Presented by the Lawrence Journal-World & Sunflower Publishing
For the best in orthopedics and sports medicine, turn to the Sports Medicine and Performance Center at The University of Kansas Health System in Lawrence. Backed by the power of academic medicine, Dr. Randall and his team will treat you like an all-star – no matter what your age or athletic ability. Adult and youth services include physical therapy, general orthopedics, sports medicine, arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery, and more. If joint or muscle pain is keeping you from what you love, it’s time to get moving.
Get back in action. Call 785-312-9127 to request an appointment or visit us online at kansashealthsystem.com/lawrence.
Sports Medicine and Performance Center
4910 Corporate Centre Drive Lawrence, KS 66047
Jeff Randall, MD, and his team at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center have been ranked among the region’s best.
MINI-ARTICLES
An overview of the story formats in this magazine
Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, 1998
Darin White 2020
INSPIRED BY ARTIST
Get back to healthy with the innovation of Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for total or partial knee replacements. For many patients, the advanced precision of robotics means enhanced joint function and faster recovery with less discomfort. Visit the board-certified orthopedic surgeons of LMH Health OrthoKansas – the area’s only orthopedic center offering Mako Technology – and prepare to be amazed.
Choose our joint replacement team for a more active life. Call 785-843-9125 to schedule. Learn more at lmh.org/mako.
FOOD &DINING 01
Fleetwood Mac Rumours, 1977
Simon McCaffrey 2020
INSPIRED BY ARTIST
BREAKDOWN
COMPARING THE BEST TO THE BEST
Aladdin Cafe and Zen Zero both earned Top 5 spots in the Vegetarian or Vegan category of this year’s Best of Lawrence contest. How do these two Mass. Street restaurants compare in other aspects? It’s time for a breakdown to sound out what makes them unique.
Both strong options, but Zen Zero has more vegan dishes without any adaptations.
The feta cheese can be taken out of a dish, but if you aren’t a vegan why would you?
Aladdin has wonderful mint tea, but the Turkish coffee dominates. Zen Zero’s Vietnamese coffee is a treat, but the Thai ice tea is the star.
CHART RISER
La Estrella Tienda
The secret is out: Lawrence loves La Estrella Tienda Mexicana. This unassuming spot for authentic tacos is nestled inside a Mexican market, providing a charming atmosphere as you enjoy a satisfying meal and convenient shopping to take a taste of Mexico home with you. Moving into the Top 5 this year from last year’s Top 10 showing, La Estrella Tienda is gaining a taco following.
#3 TACOS
INTERNATIONAL FOOD/GROCER
#? CATEGORY
Munchers
Munchers has long-dominated the doughnut award category, but this year it moves from a Top 10 into a Top 5 Finisher for the “Best Dessert” vote as well. In addition to doughnuts, the bakery offers several sweettreats, including eclairs, pastries, brownies, cheesecake, rum cake and more. Of course, you can always have a doughnut for dessert as well.
#1 BAKERY
COOKIE
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ASIAN FOOD (NON-CHINESE)
1) Encore Cafe
2) Zen Zero
3) Ramen Bowls
4) India Palace
5) Thai Diner
BAKERY
1) Munchers Bakery
2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
3) 1900 Barker Bakery and Cafe
4) Great Harvest Bread Co.
5) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
BARBECUE
1) Biemer’s BBQ
2) Bigg’s Barbecue
3) Hog Wild Pit BBQ
4) Hawaiian Bros.
5) Leeway Franks
BARISTA
1) Holly Johnston, La Prima Tazza
2) Alycia Earhart, The Bourgeois Pig
3) Kara Easum, Wake the Dead Breakfast Bar
4) Sadie Barbee, The Roost
5) Griffin Jacobson, The Koffee Korner
BREAKFAST SPOT
1) The Roost
2) Ladybird Diner
3) The Big Biscuit
4) First Watch
5) Wake The Dead Breakfast Bar
BURRITO
1) Burrito King
2) El Potro
3) Chipotle Mexican Grill
4) Border Bandido
5) Taco Zone
CATERER
1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
2) Culinaria
3) Hy-Vee
4) Evan Williams Catering
5) Merchants Pub & Plate
CHEF
1) T. K. Peterson, Merchants Pub & Plate
2) Aaron Pillar, Culinaria
3) Emma Levy, 715 Restaurant
4) Amber Cersovsky, Free State Brewing Company
5) Kelly Risley, Hy-Vee
CHINESE FOOD
1) Encore Cafe
2) China House
3) Jade Garden
4) Oriental Bistro & Grill
5) Red Pepper Chinese Resaurant
COOKIE
1) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies
2) Hot Box Cookies
3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
4) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
5) Munchers Bakery
DESSERT
1) Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
2) Ladybird Diner
3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
4) Munchers Bakery
5) 715 Restaurant
(LOCAL) FRENCH FRIES
1) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub
3) LiMESTONE pizza•kitchen•bar
4) Lawrence Beer Company
5) Burgers By Biggs
FRESH PRODUCE
1) Checkers
2) Sprouts Farmers Market
3) Lawrence Farmers Market
4) The Merc Co+Op
5) Dillons
GROCERY STORE
1) Dillons
2) Checkers
3) Hy-Vee
4) The Merc Co+Op
5) ALDI
HAMBURGER
1) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub
3) Five Guys
4) Johnny’s Tavern
5) West Coast Saloon
ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGURT
1) Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
2) Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
3) Dairy Queen
4) Cold Stone Creamery
5) Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
INDIAN FOOD
1) India Palace
2) Bayleaf Indian Restaurant and Bar
3) The Merc Co+Op
4) Cosmos Indian Store & Cafe
5) Cafe Spice, KU Dining
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL FOOD GROCER
1) Au Marché
2) Checkers
3) Mediterranean Market & Cafe
4) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana
5) The Merc Co+Opa
ITALIAN FOOD
1) Paisano’s Ristorante
2) The Basil Leaf Cafe
3) 715 Restaurant
4) The Mad Greek
5) LiMESTONE pizza•kitchen•bar
MAC & CHEESE
1) 23rd Street Brewery
2) Merchants Pub & Plate
3) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern
4) Ladybird Diner
5) Lawrence Beer Company
5) The Blue Moose Bar and Grill
MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
1) The Mad Greek
2) Aladdin Cafe
3) Mediterranean Market & Cafe
4) Culinaria
5) Chebaro Mediterranean Grill
MEXICAN FOOD
1) El Potro
2) Cielito Lindo
3) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana
4) Mi Ranchito
5) El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) 715 Restaurant
3) Ladybird Diner
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
5) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
NEW RESTAURANT
1) Fields & Ivy Brewery
2) RPG (Restaurant, Pub & Games)
3) Ta Co. Lawrence
4) Lawrence Beer Co West
5) Mamma’s Tamales
OUTDOOR DINING
1) Cielito Lindo
2) Bon Bon!
3) Fields & Ivy Brewery
4) Lawrence Beer Company
5) La Tropicana
OVERALL RESTAURANT
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) 715 Restaurant
3) Merchants Pub & Plate
4) Ladybird Diner
5) Lawrence Beer Company
PIZZA
1) LiMESTONE pizza•kitchen•bar
2) Minsky’s Pizza
3) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria
4) Rudy’s Pizzeria
5) Glory Days Pizza
PLACE FOR COFFEE
1) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
2) J&S Coffee
3) La Prima Tazza
4) Decade
5) Z’s Divine Espresso
PLACE FOR TEA
1) House of Cha
2) Hi Tea
3) Decade
4) McAlister’s Deli
5) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
PLACE TO BUY A DOUGHNUT
1) Munchers Bakery
2) Wake The Dead Breakfast Bar
3) Dunkin’ Donuts
4) Ladybird Diner
5) Humble Donut Co.
PLACE TO GET PIE
1) Ladybird Diner
2) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
4) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House
5) Munchers Bakery
RESTAURANT FOR KIDS
1) Chick-fil-A
2) Ladybird Diner
3) McDonald’s
4) Fields & Ivy Brewery
5) Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
SALAD
1) Jason’s Deli
2) Free State Brewing Company
3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
4) 23rd Street Brewery
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
SANDWICH
1) Yello Sub
2) Sandwich Bowl
3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe
4) Terrebonne Po’Boys
5) Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
NOT A ONE HIT WONDER
Fields and Ivy Brewery
Cory Johnston brewed his first beer in 2010. Since then, his hobby has led to a love and career in the brewing industry. Before opening his small business, Johnston spent years teaching himself and learning from others about the brewing process.
After gaining the experience he needed and partnering with friends in the industry, opening a farm-to-table style brewery seemed the most natural next step for Johnston and his wife. Since then, Johnston notes other aspects of his business that keep them in the brewing game: 1) Fields & Ivy Brewery is a full-production brewery with a bottling line that distributes beer throughout the state; 2) Chef Jeff Ward produces most of the restaurant’s menu items from scratch; 3) Johnston’s talented team of employees; 4) The support from the Lawrence community.
SEAFOOD
1) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar
2) J. Wilson’s
3) Wa Japanese Restaurant
4) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine
5) 715 Restaurant
STEAK
1) Texas Roadhouse
2) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern
3) 715 Restaurant
4) J. Wilson’s
5) Merchants Pub & Plate
SUSHI
1) Wa Japanese Restaurant
2) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine
3) Oriental Bistro & Grill
4) Sushi Station Revolving Sushi Bar
5) Tokyo Sushi Bar
TACOS
1) Taco Zone
2) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
3) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana
4) El Potro
5) Ta Co. Lawrence
TATER TOTS
1) Leeway Franks
2) Sonic Drive-In
3) Taco John’s
4) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
5) Bon Bon!
VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN FOOD
1) Zen Zero
2) Aladdin Cafe
3) The Merc Co+Op
4) Bon Bon!
4) Culinaria
WINGS
1) Jefferson’s
2) Henry T’s
3) Buffalo Wild Wings
4) R Bar & Patio
5) Jefferson’s West Lawrence
Photograph courtesy Fields and Ivy Brewery
BY THE NUMBERS
TOP RESTAURANTS
One of the greatest prizes of the Best of Lawrence contest is the overall restaurant category. Theoretically, a restaurant could top this category without winning— or even competing in—any other category for the Food & Dining section. But in practice, the top contenders in the Best Overall Restaurant category
FREE STATE BREWERY
WINNER
Modern American cuisine
Overall restaurant
TOP 5 PLACER
Chef
Salad
TOP 10 PLACER (Local) French fries
Restaurant for kids
Sandwich
Seafood
Steak
TOP 5 PLACER
Chef
Dessert
Italian food
Modern American Cuisine
Overall Restaurant
Seafood
Steak
TOP 10 PLACER (Local) French fries
Outdoor dining
Salad
MERCHANTS PUB & PLATE
WINNER
Chef
TOP 5 PLACER
Caterer
Mac & Cheese
Modern American Cuisine
Overall Restaurant
Salad
Steak
TOP 10 PLACER
Dessert
Ice cream or frozen yogurt
TRACKING A HIT
Rudy’s Pizzeria
THREE DECADES OF PIZZA PIE
Rudy’s Pizzeria has been a stalwart fixture of the downtown Lawrence restaurant scene for 30 years. The homey underground pizza joint offers scratch-made slices and pies, salads and beer—all at college-kid prices.
Photographs courtesy Rudy’s Pizzeria
MARCH 18, 2019
Gelato
With the 2019 Kansas summer heat just around the corner, Rudy’s adds the sweet, cold Italian ice cream treat, gelato, to its already expansive menu.
JULY 29, 2019
Veggie meats
Already known for accommodating dietary restrictions, Rudy’s adds veggie sausage and veggie hamburger for those who keep meat off their plates.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2019
Pizza Tattoo of the Day
Doing their part to promote and curate pizza culture, Rudy’s staff members begin posting “Pizza Tattoo of the Day,” a periodic social media series of fabulous pizza-themed tattoos.
FEBRUARY 9, 2020
National Pizza Pie Day Rudy’s celebrates the annual pizza day with a shout-out to some of its more unusual toppings, such as a cream cheese and jalapeño pepper combo.
MARCH 2020
30 Years
Rudy’s marks 30 years of business.
APRIL 25, 2020
Free delivery
Responding to the quarantine, Rudy’s suspends its delivery charge for anyone taking advantage of their no-contact delivery service.
#4 PIZZA
BREAKDOWN
COMPARING THE BEST TO THE BEST
J&S Coffee and JB (The Java Break) both earned Top 10 spots in the Best Place to Get Coffee category of this year’s Best of Lawrence contest. But despite sharing that honor (and a similarly initialized name), each of these two coffee spots has a distinct atmosphere and vibe. Let’s do a breakdown of some key differences.
The Mad Greek
For many years, The Mad Greek owners Deb and Theo Tagtalianidis, along with their daughter Whitney Robinson, have been a part of Lawrence’s thriving downtown dining scene. As a Top 5 Finisher in the Mediterranean and Italian food and dining categories, they know the Lawrence business scene and give praise to
1) the Cider Gallery for its beautiful venue and congenial staff
2) the Ballard Community Center for its work with young children in the community who need care.
3) the U.S. Bank tellers downtown for their friendliness and smiling eyes behind their face masks despite hard times brought on by Covid-19.
J&S features work by community artists, whereas Java Break’s Free Speech wall is a work by community artists.
J&S features Red Bull sodas and smoothies, whereas Java Break’s answer is “more coffee!” with the double-espresso Lawrence Slammer.
Almost an even match, but Java Break’s later hours allow it to fill up with more students during exam time.
TRACKING A HIT
La Prima Tazza
ONE MORE CUP OF COFFEE (PLEASE)
Featuring classic and specialty drink options, plus a wide variety of bulk teas and coffees, “Tazza” has been providing Lawrence’s early morning caffeine fix for the past three decades. As the perfect partner to a lunch at the Free State Brewery or a movie at Liberty Hall, this Lawrence coffee shop staple earned its spot on the Best of Lawrence Top 5 this year.
MARCH 14, 2020
Free State High School
Art Exhibition
La Prima hosted a show by some of the talented students of Free State High School who had the opportunity to hang their artwork of photography, painting, lino prints and even embroidery.
MARCH 19, 2020
Donated Milk to Just Foods
With business slowing, Tazza donated their surplus milk and dairy supplies to Lawrence food pantry Just Food.
BY THE NUMBERS
CONTESTED CATEGORIES
The Food & Dining section is the second-largest section of the Best of Lawrence ballot, and contains some of the most-contested categories. To the right is a list of the seven most-contested categories in this section, along with a list of the total number of approved nominations for each category. Can you match up the correct category with the correct number of nominations? The answers are printed upside down at the bottom of this page.
MARCH 20, 2020
Delivery Begins Tazza begins offering safe delivery options for everything from beans to candy, cold press coffee, loose leaf tea, T-shirts and mugs.
MAY 1, 2020
30th Anniversary
This May, Tazza turned 30 and, despite the pandemic restrictions, they have vowed to celebrate in style with their friends, families and customers as soon as they are able.
#1 BARISTA
#3 PLACE FOR COFFEE
Photographs courtesy La Prima Tazza
THE UNSUNG HERO
J. Wilson’s
“Service and atmosphere will get you a lot of things and make customers happy, but if the food isn’t consistent then you can’t make it up with your service,” says Lisa Wall, general manager for J. Wilson’s.
Wall says several unsung heroes in the J. Wilson kitchen ensure the quality and consistency of food being served at or carried out from their West Lawrence venue. One of those heroes is line cook Jose Nicanor. Starting out five years ago as a dishwasher, Nicanor worked his way up to the grill and knows the menu inside out. Wall describes Nicanor as a quiet individual with tremendous ability. The patrons might not see or know him, but he has influenced the presentation of dishes and ensures the quality of many meals. Working with Nicanor is sous chef Kelly Driscoll, a longtime Lawrence chef who chose part-time work at J. Wilson’s. With the Covid crisis, however, Driscoll’s experience was instrumental in allowing the restaurant to meet a student-meals contract with USD 497 during the spring semester. That experience has paired well with another other group of unsung heroes, the restaurant’s first young teen hires: Karsen P., Hannah D., and Cortlyn R., who have helped with everything from service to dishwashing. “One of the best things about the young girls is that they know what to do and they do it right,” says Walls, adding that they have won respect from the rest of the staff members who are “able to trust their consistency.”
NOT A ONE HIT WONDER
Alchemy Coffee and Bake House
As a Top 5 Finisher in multiple categories, there’s not a lot store owners, coffee brewers and pastry bakers Ben Farmer and Joni Alexander haven’t mastered. Their flagship storefront remains on Massachusetts Street, however, Farmer notes their newest location on 6th Street; which now offers the same high quality food and drinks with access to a drive-thru. Alexander heads up the bakery section, which took home a majority of Alchemy’s Top 5 Best of Lawrence awards this year. The couple also give credit to their diverse group of hardworking employees from all over the world.
#4 COOKIE
#1 PLACE FOR COFFEE
#2 SEAFOOD
#4 PLACE TO GET PIE
#5 PLACE FOR TEA
#5 BAKERY
#4 STEAK
Photograph courtesy Ben Farmer
COMMUNITY02
Nirvana Nevermind, 1991
Drew James 2020
INSPIRED BY ARTIST
Ailecia Ruscin
Ailecia Ruscin is the photographer and business owner behind Oh Snap! Photography. She’s lived in Lawrence for 21 years and just celebrated her 10th year as a small business. Her communication skills have connected her to local businesses all over the city and she loves living and working in a LGBTQIA+ inclusive community. Ruscin gives a shout out to
1) The Cider Gallery, not only is it where she houses her business, but it also has become one of her favorite event spaces in town to photograph weddings and events
2) Local artist John Sebelius
3) The Replay Lounge where she regularly DJ’s under the moniker DJ Candy Kitty.
CHART RISER
Double Deuce
The Double Deuce Podcast with Will Averill and Chris Nelson edged its way into the Top 5 this year after the previous year’s 8th-place finish.
“We like the people who guest and we like each other and I think that shows,” says Averill. “It’s not a show about changing the world, it’s a show about Lawrence, and our lives, and what’s going on around us.”
“We’ve been doing consistent weekly episodes for 5 years now, so maybe we’ve finally tortoise-and-the-hare’d our way to success?” Nelson posits. “Or perhaps this is all a cruel and elaborate Carrie-esque prank in which case our telekinetic vengeance will be as awesome as it is horrifying!”
#? CATEGORY
Our contest organizers had not considered turning Best of Lawrence into a Carrie-esque prank, but perhaps that’s the virtue of The Double Deuce Podcast—unique takes on local issues and events through whatever platform you regularly download your podcast choices.
courtesy Will Averill
#3 ARTIST (PHOTOGRAPHY OR DIGITAL IMAGES)
#4 PODCAST
Photograph
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (BIZ)
1) Linda Love - Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital
2) Ashley King - Free State Dental
3) Sarah Heironimus - Abraxas Tattoo Co
4) Bev Lockwood - Family Medicine Associates PA
5) Rosie Robertson - Solomon and Associates
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (NONPROFITS/GOV./GROUPS)
1) Heidi York - The Willow Domestic Violence Center
2) Althea Schnacke - Liberty Memorial Central
3) JoAnn Devin - Sunset Hill Elementary
4) Amy Addington - LMH Health Foundation
5) Brett Salsbury - Just Food
ART GALLERY
1) Lawrence Arts Center
2) Phoenix Gallery
3) Cider Gallery
4) Spencer Museum of Art
5) Wonder Fair
ARTIST (PAINTING, SCULPTING OR MIXED MEDIA)
1) Dan Besco
2) Tay Cameron
3) Julie Hammer
4) John Sebelius
5) Angie Pickman
ARTIST (PHOTOGRAPHY OR DIGITAL IMAGES)
1) Ann Dean
2) Brian Byers
3) Ailecia Ruscin
4) Fally Afani
4) Mike Yoder
COMMUNITY LEADER
1) Anthony Lewis - USD 497
2) Don “Red Dog” Gardner - Red Dog’s Dog Days
3) Elizabeth Keever - Just Food
4) Dennis “Boog” HighbergerKansas State Representative
5) Brad Allen - Lawrence Public Library
EVENT (ANNUAL)
1) Art in the Park
2) Busker Festival
3) Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
4) Transformations Charity Gala
5) Food Truck Fest
EVENT (SEASONAL OR RECURRING)
1) Lawrence Farmers Market
2) KU Basketball Games
3) Book sales at Lawrence Public Library
4) Final Fridays
5) Dog Days
FAMILY FUN
1) Lawrence Public Library
2) Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch
3) Pet World Experience
4) Baker Wetlands Discovery Center and Trails
5) Lawrence Arts Center
HOTEL
1) The Eldridge
2) The Oread
3) TownePlace Suites Marriott
4) Double Tree by Hilton
5) Circle S Ranch
LAWRENCE RADIO STATION
1) KPR
2) KJHK 90.7 FM
3) KKSW 105.9 FM
4) 92.9 The BULL, KMXN
5) KLWN 1320 AM / 101.7 FM
LOCAL NONPROFIT
(ADULT/SENIOR SERVICES)
1) Just Food
2) Lawrence Public Library
3) Audio Reader
3) Cottonwood Inc.
5) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
LOCAL NONPROFIT
(CHILDREN/YOUTH SERVICES)
1) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
2) Baby Jays Legacy of Hope
3) Big Brothers, Big Sisters Douglas County
4) Ballard Community Services
5) Lawrence Arts Center
LOCAL NONPROFIT
(FAMILY SERVICES)
1) Willow Domestic Violence Center
2) Family Promise of Lawrence
3) Ballard Community Center Inc.
4) 100 Good Woman
5) Catholic Charities
5) Heartland Community Health Center
LOCAL NONPROFIT (LAND, PRESERVATION OR ANIMALS)
1) Lawrence Humane Society
2) Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
3) Prairie Park Nature Center
4) Friends of the Kaw
5) Cans for the Community
MASCOT
1) Baby Jay, University of Kansas
2) Big Jay, University of Kansas
3) Chesty the Lion, Lawrence High
4) Freddie the Firebird, Free State High
5) Little Q, Quail Run Elementary
NEW BUSINESS
1) AR Workshop Lawrence
2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles
3) Lawrence Acupunture/Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub and Sauna
4) Kaw Valley Public House
5) Ta Co. Lawrence
PLACE OF WORSHIP
1) St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
2) Corpus Christi Catholic Church
3) Velocity Church
4) Plymouth Congregational Church
5) First United Methodist Church
PLACE TO HAVE KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
1) Pet World
2) Sunfire Ceramics
3) Lawrence Gymnastics and Athletics
4) LOL Family Zone
5) Indoor Aquatic Center
5) Royal Crest Lanes
PLACE TO HOLD EVENT
1) Abe & Jake’s Landing
2) Maceli’s
3) Cider Art Gallery
4) Liberty Hall
5) Arterra Event Gallery
PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER (FREE ATTRACTION)
1) Downtown Lawrence
2) Allen Fieldhouse
3) University of Kansas Natural History Museum
4) Clinton Lake
5) Baker Wetlands
PLACE TO WORK (100+ EMPLOYEES)
1) The University of Kansas
2) Lawrence Memorial Hospital
3) Lawrence Public Schools
4) The Merc Co+Op
5) Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence
PLACE TO WORK (UNDER 100 EMPLOYEES)
1) Pennington & Company
2) Ladybird Diner
3) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
3) Lawrence Public Library
5) Free State Brewing Company
PODCAST
1) Hawk Talk
2) Lawrence Forking Kansas
3) Book Squad
3) Rock Chalk Sports Talk
5) Double Deuce Podcast with Will Averill and Chris Nelson
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSON
INSTRUCTOR
1) Michael Hamm
2) Dylan Bassett
3) Sarah Niileksela
4) Eric Sakumura
5) Tommy Perez
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
1) Brandon Woods at Alvamar
2) Bridge Haven
3) Pioneer Ridge
4) Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
5) Meadowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living
SHOP (OR OFFICE) PET
1) Sirius and Pretzel at Lucky Dog Outfitters
2) Dinah at The Dusty Bookshelf
3) Dave at Wonderfair
4) Dashiell and Ngaio at The Raven Book Store
5) Chardonnay at Love Garden Sounds
SOCIAL MEDIA (ANIMAL)
1) Phog
@phogtheboxerdog on Instagram
2) Chicken
@A_dog_named_chicken on Instagram
3) Pretzel the Kid
@luckycatpretzel on Instagram
4) Sirius
@luckydogsirius on Instagram
5) Cheeto the Corgi
@cheetothecorgi on Instagram
NOT A ONE HIT WONDER
Spencer Museum of Art
The Spencer Museum of Art began with a gift of more than 7,000 artworks to the University of Kansas by Kansas City philanthropist Sallie Casey Thayer in 1917. This founding gift would grow into a collection of more than 45,000 works of art. But as a Top 5 Community Finisher, the museum is more than a series of galleries on display. Elizabeth Kanost, director of external affairs, notes other aspects such as the museum’s residency program, which brings contemporary artists from all over the world to create work at the Spencer and engage local audiences. As well as its online portal “Spencer Art at Home,” which allows visitors a chance to engage virtually with the collections—perfect for an era of social distancing.
Photograph by Ryan Waggoner
SOCIAL MEDIA (BUSINESS)
1) Ladybird Diner
2) 715 Restaurant
3) F*ck you, I’m from Kansas
4) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
5) KB & Co.
SOCIAL MEDIA (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Amy Brockman
2) LarryvilleLife
3) Will Averill
4) Tom Harper
5) Cimmy Redmond
SOCIAL MEDIA (ORG. OR NONPROFIT)
1) Lawrence Police Department
2) Lawrence Humane Society
3) Lawrence KS Community & Police
Scanner
4) Oh 4 the Love Local Lawrence Police Scanner
5) Lawrence Public Libraryy
TEACHER (GRADES K–5)
1) Katie Higgins
Corpus Christi Catholic School
2) Kylie Cobb
Woodlawn Elementary
3) Sandy Theilen
Hillcrest Elementary
4) Katie Stoltenberg
Sunset Hill Elementary
4) Susan Lomshek
Schwegler Elementary
TEACHER (GRADES 6–8)
1) Chris Orlando
Southwest Middle School
2) Maria Pope
Billy Mills Middle School
3) Amanda Frost
West Middle School
3) Stephanie Jaramillo
Liberty Memorial Central Middle School
5) Danielle Lotton-Barker
Southwest Middle School
TEACHER (GRADES 9–12)
1) David Platt, Lawrence High School
2) Sam Rabiola, Free State High School
3) Stuart Strecker, Free State High School
4) Abby Hoffman, Lawrence High School
5) Adam Green, Lawrence High School
TEACHER (HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY)
1) Daniel Wildcat
2) Bridgett Chapin
3) Rhonda LeValdo
4) Joshua Falleaf
5) Nana Allison-Brewer
TEACHER (PRESCHOOL)
1) Jori Rudisell, Ballard Center
2) Malissa Somers, Edna A. Hill Child Development Center
3) Linda Reimond, Lawrence Arts Center
Preschool
4) Ashlee Beck, Googols of Learning
5) Whitney Smith, Hilltop Child Development Center
TEACHER (UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS)
1) Shuai Sun
2) Amii Castle
3) Kevin Willmott
4) Stephen Ilardi
5) Anne Patterson
#4 ART GALLERY
THE UNSUNG HERO
Amanda
Martinez Willow Domestic Violence Center
The approximately 30 staff members of The Willow Domestic Violence Center provide essential services that purposefully go unnoticed in the wider community. All levels of the center’s interactions with domestic survivors and families require trust, confidentiality and a sheltering layer of privacy so that survivors can extract themselves from dangerous situations and begin new lives on their own terms. Will Averill, communications director for The Willow Domestic Violence Center, describes this work as “millions of tiny moments covered by confidentiality.”
And amid a culture of unseen dedication, Willow chose to recognize Amanda Martinez, the director of shelter services, as its Unsung Hero for the past year.
“Obviously because of the need for confidentiality and safety for those in the shelter, Amanda’s work doesn’t often get recognized other than by the staff and the survivors she assists,” says Averill. “But Amanda is amazing in the terms of the work she does with survivors. She helps folks make goals and figure out the next steps for moving beyond the shelter.”
TRACKING A HIT
Lawrence Public Library
LOVING THE LIBRARY
Lawrence’s beloved center for education, entertainment and community engagement offers more than just a repository of books. The award-winning institution is home to a wide array of resources, services, programs—and some of the sharpest staff around.
SEPTEMBER 2019
1,000 Books before Kindergarten
Twenty-six tots graduated from LPL’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program that encourages families to explore the world of books with the little ones in their lives.
DECEMBER 2019
Library Adds A Queer Book Club And A Short Story Book Club
The addition of these two book clubs expanded the library’s list of 10 book clubs to 12.
Votes in Best of Lawrence are tracked to an approximate geographic location based on voter registration information and the computer or device used to vote in the contest. Within Lawrence, we’ve seen a fairly consistent breakdown by postal code. Here is a breakdown from 2020 and, for comparison, 2018.
DECEMBER 2019
The Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation Merge
The library’s fundraising arm and a longtime library support group known for its book sales merge to become one entity, the LPL Friends and Foundation.
FAMILY FUN #2 LOCAL NONPROFIT (ADULT/SENIOR SERVICES)
Photographs courtesy Lawrence Public Library
JANUARY 20, 2020
The Book Squad Podcast Marks its 50th Episode
The podcast for library lovers and bibliophiles, featuring literary news, recommendations and updates on LPL events, celebrates 50 episodes.
JULY 20, 2020
The Kaw Valley Jukebox Launches LPL presents KVJB, a free online streaming service devoted to documenting North Eastern Kansas’ vibrant music scene.
Julie Hammer
As a Top 5 Finisher in the artist (painting, sculpting or mixed media) category, Julie Hammer can attest that her art is a labor of love she’s had a passion for since her childhood. Now, it’s a passion she gets to share with the Lawrence community as she takes on a growing clientele specializing in watercolor and acrylic painting. Her admiration for the community has connected her to many Lawrence events and businesses, which leads her to give a shout out to
1) the annual event Art in the Park for the opportunity to be involved with the community and share her artwork
2) Pro-Print service for their good prices and fast turnarounds
3) Moriah Ruth, a young photographer, once Hammer’s student, who is developing her craft in the Lawrence area.
#3 ARTIST (PAINTING, SCULPTING OR MIXED MEDIA)
#5 COMMUNITY LEADER
#5 SOCIAL MEDIA (ORG. OR NONPROFIT)
BREAKDOWN
COMPARING THE BEST TO THE BEST
The Lawrence Farmers’ Market and University of Kansas home basketball games regularly land top positions in the Best Event (seasonal or recurring) category. Let’s do a breakdown to see what separates them.
BY THE NUMBERS
Each year, the Community section of the Best of Lawrence ballot contains some of the categories with the most candidates. This year, the seven most-contested Community categories (categories with the most names/groups on the ballot section) were the following: 127 272
257
148
CHART RISER
Natural History Museum
Breaking into the rankings this year, this free museum located on the University of Kansas campus has educational exhibits and programs for learners of all ages. Upon entering, visitors walk into the panorama, a life-sized view of North American landscapes and wildlife originally exhibited at the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. The museum hosts numerous events throughout the year to engage visitors with science and history in fun ways, including science summer camps for youth and “Science on Tap” at Free State Brewery for the 21-and-over crowd.
SHOPPING
Cyndi Lauper
She’s So Unusual, 1983
Kassidee Quaranta 2020
NOT A ONE HIT WONDER
Wonder
Fair
Wonder Fair landed two Top 5 places in the shopping category, but shop owners Paul DeGeorge and Meredith Moore say other store highlights are also close to their hearts.
Wonder Fair’s Haunted Bathroom Radio: mysteriously broadcasts jingles of some past Lawrence businesses such as Ernst and Son Hardware, Local Burger, Teller’s, and Everything But Ice
Class Kits: discounted art supply kits for art classes from elementary to graduate level
Pencilvania: the store’s showcase pencil section
CHART RISER
1313 Mockingbird Lane
With several Top 5 Finishes after their first year open,1313 Mockingbird Lane isn’t playing around. “The very first day we opened, we had a line going down the block for eight hours; it was mind blowing,” owner Terry Taylor says. Collectors and casual fans alike seek out the eclectic toy shop at 1021 1/4 Massachusetts for vintage rarities and modern favorites from universes like Star Wars and He-Man— and all things spooky.
#3 GIFT SHOP
UNIQUE STORE
Photograph courtesy Wonder Fair
Lawrence
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ANTIQUE/VINTAGE STORE
1) Lawrence Antique Mall
2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles
3) Amy’s Attic Interiors and Antiques
4) Arizona Trading Co.
5) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore
APPLIANCE SHOP
1) Stoneback Appliance
2) Menards
3) Home Depot
4) Best Buy
5) Factory Direct Appliance
BIKE SHOP
1) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop
2) The Lawrence Re-Cyclery
3) Cycle Works
4) Trek Bicycle Lawrence
5) Dick’s Sporting Goods
BOOKSTORE
1) The Raven Book Store
2) The Dusty Bookshelf
3) Friends of the Lawrence Public Library
4) Signs of Life
5) The Toy Store
DEPARTMENT STORE
1) Weaver’s
2) Kohl’s
3) Target
4) T.J. Maxx
5) The Third Planet
DRESS SHOP OR FORMAL WEAR
1) Weaver’s
2) J.Lynn Bridal
3) KB & Co.
4) Kohl’s
5) Eccentricity
FLOWER SHOP
1) Owens Flower Shop
2) Dillons Floral
3) Hy-Vee Floral
4) Englewood Florist
5) Jungle House
FURNITURE STORE
1) Winfield House
2) HomeGoods
3) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore
4) Eagles’ Rest
5) Lawrence Antique Mall
GARDENING STORE
1) Clinton Parkway Nursery
2) Jungle House
3) Howard Pine’s Garden Center & Greenhouse
4) Earl May Nursery & Garden Center
5) Pendleton’s Country Market
GIFT SHOP
Phoenix Gallery
LMH Gift Shop
Wonder Fair
Brits
Gracefully Gifting
HARDWARE STORE 1) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 2) Westlake Ace Hardware 3) Menards 4) The Home Depot 5) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore
LOCAL STORE OWNER 1) Terry Taylor, 1313 Mockingbird Lane 2) Danny Caine, The Raven Bookstore
Kristie Bowen, KB & Co.
Jim Lewis, Checkers
Linda and Tom Cottin, Cottin’s Hardware and Rental
CLOTHING STORE
Weaver’s
SECOND-HAND/PAWN SHOP
1) The Dusty Bookshelf 2) Arizona Trading Co.
3) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore 4) Social Service League Thrift Store 5) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles
SHOE STORE 1) Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. 2) Ad Astra Running 3) Famous Footwear 4) Footprints 5) Garry Gribble’s Running Sports
SPORTING GOODS 1) Dick’s Sporting Goods
Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop
Ad Astra Running
Garry Gribble’s Running Sports
Jock’s Nitch
TOY STORE 1) The Toy Store 2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 3) Walmart 3) Wild Territory Science & Nature Store 5) Target
UNIQUE STORE 1) Phoenix Gallery 2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 3) Brits 4) Wonder Fair 5) Au Marché
VINTAGE CLOTHING
Wild Man Vintage
Arizona Trading Co.
Lawrence Antique Mall
Social Service League of Lawrence
Goodwill
WINDOW DISPLAY
The Toy Store
Game Nut Entertainment
Weaver’s
Wonder Fair
J.Lynn Bridal
WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Weaver’s
KB & Co.
Kohl’s
Maurices
Eccentricity
TRACKING A HIT
Lawrence Humane Society GIMME PET SHELTER
For over 60 years, the derelict cats and dogs of Lawrence have found refuge at the Lawrence Humane Society—and, in turn, residents have been able to find new companions full of gratitude, energy, and slobber. In 2019, LHS matched 2,710 pets with their new families and earned a Top-5 finish in the Pets and Pet Supplies category.
MAY 2019
Joggers and dogs enjoy LHS’ 5th Annual Paw Valley Festival & 5K in and around South Park.
JUNE 2019
LHS moves into its new home: a 20,000-squarefoot facility with much-needed upgrades.
The Best of Lawrence winners came from across Lawrence. Here is a breakdown by zip code of the top winners for various categories.
AUGUST 2019
Over 160 animals are adopted during the 2019 Clear the Shelter event, emptying LHS, save for a few senior cats.
NOVEMBER 2019
LHS reunites Moose, a lost German Shepherd mix, with his owner from Texas–ending a separation of 450 miles and 1.5 years.
#3 PETS & PET SUPPLIES
Photographs courtesy Lawrence Humane Society
NOVEMBER 2019
Shannon Wells, formerly of the KC Pet Project, is chosen to lead LHS as its next executive director.
BREAKDOWN
COMPARING THE BEST TO THE BEST
Weaver’s and Wild Man Vintage both earned Top 5 spots in the category of Men’s Clothing Store. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the different styles of two winners.
THE UNSUNG HERO
Lawrence Habitat For Humanity Restore
Michele Johnson, the manager of Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore, says her salvaged home goods store relies tremendously on knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. In particular, eight regulars (Rob O., Rod W., Laura D., Tony P., Terry G., Larry S., Mary H., Binh B., and Dakota W.) provide an essential boost to labor of the nonprofit’s 3 halftime and 2 full-time staff.
“The volunteers cut down on our costs and allow us to accept, process, price and stage donated items more efficiently,” says Johnson. “It seems like it would take forever without them.”
Beautiful Music Violin Shop
For business owner JJ Hanson, who has run the downtown Beautiful Music Violin Shop since 2008, and was a Top 5 Finisher in the Music Store shopping category, it’s hard to articulate in just a few words his pride in Lawrence businesses and contributors. But, he’s going to try:
1) photographer Brian Byers for his ability to promote Lawrence musicians and the community in a positive light
2) Circle S Ranch for the beautiful land the Country Inn sits on, and its wide range of outdoor activities the establishment offers such as horseback riding, fishing and hiking
3) Happy Shirt Printing for its ability to create “swag” in unique ways to promote his business and others.
#3 FURNITURE STORE
#4 MUSIC STORE
RESPONSE COVID-19 THE
A PANDEMIC BRINGS SUFFERING AND HARDSHIP TO LAWRENCE AND CIVIC GROUPS
DEDICATED TO BETTERING COMMUNITY LIFE—THANKFULLY THESE INDIVIDUALS WERE HERE TO LEND SUPPORT
As voting ended for this year’s Best of Lawrence contest, few Lawrencians suspected that a global pandemic would upturn our daily realities just one month later. Covid-19 has taken the lives of residents and forced us to adjust our daily routines and habits. When this is over, we will owe a debt to the many community heroes who have saved lives, helped us maintain optimism and responded with effective and necessary precautions. This section is meant to honor a sampling of them—Lawrencians who helped a community nonprofit or organization adapt its procedures to continue fulfilling its mission despite the challenges and risks from Covid-19.
Thanks to these individuals, the staff and volunteers they represent, and to the countless others we were unable to include in our pages.
Paula Elster
JUST FOOD
An essential, full-time volunteer for the food security nonprofit, Elster provided steady and reliable support as the organization’s services faced increasing demands during the pandemic economic shutdown.
Andrea
Johnson
UNMISTAKABLY LAWRENCE
Johnson was essential in pivoting the focus of the city’s promotion and tourism agency toward supporting community businesses and community health through the #RiseLawrence campaign.
As director of membership and community engagement, Hall worked directly with Lawrence businesses to develop responses to the Covid crisis and advocate for long-term stability.
Tiffany Hall
THE CHAMBER
Erick Vaughn
The executive director of Douglas County CASA, Vaughn stands for the child-advocacy’s staff and volunteers who adapted their daily routines to maintain stable surroundings and supportive relationships for children and their caregivers during the pandemic.
As director of the Lawrence Public Library, Allen helped staff and volunteers to openly and honestly re-imagine well-established procedures and goals to safely provide the community with crucial library services and a community space.
DOUGLAS COUNTY CASA
Brad Allen
LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Veronica Valdivia and Steve Richardson
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER
As custodian and facilities maintenance director respectively, Valdivia and Richardson implemented new sanitation procedures and standards to maintain a vital and safe public space—and they did so with diligence and humor.
Sara Taliaferro
As the pandemic limited recreational opportunities, Taliaferro worked with Kansas Land Trust to design engaging and safe outdoor activities for youth and families, such as a children’s summer activity book and natural exploration and journaling workshops.
KANSAS LAND TRUST
As the nation grappled with a pandemic and racial injustices, Minor worked with the Lawrence NAACP to set up virtual educational meetings and stepped in as technical manager for NAACP-hosted online election forums.
Tia Ezell
Ezell’s work as the head of the Lawrence Humane Society’s pet resource center and foster program became even more crucial as the society worked to get as many animals as possible into adopted or foster homes during the quarantine.
Sara Minor
LAWRENCE NAACP
LAWRENCE HUMANE SOCIETY
Kate Meyer
SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART
A curator, Meyer was also instrumental in formulating the museum’s Covid-era virtual and socially distanced events as well as planning how the museum could best continue to serve KU students in person and remotely.
David Metsker
As president of the Fair Board, Metsker directed the annual event to follow Health Department recommendations—which included canceling all public events—to ensure the safety of the young 4-H students who were able to continue with closed educational livestock shows broadcast online.
DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR
Kim Bellemere and Dawn Buehler
FRIENDS OF THE KAW
As program manager and executive director respectively, Bellemere and Buehler quickly created online programs for their river conservation group while continuing to monitor the ecology of the Kansas River and water safety legislation.
A medical doctor, Anderson volunteered his services to develop Van Go’s health and safety protocols for a safe return of its youth workers. He also donated personal protective equipment, providing every youth with personalized self-care kits.
Bill Anderson
VAN GO INC.
Dena Johnston
LAWRENCE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
As foundation director, Johnston connected individual and business donors in assisting students and their families who faced food crisis and other hardships connected to school closures and the pandemic recession.
Kim Polson
COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CENTER / DOUGLAS COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAUMA COLLABORATIVE
As director of the Community Children’s Center and staff of the Douglas County Early Childhood Trauma Collaborative, Polson represents the volunteers and professionals who have worked to strengthen children’s support networks in the community.
Brittany Keegan
WATKINS MUSEUM OF HISTORY
As curator, Keegan was one of the museum’s lead staff members in developing protocols and goals for a safe reopening of the museum’s exhibitions and public spaces.
Rob Classen and Sam Pepple
Volunteers Classen and Pepple helped staff construct the theater’s outdoor stage. Thanks to them (and other volunteers), the theater was able to offer 14 weekends of safe, socially distanced live entertainment.
THEATRE LAWRENCE
Megan Poindexter
SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER
As director of the county and community center, Poindexter led her staff in helping vulnerable seniors access online services, deliveries and safe transportation during the pandemic.
As job coach and employment consultant, Hotchkiss directed her staff in coaching clients through new pandemic-era work protocols, seeking out new job opportunities, and assisting business partners in approaching pandemic layoffs or reduced hours with dignity and compassion.
Penny Hotchkiss
COTTONWOOD INC.
William Lunn and Bruce Nightingale
CANS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Longtime board members and volunteers, Lunn and Nightingale helped ensure the continued collection of cans from community donation sites during the shutdown—work that enabled Cans for the Community to continue making donations to other community nonprofits.
Courtney Skeeba
LAWRENCE FARMERS’ MARKET
Shortly after the pandemic arrived, Skeeba, who has been a vendor at the market for more than 10 years, created the Lawrence Farmers Market app so that local vendors could coordinate direct deliveries of their products to consumers.
John Sebelius 2020
CHART RISER
NOT A ONE HIT WONDER
Aimes Schalles
Aimes Schalles has always had a knack for helping people. She spent eight years working in rehab facilities and dementia units. She even tried nursing school before transitioning into massage therapy. There, she unearthed a passion for healing others she says. Now a Top 5 Finisher as a massage therapist at Sano Massage and Wellness, Schalles notes her team of skilled employees who help treat chronic pain, stress and mobility issues, and the friendly and understanding culture she and her teammates have built and rely upon in the office. Schalles also calls attention to the wide range of therapy they offer such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, dynamic stretching and more.
Point B rose to one of the Top 5 spots in the new Dance Studio category. The studio instructs students 16 and older in competitive dance and also offers noncompetitive classes to those who are looking for a chance to move, express themselves, and have fun.
#3 MASSAGE THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)
#4 DANCE STUDIO
Photograph courtesy Aimes Schalles
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ACUPUNCTURE
1) Julie Bear Don’t Walk
Acupuncture
2) Advanced Chiropractic Services
3) Body Specific
4) Lawrence Acupunture/Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub and Sauna
5) Bodhi Tree
ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER
1) DCCA Lawrence Outpatient Services
2) First Step at Lakeview
3) Alpha Recovery Center
4) Heart of America Teen Challenge
4) Mirror Outpatient
CERTIFIED DIETITIAN
1) Heather Fiore, Free State Nutrition
2) Shannon Jones
3) Staci D. Hendrickson
4) Lisa Njoroge -LDCHD
5) Balancing Nutrition
CHIROPRACTOR
1) Advanced Chiropractic Services
2) Rodrock Chiropractic
3) Peak Performance Health Center
4) Risley Chiropractic
5) Body Specific
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (PUBLIC)
1) Sports Pavilion (Rock Chalk Park)
2) Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center
3) Lawrence Community Building
4) East Lawrence Recreation Center
5) Holcom Park Recreation Center
DANCE STUDIO
1) Dance Gallery
2) Lawrence Arts Center
3) Dazzlers Dance
4) Point B Dance
5) JF Dance
DAY SPA/WELLNESS CENTER
1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Body Specific, LLC
3) Lawrence Acupunture/Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub and Sauna
4) Elevate Arts of Wellness
5) Aestheticare of Lawrence
DENTAL PRACTICE
1) Peterson, Krische & Van Horn, DDS
2) Heinbach Larkin, DDS
3) Free State Dental
4) The Dentists in Lawrence
5) Cascade Dental Care
EYEWEAR OR VISION CENTER
1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
2) Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau
3) The EyeDoctors
4) Crandon & Crandon
5) Atteberry Eye Centers, LLC
FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE
1) Family Medicine Associates, PA
2) Lawrence Family Practice Center
3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics
4) Family Centered Medicine, LLC
5) Internal Medicine Group
GOLF COURSE (TRADITIONAL AND DISC)
1) Eagle Bend Golf Course
2) Lawrence Country Club
3) Centennial Park
4) The Jayhawk Club
5) Orchards Golf Course
GYM OR FITNESS CENTER (PRIVATE)
1) Crunch Fitness - Lawrence
2) Genesis Health Clubs
3) Body Boutique
4) Underground Lab
5) Planet Fitness
HEARING AID PROVIDER/AUDIOLOGIST
1) Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, LLC
2) Kaw Valley Hearing
3) Schiefelbusch SpeechLanguage-Hearing Clinic, University of Kansas
4) Marston Hearing Center, LLC
5) Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat - Lawrence
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
1) Clinton Lake Trails
2) Lawrence Levee Trail (Kansas River Trails)
3) Baker Wetlands
4) The Lawrence Loop
5) Rock Chalk Park
MARTIAL ARTS
1) Prime Martial Arts
2) Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
3) Premier Martial Arts
4) Caio Terra Academy Lawrence
5) Lawrence Tae-Kwon-Do School
MASSAGE THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Tracey Woody, Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Lisa Lahm, Body Specific
3) Aimee Schalles, Sano Massage & Wellness
4) Jennifer Baldwin, Renew by Jennifer
4) Leslie Denison, Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
MASSAGE THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE)
1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Body Specific, LLC
3) Elevate
4) Massage Envy Spa
5) Sensora Spa
MEDICAL CLINIC
1) Family Medicine Associates, PA
2) Lawrence Family Practice Center
3) Family Centered Medicine, LLC
4) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics
5) OrthoKansas
MEDICAL DOCTOR (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Loree Cordova, MD
2) Stephanie Suber, Family Centered Medicine, LLC
3) Waco Goodnight, MD, Panda Pediatrics
4) Carla Phipps, MD
5) Harris Malati, Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics
MEDICAL SPA
1) AesthetiCare Medical Spa
2) Simple Wellness, Fitness & MedSpa
3) Sunflower Aesthetics
4) Lawrence Plastic Surgery
5) Laser & Cosmetic Center
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (OTHER THAN LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST OR LICENSED PSYCHIATRIST)
1) Sunnie Shedd, LSCSW, LMAC Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
2) Sarah Doyle, LSCSW Family Psychological Services
3) Tamara Henley, Family Psychological Services
4) Jordan Mayfield, Family Psychological Services
5) Raven Rajani, LMSW
NURSE
1) Kelsey Daugherty, DNP, Family Psychological Services
2) Erika Newell, Lawrence Family Medicine
3) Gretchen Wells
4) Elizabeth Littleton, Watkins Health Services
5) Michelle Melvin, Internal Medicine Group
OPTOMETRIST (INDIVIDUAL)
1) Kenny Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
2) Kevin Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
3) John Harvat, The EyeDoctors
4) Kent Dobbins, Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eyecare Lawrence
4) Sharon Green, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic
ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE
1) Ranjbar Orthodontics
2) Oread Orthodontics
3) McColm Orthodontics
4) Hamilton, Wilson, Hendrickson Orthodontics
5) Freestate Dental
PEDIATRIC CARE
1) Panda Pediatrics
2) Lawrence Pediatrics, PA
3) Family Medicine Associates, PA
4) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics
5) Lawrence Family Practice Center
PERSONAL TRAINER
1) Melissa Farve, Underground Lab
2) Dylan Filburn, Underground Lab
3) Zach & Whitney Schneider, Schneider Fitness
4) Tyler Naylor, Evolution Athletics
5) Chad Harper, Lawrence Parks and Rec
PHARMACY
1) Sigler Pharmacy
2) Dillons Pharmacy
3) Walgreens Pharmacy
4) Hy-Vee Pharmacy
5) CVS/CVS Target Pharmacy
PHYSICAL THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE)
1) OrthoKansas, LLC
2) LMH Therapy Services
3) Bird Physical Therapy
4) TherapyWorks
5) Neu Physical Therapy Center
THE UNSUNG HERO
Baker Wetlands The southeast trails
For many, the Baker Wetlands are associated with the strikingly designed visitors center off E. 1350 Rd. (Michigan St.) on the northwest area of the property. The center boasts kid-friendly educational exhibits, an observation tower and boardwalks, which often grant close-up views of birds and other animals that live or stop by the wetlands.
But the wetland’s more than 900 acres offer several vantage points to explore this restored ecosystem. One of those “unsung hero” treasures is Warbler Trail, which runs along the Wakarusa River on the northeast edge of the wetlands property. Visitors can access the trail by arriving from Haskell Avenue, traveling south past the Lawrence Trafficway and looking for a parking lot on the east of the road before it crosses the Wakarusa River.
Tyler Naylor, Evolution Athletics
Tyler Naylor, personal trainer and owner of Evolution Athletics, has dedicated the last 14 years to helping others discover their athletic potential. He would argue it’s a quest that has led to his own success as well. Naylor loves working with clients in and around the Lawrence area. He gives a special shout out to
1) Schneider Fitness and its personal trainers for commitment to health and fitness
2) Sarah Williamson, CPA LLC for being his goto for personal and business accounting
3) Velocity Church for being a trusted place of worship for Naylor and his family.
#4 PERSONAL TRAINER
#3 HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
BY THE NUMBERS
VOTERS BEYOND LAWRENCE
The Best of Lawrence competition is open to registered voters beyond Lawrence. Though the outside voters are never a large portion of the total, the contest does allow them on the assumption that these are individuals who have ties to the community. Here are the largest cluster of voters who registered with permanent or temporary addresses outside of the community.
2.4% Eudora OF TOTAL VOTERS
0.8% Tonganoxie OF TOTAL VOTERS
1.5% Baldwin City OF TOTAL VOTERS
PLACE FOR HEALTH & NUTRITION GOODS
1) The Merc Co+op
2) Sprouts Farmers Market
3) Natural Grocers
4) Lawrence Nutrition Center
5) Ad Astra Running
5) Checkers Foods
PLACE FOR YOGA CLASSES
1) OmTree Shala
2) Body Boutique
3) Yellow Brick Yoga
4) Yoga Center of Lawrence
5) Lava Yoga Studio
PSYCHIATRIST (LICENSED)
1) Elias Chediak, MD
2) Matthew Carey, MD
3) Nana Dadson, Bert Nash
4) Mary Frank, MD
5) Hiten Soni, Interpersonal Psychiatry
PSYCHOLOGIST (LICENSED) 1) Wes Crenshaw 2) Kristen Teasdale
3) Christy Blanchard
4) Anne Owen
5) Jean Dirks, Bert Nash
5) Tish Holub-Taylor
SPORTS MEDICINE 1) OrthoKansas, LLC 2) Sports Medicine & Performance Center, University of Kansas Health System
3) Peak Performance Health Center
4) LMH Sports Performance & Training
5) TherapyWorks
SURGEON
1) Jeffrey C. Randall, Sports Medicine and Performance Center, University of Kansas Health Systems
2) Adam Goodyear, OrthoKansas
3) Blake Conklin, LMH
4) Douglass E. Stull, OrthoKansas LLC
5) Jon Heeb, LMH
TRACKING A HIT
Ad Astra Running
RUNNING DOWN A DREAM
For seven years, owners Grant Caloth and J. Jenkins have devoted their downtown store to offering races, runs and events for runners of all skill levels. Their enthusiasm keeps runners excited throughout the year.
Photographs courtesy Ad Astra Running
#5 PLACE FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION GOODS
MARCH 17, 2019
The 3rd Annual “Irish Mile” Run
A crowd favorite, this one-mile run down Massachusetts St. is held at 1 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day amid the cheers of all of the downtown revelers.
AUGUST 21, 2019
Defend Lawrence 5k & 1-mile
Held every year on the anniversary of Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence, this Ad Astra event is a free run/walk for proud Jayhawkers of any age.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
NoLaw 5K Summer Series
Ad Astra wrapped up its summer-long USATFcertified 5K in North Lawrence, ending at the Levee Cafe at 3rd and Elm.
OCTOBER 13, 2019
Christopher McDougall Community Run and Book Presentation
The shop welcomed author Christopher McDougall with a free community run followed by a reading and discussion of his new book Born to Run at The Raven Bookstore.
NOVEMBER 10, 2019
Ad Astra Running 4th Annual Billy Mills 10k Runners who signed up to compete in the fourth annual Billy Mills 10 run/walk at Haskell Indian Nations University received a finisher’s medal from Olympic legend Billy Mills himself.
JANUARY 1, 2020
New Year’s Day Run
The bravest of the brave endured the grueling Kansas winter to participate in Ad Astra’s 5th Annual New Year’s Day Run.
Abe & Jake’s Landing
Blair Jennifer Photography
BE IMAGES/ Abigail Ranney
Blair Jennifer Photography
Blair Jennifer Photography
INSPIRED BY ARTIST
Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A., 1984
Lana Grove 2020
BREAKDOWN
COMPARING THE BEST TO THE BEST
J.Lynn Bridal (which focuses primarily on weddings) and Mammoth (which focuses primarily on musical concerts) both earned Top 5 spots in the Best Event Planner category of this year’s Best of Lawrence contest. They are two very different businesses with two very different areas of expertise. Let’s do a breakdown to learn more.
THE UNSUNG HERO
Linda Longino
Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence
After spending 36 years as a Lawrence public school teacher and retiring in 2019 from Langston Hughes Elementary School, Linda Longino chose a non traditional route—she enrolled in the VISTA/Americorps program and began working with Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence (BGCL) as the nonprofit’s curriculum specialist.
“For us to have a Lawrence school teacher put together curriculum is phenomenal,” says BGLC communications director Alissa Bauer. “We are so lucky to have her.”
In her role as curriculum specialist, Longino developed activities for the 800–1,200 students, kindergartners to fifth-graders, who attended the organization’s after-school programs in the 2019–2020 academic year. Bauer says Longino has a knack for creating instructive lessons and games that meet the group’s educational goals but also “make it feel for the students that we are not just adding on to the school day with additional curriculum.”
Longino has completed her one-year commitment through the VISTA/Americorps program, but will return to BGCL for the 2020–2021 school year as the organization’s new academic manager.
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING
(INDIVIDUAL)
1) Jerrad Humerickhouse, Hume’s Tax Service
2) Sarah Williamson, CPA, LLC
3) Mike Roark, Roark Group, LLC
4) Katie Massey, Kahn & Associates
5) Doni Mooberry, Mooberry Financial Management
ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING FIRM
1) Hume’s Tax Service
2) The Roark Group LLC
3) Kahn & Associates Inc.
4) Sarah Williamson CPA, LLC
5) Kindred CPA, LLC
5) SS & C Solutions Inc
ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES
1) Allen Press, Inc.
2) 88 Design Group - Grandstand
3) Callahan
4) 3 Clever Broads
5) Fabulux Media
APPLIANCE REPAIR
1) Stoneback Appliance
2) Steve’s Appliance Repair
3) Price’s Appliance Repair
4) Ted’s Appliance Repair
5) Black Hills Service Guard
AUTO BODY REPAIR
1) Hite Collision Repair Center
2) Bryant Collision Repair
3) Steve’s Auto Plaza Body Shop Inc.
4) Crown Automotive
5) Laird Noller Automotive Collision Center
AUTO SERVICE REPAIR
1) Westside 66 and Carwash
2) Crown Automotive
3) Big O Tires
4) Lawrence Automotive Diagnostics Inc.
5) D & D Tire Inc.
BANK
1) Capitol Federal
2) Truity Credit Union
3) Central Bank of the Midwest
4) Commerce Bank
5) US Bank
BARBER
1) Downtown Barber Shop
2) Amyx Barber Shop
3) Rex’s Stadium Barber Shop
4) Amyx Barber Shop North
5) Paisley & Stripe
CAR WASH
1) Tommy’s Express Car Wash
2) Auto Plaza Car Wash
3) Mr D’s Auto Wash
4) Club Car Wash
5) Hurricane Alley
CHILDCARE CENTER
1) Hilltop Child Development Center
2) Stepping Stones
3) Raintree Montessori School
4) Googols of Learning
5) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
CLEANING/MAID SERVICES
1) Eco-Friendly Cleaning
2) Buckingham Palace Housecleaning
3) Housekeeping Unlimited
4) Two Moms and a Mop
House Cleaning
5) Getaway Cleaning Services
COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR
1) Construction Specialties
2) A-Team Custom Construction
3) R.D. Johnson Excavating Co.
4) Alpha Roofing
4) B A Green Construction Co
COMPUTER REPAIR OR SERVICE
1) Doctor Dave Computer Repair
2) UNI Computers
3) Geek Squad
4) M Cubed Technologies
5) Kaw Valley IT
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
1) Construction Specialties
2) A-Team Custom Construction
3) Jason Tanking Construction
3) R.D. Johnson Excavating Co.
5) B A Green Construction Co
CREDIT UNION
1) Truity Credit Union
2) Meritrust Credit Union
3) Envista Credit Union
4) Mainstreet Credit Union
5) Midwest Regional Credit Union
DRY CLEANER OR LAUNDRY
1) Scotch Fabric Care Services
2) Lawrence Laundromat
3) Hygienic Dry Cleaners
4) Hillcrest Laundromat
5) Suds Laundry Service
ELECTRICIAN
1) Danielsan Electric
2) ATEC Services
3) Hemel Electric LLC
4) Lynn Electric & Communications Inc.
5) Good Energy Solutions
EVENT PLANNER
1) Carmen Hocking, A Beautiful Wedding
2) Jena Lynn Dick, J.Lynn Bridal
3) Leila Ahvarhoush, Be Seen! Event Planning
4) Mammoth
5) Evan Williams Catering
FINANCIAL ADVISER
1) Ehren Feldmeyer, Feldmeyer Financial
2) Nate Miller, Miller Retirement Group
3) Doni Mooberry, Mooberry Financial Management
4) Scott Solomon, Solomon & Associates, Ameriprise Financial
5) Todd Walker, Edward Jones
FLOORING
1) Paradise Carpet One Floor & Home
2) Kring’s Interiors
3) Pod’s Discount Carpets
4) Menards
5) The Home Depot
HAIR SALON
1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa
2) Static Hair Salon
3) Moxie Hair Studio
4) Paisley & Stripe
5) Mane Haus
HAIR STYLIST
1) Alex Cedeno, Paisley & Stripe Salon
2) Courtney Quirarte, Mane Haus
3) Sarah Easum, Mane Haus
4) Kelsey Hurd, Moxie Hair Studio
5) Adrianne Jackson, Moxie Hair Studio
HANDYMAN
1) Shea Handyman Services
2) Greg Springer Handyman, Inc
3) The Hot Handyman
4) Waters Handy Services
5) Mark Naff
HOME CONTRACTOR
1) Construction Specialties
2) A-Team Custom Construction
3) Inside Out Remodeling LLC
4) Jason Tanking Construction
5) Natural Breeze Remodeling
HVAC SERVICE
1) Dunco Heating & Cooling
2) Cloud Heating & Air Conditioning
3) Advantage Heating and Air
4) Scott Temperature Equipment
5) Spurling Mechanical HVAC
INSURANCE AGENCY
1) CEK Insurance
2) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services
3) State Farm Insurance
4) DJ Flummerfelt, American Family Insurance
5) Justin Moravec, American Family Insurance
INSURANCE AGENT
1) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services
2) Justin Moravec, American Family Insurance
3) Kurt Goeser, State Farm Insurance
4) DJ Flummerfelt, American Family Insurance
5) Rochelle Tramp, State Farm Insurance
INTERIOR DESIGNER
1) Jane Bateman Interiors: The Interior Store
2) KB Painting, LLC
3) Winfield House
4) Love Your Nest
5) Kring’s Interiors
LANDSCAPING SERVICE
1) Turf Masters Inc.
2) Lawrence Landscape
3) Rick’s Lawn & Landscape
4) Pine Landscape Center
5) Mount Hope Lawn Care & Maintenance, LLC
LAW FIRM
1) Stevens & Brand, LLP
2) Barber Emerson, LC
3) Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, CHTD
4) The Swain Law Office
5) Tallgrass Legal
LAWYER
1) Amy Durkin, Stevens & Brand LLP
2) David J. Brown, The Law Office of David J. Brown LLC
3) Joe Jarvis, Tallgrass Legal
3) John Frydman, John Frydman Defense
5) Brad Finkeldei, Stevens and Brand LLP
CHART RISER
Christal-K9
With nearly three decades of service in the Lawrence community, Christal-K9 breaks into the highly contested category combining pet care and grooming services. Christal-K9 provides both of these, as well as daycare, and specializes in dog training classes. The sessions are led by AKC judges and offer insight into the competitive world of dog shows.
In its 32 years, Grandstand has provided graphic design and creative services to customers. However, in 2018 it soon became evident to Business Developer Josh Christie that a full service agency model was needed in the craft beverage industry. Thus, 88 Design Group was born. Since its inception, Kim Jones, account manager, notes other highlights of their business they’re proud of: 1) A large growth in corporate branding projects; 2) Website design— which they began offering in 2019; 3) Recognition for two Platinum Crushie awards in the first-ever Craft Beer Marketing Awards for Best Logo Design and Best Merchandise Design.
Carmen Hocking
Carmen Hocking found her love for wedding planning when she was just 13 years old after helping plan her sister’s wedding. She knew she was destined to continue her hobby and has since then turned it into a career that has helped those in the Lawrence community plan their special days for the past 31 years. Hocking notes other businesses in the community that have made an impact on her personal life and business, including
1) Joe Flannery at Weaver’s Department Store for his friendliness and hospitality while she grew up (her mother was an employee for 17 years)
2) Desiree Lopez with BellaRoca Cakes for her cake-making abilities
3) Paisano’s Ristorante for its delicious food and its half price lunch items during weekdays.
#1 EVENT PLANNER
#2 TRAVEL AGENT (INDIVIDUAL)
Photograph courtesy 88 Design Group, A Division of Grandstand
TRACKING A HIT
Be Seen! Event Planning I’LL BE SEEN! YOU
With 12-plus years of experience in the event and wedding industry, Leila Ahvarhoush has planned and executed events with attendances from 20 to 1,000 people. This year, her Be Seen! Event Planning grabbed a seat at the Top-5 table for Services.
Photographs courtesy Jeff Burkhead and Leila Ahvarhoush
APRIL 28, 2019
2019 Downtown Lawrence Wedding Walk Be Seen! was one of the sponsors of the 2019 Downtown Lawrence Wedding Walk: a five-block walk to connect spousesto-be with the best wedding professionals, retail shops and service providers in Lawrence.
BY THE NUMBERS
JUNE 20, 2019
The Willow Garden Party Leila Ahvarhoush helped Willow Domestic Violence Center host their first annual Garden Party featuring music, cocktails and an auction to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Year after year, there is always stiff competition in the Services voting section of Best of Lawrence. The voting is particularly intense for placement in the Top 10 spots.
DECEMBER 8, 2019
The First Annual Boutique Wedding Pop-Up Lawrence art gallery and event space the Cider Gallery hosted Be Seen!’s first annual Boutique Wedding Pop-up, featuring a curated lineup of local wedding professionals.
FEBRUARY 7, 2020
Featured in the Women of Lawrence Calendar Ahvarhoush was honored as one of the stand-out community members in the 2020 Habitat for Humanity “Women of Lawrence” calendar.
JUNE 20, 2020
The Willow Virtual Garden Party
In the midst of the pandemic, Ahvarhoush worked with Wilow Domestic Violence Center to reimagine their 2nd annual Garden Party as a virtual event.
#3 EVENT PLANNING
Two great restaurants, one big family.
Two great restaurants, one big family.
Two great restaurants, one big family.
Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Whether it’s our place our yours, we’re here for you.
Two great restaurants, one big family.
Johnny’s North | Johnny’s West | Johnny’s Topeka | J. Wilson’s 785-842-0377 785-843-0704 785-329-5541 785-312-9057
Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Whether it’s our place our yours, we’re here for you.
Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Whether it’s our place our yours, we’re here for you.
Johnny’s North | Johnny’s West | Johnny’s Topeka | J. Wilson’s 785-842-0377 785-843-0704 785-329-5541 785-312-9057
Johnny’s North | Johnny’s West | Johnny’s Topeka | J. Wilson’s 785-842-0377 785-843-0704 785-329-5541 785-312-9057
Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Whether it’s our place our yours, we’re here for you.
Johnny’s North | Johnny’s West | Johnny’s Topeka | J. Wilson’s 785-842-0377 785-843-0704 785-329-5541 785-312-9057
ENTERTAINMENT &NIGHTLIFE06
INSPIRED
OutKast ATLiens, 1996
Torren Thomas 2020
TRACKING A HIT
Liberty Hall
LAWRENCE’S HISTORIC MOVIE SPOT
Occupying the site that once housed Kansas’ first abolitionist newspaper, Liberty Hall has been a hub of culture, entertainment and community in Lawrence for over a century. The theater hosts a wide variety of concerts and events in addition to housing “The Last Video Store on Earth.”
#1 LIVE MUSIC VENUE
AUGUST 2019
Mavis Staples/LPL event
As part of an ongoing collaboration, Liberty Hall teamed with Lawrence Public Library’s 780s Series for an evening with legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples.
OCTOBER 2019
Video Store Day
Liberty Hall
Video celebrated International Video Store Day with games, prizes and live performances from This Is My Condition and Jackson Graham.
DECEMBER 2019
Festival of Trees
For over 30 years, Liberty Hall has hosted the Children’s Shelter’s Festival of Trees auction. The 2019 event brought in nearly $73,000.
FEBRUARY 2020
Super Bowl LIV
Football fans had the opportunity to view a live transmission and cheer on the Kansas City football team as they defeated San Francisco to win Super Bowl LIV.
BY THE NUMBERS
Baristas and bartenders are two of the hardest working customerservice professions in Lawrence. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for some of the voting results in these two 2020 Best of Lawrence categories.
TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS ON THE BALLOT
BARISTAS
47
BARTENDERS
MARCH 2020
Cat Video Fest Cat lovers had the opportunity to view the best cat videos. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Lawrence Humane Society, who provided a live cast of adorable floofs and chonkers to ohhhh! and ahhhh! over.
NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS THAT HAD MULTIPLE FINISHERS IN THE TOP 20 04
BARISTAS BARTENDERS
The Bourgeois Pig, The Koffee Korner, The Roost, and Alchemy Coffee & Bakehouse
Bullwinkle’s and Wayne & Larry’s
Photographs courtesy Liberty Hall
APRIL 2020
Curbside concessions
In an effort to adapt to the new pandemic, the theater began offering “Corn on the Curb” curbside service for those who can’t live without their soda-and-popcorn fix.over.
NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS
THAT HAD A BARISTA AND A BARTENDER IN THE TOP 20
THE BOURGEOIS PIG
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
BAR
1) Bullwinkles Bar
2) Free State Brewing Company
2) The Sandbar
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) Lawrence Beer Company
BARTENDER
1) Sean Benson, Bullwinkles Bar
2) Shep Petit, Bullwinkles
3) Michelle Pouppirt, 23rd Street Brewery
4) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig
5) Corrie McLean, Lawrence Beer Company
BEER SELECTION (RESTAURANT/BAR)
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) Merchants Pub & Plate
3) Lawrence Beer Company
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) The Burger Stand at The Casbah
BREWERY
1) Free State Brewing Company
2) Lawrence Beer Company
3) Fields & Ivy Brewery
4) 23rd Street Brewery
5) Black Stag Brewery & Pub
HAPPY HOUR
1) Merchants Pub & Plate
2) 715
3) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern
3) 23rd Street Brewery
5) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar
LATE-NIGHT RIDE SERVICE
1) KU SafeRide
2) KU SafeBus
3) Lawrence Transit System Night Line
4) Ground Transportation Services
5) A & S Transportation Party Bus Solutions
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
1) Liberty Hall
2) The Granada
3) Jazzhaus
4) The Bottleneck
5) Replay Lounge
LOCAL BAND (COVER)
1) Kim and The Quake
2) SELLOUT!
3) Heavy Petty
4) Lawrence Bar Band
5) Thunderkat
LOCAL BAND (ORIGINAL)
1) Streetlevel Uprising
2) Split Lip Rayfield
3) Unfit Wives
4) The Sluts
5) Solars
PLACE TO GET A BLOODY MARY
1) The Roost
2) Louise’s West
3) Ladybird Diner
4) Wake The Dead Breakfast Bar
5) 715 Restaurant
PLACE TO GET A MARGARITA
1) Cielito Lindo
2) El Potro
3) Ta Co. Lawrence
4) El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
5) Taco Zone
PLACE TO GET A MIXED DRINK/COCKTAIL (RESTAURANT/BAR)
1) John Brown’s Underground
2) 715
3) The Bourgeois Pig
4) Bon Bon!
5) Merchants Pub & Plate
SOLO MUSICIAN
1) Megan Luttrell
2) Tyler Gregory
3) Kelley Hunt
3) Michael Murphree
5) Michael Hamm
STORE TO BUY BEER
1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On the Rocks
3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 4) City Wine Market
5) Micro Liquor
STORE TO BUY LIQUOR 1) On the Rocks 2) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 4) City Wine Market
5) Roy’s Wine & Spirits
STORE TO BUY WINE
1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits
2) On the Rocks
3) City Wine Market
4) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits
5) Mass Beverage
5) Roy’s Wine & Spirits
TATTOO ARTIST
1) Carlos Ransom, Abraxas Tattoo Co.
2) Erin Bratzler, Abraxas Tattoo Co.
3) Ronald Miller, Miller Tattoo
3) Steve Bridgemen, BDC Tattoo
5) Chris Lahue, Lawrence Tattoo Company
TATTOO SHOP
1) BDC Tattoo
2) Abraxas Tattoo Co.
3) Standard Electric Tattooing
4) Skin Illustration
5) Miller Tattoo
WINE LIST (RESTAURANT/BAR)
1) 715
2) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern
3) J. Wilson’s
4) Merchants Pub & Plate
5) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar
NOT A ONE HIT WONDER
Megan Luttrell
Music has always been a part of Megan Luttrell’s life. She found her love for it at a young age and later began playing guitar and writing songs of her own in high school. Luttrell stayed connected to her music while attending college out of state, but it wasn’t until meeting a group of musicians at The Gaslight’s open mic night in Lawrence that she was encouraged to start taking her music more seriously. And after the unexpected passing of her mother, she began performing full-time. Since then, Luttrell has been doing more than just booking venues in Lawrence and surrounding areas. In April she teamed up with the Kaw Valley Public House and founded an all-women’s songwriter showcase. She also began hosting open mic nights at Kaw Valley Public House. And recently started a Multicultural Music Series at Guitarma featuring music from different cultures.
Photograph by John Knepper
CHART RISER
Lawrence Beer Co.
It’s not your typical late-night drinking establishment, but Lawrence Beer Company hopped into the Top 5 this year for Best Bar, thanks to the many LBC brews and carefully crafted cocktails served up at both its Arts District location and its West Lawrence spot. Both venues boast ample bar space and inviting outdoor areas to enjoy a beverage or two.
Corrie McLean
From her work experience as the bar manager for Lawrence Beer Co., Corrie McLean says that a lot of a bartender’s success can be attributed to training, practice and a supportive customer base.
But one of the unsung heroes in McLean’s bartending work is her restaurant’s kitchen staff.
“Any time they are getting fresh products, fruits or unusual vegetables, they will communicate with me and let me know what I can work into the cocktails,” she says. “For example, the head chef Josh Kennedy
recently let me know about some fresh blackberries that came in and I muddled those for our blackberry brambles.”
McLean says kitchen staff are invaluable to a bartender when they keep the community’s tastes and character in mind when offering fresh ingredients to use in drinks. She points to one time when she was convinced to give rhubarb a try; though she had never used it before, the locally sourced vegetable turned out to be a perfect feature in her ongoing series of French 75 drinks.
#5 BARTENDER
THE UNSUNG HERO
BREAKDOWN
Streetlevel Uprising and ThunderKat both won Top 5 Places in this year’s Best of Lawrence voting. Streetlevel Uprising won its spot in the Local Band (Original) section while Thunderkat took its place in the Local Band (Cover) section. Those aren’t the only differences—let’s do a breakdown to learn more.
Heavy Petty
Adrian Rees, guitarist/vocalist and founding member of the Tom Petty cover band Heavy Petty, says his group has two unsung heroes. The first is Richard’s Music, a longstanding musical instruments and musical lessons store in Downtown Lawrence.
“Richard’s is the place where we all grew up, literally growing up learning guitar and just hanging out there. Our band is the Richard’s Music family plus a couple of adopted members.”
One of those adopted Richard’s family members, keyboard player Nathan Holt, is Heavy Petty’s other unsung hero.
“We were all playing in bands together and didn’t know where to take it, but Nate came up with this idea: ‘Let’s do a Tom Petty tribute band.’ We all loved Tom Petty, but it wasn’t an obvious direction and it caught us off guard. Nate made it happen. He chose 60 Tom Petty songs, gave us all CDs and got us organized,” Rees says. “Now, 7–8 years later, it has grown into this musical fit for us and our fans. The music is great rock ’n’ roll with tons of guitar, but also tons of keyboards and vocals—and it makes people dance.”
if you know something, say something, do something change something.
A big thanks to the Boys and Girls Club, Lawrence Humane Society, Lawrence Public Library, the Lawrence Arts Center,
Bert Nash Community Mental Health, Parks and Recreation, LMH, the Journal-World, parade and festival committee members, city staff, and those who champion strong character and diversity. Big thanks to past and current city commissioners for their vision, which helped form the city as it is today.
