Wichitas Best Hole in the Wall Restaurants
“What do you want to eat tonight?”
“Eh, I don’t know. What sounds good?”
“I’m not feeling like anything too fancy. Let’s just pick up something quick and easy.”
“Oh, cool! I know a little place…”
No doubt you’ve had this conversation many times. Those “little places” or better known as hole-in-the-wall restaurants are one of the best things about Wichita.
Those casual, familiar spots with the owner onsite greeting customers. The slightly wobbly tables with mismatched chairs scattered in a cozy dining area. The hand-written menus on the wall featuring tasty plates of one-of-a-kind cuisine that keep us coming back again and again – Wichita loves its hole-in-the-wall eateries.
That’s why we wanted to dedicate a blog to our favorite hole-in-the-wall spots. We didn’t include any burger joints or dive bars, or pizza places this time, but be sure to read those blogs as well. Here is our list, divided by cuisine, of Wichita’s best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Thai Food

Image Courtesy Thai House Facebook
Thai House
Thai House is the best little carry-out spot in town serving up great Thai dishes, and is even a favorite haunt of actor Harrison Ford. Located on West St. just south of 9th St. N, it sits back off of the west side of the street where you’ll have to be looking for it to see it. If you’re a fan of spicy foods, try the Gaeng-Khiao-Wan (number 29 on the menu).
Location:
969 N. West St map
Hours:
Tue-Fri – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat – 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m..
Korean Food

Kimchi Korean Restaurant
Kimchi Korean Restaurant has become an upper-east side favorite with its remarkable service and reasonably-priced, delicious, authentic cuisine. Located on the west side of Rock Rd. just south of 29th St. N, they even serve complimentary coffee and tea with your meal. Try the bibimbap, the beef, pork or squid bulgogi, ramen or one of the delicious seafood dishes.
Location:
2929 N. Rock Rd. map
Hours:
Tue. - Sat. - 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. - 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Chinese Food

Image Courtesy Ming's Facebook
Ming’s Cantonese Restaurant
Ming’s certainly has a lot of competition in Wichita for best Chinese food, but this little eatery has stood the test of time and has many fans around the city. Located on south Seneca just south of Harry, they serve a wide variety of traditional Cantonese dishes and you can’t miss out on the unique hot and sour soup, crab rangoons or the cinnamon sugar donuts.
Location:
1625 S Seneca St map
Hours:
Wed. - Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sat. - 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. - 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Food

Image Courtesy Yelp.com
My Tho
My Tho is another cash-only place, but don’t let that deter you. It’s a family-owned restaurant in an inconspicuous building on Central and Emporia north of downtown. They have many choices of delicious pho and sandwiches to choose from and you can’t go wrong.
Location:
500 E. Central map
Hours:
Thu-Mon – 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tacos

Image Courtesy Yelp.com
Taqueria El Fogon
If you want authentic tacos, Taqeria El Fogon is the spot for you. Located on Bluffview just north of Harry east of Hillside, this place has the tacos other places wish they had. They also have great tortas and horchata. They have seven different tacos to choose from, but choosing is hard so might as well get them all.
Location:
1555 S. Bluffview Drive map
Hours:
Tue-Sun – 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Burritos

Image Courtesy Yelp.com
Tacos Lopez
A good burrito isn’t stuffed with rice and beans, and Tacos Lopez gets that. Located on West St. just north of Central, this carry-out spot has a great selection of big burritos filled with the ingredients you want and none of the filler. They also have a drive-thru and are open late for those pesky midnight burrito cravings.
Location:
795 N West St. map
Hours:
Every day – 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Seafood

Image Courtesy Yelp.com
Wichita Fish Company
Most seafood lovers in town will tell you Wichita Fish Company is the best place for the freshest seafood. They feature the largest variety of seafood in the state and even supply most local restaurants with their seafood. Located on Douglas west of the Delano District, this is an absolute must for seafood lovers for a takeout lunch or dinner.
Location:
1601 W. Douglas map
Hours:
Mon – 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat – 11:a.m. – 8:00 p.m
Indian Food

Image Courtesy Passage to India's Facebook
Passage to India
Passage to India is everything you want in a small Indian restaurant – great entrees and drinks, lots of great Naan to try, a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. They serve a buffet at lunch and have too many good dishes to choose from for dinner. If it’s hard to decide, go with the classic Chicken Tikka Masala and enjoy!
Location:
6100 E. 21st St. N #180 map
Hours:
Tue-Sun – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mediterranean Food

M.I.F. Deli
M.I.F. Deli has a lot of great competition for Mediterranean food in Wichita, but this family-run deli stands out for its unique dishes and fantastic flavors. Located on the corner of Central and Edgemoor, it’s a great place for hummus, salads, chicken and lamb entrees and awesome desserts. There’s a reason it’s been around for decades while others come and go.
Location:
5618 E Central Ave. map
Hours:
Mon-Fri – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat – 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
BBQ

Image Courtesy Bite Me BBQ Facebook
Bite Me BBQ
Located on St. Francis north of Douglas, this place does BBQ right and doesn’t leave a dry taste in your mouth. The meat is tender and flavorful and the sides are excellent as well. As the old joke goes, you know how good a BBQ place is by how many human-like things the pig on the sign is doing. The Bite Me BBQ pig is no exception, wearing a leather jacket, giving a cheesy grin and giving a Fonzi-esque thumbs up. No doubt you’ll be sporting the same expression after a meal here.
Location:
32 St. Francis N map
Hours:
Mon-Thu – 11:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat – 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Soul Food

Image Courtesy Rachel's Kitchen Facebook
Rachel's Kitchen
Opened by Rhonda Williams as a tribute to her mother Rachel, Rachel’s Kitchen serves up delicious classic soul food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on Mosley north of Murdock, the food is made from scratch with love and you can taste it in every bite. They have all the belly-filling temptations you’re looking for, but be sure to try their chicken wings and top-notch desserts.
Location:
818 N Mosley St. map
Hours:
Mon-Fri – 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sun – 11:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.
Cajun Food

Da’ Cajun Shak
Touting over 130 years of family food service experience, the Granger family from Louisiana moved to Wichita to provide the city with an authentic Cajun dining experience and that’s exactly what you get. Here you’ll find things you won’t find anywhere else in Wichita – fried gator, fried crawfish, excellent gumbo, Cajun meatloaf and New Orleans-style Po Boys. If you’re new to Cajun food, get one of the sampler platters and try it all.
Location:
6249 E 21st St. N map
Hours:
Mon-Thu – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat – 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sushi

Image Courtesy Yelp.com
Ninza Sushi Bar
Sushi lovers all have their favorite places, but Ninza Sushi Bar wins best hole-in-the-wall suhi bar for one very good reason: simple yet delicious sushi at a reasonable price. Located on the corner of 13th St. and Tyler, this place is sometimes under-staffed but always worth the wait. The ingredients are fresh, the rolls are well made and the selection ranges from common to one-of-a-kind. If you’re in the mood for something different, try any of the tempura rolls fried to perfection.
Location:
8428 W 13th St. N #100 map
Hours:
Mon-Thu – 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fri – 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sat – 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sun – 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Chicken

Image Courtesy Yelp.com
Krispy’s Fried Chicken and Seafood
If you’re looking for some good fried chicken in Wichita, you’re looking for Krispy’s. You can get a wide range of sizes – 2-piece, 3-piece, 5-piece, 10-piece, 15-piece and 20 pieces. They also have tasty chicken and waffles, a great selection of sides and other favorites like catfish, shrimp, gizzards, pork chops and po boys. But even though you might feel full, don’t leave until you’ve tried the fried ice cream!
Location:
3009 S Hillside St map
Hours:
Mon-Sat – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Food

Image Courtesey Nobile House's Facebook
Noble House
What started out as one of Wichita’s favorite food trucks has grown into a favorite local spot and the only place in town to get authentic Hawaiian dishes. Located on Douglas just east of Hillside, they offer traditional favorites like chicken katsu, Huli Huli chicken, loco moco, kalbi beef ribs, lumpia, and poke. They also still operate their food truck, so if you can’t get to the Douglas location, they list their food truck schedule online.
Location:
3238 E Douglas Ave map
Hours:
Mon-Thu - 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Salvadoran Food

Image courtesy Usuluteco's Facebook
Restaurante Usuluteco
Usuluteco is another unique gem you’ll find in Wichita, serving up authentic Salvadoran food on the south side. Located on south Seneca just north of Pawnee, their pupusas are freshly made to order but don’t forget about the fried plantains. If you’re looking for something a little different in a warm and friendly environment at a low cost, make the trip and you won’t be disappointed.
Location:
2265 S. Seneca map
Hours:
Tue-Sat - 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sun - 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Soup

Image Via Google Maps
Tanya’s Soup Kitchen
There are many places with great soup in Wichita, but the best of them all is Tanya’s Soup Kitchen. Located on Douglas just east of Hydraulic, Tanya’s serves up hand-crafted soups, sandwiches, and salads with vegetarian and vegan options. You’ll want to get there early because the line can be a little long, but it’s always worth the wait.
Location:
1725 E Douglas Ave map
Hours:
Mon-Thu - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Peruvian

Image Via Gabby's Facebook
Gabby’s Peruvian Restaurant & Catering
It’s likely you’ve never tried Peruvian food before, but don’t let that keep you from trying Gabby’s. Located on south Seneca and McCormick, the helpful staff at Gabby’s will help you find something you’ll like. It won’t be difficult because everything is made with great ingredients and flavors that compliment each other well. Get out of your comfort zone and try their delicious ceviche, sandwiches or vegetarian options. A little flan or chocoflan for dessert can’t hurt either.
Location:
1002 S Seneca St map
Hours:
Tue-Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun - 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
French

Image via George's Facebook
Georges French Bistro
Fine dining and hole-in-the-wall restaurants aren’t usually worlds that collide, but they merge beautifully at Georges French Bistro. Located in a strip mall on east Central west of Oliver, Georges has a huge selection of French seafood favorites, excellent crepes, premium steaks and unique dishes that can’t be found anywhere else. The prices are a bit high in comparison to the rest of this list, but pick a special occasion and celebrate with some of the best food you’ll have in Wichita.
Location:
4618 E Central Ave #50 map
Hours:
Mon-Thu - 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast

Image Via the Beacon's Facebook
Beacon Restaurant
When you ask a Wichitan where to get a classic diner breakfast in Wichita, one of the first places on the list will be the Beacon. Located on east Douglas just west of Washington, the Beacon has been a local institution for decades. You won’t get any complicated or unique options, just classic breakfast dishes done well and priced right.
Location:
909 E Douglas Ave map
Hours:
Mon-Sun - 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Deli

Image via College Hill Deli's Facebook
College Hill Deli
College Hill Deli has built a huge fan base in Wichita with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, appetizers, entrees and desserts. Located on east Douglas just west of Clifton Square and east of Hillside, this casual locally-owned spot can’t be overlooked. Great for lunch or dinner, you’ll want to try their hummus, fattoush salad, shawarma sandwiches and vegan options. They even have traditional deli sandwiches like a rueben, smoked turkey, philly cheese steak and more - all very reasonably priced. With all the delicious options, you’re sure to make this a regular stop.
Location:
3407 E Douglas Ave map
Hours:
Mon-Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.