Restaurant Guide–Kansas

Restaurant Guide Main Index


Kansas City


  • Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
  • Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources

Abilene

Brookville Hotel–105 E. Lafayette Ave. (American) Dinner Thu-Sat; Lunch Fri-Sun.  The owners of Munson’s Prime Steak of Junction City which burned down in Feb. 2021 came here, reopened their restaurant, and combined it with the old Brookville Hotel (restaurant) which closed in Oct. 2020 due to Covid. Brookville’s famous fried chicken is served as well as Munson’s Angus steak. The official name of the restaurant is Legacy Kansas, but Google Maps lists it as Brookville Hotel. Because of limited staff reservations are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Ike’s Place–100 NW 14th St. (American) Closed Tue.  Restaurant with memorabilia about President Eisenhower, and also is considered to have excellent food. Some recommended items are ribeye, fish & chips, grilled vegetables, and street tacos (especially the tacos). Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

Alma

El Corral–327 Missouri Ave. (Mexican) Closed Mon.  Food looks very authentic (south of the border style). Has tacos al pastor and enchiladas with either red or green (tomatillo) sauce. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)

Arkansas City

M&M Meals for the Soul–621 N. 1st St. (BBQ) Lunch only (closed Sun).  Soul food and barbecue restaurant (I think in this order). It has such good reviews I had to add it to the list. Meatloaf sandwich, fried chicken, rib dinner are among the recommendations. Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

Arlington

Carolyn’s Essenhaus–104 E. Main St. (German) Closed Tue evening, Sat evening, & Sun.  Mennonite food (I discovered how wonderful this is one time when I was in Newton). Homemade bread and pies are very popular. Map (Dining room is open 5-4-22)

Assaria

Renaissance Cafe–210 N. Center St. (Italian) Open 5 pm to 9 pm Thu-Sat only.  This appears to be very well prepared Italian food in a small town that has a loyal customer base from surrounding towns who want to enjoy a special dinner. Map (Dining room is open 5-4-22)

Atchison

Paolucci–113 S. 3rd St. (Italian) Open daily (closes at 1 pm on Sun).  Old school Italian restaurant that has operated for a number of years and still gets good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 8-21-21)

Chanute

El Pueblito–101 E. 28th St. (Mexican) Open daily except Sun evening.  Looks promising for a small town Mexican restaurant. Has a chicken burrito with chipotle sauce. Other food also gets good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)

Coffeyville

El Pueblito–600 Northeast St. (Mexican) Open daily except Sun evening.  From the photos, it looks like pretty decent Mexican food. Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

Gen Hibachi–1415 W. 8th St. (Japanese) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun).  Good reviews for the hibachi dishes. Also has sushi but most people do not get this (the hibachi is very popular). Map (Takeout only 5-4-22)

Copeland

Copeland Cafe–201 Main St. (American) Open 8 am to 2 pm (closed Sun).  Reviewers seem to be unanimous that it has good food. Wide variety of items are recommended. Copeland is on US 56 w. of Dodge City. Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

Council Grove

Hays House–112 W. Main St. (American) Closed Mon.  Built in 1857, and is the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi (it was also the last point on the Santa Fe Trail where travelers were still in civilization). This may not be a reason to eat here, but Jane & Michael Stern recommended it. Food seems to be basic Great Plains cuisine that is prepared well. Map (Dining room is open 11-24-22)

Dodge City

Chu Mys Kitchen–2208 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. (Vietnamese) Lunch only (closed Sun & Mon).  Reviewers say it is excellent with rich flavors. Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

Tacos Jalisco–412 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. (Mexican) Open daily (open late night).  Authentic taqueria style Mexican food. Reviewers like the tacos al pastor (among others) and the horchata. Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

El Dorado

Moe’s Grill–710 S. Main St. (American) Lunch Mon-Fri; dinner Tue-Fri.  I have to include a restaurant in El Dorado because my mom says this city is the first place where I ever ate at a restaurant (starting a long tradition which I now blog about). It was not Moe’s Grill (reviewers say it opened recently) but Moe’s does have very good reviews, with its hamburgers and barbecue seeming to be “legit” (to use terminology that did not exist in my early days of eating out). Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)

Emporia

Amanda’s–702 Commercial St. (American) Breakfast and lunch only (closed Sun & Mon).  Not Mennonite food, but seems to be similar quality. Popular for its breakfasts, sandwiches, and home made bread. Map (Dining room is open 5-4-22)

Chi Em Eats–11 E. 6th Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun evening & Mon (and closed from 2:30 to 5 pm).  Good reviews–has lemongrass vermicelli bowls. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)

Fredonia

The Kitchen Table–114 S. 3rd St. (American) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Sun & Mon).  Some say it has the best breakfast buffet ever. People have equally good comments about lunch, but there is not a consensus about which is the best item (it seems that everything is good). There is a consensus, though, that you should try the pie (or cinnamon roll for breakfast). Map (Dining room is open 5-4-22)

Frontenac

Barto’s Idle Hour–201 S. Santa Fe St. (American) Open Tue-Sat (dinner only).  Serves steak, chicken, burgers, and seafood. Roadfood says, though, that it is one of the group of restaurants in the Pittsburg area known for having the best fried chicken in Kansas. They go on to say that this place is #1 for the chicken out of the large group of restaurants in the area–not only is it crispy without being greasy but they like its German side dishes. The onion rings also set it apart from the other restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Garden City

La Estrella–305 E. Kansas Ave. (Mexican) Open Daily.  Said to be authentic, very good, and cheap Mexican street food. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Pho Hoa One–713 E. Fulton St. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun evening & Wed; Closes at 7 pm daily.  Reviewers say it is authentic and delicious (several say it may be the best Vietnamese in Kansas). Map (Dining room is open 7-15-23)

Goodland

Westport on Main–1218 Main Ave. (American) Lunch Wed-Sun; Dinner Fri & Sat.  Somewhat upscale soup & sandwich restaurant (reuben, tuna melt, sloppy joe, etc.). Also has pasta dishes, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Great Bend

Mary’s Kitchen–2416 10th St. (Mexican) Breakfast and lunch only (closed Sun).  Good reviews. Food in the photos looks like what you would find in El Paso (complete with green chile). Looks very promising. People especially recommend the breakfast burrito. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Sarocha Thai–30 S. Patton Rd. (Thai) Closed Sun.  Good reviews–say the spice level is as it should be if you ask for it to be hot. Curry is recommended. Photos make it look like the real deal. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Hamilton

Holmes Sundry–101 Main St. (American) Open 9 am to 7 pm; 10-9 on Sat (closed Sun).  Soda fountain and ice cream is what brings people here. Serves food, but I think the big draw is the ice cream. Hamilton is on SH 99 s. of Emporia. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Hays

Gella’s Diner–117 E. 11th St. (Mennonite) Open daily except Sun evening.  Home cooking. Mennonite cuisine (sauerkraut soup, homemade brats, bierocks, brebble fry bread, homemade potato & dumpling soup). Also has a brewery. Map (Dining room is open 11-25-22)

Hoxie

The Elephant Bistro & Bar–732 Main St. (American) Open Wed-Sat.  Many reviewers say there is enough variety to please everyone. One says it is a one of a kind restaurant in northwest Kansas because no one else has dared to try what they have here. Photos indicate that the food is very fresh and colorful. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Hutchinson

Cancun Mexican Grill–2803 N. Lorraine St. (Mexican) Closed Mon.  Probably has some Americanized dishes, but some seem authentic. Mole is made in house (not from a mix, according to a reviewer). Many say to order the molcajete. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

R-B Drive In–201 E. Ave. A (Fast Food) Lunch only; open to 8 pm on Thu (closed Sun).  Specialties are a smashed burger with crispy edges, fried mushrooms, meatloaf, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and onion rings. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Roy’s Hickory Pit Bar-B-Q–1018 Nickerson Blvd. (BBQ) Lunch only (closed Sun & Mon).  Reviews say this is excellent BBQ–comparable to Kansas City. Opens at 11 am every day and closes when it runs out of meat. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)

Skaets Steak Shop–2300 N. Main St. (American) Open 6 am to 9 pm (closed Mon).  Good place for breakfast, especially the pancakes. Open flame broiler opens at 4:30 pm (for steaks and hamburgers). Map (Dining room is open 11-25-22)

Junction City

Korean Garden–310 Grant Ave. (Korean) Lunch Tue-Sat; Dinner Fri (closed Sun & Mon). Dinner is said to be more authentic than lunch. Serves Korean (barley) tea. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Negril Caribbean–127 W. 7th St. (Caribbean) Open daily except Sun evening.  Jerk chicken, ox tail, dinner, sweet potato pudding. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Lawrence

Culinaria–512 E. 9th St. (Mediterranean) Dinner only (Thu-Sat only).  Is not an ethnic restaurant, but looks as if they are concentrating on healthy food (lots of vegetables and meat included also). Upscale but not too expensive (main dishes are currently in the $18-$20 range). I think you get a lot for your money here. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Hawaiian Brothers–1501 W. 23rd St. (Hawaiian) Open daily to 11 pm (midnight on weekends). More than just a plate lunch restaurants-looks somewhat upscale. Huli-huli chicken is popular. Note: this is a chain with restaurants in several states. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

La Parrilla–712 Massachusetts St. (Mexican) Open Daily.  Looks like a somewhat upscale Mexican that is more authentic than most, and that has good food. Menu is limited, but includes street tacos and enchiladas suizas among others. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Red Pepper–821 Iowa St. (Chinese) Closed Tue.  Seems to be close to authentic and very good (reviewers say it is not Americanized). Specialties are noodles and tofu dishes (Sichuan spicy tofu is recommended). Map (Dining room is open 11-25-22)

Leavenworth

Ava’s Island Cafe—-732 Shawnee St. (Jamaican) Lunch Tue-Sat (open to 7 pm Tue-Fri).  Very high ratings. Jerk chicken and curry chicken are popular. Food is said to be spicy. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Baan Thai–301 S. 4th St. (Thai) Open Daily.  Reviews say it is outstanding. Pad thai is not rated as highly as the curries. Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)

Excellent Choice–1000 N. 7th St. (Soul Food) Open Wed-Fri 11 am to 7:30 pm.  Is the “real deal” soul food. Catfish seems to be the favorite item. Gumbo and fried chicken are also popular. Map (Dining room is open 5-5-22)

Hyundai–749 Shawnee St. (Korean) Open to 7 pm (closed Sat evening & Sun).  Authentic. Seems to have dishes not available at many other Korean restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 7-15-23)

Wizard of Pho–210 S. Broadway St. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun & Mon.  Good reviews for items such as lemongrass pork. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Liberal

Pancake House–640 E. Pancake Blvd. (American) Open 6 am to 1 pm (closed Mon).  This is no joke-the main street in town is called Pancake Blvd. Quite a popular restaurant-Swedish pancakes are one of the choices  Map (Dining room is open 1-12-22)

Lincoln

Post Rock–1907 KS-18 (Himalayan) Closed Sun.  Post Rock Restaurant with 4.9 stars when I saw it on Google Maps is only 0.2 stars more popular than the motel in which it is located. Here diners find a variety of Himalayan food including chicken tikka masala, momo, and chow mein. Map (Dining room is open 7-15-23)

Lindsborg

Crown and Rye–121 N. Main St. (Swedish) Closed Sun evening & Mon.  Formerly the Swedish Crown but now has new owners and a new name. Serves traditional Swedish food at lunch & dinner. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Drom Sott–112 W. Lincoln (Swedish) Breakfast only. “Sweet Dreams” (formerly the Swedish Country Inn) now has new owners. Used to have a traditional Swedish breakfast–now I’m not sure but at least has the Swedish pastries. Breakfast is free to hotel guests (I am not sure if it is open to the public). Map (Dining room is open 11-25-22)

Manhattan

Baan Thai–1709 Ft. Riley Blvd. (Thai) Open Daily.  Good, flavorful Thai (but they have a location in Leavenworth that some say is even better). Map (Dining room is open 5-5-22)

El Patron–429 Poyntz Ave. (Mexican) Open Daily.  Food looks pretty good and reviewers say the same about it. Is not Tex-Mex, has sauces such as green sauce (I don’t know how spicy it is). Map (Dining room is open 12-23-21)

Fridas The True Mexican Taste–900 N. 3rd St. (Mexican) Closed Sun.  This is a food truck that serves takeout only, but Mexican food seems like the real deal. Specialties are gorditas, tamales with mole, carnitas, milanesa, street tacos, and others. Map (Takeout only but has outside tables 3-5-22)

Little Grill–6625 Dyer Rd. (Jamaican) Dinner Wed-Sun; Lunch Sat & Sun.  Good reviews–people like the food and it seems to be authentic. Map (Dining room is open 5-4-22)

McPherson

Braum’s–2106 E. Kansas Ave. (Ice Cream) Open Daily.  I do not think the hamburgers are great but I love the ice cream desserts (such as the sundaes). I also particularly like the raisin bread sold in the store. I think this is the northernmost outpost of the chain. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Woodies Smokehouse–2100 E. Kansas Ave. (BBQ) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm.  Reviewers say this is a hidden gem (especially the ones traveling through and visiting town). Ribs are apparently very special, and pulled pork is also very good. A weak point seems to be the sauce, but they have a southern mustard based sauce that is said to go well with the pulled pork. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Newton

The Breadbasket–219 N. Main St. (American) Breakfast Mon-Sat; lunch daily; dinner Fri & Sat.  Mennonite style food. Best known for its breakfast buffet and its Fri & Sat night German buffet. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Ottawa

Smoked Creations BBQ–222 E. Logan St. (BBQ) Open Daily.  Reviewers say this is among the best BBQ around (and this includes the nearby Kansas City BBQ). Everything is good, but the standout items are pulled pork and a pulled pork sandwich with bacon and cheese on top named the “pig out.” Baked beans are also recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Parsons

Genko Hibachi Express–2209 Main St. (Japanese) Closed Sun.  Seems to be an excellent choice for food that is healthy and also has a good flavor. However, it is a food truck and only has outdoor seating (or you can get takeout). Map (Outdoor seating is available 1-12-22)

Piedmont

Jim & Lila’s Cafe–100 Main St. (American) Breakfast & lunch Mon-Sat; Dinner Fri & Sat (closed Sun).  Reviewers say it has good country style cooking, and service is good as well. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Pittsburg

Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s–1271 S. 220th St. (Chicken) Dinner Tue-Sun; lunch Sun only (closed Mon).  Pan fried chicken, German cole slaw, German potato salad. Located about 3 mi. s. of Pittsburg. Note: there is another restaurant listed on the Internet called Chicken Annie’s Original located e. of Frontenac. I do not know if some of the reviews and info. I have found are actually for this restaurant, but Yelp seems to indicate that the one people are reviewing is the one on S. 220th St. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Typhoon–1014 S. Broadway St. (Thai) Closed Sun.  Curry is recommended, but it is in general said to be a very good Thai restaurant. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Also see Frontenac

Protection

Don’s Place–230 N. Broadway Ave. (American) Open 6 am to 8 pm (closed Sun & Mon).  Reviewers say everything tastes home cooked. Breakfast, chicken fried steak, and pie are especially recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-25-22)

Quinter

Melanie’s Kitchen Asian Cuisine–321 Main St. (Filipino).  Has Chinese food that mostly looks Americanized but has Filipino dishes that are probably more authentic Quinter is on I-70 w. of WaKeeney. May have limited hours but I don’t have enough info. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Russell

San Juan–740 E. Wichita Ave. (Mexican) Open Daily.  Seems to be at least reasonably authentic, and perhaps more than I think. Reviewers recommend the California burrito, carne asada taco, and tamales among others. Rice and beans are said to be good (one of the best signs that the other food is good as well). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

The Barrister’s Bar and Judge’s Grill–804 N. Main St. (American) Open Fri-Sun only (11 am to 2 am).  Has several types of burgers including the “Ice” which is really a green chile cheeseburger. Has a green chile soup (spelled with an “e”) and a red chili soup (spelled with an “i”). Has New Orleans shrimp and a Thai salad (really lots of choices that sound good). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Salina

Auntie Rita’s–1315 S. Santa Fe (Jamaican) Closed Sun evening & Mon.  Good reviews (even though this cuisine is unfamiliar to many locals, they like the flavor of the food). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Cozy Inn–108 N. 7th St. (Hamburgers) Open Daily.  Roadfood says this is one of the “20 Burgers to Eat Before it’s Too Late.” These are known as sliders, and many people order a bag of them (there is also an order where you can get 4 of them). They have been serving their burgers since 1922, and reviewers cite the quality meat and their special sauce. These are onion burgers with the onions cooked into the patty. This is also known as one of the last six-stool diners in the US (there are outdoor picnic tables to supplement the limited seating inside). Map (Dining room is open 11-24-22)

Seoul USA–750 S. Broadway (Korean) Closed Sun evening & Mon (and closed from 3 to 5 pm).  Authentic with a large menu (including some vegetarian dishes). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Sharon Springs

Towns End Tavern–117 N. Main St. (Steakhouse) Open Fri dinner & Sat dinner only. More upscale steakhouse than most in rural Kansas (has prime rib, brussel sprouts, bananas foster bread pudding, etc.). Burger is also said to be very good. Map (Dining room is open 11-25-22)

Strong City

Ad Astra–318 Cottonwood St. (Modern American) Lunch Fri-Sun; dinner Thu-Sun.  Good, inexpensive food–most popular is hamburger. Reuben sandwich and sliders are also favorites. Focuses on locally produced produce & meat. Also has good vegetarian options. Map (Temporarily Closed 11-25-22)

Topeka

Little Russia Chili Parlour–508 NE Sardou Ave. (American) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sat & Sun).  Changed ownership in 2022–was a small grocery store in the “Little Russia” section of Topeka (now a tavern). The chili was on Roadfood’s list of the best chili in America. New owners have a new recipe but they made it as similar to the old one as possible (still seems to be very good). Map (Dining room is open 11-24-22)

Lonnie Q’s BBQ–3150 SE 21st St. (BBQ) Open 11am to 1 pm Tue-Fri and 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Fri (closed Sat-Mon).  Most reviewers say the food is “fantastic” or “amazing.” Only has brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and turkey. Most say it is comparable to Kansas City BBQ. Customers say it is best to arrive right after 11 am in order not to wait in a long line. The Kansas style BBQ sauce here is darker and richer than other styles served throughout the US. Map (Dining room is open-check web site for the menu and hours, and sometimes is takeout only 11-25-22)

Monsoon Grill–2040 SW Wanamaker Rd. (Indian) Open daily (closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Reviewers say quality compares to Kansas City or other large cities. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

North Star–1100 NW 25th St. (Steak House) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon).  Recommended by the Sterns in the book Roadfood. Serves liquor and is not a restaurant but a supper club (if you show them an out of state drivers license they waive the membership fee). The Sterns say the steak is good enough to be what you would envision steak from the heartland could be (potatoes are also especially good). Map (Dining room is open 11-24-22)

Saigon–3200 SW 29th St. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun & Mon (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm).  Highest rated Asian restaurant in town that I have found–seems to be better than the Chinese food and less expensive than the Thai. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Tup Tim Thai–220 SW 29th St. (Thai) Open daily (closed from 2:30 to 5 pm).  Reviewers suggest the lunch specials as a good bargain. Good items include the curries and the “Money Bags” appetizer. They do not make the food as spicy as at other Thai restaurants, but they will do so if you ask for “Thai hot.” Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Wichita

Chiang Mai Thai–3141 S. Hillside St. (Thai) Open Daily.  Reviewers say it is authentic, and I believe this is true because it is located near the Air Force base (this is usually where the authentic Asian food is found). Some people indicate that it is Thai & Lao. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Gabby’s Peruvian–1713 W. Douglas Ave. (Peruvian) Closed Mon & Tue.  Food is authentic with a wide assortment of dishes (not just ceviche). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Lemongrass–300 N. Mead (Vietnamese) Closed Tue.  Pho and other menu items are recommended (has a pretty extensive menu). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Little Saigon–1015 N. Broadway (Vietnamese) Closed Mon.  Noodle dishes are recommended but reviewers like just about everything. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Malaysia Cafe–7777 E. 21st St. N. (Malaysian) Open to 7:30 pm (closed Sun).  Has Chinese and other Asian cuisines, but the Malaysian menu is recommended (you’ll get the dishes that are popular in Malaysia). Fast food style, and orders come in styrofoam containers, but the food is high quality. Urbanspoon reviewers recommended char kuey teow and Hainanese chicken rice. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Mediterranean Grill–335 S. Town East Mall Dr. (Lebanese) Closed Sun.  May be the best Middle Eastern food in Wichita (and the only one I found on Yelp that looked worth recommending). Fatoosh, hummos, tabouli, and falafel are good. Any of the meats are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

M&M Bierock–2065 E. Central Ave. (German) Open 10:30 am to 6 pm (closed Sat afternoon & Sun).  A drive-through restaurant serving bierocks (a local specialty sandwich stuffed with ground beef, cabbage, and sauerkraut) with the option of a ham and cheese topping. Locals are very passionate about how much they like this sandwich. Map (Drive-through only 11-7-21)

Molino’s–1064 N. Waco (Mexican) Open Daily.  This is authentic Mexican style (not Americanized) “alta cocina” Mexican food. I can’t vouch for how good it is, but it looks very good from the photos and reviews are very good (I think it’s the real deal). Just so you’ll know, though, it’s more expensive than most other Mexican restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

My Tho–500 E. Central Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Tue & Wed.  Authentic and downscale (home style). This is the type of restaurant you would find in the typical Asian district rather than the (more Americanized and upscale) ones that would be found in the suburbs. Map (Temporarily closed 1-12-22)

Pig In Pig Out–1003 E. 13th St. N. (BBQ) Closed Sun & Mon (open for lunch only).  Reviewers say this is one of the top BBQ restaurants in Wichita (and many say it is the best). Ribs and pulled pork are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Prost–2721 E. Central Ave. (German) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Sun & Mon).  Authentic German food, including German style pretzels. Jagerschnitzel is popular (although some say the breading is not as good as the meat). Side dishes are said to be quite good. This is also a place where you can get the German-American bierock at a dine-in setting (instead of drive-through). I don’t see things like sauerbraten on the menu (only schnitzel, bratwurst, and sausage). Map (Dining room is open 11-7-21)

Wilson

Made from Scratch–527 27th St. (American) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Mon).  Chicken (only on Sun), sandwich, omelette, pie (desserts are especially recommended here). Map (Dining room is open 8-21-21)

Note: Al’s Grill (a Czech restaurant) is now closed. Supposedly kolaches are available in Wilson, though (apparently at Grandma’s Soda Shop). Czech sausages and meats, formerly available at Al’s Grill, may also be available in town. (8-21-21)

Woodbine

Brigitte’s Country Cafe–101 N. Broadway (American & German) Open 9 am to 2 pm (closed Sun).  Home cooking with very good reviews. Has German specials such as schnitzel on Wednesday and bratwurst on Friday. Facebook page says it is on Kansas Ave., but the town is so small I am sure it is not hard to find. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)

Zenda

Lumber Yard Steakhouse–311 N. Main St. (Steakhouse) Lunch Tue-Sat; Dinner Thu-Sat.  Very good reviews for steaks and prime rib. Has other items (such as ribs). They mainly say steaks & prime rib are the items worth a trip to this small town. Should get reservations on weekends. Map (Dining room is open 5-22-24)


  • For additional explanation of this list see Index
  • Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.

James Beard Foundation America’s Classics

The following are locally owned restaurants that are distinguished by their timeless appeal, and which serve quality food that represents the character of their communities:

  • Abilene: Brookville Hotel–105 E. Lafayette Ave.

Note About “50 States, 50 Cuisines” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Sep. 14, 2020 explaining how they set out to go beyond a previous article that had identified the signature dish for each state, and to find food that goes beyond the classics and “to highlight a cuisine worth traveling to each state for, much of which you truly can’t get anywhere else.” For Kansas it is the bierock (called runza in Nebraska) that was developed by the Volga River Germans who settled throughout Western Canada and the Great Plains, with a sizeable number coming to Ellis County, Kansas.

Some places to find bierock are drive-throughs (including M&M Bierock in Wichita), beer gardens (such as Prost in Wichita), and brewpubs (such as Gella’s Diner in Hays).


Sources:

James Beard Foundation (America’s Classics Award Winners)

Condé Nast Traveler “50 States, 50 Cuisines The Food Worth Traveling For in Every State”

Culture Trip (Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants in Kansas)

Dine Rank

Google Maps

KansasTravel.org

KSNT.com “Legendary Brookville Hotel Reopens as Legacy Kansas in Abilene” (Aug. 16, 2022)

Roadfood (Kansas)

Jane & Michael Stern, “Roadfood,” New York: HarperPerennial, 1992.

Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)

Yelp (Kansas)

Zomato (Wichita)

 

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