Decade

5 Reviews on “Decade”

• Jack Bindley

  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. 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 couldadd 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. 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; Decades butterscotch apple cider was delicious. 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. 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). 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. 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 its rare for me to find a cup flavorful enough to leave it out. 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 wasnt used so impeccably, I would also wonder about the price; a little expensive for a simple cup. 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.

  July 20, 2017, 10:25 am

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• Haley Keegan O'Brien

  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.

  July 13, 2016, 8:56 pm

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• Collin Bruey

  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.

  May 8, 2016, 11:40 pm

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• Christopher Melton

  The dish is that the owner used to work at another Lawrence coffee shop (Alchemy), learned the tricks of the trade, and left to start his own shop. I, myself, don’t support this business because of this. Just FYI.

  November 19, 2015, 4:09 am

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• CombatCritic

  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 caf walking distance from our homes in Old East Lawrence.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). 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.The coffee was rich, apparently roasted locally, and delicious. Enough said.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.CombatCritic Gives Decade (an initial) 7 Out of 10 Bombs … BOMBS ARE GOOD! combatcritic.com

  September 6, 2014, 2:14 pm

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