Reviews of Decade

I always see Decade being one of the best coffee shops in Lawrence. I finally decided to try it and was a bit disappointed. I love the building, the atmosphere, etc but I wasn’t super impressed with the coffee. I got a shaken l espresso and a cold brew. The cold brew was 4/5, but the espresso had a lot of coarse grounds in the bottom. I’m a big fan of some fines, but this was crunchy and I didn’t even finish all of the drink. I also got a vanilla caramel steamer and a pastry. My kid was a huge fan of both! I will be back soon to give them another try since they are so highly recommended.

Quiet cozy little coffee shop within walking distance of the main strip. It was not a very big room, but I never felt crowded and was able to hold a conversation without feeling like I was disturbing nearby patrons. I got a cold brew, which was delicious. I would certainly return to this coffee shop.

Decade is everything a coffee shop should be. Reviving an old building into a nice gathering place for engaging conversations, it is LGBTQ friendly, and uses products and decor made from recycled and sustainable materials. It provides a peaceful and productive environment for work or socializing, with both indoor and shaded outdoor seating. It is the best place in Lawrence for a great cup of coffee or espresso made by skilled and knowledgeable baristas. The small selection of food I’ve tried has been excellent as well. Try the warm cider bread with sweet butter for a tasty morning treat! 💕 ELFK 💕

Amazing coffee, adorable location, and their menu is superb. Their in house syrups make every coffee luxurious. To be frank, I always go to Decade for the cider toast. I know you'll say, "But it's just toast." You don't understand.... This toast is nectar from the gods. Just order it and thank me, okay?

Atmosphere was appealing and appeared to be centered around a worldly bohemian vibe. Workers were friendly. The only reason I came though is because I received a gift card. I still have some money left on it and am looking to give it away if that tells you anything. The first time I used it I ordered a oolong tea and a small lavendar/lemon muffin. The tea tasted like water and the muffin was super tiny. Both were over priced. (I attached a pic of the tea) The second time I came in I ordered a iced mocha late and a breakfast burrito (eggs and pinto beans). I love coffee but it was way too bitter and only I finished half of it. The burrito had pre-made eggs in it. All they did was put it on a griddle to press and slightly warm it. No flavor and was watery inside. The salsa was supposed to be on the side and wasn't. Worker brought it after receiving food. Without the salsa there would have been no flavor. There was no extra menus so we had to stand at the counter to order and couldn't understand really anything on the menu. When I ordered the coffee I asked the worker what she would recommend and she really didn't have a suggestion but told us what she was drinking. We ordered what she was drinking. It sounded good but was not what was expected. I don't know if it was the food or coffee or the combination of both but I had to rush home afterwards because my tummy was upset. There was only forks so I was forced to pick up the burrito with my hands and made a huge mess because it was watery. I hate leaving bad reviews but wanted to let others know of my experience. I will not be back and honestly don't even feel like giving my gift card away because I don't want others to experience what I did. On side note I did think it was cool to have a flower shop next door. Like the small town vibe just wouldn't go to the coffee shop again.

After opening the white paint-chipped door, you are greeted by a very organic and open interior. The wooden tables and floors had seeped up the pleasant aroma after so many years, only giving Decade the perfect coffee shop title it deserves. Unique tables and chairs with burn marks winded to the back of the room in a restaurant-like fashion, and behind the bar, the most interestingly spirited baristas prepared drinks like clockwork. <br/>   <br/><br/>My first time to Decade was intended to be just another coffee shop visit, but got my attention more than expected. I sifted through the menu that began with light bakery items and a list of local, unique sounding teas. From the sweet, non-caffeinated herbal teas, to the strong and earthy black teas, Decade could add different hints of house made flavors to complement each drink. On the specials menu, a steamed apple cider with homemade butterscotch and ginger caught my eye. As an experienced barista myself, I inquired about their espresso and coffee to another very well-educated barista. Feeling very impressed with the intricate menu, I ordered the apple cider drink and the barista offered I take a seat at an open table, and my drink would be brought out soon. <br/>   <br/><br/>I chose a table in the back of the room, which was placed just right of a door leading to a backdoor deck. Tropical plants and flowers sat on windows, and their dew fogged up the old industrial windows. It was very warm inside, but perhaps to add to the organic, clean feeling. The barista brought over my drink in an impressive hand crafted mug and set it on the table. More than anything, I was impressed with the baristas. Their knowledge and great taste in music brought a unique vibe into the shop. The drink was frothy at the top and the smell of the sweet butterscotch was very well paired with the tart apple cider. I realize that this coffee bar spent effort creating perfect flavors; Decade’s butterscotch apple cider was delicious. <br/>    <br/><br/>Enjoying the drink, I watched the environment. Soft alternative music played from the bar while many people studied and talked quietly. After thanking the baristas, I spent a few minutes on the back deck which was strung up with small lights, perfect against the warm evening lighting. <br/>   <br/><br/>On the second and not final trip to Decade, it was a little earlier in the day but the atmosphere was unchanged. After being educated on the coffee selection previously, I ordered a no-bake cookie, and house cup from the aeropress (a method that uses air pressure to push water through the coffee grounds). <br/><br/>Sitting at the same table as before, I was surprised to see a similar crowd with two of the same people I had seen previously. Of course, as secluded as the shop is already from the rest of Lawrence, one could expect a familiar crowd. But something about it made Decade much more comfortable. <br/><br/>Creatively, the no-bake cookie was brought out inside a paper coffee filter and was a perfect mix of chewy with a crunch, and a rich chocolatey flavor. As most people do, I put cream in my coffee as it’s rare for me to find a cup flavorful enough to leave it out. <br/><br/>The aeropress brewed a perfect coffee. A rich, clean and earthy taste with a sweet finish paired perfectly with the chocolate cookie. As good as the cup was, it was interesting to see an aeropress used in a coffee shop since pour-overs are used more frequently, and can often times taste better. If the aeropress wasn’t used so impeccably, I would also wonder about the price; a little expensive for a simple cup.<br/>    <br/><br/>From a location found by accident, Decade became my new favorite coffee shop with expertise in every barista, an atmosphere that felt welcoming, and a beautiful choice of drinks from espresso to teas. And not to mention, as an architecture student, a perfect building supplementing the quaint Lawrence coffee scene.

I had excellent service and absolutely excellent beverages. The quality of the coffee, tea and cocktails is unreal. The tea and coffee companies were strategically chosen. The food I had was great, I used Wi-Fi and hung out all day. Im excited to try their ice cream today! I wish I had this coffee shop in Kansas City.

A hidden gem in Lawrence, Decade will please any cafe enthusiast. They have many different brew methods with which they can prepare any of a variety of coffees they offer. They offer a few baked goods, a couple sandwiches and soup, and also alcohol. I always get a hot cup of chai- it is the best in town.

Decade: Neighborhood (Coffee) Bar Comes To Old East Lawrence. My Yelp Elite comrade (and neighbor as I recently found out), Scott T, offered to treat me at Decade, a new café walking distance from our homes in Old East Lawrence.<br/><br/>The building is apparently an old warehouse that has been converted into a modern cafe with a real espresso machine, excellent coffee, and an artistic flair signified by the delicate tree design made in the coffee crema and latte (that's milk for you Americans). <br/><br/>They offer pastries, but Tuesday is apparently not a day that the pasty chef works as they were out of everything except a few scones and the Bumble Bees ... Sesame goodness in a ball! I am not sure how much they are as I did not pay, but two lattes and four bumble bees came to around $14. I figure at $3 per latte, a bit pricey for a small ceramic cupful, the bumble bees must be close to $2 each, again a bit steep for something so small. Reminding me a bit of baklava, they are mostly sesame seeds and honey held together with what I assume is flour and very tasty although a bit sweet for my taste. One would have probably sufficed.<br/><br/>The coffee was rich, apparently roasted locally, and delicious. Enough said.<br/><br/>The service friendly and attentive, we were made to feel right at home. The interior is a little too modern for my taste, but the rich (maple?) wood floors, recently refurbished, provide a warm glow and make the space comfortable although sparse in decor and furnishings. If you are looking for free wi-fi, go the the Java Break or similar establishment as Decade has none. In this day and age, being in a college town in particular, I am not sure that was a sound business decision, but time will tell.<br/><br/>CombatCritic Gives Decade (an initial) 7 Out of 10 Bombs ... BOMBS ARE GOOD!

The service friendly and attentive, we were made to feel right at home. The interior is a little too modern for my taste, but the rich (maple?) wood floors, recently refurbished, provide a warm glow and make the space comfortable although sparse in decor and furnishings. If you are looking for free wi-fi, go the the Java Break or similar establishment as Decade has none. In this day and age, being in a college town in particular, I am not sure that was a sound business decision, but time will tell.