Blog / Best Places to Eat in Wichita

Wichita Culinary Institutions

Livingston's | Davis-Moore Auto Group
While new restaurants seem to open in Wichita, Kansas, every day, you can still find some old classics serving up great meals. When you're heading out and looking for some delicious food and a little history, consider going to one of these top culinary institutions. Livingston's Andy Livingston first opened Livingston's in 1910. At that time, the small cafe served hamburgers for a nickel and T-bone steaks for a dime. Today, even though the price has gone up, you can still get a juicy burger at Livingston's. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, and it offers a variety of casual and fresh meals. For breakfast, you'll find popular options like homemade biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, waffles, and French toast. For lunch, consider the Reuben, grilled turkey club, or the daily special.Bomber Burger When you want to sink your teeth into one of the best burgers in Wichita, you need to go to Bomber Burger. First opened in 1951, all the patties at Bomber Burger are formed by hand using Kansas Angus beef. The patties weigh in at almost a full pound, making them some of the largest you can get in the area. The restaurant then uses its own custom seasoning mix to add the perfect amount of flavor to the beef. Along with your traditional hamburger and cheeseburger, Bomber Burger also offers a bacon cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, and more. Old Mill Tasty Shop Since 1932, people have been coming to the Old Mill Tasty Shop to enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream specialties at the old-fashioned soda fountain counter. In fact, patrons love the Old Mill Tasty Shop so much, they threatened to chain themselves to the building when the city was discussing building a new arena where the restaurant sits. Thankfully, it never came to that. When you stop by for lunch, consider getting the club, tuna melt, or barbecue beef brisket. Make sure you save room for one of the floats, sundaes, or malts. Savute's Italian Ristorante Savute's Italian Ristorante opened in 1943, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in Wichita. When you're in the mood for an authentic Italian meal for dinner, this is the place to go to. You'll find all your favorites on the menu, including spaghetti and meatballs, baked lasagna, and chicken Marsala. You can take a seat in the main seating area to check out the unique collection of aircraft memorabilia, or you can head out to the patio for some outdoor dining. Calvin's Hamburger HavenCalvin's Hamburger Haven first opened its doors in 1952, and it quickly became a popular hangout spot for teenagers. Although it had to change locations once to make room for a new convenience store, longtime regulars still like to visit for delicious burgers and other sandwiches. Be sure to stop by for lunch to enjoy a hamburger cooked on the original and well-seasoned grill. No matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, you know you'll find a great meal when you check out one of these top culinary institutions in Wichita. Photo via Flickr by Navin75 | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0
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A steak dinner served over pasta at a local steakhouse in Wichita, KS

Enjoy a Steak Dinner at These Top 3 Wichita Restaurants

When you're in the mood for a mouth-watering steak, try out one of these great steak restaurants in Wichita, Kansas. more 1. Hangar One Steakhouse For an evening of music and perfectly cooked steaks, head to Hanger One Steakhouse. Dine on one of their cooked-to-order, hand-cut, 28-day-aged steaks or try one of the daily chef specials that are featured throughout the week. For something different, order your steak blackened or hot and spicy. Steak entrees include the 8-ounce King Air Filet, 12-ounce KC Landing Strip, and the 12-ounce Conquest Ribeye. The Global Express Prime Rib is available on Friday and Saturday in either a 12- or 16-ounce size. You can also customize your dish with a lobster tail, grilled shrimp, or blue cheese sauce. When the weather is nice, grab a bite and drink on the Crash Pad patio. Enjoy live music with your meal on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and features half-price appetizers and drink specials. Hangar One Steakhouse is located at 5925 West Kellogg Drive and is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 2. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar is a classic American chophouse with an inviting atmosphere. It boasts rich mahogany woods, glove-soft leather booths, and panoramic views of the water. The stone fireplaces give the restaurant a warm and welcoming feel. The restaurant features corn-fed, Midwestern beef that is marbled and aged to perfection, then cooked over wood fires. Try the Petite Bistro Filet, which is bleu cheese encrusted or, for larger appetites, opt for the 22-ounce USDA Prime Bone-in Cowboy Rib Eye Steak. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar is located at 1550 North Webb Road and is open Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. 3. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Located in the southwest corner of The Waterfront Shopping Center, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American restaurant and steakhouse that serves up delicious cuisine. Known for their scratch kitchen. The chefs have developed dishes with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Signature items include 21-day-aged, hand-cut steaks that are grilled to perfection, as well as fresh seafood. Order the filet mignon, which is wrapped in applewood smoked bacon or dine on the bacon-wrapped bleu cheese filet, complete with port mushrooms. For a bit of southwestern flair, try the chile-rubbed Delmonico. For the best of both worlds, go for the Surf & Turf, which includes a 7-ounce bacon-wrapped filet and a half-pound lobster tail. Enjoy a specialty crafted cocktail or a glass of wine with your meal. Stop by the FIREBAR Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. for happy hour specials on the patio. Firebirds Wood Fired Grilled is located at 10096 East 13th St North and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. You don't have to look far for a great steak in Wichita. With several restaurants in the area, the hardest part will be deciding which one to dine at first. Image via Flickr by kurmanstaff CC by 2.0

A serving of dumplings available at a local restaurant in Wichita, KS

The Best Places to Fill Up on Dumplings in Wichita, KS

When you're in the Wichita area, visit the local restaurants where you can find excellent quality dumplings. Dumplings offer the protein and energy you need for a long journey and are a simple, delicious meal to enjoy with your family. Here are some favorites. more Little Saigon For a family-friendly environment, stop off for a meal at Little Saigon Vietnamese restaurant. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday. This restaurant offers a warm atmosphere and delicious specialties. In addition to a plentiful menu that includes pho noodle soup, spring rolls, and an avocado smoothie, dumplings are served with a variety of sauces. It is located at 1015 North Broadway Ave. at 9th Street North. Shanghai Restaurant Shanghai Restaurant is located at 3815 East Harry St. in Wichita and has an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, that includes great dumplings. The environment is relaxed and pleasant, with large windows, dark carpeting, and traditional Chinese decor. There is cozy booth seating, as well as large hardwood chairs with thick cushioning. Space is plentiful in this large, open restaurant, and there is parking. Check out their Facebook page for reviews and more information. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Oh Yeah! China Bistro Oh Yeah! China Bistro is located at 3101 North Rock Road #150 at 29th Street. This is a fine dining restaurant. Dinner-time diners are sure to be impressed with the lovely lighting and ambiance, hardwoods floors, upholstered booth seating, and white tablecloths. The food offered is authentic Chinese cuisine, with freshly prepared meals without MSG. Even the sauces are homemade, making this a scrumptious dining experience. Oh Yeah! China Bistro's dinner menu offers two types of dumplings. Fortune dumplings, at a cost of $7 for six helpings, are made with cabbage, celery, green onion, and ginger and are offered broiled or fried. The other option is Spicy dumplings, which are served in a delicious hot and spicy peanut sauce. Both can be ordered vegetarian. If you prefer to stay home and live within 4 miles of the restaurant, Oh Yeah! China Bistro will deliver delicious food to your door for a $20 minimum order. P.F. Chang's P.F. Chang's is located at 1401 Waterfront Parkway at 13th Street North and offers traditional Chinese food, including dim sum. This much loved Chinese food chain has plentiful seating and a menu with options for all. Choose between two different kinds of dumplings, both served with a hot chili sauce. There are also plentiful spring rolls and egg rolls, including the new Crispy Avocado Spring Rolls. P.F. Chang's serves sushi as well, has a happy hour and gluten-free options, and even provides catering. If you're on the go, check out the website to order online. Are you in the mood for dumplings and the comfort and warmth of a traditional Chinese food restaurant? You're in luck if you find yourself in the Wichita area. With many lovely venues serving delicious food, you will certainly have an enjoyable meal. https://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/2122084198/sizes/l Image via Flickr by avlxyz CC by SA-2.0

Tomato slices and mozzarella with balsamic drizzle available at Bella Vita Bistro in Wichita, KS

Best Wichita Restaurants that Only the Locals Know About

You might be new to Wichita or perhaps just visiting for a spell. Either way, you are hungry and want to go out to eat. However, the problem you face is not knowing where to go. Many people face the same difficulty in your situation but there is no need to fret. We have listed some of the best restaurants Wichita has to offer that only the locals know about. more Egg Crate Cafe This little breakfast place is just what you would expect it to be. Classic breakfast plates abound like pancakes, waffles, and omelets. Kick your meal up a notch with their country fried steak and eggs, or if you are feeling adventurous and exceptionally hungry, ask your server for the Crate's Stacker. You will enjoy two sausage balls breaded in hash browns served on scrambled eggs, along with a piece of French toast smothered in gravy. While the dish is not always available, it is worth getting when it is. The Egg Crate Cafe is open until 2 p.m. every day and offers a fantastic lunch menu, as well. Try their delicious raspberry chicken salad with your choice of grilled or fried chicken. And don't forget to ask about their delicious made-from-scratch soup of the day. Sandwich options include a classic club, grilled chicken, and patty melt, with the latter being their version of a cheeseburger. It is an eye-popping half-pound of ground beef topped with sauteed onions and Monterey Jack on toasted marble rye. Bella Vita Bistro Italian done right is always delicious, and this quaint little restaurant is a nice throwback to the old country. Signature Italian dishes are intermingled with classic international fare. Start your meal with fried risotto balls or burrata caprese. If soup is what you crave, try the Tuscany onion soup. Their Italian take on a French classic is superb. They offer a variety of salads including a unique Caesar topped with cheese crisps and pickled onions. For dinner, the Lasagna Perfecto says it all. They also have classic pasta dishes like spaghetti with marinara or house-made meat sauce and stuffed cannelloni topped with Boursin sauce. Go ahead, throw some meatballs on there! Their seafood crepe is stuffed with lump crab, shrimp, and scallops; it's finished with a cream sauce that will send your taste buds to heaven. The Kitchen When locals are hungry, many go to The Kitchen. Soups and salads and a selection of flatbreads will leave you wanting more. The restaurant offers several specialty burgers, sandwiches, and paninis that are sure to please. They also have a variety of pasta dishes to satisfy anyone's appetite. The Kitchen is located at 725 E. Douglas and is open Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm and Saturday 11am-9:30pm. The next time you feel like stepping out for a bite to eat, take a trip to one of these fine establishments. They may be off-the-beaten-path are worth the effort to find. The locals know what's good and where to go, and now you do, too. Image via Flickr by David Schiersner CC by 2.0