Every now and then, there’s that night where you get super hungry and whatever’s lying in your fridge or pantry just won’t cut it. You’re sick of ordering Pizza Shuttle and Jimmy John’s, so what’s a girl to do? Well, believe it or not, there’s actually quite a few restaurants around Lawrence that are open past midnight. Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or a full-out meal, chances are there’s a restaurant open to satisfy your craving.
The Burger Stand (803 Massachusetts Street)
Practically everyone and their mother knows about this burger joint on Mass Street, and for good reason. For a few years now, The Burger Stand has been serving tasty burgers and fries with a funky twist (think chipotle-cocoa ketchup and burgers with habanero-cactus jam). Beloved by locals and KU students alike, this place is always filled to the brim on weekend nights. In addition to serving up burgers, The Burger Stand also has a bar for those of you who want to get your drink on, and they’ve got drink specials almost every night. But wait, there’s more! If you love video games, there’s always video game nights and tournaments at The Burger Stand. The best part of it all is that it’s open until 2 AM most nights.
Steak n’ Shake (3111 Nieder Road)
If you want to get tasty burgers without the hassle of Mass Street parking and it’s past 2 a.m., then head over to Steak n’ Shake. A popular burger joint that’s present throughout the Midwest and then some, Steak n’ Shake’s got burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes that are pretty darn wallet-friendly. The milkshakes are huge and super-tasty, the burgers are great, and the fries are good (especially if you get some of the special seasoning on them). Seriously, if you’re looking to treat yourself and don’t want to spend more than $10, then Steak n’ Shake is your joint.
The Java Break (17 E 17th Street)
A coffee joint known to most KU students, this is not your run-of-the-mill Starbucks. Just off Mass Street, this funky cafe is… how do I say it. Quirky? Hipster paradise? Whatever it is, it’s open 24/7 and it’s totally awesome. They’ve got your standard coffee and tea, and then they’ve got your sodas and special lattes. If you like delicious flavors and coffee, then try one of their Java Treats. My personal favorite is the Mudslinger (latte with non-alcoholic kahlua and chocolate). Also, they’ve got a cereal bar where you can mix different kinds of cereals and milk. If you’re with a group of friends and want something to do while enjoying coffee you can grab a board game from the shelves. The Java Break is also a great study joint, as they’ve got free WiFi and plenty of power strips to charge your computer. As for the atmosphere of the place, there’s literally no words to describe it, you have to see it for yourself.
IHOP (3102 Iowa Street)
If you’re craving breakfast food super late, then head over to IHOP. Famous for their super tasty pancakes and omelettes, this is one place that won’t disappoint you ever (unlike Denny’s). Seriously, IHOP’s got all kind of pancakes. Whether you like traditional buttermilk pancakes, cheesecake pancakes, super chocolate-y pancakes, or fruit-topped pancakes, as long as you love pancakes, IHOP will make you happy. Also, IHOP is open 24/7, which is pretty awesome. IHOP is also another option for a late-night study joint for those of you who would like to study while chowing down on delicious pancakes.