Best For Family - Restaurants
Top 3 Local Restaurants
Bella Luna Cafe:
4618 E. Central, Suite 50, Wichita, KS
67208. 316-683-3700.
2132 N. Rock Road, Suite 107, Wichita,
KS 67206. 316-634-0008.
2441 N. Maize Rd., Suite 2511, Wichita,
KS 67205. 316-613-3320.
Wichita Family Magazine readers declared that Bella Luna Cafe is their favorite place eat. With locations on the east side, the west side, and rightin between, you’re never too far from a delicious meal. The family-owned business opened in 2002 and serves a menu of homemade soups, huge salads, sandwiches that are dripping with flavor and entrees that won’t break the bank. The restaurant has a neighborhood feel to it and serves many traditional Mediterranean dishes. Don’t forget to pay attention to the specials, too. There are some great deals to be had at Bella Luna. You’ll also find live music on Friday and Saturday nights at the New Market Square Bella Luna location and live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Bradley Fair spot.
Texas Roadhouse:
6707 W. Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS
67209. 316-943-8722.
Texas Roadhouse is a loud, fun place to go out to eat with your family and friends. The food and the environment—where waitresses stop to line dance and diners are encouraged to throw peanut shells on the floor—are appealing to young and old alike. When you step in the front door you’re hit with the smell of homemade bread, which is served in bottomless bowls, and the staff is ready to follow through with the mission statement of “Legendary Food, Legendary Service.” Casual, American food is served, including hand-cut steaks and made-from scratch dressings and sides. It’s no wonder that this restaurant has remained equally as busy from the day it opened 7 years ago up to this point.
N & J Cafe:
5600 E. Lincoln. Wichita, KS 67218.
316-681-3975.
N & J Cafe is a Wichita establishment that has been around for over 25 years. A family-owned and operated business, the restaurant prides itself on offering authentic, fresh dishes. Serving strictly Mediterranean food, N & J Cafe is known for it’s Hummus and madefresh daily pita bread as well as signature soups, salads and entrees. N & J Cafe is also known for the atmosphere it offers customers: A casual dining spot where customers seat themselves and often run into someone they know.
Appetizer:
Bella Luna, Hummus
4618 E. Central, Suite 50, Wichita, KS
67208. 316-683-3700.
2132 N. Rock Road, Suite 107, Wichita,
KS 67206. 316-634-0008.
2441 N. Maize Rd., Suite 2511, Wichita,
KS 67205. 316-613-3320.
Bella Luna’s Hummus was the top votegetter and it’s no surprise. The fresh and creamy Hummus is a great prelude to the many yummy entrees at Bella Luna and it costs only $6.75. For a little more filling appetizer, try the Hummus Shawarmah which is a delicious plate of Hummus topped with marinated chicken ($7.95) or the hearty Hummus and Steak, a plate full of the signature Hummus topped with Angus Beef, onions, mushrooms and pine nuts ($8.95).
Runner up: Cheddar’s, Santa
Fe Spinach Dip:
11711 E. 13th Street North, Wichita, KS, 67208.
Cheddar’s has been a popular family restaurant since the chain came to Wichita four years ago. The east-side establishment is a relaxed and fun place for families to dine and enjoy reasonably-priced food. The Santa Fe Spinach Dip grabbed the runner-up spot in our appetizer category.A signature item that really can’t be compared to anything else, the mix of spinach, sour cream, spices and cheeses is served with homemade salsa and tortilla chips. For $4.99, kids and adults alike can enjoy the starter.
Atmosphere
Red Rock Canyon Grill:
1844 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226.
316-636-1844.
Red Rock Canyon Grill is the place to go for an upscale, yet casual dining experience. The restaurant offers a southwestern flare and the exposed kitchen and high ceilings add to the excitement of the 9-year-old establishment. Signature dishes include the Stuffed Poblano Peppers; Rotisserie Chicken; Filet, Seared and Sliced; North Atlantic Salmon and for dessert, Something Chocolate.
Runner-up,
N & J Cafe:
5600 E. Lincoln. Wichita, KS 67218.
316-681-3975.
This family-owned business was voted one of the Top 3 Local Restaurants by our readers and one of the reasons is because of it’s comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
Patrons rave about the affordable and freshly-made food but it’s also the casual atmosphere that keeps them loving the location year after year.
Seat yourself, make yourself comfortable, sit back an stay awhile. Enjoy the food, expect to see some old friends and make some new ones while you’re at it.
Bang For Your Buck
Texas Roadhouse:
6707 W. Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS
67209. 316-943-8722.
Our readers voted Texas Roadhouse as the winner of Best Bang for your Buck as well as one of the Top 3 Local Restaurants. Wichita Texas Texas Roadhouse Managing Partner Mitch Hauber and his staff of 135 employees work hard to give Wichitans a fun, lively place to enjoy some amazing food, but behind the scenes, the team is intentional about making sure it’s still a great value for visitors as well. As prices for ingredients and supplies have gone up, Texas Roadhouse has not raised menu prices. Instead, Hauber and his team have focused on offering diners amazing service, a fun experience, made-fromscratch foods so sales stay up even in a slow economy. The strategy has worked and families agree that Texas Roadhouse is a great value.
Runner-up,
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers:
8621 W. 21st Street N., Wichita, KS,
67205. 316-722-2299.
420 S. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS, 67209.
(coming soon!)
310 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67206.
316-691-9998.
11525 E. 13th Street, Wichita, KS, 67206.
316-440-5678.
2100 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS, 67037.
316-558-5388.
Freddy’s is a Wichita-based institution that has a big following and many signature items. A mix between fast food and casual dining, Freddy’s refers to it’s style of dining as fast casual. Kids steakburger meals—which include the unmistakeable Freddy fries and a drink—begin at $3.99. Full-size meals range up to about $7.00 depending. In addition to the signature steakburger meals, Freddy’s offers Vienna Beef premium beef hot dogs, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, chicken, tenders, veggie burgers and chili. The famous Freddy fries can also be topped with the delicious chili and cheese or you can order beer-battered onion rings. It’s hard not to fill up on the unmistakeable burgers and fries, but don’t forget to leave room for a Frozen Custard treat. Freddy’s desserts range from $1.79 for a single cone or dish to around $4.49 for a large specialty concrete. These amazing custard items also can be substituted for a drink with one of the above mentioned combo meals for the price difference between the custard item and the drink.
BBQ
Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q:
1200 S. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS. 316-618-7227.
233 S. West St., Wichita, KS. 316-945-9550.
662 E. 47th St. South, Wichita, KS. 316-522-7636.
3550 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS. 316-684-1945.
If you’re heading to Hog Wild and you ask someone what you should order, there’s a good chance that you’ll be told to try the ribs. But there’s also a good chance that you’ll be advised to load up on the brisket. Oh wait, the pulled pork was pretty awesome, too. Actually, you can’t really go wrong with any menu item. That’s Hog Wild’s strength. The place consistently serves one amazing item after another, at least that’s what Wichita Family readers are saying.

Sandwiches at Hog Wild start at $3.99 and dinners range from $6 to $9. Food can be ordered in meals or ala carte depending on budget and appetite. Each of Hog Wild’s restaurants are headed up by a General Manager, explains Principle Partner Gary Poulton, and the General Manager is skilled and passionate about providing great food and service each and every day. “We have a great time doing what we do,” added Poulton. “Which is easy when customers love your food."
Runner-up, Pig In! Pig Out! BBQ:
1003 E. 13th Street. North, Wichita, KS, 67214. 316-263-7474.
Open since 1996, Pig In! Pig Out! BBQ is a championship BBQ restaurant with well over 200 awards from around the country. Ribs, hot links, pulled pork, brisket and plenty of sides will keep you coming back for more at Pig In! Pig Out! BBQ.
Breakfast
The Good Egg
www.thegoodegg-wichita.com
2141 N. Bradley Fair Pkwy #111, Wichita,
KS, 67206. 316-315-0110.
The Good Egg opened in 2000 and is a casual, upscale restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Located in Bradley Fair, the comfortable dining spot has a long menu of breakfasts sure to fit any appetite. Crepes, Omelettes, French Toast, Sandwiches, Smoothies, Salads, Frittatas, the list goes on. There are also plenty of healthy options and a kids menu that will fill up your kiddo for only $4.95.
Runner-up:
The Egg Crate:
8606 W. 13th Ste. 150, Wichita, KS,
67212. 316-295-2822.
The Egg Crate opened in 2007 and is a west-side hotspot for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant has a menu full of comfort food such as biscuits and gravy, pancakes, Belgian waffles, country fried potatoes, chicken fried steak and more. The large portions and friendly service is making the young restaurant a go-to for families and business associates alike. Be sure and top off any meal with a piece of one of their traditional pies, you won’t be disappointed.
Cafe
Riverside Cafe:
739 W. 13th St., Wichita, KS, 67203.
316-262-6703.
924 S. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS, 67218.
316-682-9265.
Good old food like Grandma used to make, that’s what you find at Riverside Cafe. The comfortable, warm atmosphere is full of regulars and newcomers are welcomed like family as well. This is down-home cooking at it’s best. Chicken fried steak, okra, pie, patty melts and mouthwatering breakfasts dishes that are served all day. The prices are affordable and portions are generous.
Runner-up:
Jason’s Deli:
2000 N. Rock Rd., Ste. 108, Wichita,
KS, 67208. 316-636-4447.
7447 W. 21st, #141, Wichita, KS, 67205.
316-721-4993.
Jason’s Deli has options for just about anyone. There’s an enormous salad bar that is ripe for the picking and seems to be nearly always full and being reloaded. The menu has hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, baked potatoes and more. Jason’s Deli also has been great about offering vegetarian, organic and now gluten-free choices for diners who have more specific diets. Perhaps most important, don’t leave without your free ice cream!
Chinese Food
PF Chang’s:
1402 North Waterfront Pkwy., Wichita,
KS, 67206. 316-634-2211.
PF Chang’s is an upscale Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, main dishes and desserts in a sleek, modern atmosphere.
PF Chang’s is known for it’s signature lettuce wraps and the huge entree portions meant to be served “family style.”
Coffee
Starbucks:
There was a time not too long ago that if you wanted a Starbucks coffee in Wichita, you had to head to the nearest Barnes and Noble and visit the cafe inside. Well, that’s no longer the case and with nearly 20 Starbucks stores around the city, including those inside Dillon’s and Target stores, there are many convenient locations at which to grab a frappuccino, macchiato or other specialty coffee
Runner-up:
Mead’s Corner:
430 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS,
67202. 316-201-1900.
Mead’s Corner is way more than just great coffee, sandwiches and treats. The coffeehouse routinely hosts free concerts, poetry readings, open mic nights and many more events. Mead’s Corner isn’t your typical business. It is owned by First United Methodist Church and the profits above the operating costs support ministries across Wichita and around the world. Volunteers help run the coffeehouse and see it as a mission, a ministry rightin the heart of the city.
Desserts
Caffe Moderne:
300 N. Mead, Ste. 108, Wichita, KS, 67202. 316-260-1199.
Caffe Moderne, opened in 2007 by owner Janet Rine, is a casual to sit with friends and family and enjoy custom roasted coffees, a cocktail, great food and desserts. The cozy atmosphere and numerous flavors of Gelato make this place a must-try spot. The range of prices are from $3.50 for on of Caffe Moderne’s “Sweet Features” to $6.00 for a double dip of Gelato.

General Manager Carol Lujano explains the appeal of Gelato and some of the other unique desserts that can only be found at Caffe Moderne: “The difference between ice cream and Gelato is that Gelato has less butterfat than ice cream. Gelato is also kept at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream which aids in maintaining its creamy consistency. Another major difference between ice cream and Gelato is that it uses pure and fresh ingredients and can be consumed directly after production.
“All of these factors give Gelato an intense, clean perception of the flavor. Please note that all the ingredients used in making Gelato are top quality, imported straight from Italy or bought fresh. Our Gelato is handmade fresh daily so that means we change the flavors from day to day with the exception of our staple flavors. Our staple Gelato flavors are: Coconut, Vanilla, Chocolate, Bacio, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk, Strawberry, and Tiramsu. We offer a total of 15 flavors on a daily basis which includes our staple flavors. We also sell Gelato by the pint at $13 or $20 for a quart.”
Runner-Up:
Cheddar’s
11711 E. 13th Street North, Wichita, KS, 67208.
Hand-Dipped Shakes ($2.99), Apple Pie A La Mode ($3.99), Hot Fudge Cake Sundae ($4.99) and of course, the Legendary Monster Cookie ($3.99). It’s all about comfort foods at Cheddar’s on the desserts menu.
Hamburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers:
8621 W. 21st Street N., Wichita, KS,
67205. 316-722-2299.
420 S. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS, 67209.
(coming soon!)
310 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67206.
316-691-9998.
11525 E. 13th Street, Wichita, KS, 67206.
316-440-5678.
2100 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS, 67037.
316-558-5388.
Freddy’s, also the runner-up in Best Bang for your Buck, is known for it’s amazing steakburgers. Wichita Family readers agree that Freddy’s is doing it right when it comes to burgers. 85-percent lean ground beef, Freddy’s special seasoning, pressed thin and served with seared edges on a butter-toasted bun. Wow.
Freddy’s offers several varieties of their original steakburger, allowing the customer to customize it to their specific taste.
Runner-up:
Five Guys Burgers and Fries:
2616 N. Maize Rd. #100, Wichita, KS,
67205. 316-722-5489.
2929 N. Rock Rd., Ste. 110, Wichita, KS,
67226. 316-440-4895.
Five Guys is new to Wichita and it has made quite an entrance. Opening on the west side in early 2010 then closing out 2010 with a new spot out east, the burgers and signature fries have created a quite a stir.
Healthy Foods
Doc Green's
10096 E. 13th St., Ste. 102, Wichita, KS,
Ice Cream
Marble Slab Creamery:
2000 N. Rock Rd., #106, Wichita, KS,
67206. 316-634-0660.
2234 N. Tyler Rd., Ste. 119, Wichita, KS,
67205. 316-773-7522.
Wichita Family readers named Marble Slab Creamery as the best spot to go for ice cream in Wichita. Freshly-baked waffle cones, plenty of mixins, ice cream flavors such as Chocolate Rum, Peanut Butter, Peach, Peppermint and so many more make for endless possibilities for kids of any age.
Runner-up:
Cold Stone Creamery:
3000 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67226.
2441 N. Maize Rd., Ste. 216, Wichita, KS, 67205.
Cold Stone Creamery was a close runnerup to its competitor Marble Slab. Cold Stone offers a wide variety of creamy ice creams and guests are invited to choose whatever they want to add to it from the line of candies, fruits and nuts. There’s also a menu of special creations, signature desserts that will quench any sweet tooth..
Italian
DeFazio’s:
2706 N. Amidon, Wichita, KS, 67204.
316-838-0709.
DeFazio’s has been going strong as an authentic Italian restaurant in Wichita since 1982. Fresh ingredients, homestyle southern Italian food, sauces made from scratch, all are part of what make the casual, comfortable restaurant a great place for families to enjoy a delicious meal. There is a large menu of pizza’s and calzones, sandwiches, pastas, seafoods and more that will satisfy any appetite.
Runner-up:
Johnny Carino’s:
3213 N. Toben St., Wichita, KS, 67226.
316-636-4411.
Hand-breaded Calamari, Italian Nachos, Baked Stuffed Mushroom, all great ways to start your meal at Johnny Carino’s in East Wichita. Try traditional pizzas and pastas or give one of the “Only at Carino’s” options a try. Angel Hair with Artichokes, Grilled Chicken Bowtie Festival, Skilletini, all served in generous portion sizes.
Mexican
Connie’s:
2227 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67219.
316-832-9636.
Connie’s is a Wichita institution when it comes to Mexican food. Opened in 1963, the family-owned business proudly talks itself up as the oldest and best place to go in the city for Mexican food. Connie’s Mexico Cafe serves traditional Mexican food served in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. The menu is long and full of specialty dishes that are made fresh and served in huge portions.
Runner-up:
Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant:
3434 W. Central, Wichita, KS, 67203.
316-942-9131.
9718 E. Harry, Wichita, KS, 67207.
316-684-8931.
2241 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS,
67220. 316-652-0027.
119th St. W and Maple St., Wichita, KS,
316-729-2500.
Opened in 1967, Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant is another of Wichita’s longstanding Wichita traditions when it comes to food. The Lujano family knows their food and they know what Wichitans like. The freshly-made guacamole is a must and there really isn’t a bad thing on the menu.
Pizza
Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza:
4817 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS,
67218. 316-612-7085.
2132 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67206.
316-636-2121.
Il Vicino’s two Wichita locations offer local diners a chance to experience fresh, highquality pizzas baked in a wood oven. The made-to-order pizzas are hot from the oven and ready to be eaten in Il Vicino’s quaint, classy atmosphere or taken back to your own kitchen table. Pizzas range from $5.95 for the basic Pizza Margherita (Marinara sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil) up to $8.95 for the Molta Carne (Marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, capocollo ham, calamata olives, mushrooms and fresh oregano) with many choices in between.
Runner-up:
Knolla’s Pizza:
7732 E. Central, Ste. 123, Wichita, KS,
67206. 316-440-4540.
3817 W. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67203.
316-942-0344.
7343 W. Central, Wichita, KS, 67212.
316-773-4496.
13011 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS,
67230.
Operating under the assumption that Wichitans want “Freedom from Corporate Pizza,” Knolla’s Pizza is serving pizza in a family-friendly atmosphere. Open in Wichita for over 25 years now, Knolla’s offers New York Style thin pizza and Chicago Deep Pan pizza from the four family-owned and operated restaurants.
Sandwiches
Cinnamon’s Deli:
9747 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS. 316-
651-0153.
2616 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS. 316-
866-2771.
209 S. West St., Wichita, KS. 316-945-
8770.
1885 S. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS. 316-684-
7763.
67206. 316-636-8997. 2441 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS, 67205. 316-558-8077. The saying at Doc Green’s is, “As healthy as you wanna be.” Build your own salad, choose one of the pre-designed salads, sandwiches or wraps and watch it as its made right in front of you. The restaurant also offers great hot entrees like grilled salmon and there are several choices for kids meals.
It’s no secret that Cinnamon’s Deli serves up some amazing sandwiches and soups and Wichita Family readers confirmed that it’s the place to go for a fresh, delicious sandwich. Diners can choose from a variety of sandwiches such as Turkey Avocado Cream Cheese (mayo, sprouts, avocado, turkey and cream cheese), the Cranky Turkey (lettuce, cranberry sauce, turkey, cream cheese) and the Smoke Stack (lettuce, Russian mustard, smoked turkey, smoked beef, smoked gouda cheese). Half sandwiches are $5.59 and whole are $6.79.
Runner-up:
The Artichoke Sandwich Bar
811 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67208.
316-263-9164.
For an alternative and one-of-a-kind sandwich stop, The Artichoke Sandwich Bar is the place to go. The sandwiches aren’t the only great thing at The Artichoke, it’s also the place to go to hear some of the best local musicians. While The Artichoke is popular for it’s sandwiches, it’s also an acoustic music hotspot with bands playing on the weekends and events taking place throughout the week.
Seafood
Bonefish Grill
10250 E. 13th St. N., Wichita,
KS, 67206. 316-315-0299.
Bonefish Grill is an upscale restaurant that’s great for an escape during the day or a romantic night out. The menu is full of mouthwatering baked, grilled and sauteed specialties. The seafood is beyond good.
The guest-favorite Bang Bang Shrimp ($7.90) is a crispy, spicy way to start the meal off and popular main dishes include grilled Chelean Sea Bass ($25 for a large and $21 for small) or the Imperial Longfin ($17.90).
The menu also includes fish tacos, pork chops, hamburgers and kid-friendly choices such as popcorn shrimp and chicken tenders.
Runner-up:
Wichita Fish Company
1601 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67213.
316-265-FISH.
7211 S. Broadway, Haysville, KS, 67060.
316-260-3400.
The Wichita Fish Company is the opposite of Bonefish Grill when it comes to atmosphere, but Wichita Family readers agreed that the runner-up is a can’t-miss place for seafood. Calling themselves the place offering the “largest variety of seafood in the state of Kansas,” the Wichita Fish Company offers residents of this land-locked state choices that can’t be found elsewhere. In addition to a comfortable restaurant, it also offers a large retail section for those looking to cook seafood at home. In the restaurant, snack boxes of shrimp,fried scallops, catfish fillets and many other choices go for $3.99 to $7.99. Dinners, served with fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and sauce, are priced from $6.99 to $9.50.
Service
Bonefish Grill
10250 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS,
67206. 316-315-0299.
Also the winner in the best “Seafood” category, Bonefish Grill provides Wichitans with a restaurant where the food, service and atmosphere are unmatched. Attention is paid to every detail, expect to get your money’s worth when you dine at Bonefish Grill.
Runner-up:
Sumo:
11233 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS, 67206.
316-838-7866.
Sumo invites diners of all ages to enjoy dinner at one of its Hibachi tables where chefs provide a bit of entertainment while cooking fresh fried rice, shrimp and varieties of lobster, steak and chicken. On the flip side, guests who prefer a smaller, fancy feel can dine at the semi-enclosed tables surrounding the Sushi bar. Whether ordering Hibachi Steak or freshly-made sushi, Wichita Family readers told us that Sumo is the place to go
Sports Bar
Buffalo Wild Wings:
3236 N. Rock Rd., #190, Wichita, KS,
67226. 316-636-9464.
2413 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS, 67205.
316-722-9464.
Buffalo Wild Wings is a fun place to eat and kick back and with specials like $.45 wings on Tuesdays or $.60 boneless wings on Thursday, it can be a good deal, too. There are also plenty of of items on the menu, places to play and watch the game and of course drink options.
Runner-up:
Larry Bud’s:
2120 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS,
67208. 316-440-1069.
At Larry Bud’s Sports Bar & Grill, plan to have a great time in the work hard-play hard themed restaurant. A game room with darts, pool tables and more adds to the appeal of three projection screens and more than two dozen smaller-screened televisions.
Runner-Up:
Barn’rds:
2037 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS,
67208. 316-686-2431.
Family owned and operated, Barn’rds serves fresh, fast and delicious food that won’t break the budget or the diet plan. Savory soups, famous roast beef sandwiches, hearty salads and many more mouth-watering meals line the menu at this longtime Wichita favorite.
Runner-Up:
Barn’rds:
2037 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS,
67208. 316-686-2431.
Family owned and operated, Barn’rds serves fresh, fast and delicious food that won’t break the budget or the diet plan. Savory soups, famous roast beef sandwiches, hearty salads and many more mouth-watering meals line the menu at this longtime Wichita favorite.
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