When you're looking for a new restaurant to try, do you look for something familiar or do you look for an adventure? Some of the best restaurants in Kansas involve landing strips, miniature trains, and giant food. Have you been to of the coolest places to dine in Kansas? These restaurants stand above the rest when it comes to bigger and better dining experiences. Let's take a look!
1. Dempsey's Burger Club - 3700 E Douglas Ave., Ste 78, Wichita, KS
Dempsey's Burger Pub doesn't have giant food or a theme, but they do have some of the coolest burger creations in the state. You might think that fruit on a burger would never taste delicious, but you'd be surprised at some of the local favorites when it comes to creative burgers.
2. Fritz's Railroad Restaurant - 13803 W 63rd St., Shawnee, KS
Tiny trains at Fritz's deliver your food right to your table, where even the kids can order for themselves via their table phones. There's something so charming about watching kids' eyes light up as they watch the trains move around the room. It certainly makes you feel like a kid again, if only for a little while.
3. Cars on the Route - 119 N Main St., Galena, KS
Eating next to replicas from the movie Cars is a dream for many kids, but you'll find that the barbecue they serve here at Cars on the Route is a good reason for the adults to enjoy the trip as well. After all, our own Galena, KS inspired the town Radiator Springs from the movie.
4. Lupita's Mexican Restaurant - 732 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS
Editor's Note: Lupita's Mexican Restaurant has permanently closed.
What you see here is the aptly named "Tankaritto", a challenge item on the menu at Lupita's. It'll cost you around $30 unless you finish it in an hour. Are you up for the challenge?
5. The Wheel Barrel - 925 N Kansas Ave., North Topeka, KS
The most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches can be found at The Wheel Barrel, where you can go from normal to fancy depending on your cheese preference. I personally favor the Mac Daddy, a macaroni and cheese sandwich that can't be beat.
6. Christy's Tasty Queen - 1405 S 55th St., Kansas City, KS
Giant (and delicious) tenderloin sandwiches are something Christy's does best. If you're in the KC area, you've gotta give it a try.
7. Hookers 'n' Reelers - 10772 Perry Park Dr., Perry, KS
Editor's Note: Hookers 'n' Reelers is permanently closed.
This lakeside restaurant in Perry is only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but you'll find that it's the perfect time to enjoy the lake and a good meal. What else are weekends for?
8. Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm - 7910 N Roy L Smith Rd., Nickerson, KS
So this is a bed and breakfast, not a true restaurant, but it's worth noting that the meals you eat here when you wake up are one of a kind. It's not every day that you're greeted to giraffes out your window as you eat your morning meal. Plus, a stay at Hedrick's includes a tour of the miniature zoo they have here.
9. Stearman Field Bar & Grill - 14789 SW 30th St., Benton, KS
It might be pretty obvious from the photo, but planes are a big part of Stearman Field Bar & Grill. It doesn't happen every day, but you shouldn't be surprised to have your meal interrupted by a small plane landing on the air strip next to the restaurant. If you're lucky enough to catch it, it's an amazing sight to see.
10. Shindigs Bar & Grill - 500 Main St., Winfield, KS
This restaurant is housed in a building that used to be a Santa Fe Railroad freight house. It's got some amazing menu items that you can enjoy while being surrounded by railroad-inspired decor.
Cool restaurants like these are the perfect way to end the day after visiting one of these great attractions or just when you feel like trying something new. Where's your favorite "destination restaurant" to visit in Kansas? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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