11 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Kansas Dining Bucket List
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Kansas has no shortage of amazing places to grab a meal. But sometimes it’s hard to find those hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. And sometimes when you roll up on a place it’s hard not to “judge a book by its cover,” as they say. Along those lines, here are 11 completely unassuming restaurants in Kansas that you might not realize are totally bucket-list worthy. Enjoy!
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How could you know from the outside of this quiet unassuming restaurant at the end of a strip of retail spaces that there would be a world-class Italian eatery inside? Romantically lit and decorated in old world colors, Bella Vita Bistro is likely the best kept secret on the East side. More information here.
Address: 120 N West St, Wichita, KS 67203
Address: 120 N West St, Wichita, KS 67203
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From the outside, you'd never know this former firehouse-turned restaurant is decorated with all kinds of firehouse related items, including a fake fireman sliding down the real firepole! The Firehouse Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and makes a mean breakfast like you've never seen! They're open from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. More information here.
Address: 1824 E 4th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Address: 1824 E 4th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67501
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Head to Overland Park for traditional Dim Sum served all day. In spite of its plain exterior this little restaurant delivers a big tasty delight. You can find out more information and check their hours here. They are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the information on their website.
Address: 10001 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
Address: 10001 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
From the outside, if you weren't terribly familiar with the place, you might think Ad Astra is a hole in the wall. But that's precisely why this place is so coveted! Well, that and the massive thick-cut steaks on the menu. Sink your teeth into one of these! More information here on their very active Facebook page. Heads up: it looks like they are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 318 Cottonwood St, Strong City, KS 66869
Address: 318 Cottonwood St, Strong City, KS 66869
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Don't let the bars on the windows and doors fool you. Everything inside the Wildcat Cafe is pleasantly surprising. If you love Mexian cuisine, then Wildcat Cafe is the place to go in Elkhart, Kansas!
Address: 344 Morton St, Elkhart, KS 67950
Address: 344 Morton St, Elkhart, KS 67950
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From the outside, the restaurant looks like some kind of government building. But on the inside there's a whole lot going on---and it's fun city. They even have a giant sombrero you can wear for your selfies!
Their address in Hays is: 1002 41st St, Hays, KS 67601
Their address in Hays is: 1002 41st St, Hays, KS 67601
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You'd probably never expect to find a very upscale French restaurant in a shopping mall wedged beween a ladies clothing store and a card store, right? Cafe Provence is just beyond the facade of The Villages shopping mall and you're not going to believe how amazing it is! Serving authentic French cuisine, Cafe Provence takes the prize in Prairie Village for most unassuming restaurant! More information here.
Address: 3936 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208
Address: 3936 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208
Located across the street from the car wash in a big lot with a small building, Weston's Route 66 Cafe serves up a delicious breakfast. Order up the biggest pancake you've possiby ever seen and then relax while you finish your coffee. Give them a call for their hours of operation.
Address: 1737 Military Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Phone: (620) 856-4414
Address: 1737 Military Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Phone: (620) 856-4414
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R.J.'s proves you simply cannot judge a book by its cover. Nor a menu by the restaurant name. Check out this blackened salmon with seasoned fries. Oh, don't worry...R.J.'s definitely has you covered with the best Bob-Be-Que in town! More information here.
Address: 5835 Lamar Ave, Mission, KS 66202
Address: 5835 Lamar Ave, Mission, KS 66202
This weirdly-shaped odyssey on Phillipsburg's State Street definitely turns the heads of people passing through town. If it's not the oddly shaped building it's the restaurant's novel name, The Chubby Pickle. As you might excpect, you'll find that chubby pickle on your plate when your order is ready! More information here.
Address: 603 State St, Phillipsburg, KS 67661
Address: 603 State St, Phillipsburg, KS 67661
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This place is so tiny it only has three barstools in the whole joint. Thankfully, there are several picnic tables outside where you can tackle your giant burger like a champ. (See above photo). More information here.
Address: 4942 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203
Address: 4942 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203
One thing for sure is that when you’re hungry, you’re hungry. After writing this article, I am starving! Let us know in our comments if you’ve tried any of these unassuming restaurants in Kansas. We’d love to hear!
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