Wichitas Best Hole in the Wall Restaurants

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.