Where to eat in Wichita Dig into these storied spots in Kansas’ biggest city
WICHITA, Kan. — Maybe you’re headed to town for a sports tournament in March, the second annual Chisholm Trail Marathon in spring or the jazz festival April 15-19.
Whatever your reason and whenever you visit, know that the largest city in Kansas has a big variety of bars and restaurants that go well beyond its status as the birthplace of White Castle and Pizza Hut. Here are some places that stand out for their back stories and reputation. ents. You’ll find beef from Creekstone Farms in Arkansas City in filets, rib eyes and strip steaks on his menu. Pasta and fish round out the entrees. His five-course tasting menu can be paired with wines or craft beers.
Tucked away in the hotel basement is Dockum, a Prohibitionstyle speak-easy. Playing up a pharmacy theme, it specializes in housemade bitters, syrups and craft cocktails served in the cozy lounge. Try the Stache, made with orange zest sous-vide gin, pistachio puree, cream, lemon juice, orange soda and egg white or the Original’s Original with green chartreuse, blood orange liqueur, egg and torched brown sugar. Your pharmacist — er, bartender — may ignite your drink at your table. Want something less dramatic? Beer and premium wines also are available. ner menu and a full-service bar with 14 taps. The store’s old glass chandelier still shines over tables in the restaurant that has expanded from 180 to 282 seats with a patio, retractable garage doors and 29 TVs usually tuned to sports. You can hear live music some evenings.
Consider starting with queso dip, perhaps adding brisket, pork, chicken or rib meat, and progress to a build-your-own salad or baked potato bar. Can’t decide on a main? Combo platters laden with ribs, chicken, hot links, pulled pork and brisket, plus sides, are a solid bet. And the lunch buffet still is going strong, though you might have to elbow your way into a queue of office workers from nearby businesses.