Alchemy Coffee & Bake House

The best part of Alchemy is that it’s small. Don’t let that stop you from coming in. The coffee is superb in any form (pour over, cold brew, etc), and the bakery fantastic. What they do particularly well is keeping it simple, both food and drink. It’s not pretentious or over the top. While cold brew has been their speciality (for good reason) you NEED TO TRY A POUR OVER CUP OF COFFEE. Sure, you may be that «I like my sugar with coffee and cream» kind of person, but that’s because you’ve been drinking bad coffee. The bakery has this amazing balance of being full of incredible baked goods without feeling like you’re going into a sugar coma. Flavor and purity are key. And obvious. I’d also be remised if I didn’t mention it’s home to some of the best people in Lawrence. Of course it’s small — you’ll actually get to know people. You’ll never walk into Alchemy and feel like you don’t belong, or don’t know enough about coffee.

The best coffee. Period. I wish that they had stevia, but other than that, no complaints.

Being from out of town, I was stoked to have found this gem. Excellent pour-​overs and very friendly staff! I’ve enjoyed the V60 both times I’ve visited. If you need quality coffee, don’t miss Alchemy.

Alright, it takes a lot for me to write a Unilocal review, but the fact of the matter is, this coffee shop is a cut above, WAAAYYY above. I’ve lived everywhere from Philly to Oakland and this place is the real deal. They thought of everything. I mean, aside from being the best pore over I’ve ever had, there was fresh baked banana bread, and I mean banana bread! Complete with swirls of cinnamon and everything. And then, the barista asked me if I wanted a left or right handed mug?! For real? I never even thought of that! But when I did I realized that actually a left handed mug would make my life a lot easier, and it did, everything was perfect. The cherry on top, the baker called me honey and the barista talked to me like we were best friends. This place was like coming home and it was my first time! If you don’t go here you’re crazy! But if you do space out your visits so I can get a window seat with an outlet!

Coolest coffee house I have ever been too! I am definitely a coffee snob and I really enjoyed this place. The guy behind the counter took time to explain the deal with their coffee: cold brew, pour over, and tea. Basically they make any coffee drink using these methods. I got a cold brew mocha with dark chocolate almond milk, super good! They also have coffee on tap instilled with nitrogen like beer. He gave us samples, very interesting flavor! I didn’t try the baked goods but they all looked amazing and are all in house. My only complaint is that they are only here! Come to California, I will support you! Anyway, awesome coffee shop If you truly appreciate the art of coffee, go here!

Wonderful, fresh, and delicious coffee and bake shop. Visiting from out of town for one day, the reviews (and pictures) led me here early in the morning for a taste of that biscuit, freshly baked, with a perfectly cooked fresh egg and amazing house made jam. What a treat! And the coffee is great: I had the fight with an espresso. The place is beautiful, small (hard to linger– it is tempting with the smell) and inviting. And the owner is nice (and wow is she pretty). People of Lawrence (and visitors), come here and try. You will not be disappointed.

My first time to Alchemy Coffee & Bake House and it certainly will not be my last!!! My experience was nothing short of fantastic! Sam was our barista and he helped us make an informed and what turned out to be wonderful choice! My daughter and I both ordered the Compound which was their Cold Brew and Dark Chocolate Almond Milk drink. This is absolutely my new favorite drink. It is a definite must try for coffee and chocolate lovers! We also shared a super large piece of pumpkin bread. Besides being super large it was also very moist and very delicious. We sat outside in the garden area and enjoyed the 70 plus degree day. This is a must try for anyone that enjoys fresh baked goods and delicious coffee in an extremely friendly atmosphere!

We came here for the first time today and we absolutely loved it. The coffee and breakfast sandwiches were delicious and everyone that works here is so friendly!

Dang… It seems can’t avoid this review any longer. I have been coming into Alchemy for some time now, and all I can really say is that I am disappointed. The coffee quality had gone way down hill. Pour overs are watery. The baked goods are really nothing special, but the real kicker is the pie. Here is the story:
The key lime pie is great. The whole shop raves about them, and it truly is a good pie. It’s what they are «famous» for. The problem is that they claim to use real key limes in the pie. I believed them, but one day spotted a bottle of key lime juice concentrate you can buy at the grocery store in the fridge. I challenged the baker on it one day, asking if they use real limes in the pie, and she lied to my face! She said something about «a fresh shipment just came in.» Using the bottled stuff isn’t the problem, it’s that they lied about it. Just own up to it!
I am really disappointed and it makes me wonder what else do they lie about? Coffee not really fresh? At this point, who knows.

Bakery is actually done in house and it is incredible. The baker used to supply the Merck in Lawrence! Try their sweet breads…

Super cute local coffee shop: fantastic coffee, knowledgable baristas and the pastries smelled ungodly. Overall, a great environment for studying or simply enjoying an afternoon coffee

Super cute local coffee shop: fantastic coffee, knowledgable baristas, etc. Overall, a great environment for studying or simply enjoying an afternoon coffee

When I moved to Brooklyn, the number one place I hated leaving behind in Lawrence was Alchemy. Whenever I’m back in town, I always try to visit this place as much as possible. Best coffee by far in Lawrence/​KC area and also rivals some of the best coffee out in NYC. Highly recommend this place. Superior quality, craft pour overs, lattes, and their famous cold brew that has gathered lots of attention locally having been distributed in local stores for over a year. Don’t forget to try their amazing baked goods. Go support local business to feel good about yourself, as well as enjoy some amazing coffee!

Great coffee place superb quality of coffee and teas. High end speciality coffee beans.
Very bad service though.
They only have one person working and 1 cup of coffee can take 20 minutes plus, to be made.
If the person I front of you orders a breakfast sandwich there goes 10 more minutes.
Understaffed is unprofessional this day and age.
I am definitely not in New York anymore.

They’re coffee is great. Could’ve used a little clarification on how to order.
All in all … GREAT PLACE !

Ok, yes, the coffee is really good and the owner is super nice but c’mon! Why hasn’t anyone raved about the key lime pie? The pie looked pretty good in the case and it was even better up close. The real whipped cream is from a local dairy, the graham cracker crust is perfectly thick and crunchy and gooey in all the right places, and the key lime filling is everything you hope for – tangy, limey, sweet but not too, and flecked with lime zest. Ridiculously good! If I lived closer to Alchemy I would have a serious coffee and pie problem. Now go get you some.

First time visit here and an excellent experience! Sam was super knowledgeable and made some tasty drinks.

We came in for a quick coffee in the morning. The cold brew was highly recommended. Specifically, cold brew with dark chocolate almond milk. The cold brew was great and I tried it first without the almond milk. It had nice nutty, vanilla and chocolate notes. The bitterness was easily rounded off by the almond milk and there sour notes had cranberry tones. They were immersing a medium roasted Ethiopian, and the acidity was toned down quite well. They seem to be quite well-​known for their cold brews, and it’s easy to see why. I hope they keep using medium roasts for the brews, because I really prefer the acidity roasted off a bit.
Happy drinking!

Have you ever seen coffee geeks? This is the place to spot them. Their coffee making supplies look like a chemistry set, and when they tell me about their coffee, I get a little confused, because it’s a bit detailed. But what you should do is DRINK their coffee, as it is sublime.
While you are waiting for them to make your coffee (it may take a little while), turn around, go to the other side of this little shop, and find yourself a treat from the cutest little bakery in town. With some very yummy treats to offer.

Best coffee hands down. There is nothing like Alchemy cold press mixed with chocolate milk. The baked goods are also super moist and delicious. Just perfect!

Small, awkward space. Overcrowded.
They have a lot of offerings from Coffee to Kombucha and bakery items.
Overpriced.
Haven’t ever had a great cup of coffee from here. Disappointingly mediocre.

Such an interesting way of preparing a cup of coffee … It was so delicious! I really enjoyed the detail that our barista gave while making our cups of coffee. Location is great, laid-​back and tucked away in an area of Mass that is never too busy. I can definitely see myself returning to this location in the future.

Ordered a cold brew over ice and it is hands down the best coffee I’ve ever had. Vacaying in lawrence from dallas and it definitely sufficed. Would come back just for thr coffee.

I admit I am the last person to understand how all the mechanics of getting a cup of coffee from here works. With that, I do know what I like and I liked the coffee I had from Alchemy.
I don’t mind learning about the inner workings. I appreciate the barista taking his time to explain things to me. I enjoyed my cold brewed coffee… a lot. I also liked the option to buy a bottle of dark chocolate almond cold brew to take home. I will definitely pick one up next time.
If I lived in Lawrence, Alchemy would be my go to coffee place. Also, it’s great to support a local business. Regardless I will definitely stop by on my way out of town to pick up a great cup of coffee.

My oh my… how things have changed for Alchemy during the past year. Owner Ben Farmer is firing on all cylinders with his specialty coffee shop located in Lawrence, Kansas. The coffee scene spread between Topeka Kansas and the Greater Kansas City metro area continues to garner national attention. Situated smack dab in the middle of these two cities sits Alchemy Coffee.
Sure, there are plenty of coffee shops in Lawrence to choose from. National coffee chains; a 24 hour eclectic coffee shop; a hybrid bar-​hipster coffee joint; and plenty of others to visit. So, it wasn’t surprising to hear skepticism along with plenty of eye rolling when it was announced that Alchemy was opening shop. Much to the chagrin of many was the fact a town the size of Lawrence was getting yet «another» coffee shop. But the real kicker involved the proposed location. Many including myself, were wondering if a coffee shop could survive on a corner that has eaten and spit out its fair share of businesses. To the contrary, Alchemy has not only survived, but continues to evolve and draw a loyal following to their location. In this particular situation, the old idiom of location, location, location doesn’t really apply. Alchemy’s superior product and customer service has proven this.
Alchemy started out strictly offering pour-​over style hot coffee, cold brews, snacks, pastries, etc. Boy, have things changed!!! I’m fairly certain that Alchemy’s is using primarily a coffee bean roasted through a new Benettis endeavor called «Messenger Coffee». Excellent excellent choice. Alchemy may still be using other guest roasters but I’m not 100% positive.
Their draught brews infused with fruit flavors, wider pastry selections, new staff, power outlets, and the real kicker… ESPRESSO based offerings!!!
Yes, Alchemy now has an espresso machine pulling the BEST shots in all of Lawrence! Lattes, Cappuccinos, Macchiatos, Americanos, Mochas, etc are being consistently pulled to the amazement of many. What really puts Alchemy over the top in my opinion is their decision to stay clear of mass produced/​commercialized syrups (Torani) and opting instead to experiment and produce said syrups in-​house. Trust me on this; the difference is stunning. The only other place I usually find consistent hand-​made syrups is at Parisi in KC (there may be others; ie Oddly Correct or Quay?).
I’m sure things will not be perfect at Alchemy all the time. Especially when introducing such an intricate process such as pulling espresso shots and hand-​pouring for the masses. I wouldn’t worry too much though because Ben has a great staff in place, in addition to his profound dedication to setting himself apart from the local crowd. Alchemy just might be competing with the big dogs to the east if they keep this up. In fact, I’d debate anyone to find more than a few places in Kansas City that are distinguishably better than Alchemy.
Regardless of coffee shop competition, Alchemy is hands down the best thing going in Lawrence for true authentic specialty coffee. Well, at least until the impending «Third Wave» coffee shop opens a few blocks away in the next month or so. The competition will undoubtedly make everyone better in the long run. My money is still on Alchemy until I taste otherwise!

I’m sitting in Alchemy right now, enjoying the robust flavor of my Brazilian V60 and wondering how on earth this is possible since this cold I’m fighting has obliterated my sense of smell and taste. I mean, I can pick out he subtle hints of grape in this! How is this happening?
I’m taking this as a testament to the quality of these beans and the baristas’ careful attention to the pour over process. My cup has a gorgeous, even appearance with a clean flavor. Please don’t come here if you want a latte, folks. This is a place for coffee purists — the small menu consists of French press and V60, chemex, and clever pour overs. I only wish there were a larger selection of beans; the barista (happily) discussed the 4 choices with me today but none of them were dark roasts. However, as I mentioned I’m more than happy with the complexity of my cup. And for a small town like Lawrence, the small but solid selection is probably sufficient.
I’m going to prescribe myself more Alchemy coffee in the future!

Upgrading my initial rating of Alchemy from 4 to 5 stars. Here’s why:
Believe I’ve now been there five times this week. There’s not another coffee shop in this town I’ve visited that often in such a short time span. Ever. It’s because the product they’re putting out every time is THAT good. And the word is starting to get around, as evidenced by the crowd there this morning around 10:00 a.m.
The single brew I had on Monday is the best non-​latte, nothing added cup of java I’ve had this year, and I just returned from a week in Seattle where I was hunting great coffee with a vengeance. When a single drink experience sticks around that long, something special happened.
Don’t be fooled. These folks are the mad scientists of coffee in this town. The bar in Lawrence is being raised. Other coffee shops, take note.