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 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m.–4 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 p.m. | 5–9 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 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 cinnamon sugar donuts.
Location:
1625 S Seneca St map
Hours:
Thu–Fri: 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 12–8:30 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 a.m.–10 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:
Sun–Thu: 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.
Fri–Sat: 6 a.m.–3 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 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tue–Sat: 11 a.m.–8 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. | 5–9:00 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:
132 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.
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.
German Food
Image Courtesy Yelp.com
M&M Bierock
This drive-thru-only spot located on Central between I-135 and Grove sports a sign that says simply "Bierocks" and that's their specialty. They do offer a few sides, but let's face it—you're coming for the bierocks.
Location:
2065 Central Ave. map
Hours:
Mon–Fri: 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 10:30 a.m.–3:00 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.
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.–4:30 p.m.
Sun: 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Peruvian Food
Image Via Gabby's Facebook
Gabby's Peruvian Restaurant & Catering
If you've never tried Peruvian food, 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 complement 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:
Wed–Sat, Sun: 11:30 a.m.–8 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 a.m.–2 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, and shawarma. They even have traditional deli sandwiches like a Rueben, smoked turkey, Philly cheese steak and more. With all the delicious options, you're sure to make this a regular stop.
Location:
3407 E Douglas Ave map
Hours:
Mon–Thu: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Fri–Sat: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
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