH ere s
A COM PLE TE LOC AL GUI EVE NTS DE TO COM AND RES , MUN OUR CESDES TIN ATI ONS ITIE S,
Restaurants • Bars • Boutiques Universities • Event Guide • Insider Tips
SUMMER 2026
CONTACT US TODAY
and our creative team will provide you the experience and resources to produce your ad or print magazine
JMORGAN@SUNFLOWERPUB.COM O: 785-832-7264