DeBruce Center image

DeBruce Center

Restaurant Cafe Coffee shop Museum Event venue Cafeteria Heritage museum Student union

Modern student commons & immersive interpretive center displaying the original rules of basketball.


Address

1647 Naismith Dr, Lawrence, KS 66045

Website

debrucecenter.ku.edu

Contact

(785) 864-9750

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (160 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jack B. 3 years ago on Google
    After a long fulfilling life filled with joy and splendor, I one day hope to pass away on a crisp evening in the mountains. The alpine air cooling my skin in the final moments. After my soul has transcended my mortal shackles, I truly believe that I will step through the ethereal doors of the DeBruce Center. The Ancient Mesopotamians believed in a realm that one would go after death known as Arallû where a soul would finally be liberated to live out it's greatest desires for all eternity. Yes, this wonderous location is the fabled promised land from all ancient texts of the world. A stunning architectural feat, The DeBruce center stands as a monolith of glass, a stunning beauty to passersby and source of inspiration to those within as light from the heavens have ample room to reach the studious minds of our budding youth. This modern-day Garden of Eden also provides a fine cuisine that is as delectable as it is bountiful. When consuming this nectar of the gods one will be surprised of it's easy accessibility and affordability with the KU dining plan, an invention of pure magnificence. While sitting in the DeBruce center I am reminded of the core values of what it means to be human: community, brotherhood, innovation, love. This structure goes far beyond it's function as a place of feast and learning. It is the manifestation of what separates us from the animals, a depiction of civilization's triumphs, a domicile for pure humanity.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander V. 3 years ago on Google
    The hidden gem of the student commons on KU's campus. It's a newer building, air-conditioned, and always clean! There are a ton of tables and chairs, a dining hall, and even a Starbucks inside. All of the entrances and exits are accessibility-friendly. It houses the museum of Naismith, the creator of basketball, here as well. Bonus, outside "Naismith's Original Rule of Basketball" provides a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at sunset! Debruce is so good that I almost deleted this review to keep it a secret.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Liz R. 4 months ago on Google
    Mac was mushy and cheese was bland. Reminded me of a mix between hospital food and Chinese buffet mac and cheese. That was the only option in the whole place that seemed somewhat appealing. I will admit I have particular tastes though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John Wesley H. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was an amazing experience! The only problems were, we couldn't figure out how to pay for parking. Also, I'm glad that the original rules are were they belong, Kansas! I didn't like how they were in a darkened hallway were you couldn't even see through the glass unless you pressed a button that lit up the whole place and the fact that everyone started looking at you as soon as the audio played. Also, Allen Fieldhouse should be open to the public! This was an amazing experience and will be returning!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 bruh 1 year ago on Google
    I went here twice. First time I tried the pasta and second time I tried the burrito. I had a poke bowl from this place that was pretty good but it's not made by debruce center so I won't let it influence the review. The mac was bland and it had bland dry meats. It had a lotta vegtables they all kinda taste the same. 5/10 The burritos here, however, are very nice. Meats are pretty dry but nicely seasoned. Vegtables are not fresh at all they all taste the same. The tortilla had that weird walmart tortilla flavor which ya dont get from chipotle tortilla. Its also less fresh, but the composition of ingredients is definitely better. You get each element in each bite. They have sour cream, but all places have sour cream so no extra credit for you. :) 6.9/10

  • 4/5 Luke K. 8 months ago on Google
    Had a build your own pasta. A bit expensive, but great quantity and quality.

  • 5/5 Josh Q. 5 months ago on Google
    Cool place for KU students to study & eat. Very cool piece of history to have the original rules of the game located up stairs for anyone to view!

  • 5/5 kathy p. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun sharing stories with alumni before the game. Food was great.

  • 5/5 IamNotAdoctor 1 year ago on Google
    Second time at a KU basketball gave, but first time at De Bruce. There were so many options for eating and it all looked really good. Kind of hard to choose one meal. Prices were decent, I just wish plain bottled water wasnt $5.00 each, that's kind of high. But I'd definitely come here again...

  • 5/5 Rob K. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best days ever! #RCJH

  • 5/5 Vincent A. 1 year ago on Google
    Service was excellent. Made me feel welcome. Food was good. It was nice.

  • 5/5 SheSoToxxic 7 years ago on Google
    Beautiful architecture! You can visit the original rules of basketball that are housed in a hallway that connects DeBruce to Allen Fieldhouse. The food there is great, and the coffee shop has saved me multiple times. I would say though that their muffins are not the best. At least not the lemon angel food one.

  • 4/5 Garrett 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for students and visitors to hang out or walk through, has some historical viewings and dining options. Very nice building.

  • 2/5 Rebecca Swinburne R. 2 years ago on Google
    Overpriced but convenient. The food is okay.

  • 5/5 Ian P. 5 years ago on Google
    I really only ever go here for the food, but with that in mind: The staff are always courteous and quick, the building itself is very sleek and modern, and the prices are about what you'd expect for eating on campus. Probably more than I'd be willing to pay on a daily basis as I'm a big eater and could easily eat myself into a hole, but I can fill up pretty reasonably for a decent price when I go.

  • 5/5 Ruturaj 5 years ago on Google
    Clean, close to campus, enough room and good environment to study, food is great! In short, awesome place!

  • 5/5 Sheryl P. 3 years ago on Google
    I work for the company that provides crowd control staff for Men's and Women's games. My position is in the DeBruce Center. Gorgeous Facility!


Call (785) 864-9750 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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