Odessa's Cafe
- 409 E. 12th St. Lawrence, KS 66044
- 785-749-9790
- NOTE: This establishment is now closed. This entry remains for historical records.
Description
CLOSED late 2005.
Folks who like Odessa's love it - because it's different in just about every way from the standard dine-in chain. The food is real "home-style," with fried chicken and catfish among the best in town, as is the BBQ brisket when it's available. If you've left your expectations at the door, you'll no doubt appreciate Odessa's vibe - a palatable generosity of spirit amid slowed-down, screen-door-style comfort. Breakfast served on Saturdays.
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rob (Rob Curley) says…
I actually really like Odessa's. The fried chicken is the way to go. As for the service, I've had it both ways -- personable/attentive and disturbingly passive. Still, I love the place. My biggest problem is that I'm so used to heading out on Mass to get lunch that I often forget about it. I hope this place can make it work.
monkeywrench (Tim vonHolten) says…
i think you've been to a different restaurant than me. i want to go where you went. the restaurant i visited had small portions and, hands down, the worst service in a town known for its terrible service (although it seems to be getting a little better). this is heartbreaking for me since i live in the neighborhood, and have a passing acquaintance with odessa's family. when she opened her doors, i was there, and was disappointed when i left. there had been about 4 items on the menu, all average. but hey, they were brand new. it happens. after all, zen zero is as bad today as it was the day it opened. so, i went back to find a newly expanded menu, and the food was on the upper end of average. i spoke with odessa after my meal and she mentioned that fried chicken and catfish were available on certain other nights, but i have enough trouble with my own schedule, so i forgot those nights as soon as i turned from the cash register, and i haven't been back. i have the feeling that these items are where her strength lies, and you paint a pretty picture, so i'll try odessa's again. you have no idea how badly i want her to succeed. in a town that is rapidly becoming overland park where its tastes are concerned, there's definitely a place for some soul.
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