The Phoggy Dog - Lawrence, KS

Before I moved to Kansas, I wasn’t much of a college basketball fan. As a kid, I went with my parents to the University of Tulsa games and loved them. But in high school and college, I was never really cared for sports. But then I moved to Lawrence, Kansas where I drank the crimson and blue koolaid. And every week I go to the Phoggy Dog in Lawrence, Kansas to keep drinking it.

In Lawrence, Kansas, there is nothing more important than the University of Kansas men’s college basketball team. And I mean nothing. You could insult a man’s mother, his country, and his god and he will shake your hand. But if you insult the Jayhawks, get ready for a brawl.

I don’t know when I became one of the rapid fans who yells at television screen, wears her favorite player’s jersey (Aldrich #45 from last season) and walks down the street chanting, “Rock Chalk Jayhawk!” I swear I used to be a sensible person. I used to scoff at those who camped out for tickets or participated in the silly rivalries. Now, I keep the game schedule in my day planner and sneer at anyone wearing a University of Missouri sweatshirt.

The Phoggy Dog (pronounced “Foggy” Dog) has thirteen televisions, including a ten-foot HD television and 10 HD plasma televisions. Whether you’re sitting at the bar or with a group of friends at a table, you are guaranteed to have a great view no matter where you are. There are also great drinks for a group of friends looking for a party. Whether its pitchers of beer or the “fishbowl,” the bar is set to get as many basketball fans as drunk as possible while they watch the Jayhawks trounce their opponents up and down the court. (I have no idea what is in the “fishbowl,” just that it is a fishbowl full of a very alcoholic cocktail).

Personally, I enjoy a beer or two while I watch my beloved Jayhawks and also enjoy the Phoggy Dog’s burger. It’s a 1/3 pound of Angus beef topped with cheese, tomato, lettuce, and pickles. It’s good as far as bar food goes, not great. The menu is all your staple American bar food – chicken wings, onion rings, chicken strips, French fries – none of it particularly mind-blowing, but definitely satisfying while watching the game.

The best part of the Phoggy Dog is the staff and patrons. Everyone who works there are Jayhawk fans. If you want to discuss players and strategy before tip-off, grab a bar stool and chat with any of the bartenders. If want someone to cheer or chant with you, turn to whoever is sitting next to you.

If you are passing through Kansas during basketball season and can’t get tickets to a game, go down to the Phoggy Dog and get a taste of what it means to be a Jayhawk fan. I guarantee it will be an experience you will remember, whether you’re actually a college basketball fan or not.

Total Trip Time: 5 minutes
Total Distance Traveled: 1 mile
Soundtrack: Rock Chalk Jayhawk!