Encore Cafe

Reviews

• Caroline M.

  star star star star star 29 June 2026

  I came to Lawrence for a concert at the Granada, and a local recommended this place because it's close to the venue. However, I'll be coming back for the food because it's amazing!! I got the Mango Tofu, and while I took some leftovers home, they didn't make it to the next day when my late night hunger hit-- the tofu was crispy, the sauce was super flavorful, and the veggies were perfectly cooked. They also provide plenty of rice that you can mix in on your own, which is perfect based on what you're hungry for. My boyfriend got the Beef Ma Pow Tofu, and it was also delicious; however, the tofu was really soft and melted in your mouth, so if you want crispy, go for the Mango Tofu. Otherwise, the menu has tons of different options, both with and without meat, and the 7 people in my group all found different things that they really enjoyed. The service was fast and prompt, even on a pre-concert Saturday rush (shout out to our server Brandon!), and the price was very reasonable compared to downtown KC prices. I will be returning for sure!

• Eleanor B.

  star star star star star 18 June 2026

  THIS PLACE NAILED IT!!! literally hit the spot for my mom and me when we went here for a late lunch early dinner!! I had read some of the negative reviews before I came just to see so I was a bit worried like oh no would this be bad would I not feel good. But I cant tell you for at least what we got it tasted amazing and I definitely will be back!! The price and for what you get is totally worth it! Im a college student and so I got leftovers from this dish and am so excited to eat them today minus how smelly its made my mini fridge lol. I got the cashew chicken, never have gotten this type of dish before but was totally delish not too rich had a nice nuetral taste not too in your face or spicy, this is probably a favorite for the people who like a more mild dish but it did the charm for me! My mom got the Beef teriyaki which I tried as well and ohhhhh man it was so so good and Im definitely getting that next time because the flavor was so there and just was a bit more rich! The fried rice was superb if someone would have just given me that I would have ate it as my meal haha. We split the mini veggie rolls that were well crispy and fried, the filling was more of. blended con-caution of all the veggies! Still tasty spring rolls but nothing like omg wow! the entrees however were omg wow hahaha.

• Ceanna C.

  star star star star star 10 June 2026

  I'm obsessed with this place. In college I went here at least once every two weeks. I recently visited Lawrence and went back and it did not disappoint!! I love getting the edamame, cashew chicken and steamed rice.
  
  The service is always quick except for one time during homecoming.. they were slammed so our service was a bit slow but that made sense!
  
  It's a great place to go with friends or on a date. During the evening they have "mood lighting" and its just a cozy place to enjoy a meal.
  
  I always get a main dish (cashew chicken or sesame) and ALWAYS have leftovers !! The plates are huge and well priced.
  
  This is probably one of my favorite restaurants in Lawrence.

• Audrey L.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 2 June 2026

  Despite the fancy decor and location: this is over-priced, extremely low-quality Chinese food. Plain and simple. I can guarantee there is a better place that does takeout somewhere in town. You will save money, time, and stomach ache if you do.
  
  FOOD
  You know that really sick feeling you get sometimes after eating bad mall Chinese food? I had that for hours after eating here. Everything is too sweet, greasy, and (again) expensive. The ingredients are extremely low quality. Even in the tea! I don't really need to break it down item by item because there wouldn't be a point-- my criticism is the same for all of it. It's just really, really bad.
  
  ATMOSPHERE
  It's very flashy and date-night ready. I liked the lifted booth.
  
  SERVICE
  Our waiter was always prompt and available. However, he seemed kind of aloof. I did appreciate that, he asked, at one point, how my friend liked the sauce and she said, honestly,  it was too sweet. It just tasted like brown sugar. He said he felt the same way.
  When being seated, we waited maybe 15 minutes-- no big deal. But they seemed very unhappy that we requested a high chair. They, more than once, made it seem like a burden so we just told them we could probably do a booster if that was available? It seemed weird to be trying desperately to accommodate them because they were so put off.
  
  I don't like writing bad reviews. I like having something nice to say but, this time, I really don't.

• Emma E.

  star star star star star_border 31 May 2026

  Encore is slowly becoming my new favorite restaurant in Lawrence. I haven't been in a few months and BAM now I am craving to go again and again. The huge windows out front are very romantic to sit in front of.
  
  My favorite foods are General Tso's chicken and the crab rangoons. I came for restaurant week and tried their hot and sour soup for an appetizer. It warmed me up after a cold day walking around. The mango ice cream is refreshing and delicious. This is coming from someone who usually doesn't like mangoes.
  
  The food is spectacular, but it's what I would expect from a restaurant in its location and menu selection. If you are gluten free - beware. One of my friends had a very hard time finding something to eat.