Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try Kansas Restaurants

Barbecue isn't the only delicious food worth trying in Kansas. The Sunflower State offers a variety of other diverse food options, upscale eateries, and dining experiences that will delight your taste buds.

To help you decide where to eat this year, we made a bucket list of some of the best restaurants in Kansas—one option for each month. Take a look at the following list of 12 highly regarded eateries and prepare to absolutely fall in love.

1. January: Aunt Netter's Cafe - Lecompton

Bring your appetite so you can dine on hearty sandwiches, gourmet salads, and homemade sweets when you dine at Aunt Netter's Cafe. After enjoying a delicious meal in a charming atmosphere, make sure you explore the rest of the town of Lecompton—it's super cute. The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (open until 7 p.m. on Friday).

2. February: The Renaissance Cafe - Assaria

When you dine at the Renaissance Cafe in Assaria, you'll enjoy Northern Italian-inspired dishes made with the finest ingredients. You'll also be eating in a former school, complete with the original hardwood floors, stacks of books, and other antiques. It's one of the most unique restaurants in Kansas. It's only open Thursday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

3. March: Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern - Council Grove

When you dine at Hays House 1857, you're dining in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While here, feel free to pair your meal of ribeye, salmon, or bacon cheddar meatloaf with a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a craft cocktail. It's an Old-West-style place with excellent fare. Hays House is open Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m.; and Sunday until 3 p.m.

4. April: Fritz's Railroad Restaurant - Kansas City

A highlight of dining at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is having your food delivered by train. Take the kids to enjoy this family-friendly restaurant in Kansas—there's plenty of train-themed memorabilia for photo ops. You'll enjoy juicy cheeseburgers, crispy fries, cold sodas, and other classic diner fare. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

5. May: Grand Central Hotel & Grill - Cottonwood Falls

You'll get to chow down on a hearty meal of eggplant parmesan, butterflied shrimp, or a steak while taking in the relaxed atmosphere at Grand Central Hotel & Grill in Cottonwood Falls. You can even spend the night here for a relaxing weekend getaway. It's the perfect Kansas staycation for couples. The grill is open Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

6. June: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que - Kansas City

Looking for award-winning restaurants in Kansas? Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que should be the first on your list. Guests come from near and far to chow down on the out-of-this-world brisket, pulled pork, marinated ribs, and scrumptious sides at this "gas station restaurant." It's a must-visit when in Kansas City. Joe's is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

7. July: The BRGR Kitchen + Bar - Prairie Village

There are a couple of locations of this gourmet burger bar in Kansas. At BRGR Kitchen + Bar, you can grab a craft brew, cocktail, or glass of wine to go with your meal or apps like loaded tater tots, onion rings, and more. Come and watch the big game or just hang with friends—you're bound to have a good time. BRGR is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

8. August: Drop the H Brewing Company - Pittsburg

Drop the H Brewing Company has more than just a clever name: it also has an extensive beer menu and delicious slices of pizza. You can also get traditional bar foods, salad, sandwiches, and even entrees like baked lasagna and parmesan-crusted salmon. Talk about delish! Plus, the industrial-style building is pretty cool, too. Drop the H is open Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday until 8 p.m.

9. September: The Restaurant at 1900 - Mission Woods

You'll be absolutely wowed by the fine dining experience at The Restaurant at 1900. Between the iconic late 60s architecture of the building, the world-class chefs, the adventurous cocktail menu, and the delectable New England-inspired cuisine (where the head chef is from), it's one of the best upscale restaurants in the state. Hours are Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and Monday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner.

10. October: ABC Cafe - Overland Park

You'll be able to indulge in a hearty Chinese meal when you dine at the ABC Cafe. Among customer favorites are the dim sum dumplings, scallion pancakes, and curry beef puffs. The restaurant's exterior may look unassuming, but it's truly a hidden gem in the Overland Park community and across the state. The Cafe is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except on Tuesday.

11. November: 801 Chophouse - Leawood

Looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion? Treat yourself to buttery lobster tails, juicy filet mignon, and other exquisite fare at 801 Chophouse in Leawood or the Missouri side of Kansas City. This elegant steakhouse has some of the best food in the state. It's open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (9 p.m. on Sundays).

12. December: 715 Restaurant - Lawrence

You'll be able to indulge in a European-inspired meal when you dine at this quaint restaurant. Ingredients are sourced from local Kansas farms, so you can always expect everything to taste fresh. It's a great eatery to frequent when the weather warms up—its outdoor dining area will make you feel like you've been transported to France. 715 Restaurant is open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. (and 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday).

There you have it: 12 of the best restaurants in Kansas to try out this year. Which will be the first on your bucket list? If you've already started dreaming up your visit, consider using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to make a day trip or road trip of it. It'll give you great lodging and sightseeing suggestions.