Wheatfields Bakery Cafe

Welcome to the heart of the Kansas food scene! For decades, Lawrence locals and visitors alike have flocked to a true culinary institution: Wheatfields Bakery Cafe. This isn't just another stop for a morning pastry; it's a nationally acclaimed artisan bakery and full-service cafe where the ancient craft of bread-making is celebrated daily. Since its opening in 1995, Wheatfields has earned a reputation that extends far beyond the Kansas border, thanks to its commitment to slow fermentation, natural starters, and, most famously, its impressive wood-fired Spanish brick oven. If you're looking for where to find the absolute best bread in Kansas, paired with a wonderful cafe experience, you've found your answer.

Wheatfields Bakery Cafe is a beloved local business that consistently delivers outstanding quality, recognized not only by loyal customers but also by prestigious accolades, including being honored by the Kansas Wheat Commission and selected as one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Cuisine by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The combination of an award-winning bakery counter and a vibrant cafe serving breakfast and lunch makes it an indispensable part of the downtown Lawrence community.

The true star of Wheatfields is the bread. Each loaf is a work of art, handcrafted daily by expert bakers. The process is lengthy, involving natural levain or yeast preferments and slow fermentation, which develops a superb depth of flavor and an ideal texture. The final product is baked on the masonry sole of their massive, imported J. Llopis wood-fired oven. This 25-ton behemoth, imported from Barcelona, Spain, and featuring a 12-foot rotating hearth, is what gives the bread its unique crust and crumb. Staple artisan breads like the Country French (Pain au Levain), Kalamata Olive Sourdough, Baguette, and Rustic Italian Round are available daily, often selling out quickly due to their immense popularity.

But Wheatfields is about more than just bread. Their pastry selection is equally exquisite, offering everything from classic European treats to decadent cakes and cookies. Fan favorites include the famous Cinnamon Rolls, the Chocolate Mousse Torte, and classic French-inspired items like croissants and éclairs. The cafe side complements the bakery perfectly, providing a full menu of scratch-made dishes that incorporate their incredible bread and fresh, local ingredients.

Whether you are a long-time Kansas resident or just passing through, a visit to Wheatfields Bakery Cafe promises a warm, inviting experience with food made with true passion and skill.

Location and Accessibility

Wheatfields Bakery Cafe is conveniently situated in the vibrant and historic downtown area of Lawrence, Kansas, making it a perfect spot for locals, students from the nearby University of Kansas, and those enjoying the downtown atmosphere.

The physical address is:

904 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

Accessibility is a priority for Wheatfields, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons. The location provides:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (as available)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Free parking lot and free street parking options, as well as paid street parking

The cafe is a short drive for anyone in the greater Kansas City metro area looking for a quality day trip and is centrally located for Lawrence residents.

Services Offered

Wheatfields Bakery Cafe serves as a multi-faceted culinary destination, offering a range of services and dining options throughout the day.

• Bakery: Selling fresh, daily-baked artisan bread, including loaves, baguettes, rolls, and bagels (Sunday mornings)
• Patisserie: Offering an extensive variety of fine pastries, cakes, cookies, and sweet treats like cinnamon rolls, tiramisu, and chocolate mousse torte
• Cafe Dining: Providing a full-service experience for breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner/afternoon menu
• Breakfast Service: Served daily, featuring items like the Breakfast Burrito, Ciabattina Sandwich, and Berries and Cream French Toast (Breakfast Hours: M-F 7:30 am - 11:00 am; Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 1:00 pm)
• Lunch & All-Day Cafe Service: Offering a variety of artisan sandwiches, soups, salads, and savories, available after 11:00 am (Lunch Hours: M-F 11:00 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
• Full Espresso Bar: Serving a selection of specialty coffee drinks
• Dining Options: Customers can choose from Dine-in, Takeout, In-store pickup, and In-store shopping
• Outdoor Seating: A shaded patio is available for enjoying meals or coffee

Features / Highlights

Wheatfields Bakery Cafe stands out for several unique features and culinary highlights that make it a must-visit location in Kansas.

• Wood-Fired Spanish Oven: The heart of the bakery is a 25-ton, J. Llopis wood-fired brick oven imported from Barcelona, Spain, which imparts a distinct crust and deep flavor to all hearth breads.
• Artisan Bread Program: Commitment to traditional bread-making techniques, including natural levain (sourdough starter) and slow fermentation, resulting in superior flavor and texture.
• Nationally Acclaimed: The bakery has received national recognition, including being featured in USA Today and Maggie Glezer's book Artisan Baking Across America, where their Kalamata Olive Sourdough was praised as "by far the best."
• Signature Breads: Popular varieties include Kalamata Olive Sourdough, Country French, Baguette, Ciabatta, Rustic Italian Round (available plain or rosemary), and the Pecan Raisin.
• Popular Sandwiches: Their cafe menu features favorite sandwiches often praised by customers, such as the Turkey & Cranberry Relish on Walnut Sage bread (often called the "Everyday is Thanksgiving" bread) and the Spicy Tuna Melt.
• Decadent Sweets: The dessert counter boasts incredible options like the crowd-favorite Chocolate Mousse Torte (chocolate cake with raspberry jam and chocolate mousse), Tiramisu, Carrot Cake, and classic Croissants (plain, chocolate, or almond).
• Community Focus: The bakery uses mostly local ingredients and has been a fixture of the Lawrence dining scene since 1995, maintaining a quaint, cozy atmosphere with local art.
• Handcrafted Ingredients: Beyond bread and pastries, the cafe is noted for delicious homemade items like quiches and the homemade salsa served with dishes.

Contact Information

For fresh bread, pastries, or to inquire about catering or daily specials, here is how you can connect with Wheatfields Bakery Cafe:

Address: 904 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

Phone: (785) 841-5553

Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
• Saturday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Sunday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Wheatfields Bakery Cafe, there are a few items that stand out as essential choices, defining the Wheatfields experience for any Kansas local or food enthusiast.

First and foremost, you absolutely must try a loaf of their signature Kalamata Olive Sourdough. It is one of their most celebrated creations, praised nationally for its intense flavor and perfect crumb, showcasing the skill derived from their unique wood-fired oven. The Rustic Italian Round with Rosemary is another top-tier bread selection, perfect for dipping in olive oil or building a fantastic sandwich. For the home baker, the staff has been known to share their famous starter, making this bakery a true source of authentic bread culture.

On the cafe side, the sandwiches are made with their own phenomenal bread, and the Turkey & Cranberry Relish Sandwich (#9) on the Walnut Sage bread is a beloved favorite. For a morning start, the Breakfast Burrito (#4) or the indulgent Berries And Cream French Toast (#6) are popular choices.

As for the sweets, the Chocolate Mousse Torte is often cited as their most popular dessert—a rich combination of chocolate cake, raspberry jam, and silky mousse. Customer reviews also frequently highlight the incredible taste of the Tiramisu slice and the quality of their delicate Coconut Macaroons. Whether you're craving a robust sourdough, a savory sandwich, or a truly decadent pastry, Wheatfields Bakery Cafe offers handcrafted quality that ensures every choice is a rewarding one.