Thursday, March 07, 2019

McLain's Market




Subject: McLain's Market
Location visited: Lawrence, KS
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Gorgeous, local markets and quality coffee shops bordering universities are two of my favorite things to visit, so when they're combined into one establishment, my ears perk up and a small pilgrimage usually ensues. Fortunately, my latest encounter with such a rare mash-up found me while traversing the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Having not known about this gem prior to my arrival in town, I stumbled upon a place called McLain's Market one early morning, housed in resplendent glory within the old KU bookstore.

Literally abutting campus, I walked inside to find a space both handsomely decorated and mammoth. Sporting two floors of seating and patios overlooking campus, McLain's also offers multiple serving counters, providing everything from coffee to historically-famed baked goods to full meals. 

As for coffee, they host multiple roasters and boast 2 espresso machines to combat the morning rush. After some minor deliberation, I settled on the Disco Blend from Repetition Coffee for my espresso, and a cup of Thou Mayest's Wild Child on batch brew. The espresso, pulled short with brown crema, smacked of lemon candy, chocolate chip cookie, ginger, orange zest, a little milk and some pumpernickel, proving bright and nuanced. The drip coffee also gave cause for moon howling, with flavor bursts of blueberry, sugar cookie, apricot, almond butter, strawberry jam and bits of wheat.


Mild jealousy and besotted admiration are the two feelings I harbored after departing, as I have never been to an establishment of such caliber on or near a university. How different collegiate life must be with such an establishment! Whether you attend KU, you're now transferring or you just happen to be passing through, definitely check out this location of McLain's Market.




These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!


 

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