A NEW TOP 30 BEST BURGERS IN KANSAS

Has the Best Burger in Kansas become my entire personality? Pretty sure the answer is yes. I’ve eaten a lot of Kansas burgers. I finally counted, and I’m around the 70 mark. So, I updated my list.

Find my Top 30 Best Burgers in Kansas here:

Top 30 Best Burgers List

GO WEST

I went west and over three days, I ate two burgers and pizza (of course), drank coffee and beer and whiskey and more beer, toured all the things, followed the Trail of Fame, watched a gunfight, found some Santa Fe Trail Ruts (I think), saw Bison, went to a car show, ate too many tacos, shopped for books, toured museums, saw some art, learned about Muffler Men, rang an old timey school bell, toured a distillery, met some Can-Can dancers, roe a trolley, and had a really great time in Dodge City, Kansas.

So, I made a guide to everything I ate, saw, and did in Dodge City so you can do it, too.

A Guide to Dodge City, KS

AND THEN GO EVEN FURTHER WEST

After visiting Dodge City, you might as well head a bit further west to Liberal, KS. From Dorothy and a whole lot of aviation history to international eats, art, a brewery, great pizza and so much more, Liberal, Kansas is the place you didn’t know you needed to get to until now.

Get into everything I ate, saw and did while I was there:

My Guide to Liberal, KS

ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND ALWAYS

Sometimes the best part of getting somewhere is everything that keeps you from getting there. Read an article about why road trips are the best trips:

A Travel Log about Road Trips

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT VACATIONS

I went on a vacation and learned they’re funny. Not in a joking kind of way. It’s hard to explain in a blurb, so I wrote a whole article about it. If that intrigues you, or if you ever struggled with relaxing, this one’s for you:

Vacations are Funny

A SHAMELESS PROMOTION

I made a t-shirt and if you like it, I hope you’ll get one. Because “Kansas. It’s Not as Bad as You Think”. And as always, thanks for being here.

Get a Shirt Here

It’s Old West. Boot Hill. Gunfight reenactments. All the West of Western Kansas: good or bad, kitschy or totally normal, depending on what you’re into. And based on reputation alone, I was not fully prepared for how much I’d enjoy my visit.

Surely Dodge City was going to be different than most Kansas towns I’ve been to. (See above). But surely it wasn’t going to be my vibe. (See above). Cut to Day 3 when I woke up like: I REALLY like it here.

It’s surprising. Packed with interesting things to do. Great people. Surprising history. So much good food. Take it from me: you need to go spend a weekend here. I am already trying to figure out how to fit in another visit this year.

Over three days, I ate two burgers and pizza (of course), drank coffee and beer and whiskey and more beer, toured all the things, followed the Trail of Fame, watched a gunfight, found some Santa Fe Trail Ruts (I think), saw Bison, went to a car show, ate too many tacos, shopped for books, toured museums, saw some art, learned about Muffler Men, rang an old timey school bell, toured a distillery, met some Can-Can dancers, roe a trolley, and had a really great time.

Here’s a guide to everything I ate, saw, and did in Dodge City so you can do it, too.

Great Eats & Drinks

I ate too much in Dodge City. I did it for you.

Here’s why and where:

Noi’s Food Truck

Start here. Noi’s Food Truck offers a mix of Laos x Mexican cuisine; I promise you have never tasted anything like it. They invited me out and opened just for us. I’m incredibly grateful for that because this is some of the best food I have ever eaten in Kansas. Or elsewhere.

Try the homemade sausage - best thing I ate. Although it was all incredible, my proof is here.

Visit: 506 Avenue B, Dodge City, KS. It’s a food truck, so that might move, call ahead: (620) 390-9041. More info here.

Dodge City Brewing

You’d be surprised how many Kansas breweries’ pizzas have been nominated to my Best Pizza in Kansas list. And you’d be surprised how many are really, really good. Dodge City Brewing is one of them. Great atmosphere, great beers, great pizza and great staff.

Get a flight and grab a pizza. And yes, they also do a pickle pizza…I think it’s a Southwest Kansas thing? (The other pickle pizza is here.)

Visit: 701 3rd Ave, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Central Station Bar & Grill

While I always eat outside when I review a burger, you should go eat in the train car turned dining room at Central Station. Located next to the Depot, it’s right on theme and a local favorite.

Of course I tried the burger. That’s all I can say because my review of it drops this Saturday, so stay tuned on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

Visit: 207 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Tacos Jalisco

The best way to find the good food in a place is to ask the locals. That’s how I found Tacos Jalisco and the best salsa I ever had in my life.

Try the Torta! It was recommended to me, and I’m glad I did.

Visit: 412 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Boot Hill Distillery

A place so nice, we will list this twice on this guide. Grab a drink at the bar, or a bottle or canned cocktail to go. I’m partial to the Vodka Basil Lemonade. They also have a great patio with live entertainment from time to time!

Visit: 501 W Spruce St, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Rattlesnake Grill Co.

Dodge City is home to some great burgers, and here’s another one: Rattlesnake Grill. Watch my review, then go try it!

Make sure you get the lemon pepper fries, too.

Visit: 100 W Frontview St, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Don Taco

Holy taco, this place is great. Might be the best taco I ever had. But I don’t have a taco list (yet), so it will just remain a happy memory. Don’t skip this spot.

I tried the Birria tacos because those are always the best tacos on the menu.

Visit: 310 W Frontview St, Waters-Hardware Parking lot. Dodge City, KS. This is a food truck, so call if it’s not where I said: (620) 255-9954. More info here.

Best Cellars

You’ll want to set aside some time to visit this spot. Best Cellars is a wine & cocktail bar inside a bookstore. It’s so comfy you feel right at home while there. Find your book, grab a cocktail, and get cozy on the couch. You won’t want to leave.

Visit: 2002 1st Ave, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Red Beard Cafe

Grab a coffee and a sweet treat, a breakfast sandwich or a burrito. Located in the heart of downtown Dodge City, Red Beard’s a great place to start your day or grab a pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Visit: 319 Gunsmoke St, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

What to Do & See

Historic Trolley Tour

Do this first. It lays out the land and gives you an idea of everything you can do and see during your stay. You’ll get the stories behind the buildings, the people, and the places you might otherwise just walk past. What makes this tour pretty cool is the tour extends beyond the city center.

Get a glimpse of Fort Dodge, the historic military post that played an important role in the development of western Kansas and Dodge City. Originally established in 1865, Fort Dodge helped protect travelers and trade along the Santa Fe Trail and was an important military presence during the settlement of the region. Today it serves as a home to retired veterans.

You’ll drive through the cattle stockyards, past the Coronado Cross, view train cars from the area’s significant railroad past, and take in the Kansas landscape, all the while hearing insights about Dodge City’s unique history and culture. There’s even bison!

Visit the Visitor’s Center to grab your tickets and board the trolley when your tour begins. 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Boot Hill Museum

If you’re going to Dodge City, Boot Hill Museum needs to be on your list. Everyone is going to tell you the same thing if you tell them you’re headed to Dodge, and they’d be right.

Now we all know Dodge was famous as an Old West town; it’s mentioned in like every Western movie from my childhood. But really, the deep importance and the reality of that history were, admittedly, lost on me. Until I went to the Boot Hill Museum.

Set aside an afternoon and evening to ensure you have enough time to explore the Museum and Old Town - a fully functioning Old West Town set behind the museum. With more than 60,000 artifacts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied - and interested inside and outside. Visit an old saloon (grab a drink there, even), a graveyard, the set of Bonanza, and Old Town inside and out, an outhouse and chapel included. There are gunfight reenactments at noon and 6 p.m. which are well worth the wait.

And if you splurge and get the Marshall’s Pass, you can enjoy a country-style dinner followed by the Long Branch Variety Show in the evening. I highly recommend it. At least once in your life, go to Dodge, visit the museum, and go to the Long Branch Variety Show. It’s fun. And touristy. And fun - the touristy part makes it even more so.

Dodge City leans into its history, and a visit to Boot Hill Museum is one of the best ways to experience it.

Visit: 500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame and Gunfighters Wax Museum

Yes, these are two very different places, but they are in the same building. And yes, that’s part of what makes Dodge City fun. It’s kind of like the Education and Old West version of Taco Bell & Pizza Hut. IYKYK.

Start with the Gunfighters Wax Museum, where you can get up close and personal with some of the Old West’s greatest characters: Billie the Kid, Doc Holliday, Buffalo Bill, and more.

Then step into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, honoring and celebrating educators and administrators across the state. Explore a collection of items from schools of yesteryear and even visit a restored one-room schoolhouse on the grounds. Don’t forget to ring the school bell before you leave!

Visit: 603 Fifth Ave, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Boot Hill Distillery

Located downtown Boot Hill Distillery is one of my favorite spots in Dodge. Book a tour through the historic 1929 municipal building now housing the distillery production. Enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour, then sit down at the bar for a craft cocktail from some of the finest - and most inventive - mixologists in the state. Check out my visit here.

Visit: 501 W Spruce St, Dodge City More info here.

Santa Fe Trail Ruts

If you love a bit of an adventure, head just west of town to the Santa Fe Trail Rut Site.

The physical marks left by wagons traveling the Santa Fe Trail are still visible (we hear), but are difficult to identify (at least for us). Go for the ruts, stay for the natural beauty. Head there at sunset to make your visit really memorable.

Visit: West Hwy 50, Dodge City, KS 67801. More info here.

Dodge City Raceway Park

Make sure you check out the Dodge City Raceway Park schedule and if there’s a race, get there! Known as Kansas’ premier dirt track, this place brings a completely different kind of excitement to your itinerary. I loved every minute.

Visit: 11322 110 Rd, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Downtown Dodge

No better way to get to know a place than to explore the downtown. And Dodge’s is great.

Start with the Trail of Fame, a free, self-guided walking tour through the historic district of downtown Dodge. Marked by bronze sidewalk medallions and life-size statues, it honors real Wild West figures alongside the TV and movie actors who played them. And don’t forget to look up while you’re walking around - the area’s murals are worth checking out. You can grab a Map to guide you at the Visitor’s Center.

Visitor’s Center: 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Of course, you’ll need a snack while you’re wandering downtown, so swing by Paleteria Guerrero for a sweet treat. It’s pretty dang cute; grab a seat inside, enjoy the AC and try the ice cream - especially if you visit in the summer.

Visit: 112 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City, KS.

So, if you are an avid Kansas traveler, you know almost every town’s got a Carnegie Library. And Dodge has one of the best. Formerly a library, the Carnegie Center for the Arts is not only home to the local arts scene now - check out the local art on view - it also includes a fascinating collection of Carnegie library history from all across Kansas. Head up the stairs for that. On its own, it is one of the prettiest Carnegie buildings I’ve seen in the state.

Visit: 701 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

A top attraction in town is the Mueller-Schmidt House Museum, and it’s just a short walk from Wyatt Earp Blvd. The 1881 limestone stone home is open for daily tours and is a pretty fascinating slice of history.

Visit: 112 E Vine St, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

The Historic Santa Fe Depot is still a working Amtrak Station and home to some public offices, but it’s also a really interesting historic spot to explore. No need to book a tour; just swing by and learn about the Depot’s history and the history of the Harvey House, which was once part of the Depot.

You’ll learn more about the Harvey House at the Boot Hill Museum, which is one thing about Dodge that is really incredible: you can visit all these spots and get a sense of how history played out at every stop.

Visit: 201 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

The Ford County Legacy Center was where I learned that Dodge City’s story is much bigger than the Old West. And where I learned a whole lot about Ford County. Less museum and more immersive stroll through history, the center is home to cars, motorcycles, local books, vintage electronics, school memorabilia, and personal artifacts. We learned so much. Definitely worth a stop.

Visit: 310 Gunsmoke St, Dodge City, KS. More info here.

Where to Stay

The only place I recommend is the Best Western. It’s got a whole Dodge City vibe. And a lobby bar.

Stay: 506 N 14th Avenue, Dodge City, KS. Book it here.

Head West!

Dodge City was surprising at every turn. In all the best ways. It made my list of must-see towns in Kansas, and I hope I convinced you to add it to yours, too.

Let me know if I missed anything! And make sure you check out Visit Dodge City if you need more help planning.

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Recently, I had a conversation where someone said, in response to some argument I started about road trips, I'm sure: “But road trips are vacations.”

And you might agree with that statement. But you’d be wrong.

Let me explain why.

But first, I will admit, I used to agree with it, too. Then I spent enough time driving around my home state to realize it’s absolutely not true. Road trips are just me voluntarily putting 300 miles between myself and my house and calling it a good idea.

A road trip has a full tank of gas and a vague idea of where you’re going. Am I right? You know I am. 80% of road trips are someone being like: Hey! Ok. Let’s go.

A vacation usually has a plan. Often it has to, because it requires an airplane, a hotel in an area that is busy, dinner reservations. Maybe an itinerary that somebody actually looked at ahead of time.

Just writing all that made me tired. Who has the time for all that planning? So yeah, I’m a road trip guy, I guess.

There is something about getting on the road without needing every minute to have a purpose. You can stop because you liked a sign. You can turn because you heard someone say there was a good bar off this road…you think. You can pull into a diner because there are six pickup trucks outside and you figure they probably know something you don’t.

And honestly, life is so busy nowadays that the spontaneity of jumping in the car seems liberating. Seems like something that could require so much focus on observing what’s around that you can forget about the responsibilities Monday is waiting to spring on you.

I’ve learned that the best road trips usually involve some amount of poor decision-making. Have you heard that, too? Probably not, because I think I just made that up. Mine often involve that. But it works.

You decide that 45 minutes out of the way for a burger is perfectly reasonable. If we just swing through three more small towns, we could get home by 11 pm. We could hit three more pizza stops if we do that. “It’s basically on the way.” Seems like a great “plan.”

You find yourself somehow staring at the ground off a dirt road, looking for Santa Fe Trail ruts with a stranger you met on the street while you took pictures of the old fire station in the small town 20 miles away. (Ah, Kansas). And you’ll never forget it.

I have very little ability to see a sign that says “historic downtown,” “scenic overlook,” or “world’s largest,” whatever, and simply continue driving like a normal person. Shockingly, and happily, my road trips usually turn out better than I had planned. Or rather, as I did not plan.

See, there’s that difference again: a plan. I’d offer a counterpoint of all the things vacations are, but I’m not sure that I really know.

But what I do know is that, in the end, a road trip isn’t really about getting somewhere. You could have a plan for it. But it won’t matter. You’ll get distracted by anything or everything. And that’s ok. That’s good. That’s the whole point.

If that means we’re 45 minutes late for dinner because we decided to drive all over the Gypsum Hills in an attempt to find tarantulas on their annual migration, even though we think that might have been last month, or because we realized the new Dolly Parton truck stop was only an hour and fifteen minutes off our path back to Kansas, so be it.

So, in conclusion, I am sure vacations are cool - honestly, maybe I need one - but they’re different than road trips. That’s all.

As always, thanks for being here. Let me know your thoughts.

Leave a comment

If you live in Central or Eastern Kansas, Liberal, Kansas seems very far away. It’s in Western Kansas, IYKYK, and if you don’t, it doesn’t really matter.

As 2026 started, Liberal’s annual Pancake Day festival was high on my to-do list. Pancake Day is one of those festivals that suck you in simply by its mystique: yes, it’s about pancakes. Yes, there’s a race. Where they hold pancakes while they run. It’s a competition with another small town. In England. I had to go see what all this was about.

So, I did. And Pancake Day turned out to be one of the best times I’ve ever had in Kansas. Like I always say, Kansas isn’t as bad as you think. You just need to get out more. So, mark your calendars for Pancake Day next year - it’s on Tuesday, February 9th in 2027. And plan a trip to Liberal. Hopefully, this guide will help.

Things to Do and See

Dorothy’s House & the Land of Oz

No visit to Liberal is complete without a bit of The Wizard of Oz. Start by sliding down a giant-sized red slipper, then visit Dorothy’s House & the Land of Oz, one of the most unique stops in town. Walk through Dorothy’s Kansas farmhouse before following the Yellow Brick Road into the Land of Oz, where you’ll meet familiar characters and relive one of America’s most beloved stories. It’s well worth a visit!

Visit: 567 E Cedar St, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Grab your tickets for Dorothy’s House inside the Coronado Museum and take a quick self-guided tour before. It’s free to visit, and you’ll learn about the early explorers who crossed this region and the cultures that shaped southwest Kansas. They even have an artifact from Coronado himself. Before you leave, don’t skip visiting the gift shop, where you can grab anything and everything Wizard of Oz to take home!

Pro-tip: keep an eye out for the Dorothy statues located throughout town. Each has its own personality, making the statue hunt a fun way to explore Liberal.

Mid-America Air Museum

Even if you’re not an aviation enthusiast, the Mid-America Air Museum is worth a visit!

With more than 100 aircraft on display, it’s one of the largest aviation museums in the United States. You’ll find everything from military aircraft to civilian planes, helicopters, and aviation memorabilia. Set aside a full morning or afternoon - this place is fascinating.

Visit: 2000 W 2nd St, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Baker Arts Center

Baker Arts Center is a creative hub in Liberal where visitors can explore and engage in the arts in a whole lot of cool ways. The center features a permanent collection, rotating exhibits, an extensive children’s discovery center, an artist residency, community art spaces and kitchen, a gift shop, a coffee shop, a summer camp for kids, an event space, classes, and more throughout the year. This is a pretty inspiring spot and I can’t suggest it enough.

Visit: 624 N. Pershing, Liberal, KS. More info here.

International Pancake Day Hall of Fame

Liberal is home to the International Pancake Day Hall of Fame, celebrating the town’s long-running Pancake Day tradition and its friendly rivalry with Olney, England. The museum tells the story of the annual Pancake Day celebration and the unique pancake race that has become one of Liberal’s most beloved traditions. And mine. If you haven’t been, save the date for next year - learn what you need to know here.

Visit: 318 N Lincoln Ave, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Light Park

If you need a break from it all, check out Light Park. It’s a beautifully manicured park right in the middle of it all. The “Liberal” mural above is located there - so it’s a great photo op - and it’s a pretty little spot to chill and just take it all in.

Visit: 1100 N Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Explore Downtown

One of my favorite ways to experience a new location, especially in Kansas, is by walking downtown. Spend some time browsing local businesses and grab a coffee at The Cozy Corner while you do it.

Visit: 1 S Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Don’t skip stopping at the Liberal Memorial Library, where you can pose for a photo in front of their giant book entrance, a statue honoring the pioneering women of Kansas, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty - one of my favorite pastimes.

Visit: 519 N Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS. More info here.

End the day with a local beer at Tortuga Brewing Company, a great place to chill, and if you land there on the right night, try your hand at the trivia title or a painting class. We did both and while we didn’t win trivia, we did take home a painting we made.

Order a flight because they’ve always got something new on the menu, and take home a growler if you get inspired.

Visit: 103 W 2nd St, Liberal, KS 67901. More info here.

Grab Something Great to Eat

I tried a lot of food on my visit. All kinds of things from all around the world. But, I still don’t think I scratched the surface of great eating spots in town. Here’s a list of what I got into and what I recommend:

Guayaba Cuisine

Do not skip this spot! And do not skip ordering the Taco Cupcakes. Located inside of Tortuga Brewing, this is a great casual spot to enjoy downtown. And you can pair whatever you get with a great beer.

Visit: 103 W 2nd St, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Chilakilez and Cheers

Honestly, there were so many things on this menu (Birria Egg Rolls?!) we wanted to try, but we had to keep to the itinerary. Otherwise, we could have sat here all day! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, a really cool atmosphere, and delicious margaritas.

Give the Mexi Street Corn Wings a try! I still think about them.

Visit: 7 Village Plz, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Midtown Pizzeria & Pub

Located in the heart of downtown, this local spot makes you feel right at home as soon as you sit down. We grabbed a pizza for lunch - and for a review. We could only try one, and yes, we went for the Pickle Pizza. It was unbelievable. We’ll be back to try more. Grab a beer while you’re there and hang out awhile.

Visit: 222 N Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Brickhouse BBQ & Brew

When you’re in the mood for classic Kansas barbecue, this is a solid choice. Brickhouse is just off of downtown’s main street and has a full menu of BBQ favorites. Order the sampler plate to try a few things.

Visit: 24 E 2nd St, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Mariscos Sinaloa

We ate here on our last night in town. It’s a great little Mexican seafood spot: great food and great drinks. We got ceviche and fajitas - see them below. I’d definitely go back.

Visit: 1115 N Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS. More info here.

The Hamburger Place

Of course, I got a burger while in town. The Hamburger Place has been on my list for quite a while now. Glad I went because it made my list Top 30 Top 30 Best Burger in Kansas:

See My Top 30 Best Burgers Here

Visit: The Hamburger Place is a food truck, so they move around. When I last visited (summer 2026), they were located in front of Mariscos Sinaloa (above) at 1115 N Kansas Ave in Liberal. If they aren’t there when you visit, ask a local where they are or call them at (620) 626-5450. Facebook link here.

The Pancake House

The Pancake House is a longtime local favorite and worth the stop. With a ton of pancake options and classic breakfast items on their menu, you can’t go wrong with starting your day here.

Visit: 640 E Pancake Blvd, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Eve Cakes Coffee & Brunch

This cute spot offers unique coffees, sweet treats, and more. We had a delicious breakfast here!

Visit: 423 W 2nd St, Liberal, KS. More info here.

Enjoy!

Liberal is the kind of place that reminded me why exploring Kansas is so rewarding. Nice people, interesting history, unique sights and great food.

If you’ve never been, add it to your list. It’s good. Real good. Learn more from and more planning help from Visit Liberal here:

Visit Liberal

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And I’ve eaten a lot of Kansas burgers. I finally counted, and I’m around the 70 mark. Which seems like a lot to me, because it is a lot. But considering over 200 burgers have been submitted by you all, I guess I’m technically just getting started.

So hopefully this list will help you try some pretty good burgers. But there’s always more, so let me know your favorite or what you think I got wrong. As I mentioned, it’s a list in progress. There were a lot of shake-ups this time around: a lot of new burgers made the list, some favorites dropped off, and as I reflect with each list update, I make some subtle changes myself.

About Rankings (And Why They’re Not Scientific)

Folks love to debate rankings, and that’s a fun result of this list-making. But, I’m not a scientist, I’m just a burger fan, so the rankings are what they are. No amount of arguing is going to sway me.

So treat the ranking as a guide, not gospel. But as long as I’m eating burgers, there’s no need to quit debating, and I’ll keep eating them as long as you keep nominating them. Drop yours in the comments on my IG or TikTok videos - here’s my latest one to make it easy.

If you want to see all the nominations, become a paid subscriber to this Substack, and I will also send you the Best Burger Nominations Google Map. You’ll get all the updates for as long as Google Maps exists, and you can tell me if my ratings match yours.

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How I Order and Rate Burgers

In case you’re interested, here’s how it goes: I order a basic hamburger with whatever the restaurant considers everything on it - no cheese, bacon, avocado, or whatever extras are trendy at the moment. I eat it and rate it on a 10-point scale.

A note on cheese

I get a lot of heat for this one. Yes, I always order my burgers without cheese. I do it because I want to taste the meat, the seasoning, the cook on the burger. Everything tastes better with cheese. But a great burger shouldn’t need to hide - it should still be great without it. So, take note that I am not anti-cheese, but rather pro-honesty for the sake of this list.

A note on ordering the burgers to-go

So, it’s been just over three years now, of small towns, diners, bars, and drive-ins. Most of these places - and the folks in them - don’t care if they ever trend on social media (which usually makes them taste better). And that’s why I rate them all to-go; it’s easier and less annoying to everyone involved. What matters for this project is how the burger tastes, not where it’s eaten.

Why Local Matters

Almost every burger on this list comes from a locally owned spot. Some are local chains, and that is what it is. I try the places because you, the audience, nominated them, not because they are famous. Maybe some are famous, but I’m there because of you, not because of the fame. My ultimate goal with my channels is to prove that Kansas is great, not just a flyover state. Stop here, see it, taste it.

And most of the spots on this list aren’t just serving food; they’re a big part of the community they are in. They are meeting places, daily stops. They’re where celebrations happen, and memories are made. They’re nostalgic, sometimes sentimental, and part of a place’s history. That may seem a little much, but they really represent why Kansas is so great - the people and the communities. When you have one of the burgers on this list, you’re participating in the place, the community, the history, and in this conversation. Which burger is the best in Kansas? We’ll decide together, which is why you’re reading this. So let’s get to it.

The Top 30 Best Burgers in Kansas

There were a lot of shake-ups on the list this go-around. Here’s my Top 30 Best Burgers in Kansas followed by a place to leave a comment in case you disagree, agree or have a spot to add to the to-eat list.

There’s also more details on each location, followed by a link to the updated Best Burgers in Kansas Map to help you visit all the stops from wherever you are. Next up, Top 50?

The Top 30 Best Burgers in Kansas List

30 - Calvin’s Hamburger Haven, Wichita, KS - Watch my review

29 - The Library Bar & Grill, Victoria, KS - Watch my review

28 - The Best Hamburger Food Truck, Junction City, KS - Watch my review

27 - 10-39 Cafe, Ellinwood, KS - Watch my review

26 - Hell Rayzors, Harveyville, KS - Watch my review

25 - Hines BBQ, Lyons, KS - Watch my review

24 - JD’s Kwik Burger, McPherson, KS

23 - J’s Carryout, Emporia, KS - Watch my review

22 - His & Hers Bar & Grill, Walnut, KS - Watch my review

21 - The Hamburger Place, Liberal, KS - Watch my review

🚨If you want access to the full TOP 30 BEST BURGERS LIST, you can purchase it here as a downloadable PDF, or you can become a Paid Subscriber through the link below and also get the BEST BURGER IN KANSAS Google Map and ALL my food maps, itineraries, and Kansas restaurant insights🚨

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In reality, it never is. I never hit those non-vacation-focused goals. I always hit that “whole lot of nothing” goal, though. I hit that hard and super successfully.

And usually, I feel bad about it. But still, something in my active body will not let me get to the stuff that my brain considers “work-related.” I might read a book, but it will not be anything I “should be" reading. I might clean out some emails from my personal inbox. Maybe organize some personal photos, even. But I became allergic to anything on my actual to-do list as soon as my vacation began.

But isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t this what vacations are for? Of course. I know this. You know this. But then why is it so hard to fall into it?

We plan the trips. We get excited. We want the break. Somehow, we still seem to fight it.

I’m writing this from the second-to-last day of my summer vacation. And you might be saying, well, Steven, Substack is basically work…so what are you even talking about? Which is kind of true, but this is where I get to the point.

I had mentally planned some great Substack posts to share with you while I was on this vacation. A Top 25 Best Burger in Kansas list update. A Best Brewery in Kansas list. Things I need time to do. And what is a vacation if not time right? Wrong.

My vacations are always so busy. Early mornings. Long itineraries. Side-quests. Late nights. Extra miles and additional stops. Deep dives into the history of a place. Discovery, inspiration, and trying everything new. Millions of photos. Rushing and enjoying. Taking everything in all at once and chasing after more.

The time in between all these things becomes dedicated to rest - the whole lot of nothing part of the vacation. Exhaustion from joy, learning and chasing everything all at once.

So here I am, close to the end of my vacation. Reality seeping back in. Remembering the to-do list I had in mind for this conversation with you. The fog hiding the schedules, emails, and plans slowly lifting from my brain. And I’m left with an unfinished to-do list and a thing of oh no about how to fit in what I had planned to share with you in the time I missed.

Not that you noticed, which is nice. And not that I will really lose sleep over what I didn’t share on the internet…because of course, there is no real timeline for this space I made up here. But what I want to get at, finally, is that we should take more vacations. And embrace them for their real intention. To take an actual break. Not a break with intention added to the itinerary. Not a break with hidden plans to get ahead in our “real life.” To make it a real life. To step into the plans head-on with no abandon. To just dive into the nothing and everything of a vacation and see how great we feel at the end of it. To achieve the goal of a vacation: refreshment.

And maybe that goal of that refreshment is so we can get back into our day-to-day refreshed, obviously, but what if we make the goal of vacation to be an alternative reality where the vacation is the job. Where we make it our day’s work to take it all in, discover new things, see all the things, fulfill the long itinerary list, get up early and sleep late, do nothing, do everything, drink mai tai’s and take naps.

And that’s all this post is about. To remind us that life can be many things, all the things. That if you’re a weirdo like me, who takes vacations with work in mind, we don’t need to be like that. We can do better. Hopefully, this lands with someone else who gets it. And if not, I’ll be back with that Best Burger List. Until then, here are some pics from my vacation.

As always, thanks for being here. I have to go do nothing now.

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In case you missed anything on this Substack here this month, here’s a little recap of what’s been happening and what’s been shared.

BEST BURGER IN KANSAS TOUR GOES SOUTH

There’s a lot about Southeast Kansas in this month’s INDEX, because I just returned from my visit there, but also because it’s got a lot going on food-wise. Fried chicken aside, have you tried the burgers there? It was banger after banger as I visited the spots you all told me to try. I couldn’t believe my luck (which my cardiologist probably wouldn’t call luck, honestly), it was all so darn good. A standout for sure was Shooter’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Frontenac - watch my review here. I also hit the local favorite Bob’s Grill in Pittsburg and you can see my review for that here. More to come and I’m working on updating the Top 25 Burger rankings because this visit threw my current list for a loop!

SOUTHEAST KANSAS IS CALLING

Southeast Kansas has quickly become one of my favorite regions in the state. It’s got fried chicken, charming downtowns, great burgers, some pretty interesting history, gorgeous lakes, plenty to keep you busy, and some of the friendliest folks around. I can’t emphasize enough that you should give it a visit, so I wrote down Everything I Ate, Saw, and Did in Southeast Kansas to help you make it happen. Get into it here:

A Guide to Southeast KS

LET’S EAT SOME CHICKEN

And of course, as you know, I ate the fried chicken while I was in the Southeast. I ate at six different fried chicken houses, to be exact. It was a lot. But every bite was insanely delicious. And since I put in all that “eating research,” I figured the fried chicken deserved its own guide. So I wrote one, check out my Ultimate Southeast Kansas Fried Chicken Guide:

My Fried Chicken Guide

BIG BRUTUS IS REALLY BIG

And one more thing before we move on from how great the Southeast is: don’t skip seeing one of the most interesting and unique stops in the state, Big Brutus. She’s an incredible sight. Wait, he? Incredibly big, incredibly fascinating, and full of incredible history. Here’s all you need to know to get you motivated:

My Take on Big Brutus

ADD ABILENE TO YOUR LIST

And then there’s Abilene! It’s got the Eisenhower Presidential Museum & Library, some really neat museums, a fun and really active downtown, murals & boots, and some standout food options. I always like to say “go for the food,” but honestly, go for all of it - make a weekend of it! It’s pretty great. If you need more convincing, here are 5 reasons why you should visit Abilene:

A Guide to Abilene, KS

WHAT’S NEXT

I write this from the other side of the state: Southwest Kansas. So get ready for a lot of that coming up - and of course, the Top 25 Best Burgers in Kansas update coming in July. Until then, consider grabbing a “Kansas - It’s Not as Bad as You Think” t-shirt to help keep me traveling. And as always, thanks for being here.

Get a Shirt Here

This corner of Kansas is packed with unique immigrant stories, a deep mining heritage, vibrant Route 66 history, beautiful state parks, charming downtowns, incredible local eateries, one-of-a-kind museums, and some of the friendliest communities you’ll find anywhere in the state.

If you’re looking for another pretty great road trip in Kansas - or even a weekend getaway from the chaos of the World Cup (I’m talking to you, Kansas Citians) - here’s what not to miss in Southeast Kansas.

Taste Kansas’ Most Unique Food Tradition

Of course, I’m going to start with chicken. This region’s famous chicken houses have become a destination all on their own, drawing visitors from across Kansas and beyond. Why? Simply because it’s that delicious.

But the history behind it all is pretty cool, too. Many of these restaurants trace their roots to the mining communities that once dominated the region, serving generations of local families and visitors alike. And they are all still family-owned, which is a pretty incredible feat in today’s day and age.

There are six well-known chicken restaurants, and since that might be overwhelming, I wrote The Ultimate Southeast Kansas Fried Chicken Guide to help you navigate it and find the perfect chicken spot for you. Start planning your chicken route here:

My Fried Chicken Guide

Get into the Coal Mining History

Long before Southeast Kansas became known for fried chicken, it was known for coal. Mining shaped most of the communities in this region, and in most cases, it was the reason they were initially founded. You can still see the mining industries’ influence throughout the area today; it is a source of pride, innovation, and local culture. Here are a few things to check out to learn more about it all:

Miners Hall Museum, Franklin, KS

This homegrown museum tells the full story of the mines and the mining communities of the region. Learn about the many communities that popped up along the Southeast Kansas landscape to mine the coal, the unique inventions that arose to support the industry, and the lives of those working the mines. It’s a fascinating and eye-opening stop.

Visit: 701 S Broadway St, Franklin, KS. More info here.

Heritage Hall Museum, Frontenac, KS

This is hands-down the best small-town museum I have ever visited - and I have seen a lot of them! Set inside the local library, this museum takes you on a literal journey through the area’s local history: from the coal mines to the immigrants who worked them, their families, the business they brought to the community, the schools their kids attended, and the legacies they left and those that remain today.

Visit: 200 E McKay St, Frontenac, KS (Enter through the library). More info here.

Big Brutus, West Mineral, KS

Standing 16 stories tall and weighing 11 million pounds, Big Brutus is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kansas, plus it is one of the largest electric mining shovels ever built. Not only can you visit it in West Mineral, but you can step inside: explore the inner workings of the mining giant and even sit in the driver’s seat. You’ll get a hands-on education of the mining industry and an experience you won’t soon forget. There is also a museum dedicated to Big Brutus and other coal mining equipment. You can even camp onsite! In my opinion, a visit here is one of the coolest - and most unique - things to do in Kansas.

Visit: 6509 NW 60th St, West Mineral, KS. More info here.

Explore the Small Towns

Don’t skip exploring Southeast Kansas’s collection of small towns and their historic downtowns. Each one has its own distinct charm, and each is full of some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet.

Frontenac, KS

Frontenac’s downtown combines mining history with a lively collection of locally owned businesses and great places to eat. While you’re there, don’t miss:

• McKay Street Coffeehouse - located inside the local library, both the coffee and the company are great! Visit: 200 E McKay St. More info here.

• Heritage Hall Museum - If you’re already at McKay Street Coffee, make sure you visit this museum, also located in the library - more info above. Visit: 200 E McKay St. (Enter through the library). More info here.

• Miner’s Park - located right across the street from the library and Pallucca’s, this little park pays homage to the area’s mining history. Walk through on your way about town. Visit: 200 E McKay St. More info here.

• Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market & Deli - Founded in 1909, Pallucca’s is one of the oldest meat markets in Kansas. Still family owned and serving meats, cheese, and homemade pastas. Visit: 207 E McKay St. More info here.

• Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream - because ice cream is always the right choice. Visit: 214 E McKay St. More info here.

• Shooter’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar - One of the best burgers in the state: the 1106er, named after one of the most notorious burgers from the now closed 1106 in Pittsburg, KS. I won’t get into it all here, but it’s a whole thing. Watch my review of the burger below. Visit: 311 E McKay St. More info here.

My Shooter’s Burger Review

Girard, KS

I can’t emphasize it enough: go visit Girard if you haven’t already! A charming downtown, kind folks, great food, and some pretty unique history. It’s also a great base for exploring the beautiful Kansas landscape on a day trip.

Girard is home to a picturesque town square that is worth exploring by foot. I recommend staying right on the square to take it all in and to allow yourself time to explore the surrounding areas.

• Eastside Cafe - Do not skip enjoying a breakfast here. If it was closer to my home, I’d be there at least once a week…or everyday. And whatever you get, also get a cinnamon roll. Visit: 120 South Ozark Street. More info here.

• Girard General Store & Antiques - As you walk the town square, don’t miss stopping here to learn a bit about the town by chatting with the owner and grabbing some homemade ice cream. Visit: 117 South Summit Street. More info here.

• Carnegie Library - If you travel through a lot of small towns, you know a Carnegie Library is a staple. In Girard, their’s is still home to the city’s library. You can view original copies of the Little Blue Book series here. These were an immensely popular collection of small, affordable paperbacks designed to make literature, philosophy, and history accessible to the working class, published from 1919 through 1978 by the Haldeman-Julius Publishing Company based in Girard. Visit: 128 W Prairie Ave. More info here.

• If you want to learn more about the unique publishing history of Girard and more local history, stop at the Girard History Museum or take the driving tour like we did.

• JoJo’s Pizza - Located just outside of downtown, grab a slice here! I recommend the thin crust, one of the best thin crusts I’ve had in Kansas! Watch my review of the pizza below. Visit: 203 E St John St. More info here.

My JoJo's Pizza Review

Arma, KS

Because of it’s size, under 1,400 in the last census, you might consider skipping Arma, but I’m here to tell you to make the stop. If you only do one thing, visit:

• The Well Traveled Chef - This is one of the best kitchen shops I’ve ever visited. Grab things for your kitchen, unique snacks and ingredients from around the world, cookbooks, handmade cutting boards, and even do olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings - which blew my mind. While you’re there, ask what else there is to see in Arma and you will be able to make a day of it. Visit: 401 East Washington Street. More info here.

Walnut, KS

There’s one big reason to visit Walnut, KS. The burger.

• His & Hers Bar & Grill - If you like a small town bar, this is for you. This one’s got the grill right behind the bar so you can watch them make your burger while you enjoy a cold one from one of the coolest old ice coolers for the beer. You will not be disappointed. Visit: 203 S Main St. More info here.

Take in Some Nature

Mined Land Wildlife Areas

What was once ravaged land from the mines of the past, now sit the Mined Land Wildlife Areas with over 1,000 strip-mine lakes, rolling hills and native grasses. The property is home to some 1,500 acres of water and 13,000 acres of land open to the public for recreation and hunting. It’s quite incredible to see and to imagine the expanse of mines in their prime. There are quite a few “Areas” so I found asking locals was the best way to find the good spots, but this link helped too:

Mined Wildlife Area

Crawford State Park

This is a must-visit, folks. If you like a state park as much as I do, get into Crawford State Park - it’s a beauty. There’s a lot to do here:

• Explore the park’s trails, the Farlington Fish Hatchery and the Butterfly Garden

• Get sporty at the Disc Golf Course or the Pickleball Courts

• Spend time on the lake boating, fishing or swimming at the beach!

• Visit a memorial dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps, created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the early 1930’s. The Corps were created by Congress to manufacture jobs for struggling young men during the Great Depression. Learn more about the Corp’s history and it’s efforts in the area along a .25 mile memorial interpretive trail at the entrance of the park. Learn more here.

• Enjoy a meal and live music at the Lake View Cafe. Check the cafe’s schedule and specials here.

• Spend the night at one of the park’s cabins. I think these are some of the best lake cabins in the state. Nestled along the lake’s edge, there are only five cabins, so make your reservations early. We weren’t able to get one on this visit to the park, but I highly recommend it for a weekend getaway or a longer stay in the summer. Lock in your reservation here.

Plan your Visit

Discover Pittsburg

Pittsburg, the largest city in Southeast Kansas, is home to the Pittsburg State Gorillas (the only university in the country with a Gorilla as a mascot), and has one of the best downtowns in Kansas. Shop, eat, and then enjoy some sightseeing at the campus. There’s a lot to do in Pittsburg, here’s my list:

Shop

• Miners + Monroe - a men’s shop that you must visit. It’s really, really good. Visit: 211 N Broadway St. More info here.

• The Literary Cat Co. - It’s a bookstore with cats. If you like cats and books, which I do, check it out. Visit: 915 N Broadway St. More info here.

• The Doggie Bag - Nothing better than stumbling into a great thrift store and that’s exactly how I found this one. Jam-packed with great finds from clothes to plates to bookends and all proceeds go to the Southeast Kansas Humane Society. Visit: 514 N Broadway St. More info here.

Eat & Drink

• Drop the H Brewing Company - You know I’m always down for a pizza and a beer, and both are great here. Order the Straight A’s IPA. Visit: 107 E Rose St. More info here.

• The Balkan - Get this: this spot is a coffee shop by day and a cocktail lounge by night! Is this my new favorite place? Probably. Try their homemade pastries, too. Visit: 402 N Broadway St. More info here.

• Otto’s Cafe - Can’t not eat breakfast at an old-school diner if there’s one in town. This one’s marked by a great old neon sign, friendly staff, and vintage photos from its’ original location. As always, there’s a cinnamon roll, so get one. Visit: 711 N Broadway St. More info here.

• Bob’s Grill - You know I have to get a burger while I’m in town, and I suggest you do, too - because this one is legendary! Click the link below to watch my review. Visit: 1014 N Broadway St. More info here.

My Bob's Grill Review

• The dRink - A speakeasy with great drinks and a great yard to drink them in. This was a cool little stop that will make your visit to Pittsburg more memorable for sure. Visit: 211 N Broadway St. More info here.

• The Mall Deli - Ok, so I didn’t actually eat here because we already had A LOT of food obligations on this trip, but I’m adding it here because from what I learned, from almost everyone I talked to, there is no better sandwich in town. But I did go by to check it out because I was curious if it was actually in a mall. It is. It’s a straight late 80s early 90’s throwback, and I will be eating there on my next visit for sure. Shoot me a comment if you’ve been and tell me more about their legendary Creamy Italian Dressing. Visit for yourself: 202 Centennial Dr. Located inside Meadowbrook Mall. More info here.

Explore

• Farmer’s Market - I love a local Farmer’s Market and this one did not disappoint. If you are in town during Farmer’s Market season, add this to your itinerary. Visit: 119 E 11th St. More info here.

• Downtown Pittsburg - I love exploring Kansas downtowns and, as I said, this is one of the best around. spend an afternoon walking Broadway from one end to the next downtown and see many of the stops listed above and more! Learn more here.

My Downtown Pittsburg Video

• Pittsburg State Campus - Am I the only one who loves to explore a college campus when I’m in a new town? If you’re like me, let me tell you, Pittsburg State is worth a stop. Don’t skip a walk around University Lake at Gorilla Village outside the stadium. Visit: 1701 S Broadway St. More info here.

• Trail Head Park - Trail Head Park sits right downtown along Broadway and leads you to a 1.5-mile walk and biking trail made up of green spaces through town. Visit: 11th St. & Broadway St. Click the link below for more info on this and other trails and parks in the area.

Parks & Trails To Explore

Get Your Kicks on Kansas’s Route 66

Kansas may only have 13 miles of Route 66, but those miles pack a punch - so don’t skip a drive along the historic route while you’re in the area. Here’s what not to miss:

• Route 66 Giant Drive-Thru Shield - Line up with your car to drive through or walk up to snap a photo commemorating your time on the route. Visit: 203 Front Street/KS-66, Galena, KS. More info here.

• Cars on the Route - Grab lunch here while you are exploring. Pro-tip: get there early because this place was crowded and we were there mid-week! Visit: 119 N Main St., Galena, KS. More info here.

• Gearhead Curios - Gearhead Curios is a souvenir shop and home to the only State of Kansas Tourist Information Center on Kansas’ section of Route 66. Located in a former 1939 Texaco station, complete with the vintage gas pumps, it’s also a great place to snap a photo. Pro-tip: Don’t miss sneaking a peek at the bathroom. Visit: 520 South Main Street, Galena, KS. More info here.

• Schermerhorn Park - Located along Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway, this stop is located on the edge of Galena. Locals love to grab a lawn chair and cooler and sit in the shallow Shoal Creek that runs through the park to cool off on hot summer days, just like the route travelers used to. Grab a chair and join them! Visit: 3501 S Main St, Galena, KS. More info here.

• Nelson’s Old Riverton Store - In business since before the Mother Road became an official route, Nelson’s still has all its original charm. Grab a made-to-order sandwich from the deli, a Moon Pie or some Route 66 memorabilia. Visit: 7109 KS-66, Riverton, KS. More info here.

• Historic Rainbow Bridge - Also known as the March Arch Bridge, it’s the only driveable bridge of its kind along the historic Route and is worth the drive. Visit: SE Beasley Rd, Baxter Springs, KS. Note: It’s called Brush Creek Bridge on Apple Maps. More info here.

• Baxter Springs - complete your Route 66 journey with a drive through Baxter Springs, KS. With a downtown as cute as any, it’s worth the drive to be able to mark it on your map. I heard the pizza at Bricks & Brews is great, but I sadly didn’t make it there this trip. Let me know if you’ve tried it. For more info on Baxter Springs and a few suggestions on where to stop, click here.

If you want to deep dive into everything along the Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway, check out this guide to help you along:

Everything Route 66 in Kansas

Spend the Night

Southeast Kansas isn’t too widespread, so there’s no need to spend the night in every town on this list. I stayed in Girard and Pittsburg and thought it worked out pretty well. Both spots offer really nice accommodations - here’s my top picks:

Girard

I chose to stay in Girard while exploring all the small towns listed in this post. It’s a pretty central spot and has one of the nicest Vrbo’s I’ve stayed at in a small town: The Long Branch Loft. It’s locally owned and located right off the town square, so it’s in a great location for exploring and eating. Click below to learn more:

Book your Stay

Pittsburg

There’s a lot to see in Pittsburg so definitely worth staying over at least one night to see and eat everything. I suggest staying at Town Talk, an Airbnb located conveniently in the heart of downtown Pittsburg and close to many places on the to-do list. Click below:

Book your Stay

Crawford State Park Cabins, Farlington, KS

As I mentioned, I love staying here. It’s not too far from Girard, but maybe a bit far from everything else on this list. So, I suggest making a day and night of it or dedicating a whole weekend to exploring the park and heading into Girard for dinner one night.

Book your Stay

Enjoy!

You’ve got everything you need to check out Southeast Kansas and I hope you will. As someone who has been all over this state, I was excited to explore more of this corner and I really enjoyed my time. I was there for about a week and wished I had more time. So, yes, I’ll be back. If I missed anything, let me know!

Thanks to Explore Crawford County for helping me make this happen. Visit their website if you need more details to plan your visit.

Explore Crawford County

As always, thanks for being here. And if you enjoyed this post, I hope you will consider becoming a subscriber. I promise, it’s worth it.

In a part of Kansas where most towns have fewer than 5,000 people, you might be surprised that they could support six different restaurants that essentially serve the same meal. You might think the competition is cut-throat, but that’s very much not the case. Families in the area have their favorites, sure, but they also eat at every single one. Because while the menus look remarkably similar on paper, each place puts its own spin on the details. Some people swear by a particular chicken recipe. Others are there for the onion rings. Some have strong opinions about German potato salad. Others will tell you the coleslaw is the real reason to visit.

As you might have guessed, the fried chicken might be the star, but the sides are just as important. The German coleslaw and the German potato salad are a staple - each made with a vinegar base instead of mayonnaise. Then there’s the white bread. And the onion rings. (Pro-tip: order the small because it’s a large anywhere outside of Southeast Kansas). Each spot offers their take, and a few add some more: a side of spaghetti, mac and cheese, applesauce, green beans or American coleslaw - for the younger folks, I heard.

I tried it all. And I was really, really full for two days. Maybe three.

But I did it all for you. So I could come back here and tell you: IT WAS WORTH IT.

And not just because of the incredible food: these restaurants, the people who own them, the waitstaff and the hostesses, the patrons and the folks about town are some of the nicest, friendliest and most devoted chicken eaters around. They know what they’ve got is amazing and they want you to experience it. You’ll be amazed how big every restaurant is, how many chicken decorations exist and how many people - all known by name by the staff - show up, even on a Monday! Because it’s not just about chicken, it’s about history, tradition and community. So, set aside some time to visit Southeast Kansas - it’s pretty darn magical.

And if you can’t visit all the chicken spots, I made a guide to help you find the one that suits you - because they are ALL good - great even! So let’s get into it:

My Southeast Kansas Fried Chicken Guide

I’ve eaten my way through the legends and the local favorites and I’m here to share how to do the same.

What We Ordered

We ordered essentially the same thing at every stop, so we could compare, and added in a few extras that we heard were good at each place. We ordered a fried chicken dinner at every stop. The dinners usually came with a few white and dark pieces of chicken, white bread, onion rings, and sides, which we list below. Sometimes the onion rings were extra, but we still had to get them, because that’s just what you do. Prices are listed below, too, but check to see if they have changed before you visit. And as always, check the hours too, before you visit, because they aren’t open every day.

Chicken Annie’s Original

The OG. Founded by Ann Pichler in her home in 1934, they were the first to do it. Ann began serving chicken to coal miners after a mining accident disabled her husband. And they are still serving their homemade fried chicken the same way since the beginning.

Chicken Annie’s chicken is exactly what you want from Kansas fried chicken: crispy, juicy, and not too heavily breaded. They figured out what works decades ago and never felt the need to change and it works.

If this is your first trip to the chicken trail, start here, because: tradition.

What We Ordered

In addition to the chicken, onion rings, and white bread, we got:

• German potato salad

• German coleslaw

• Creamy American coleslaw (the best in the area)

• Mac and cheese

• Spaghetti

• Mashed potatoes (the best we tried)

My Ratings

Chicken Rating: Third best in town.

Sides Rating: Not my favorite sides, but a close second.

Hospitality Rating: 5/5

Pricing: ~$23.00 Family Style serving for two: 5 pieces of chicken, 3 sides, onion rings and bread. ~$3.25 - $4.50 for extra sides.

Plan your visit: 1143 E. 600th Ave, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762. Check the prices and learn more here.

Pro-tip: Mix the German potato salad and both coleslaws into a giant mash-up salad. Trust me. Also, grab a t-shirt on your way out!

Chicken Mary’s

Right next door to Chicken Annie’s and the winner of Food Wars chicken-off - watch it here. Because of that Food Network episode, this is probably the place most people have heard of. Chicken Mary’s also began at home, in 1942, with founders Mary and Joe Zerngast serving folks at their kitchen table.

This chicken’s got that fried crunch that tastes amazing and perfectly seals all the juicy flavor you crave in fried chicken. If I hadn’t been eating chicken for two days, I would have cleaned my plate.

What We Ordered

In addition to the chicken, onion rings, and white bread, we got:

• German potato salad

• German coleslaw

• Creamy American coleslaw

• Mac and cheese

• Mashed potatoes

My Ratings

Chicken Rating: My second-favorite chicken in town. You need to try this place!

Sides Rating: 3.5/5

Hospitality: 5/5

Pricing: ~$25.95 Family Style serving for two: 5 pieces of chicken, 3 sides, onion rings and bread. ~$2.95 for extra sides.

Plan your visit: 1133 E 600th Ave, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Check the prices and learn more here.

Final Notes: Am I saying it’s better than Annie’s? I’m saying you should try both and start a family argument.

Barto’s Idle Hour

There are two sides to Barto’s Idle Hour: the restaurant side and the lounge side. We ate in the restaurant…which we were told was the wrong choice, by like every local who asked us which side we sat on. But we did go peek into the lounge, which was as vibey as it sounds. But I stand by our decision.

Founded in 1951, Idle Hour started out as a dance hall where a young Ray Barto was on staff. The dance hall was where Ray met Carolyn, who became his partner in life and work, and helped him transform Barto’s Idle Hour into what it is today. Located in the town of Frontenac, population just under 3,500 - Barto’s is small town Kansas at it’s best.

Pro-tip: ask the locals how to pronounce Frontenac before you make a fool of yourself.

What We Ordered

We ordered the chicken, which came with the bread and two sides. We ordered the onion rings ala carte and we also got:

• Potato salad*

• Slaw*

• Baked potato

• Applesauce

*not described as “German”, but it’s in that style

Ratings

Chicken Rating: They use a cracker meal breading on their chicken (just like Gebhardt’s below), which I’d never heard of before, but it gives the chicken a uniquely appetizing crunch. Of the 6 fried chicken spots we tried, this was my least favorite…don’t get me wrong, it’s still better than 90% of the chicken spots in the state!

Sides Rating: 3/5

Hospitality: 3/5

Pricing: ~$11.75 for a 5-piece chicken dinner, served with bread and two sides. ~$7.25 for onion rings. ~$2.00 - $2.50 for the sides.

Plan your visit: 201 Santa Fe St., Frontenac, KS 66763. Check the prices and learn more here.

My notes: Try the lounge side and report back!

Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners

Locals love this place! Whenever somebody from Crawford County asked what we were doing in town, they only asked if we’d been here…Because of course we went to Chicken Mary’s and Chicken Annies, but had we tried Gebhardt’s? It doesn’t get nearly as much attention as Annie’s or Mary’s, but the people who love it REALLY love it. Gebhardt’s is truly the hidden gem of the area.

Located in the town of Mulberry, Kansas, population 400 or so, Gebhardt’s could be considered “off the beaten path.” Opened in 1946, the restaurant is run by the family’s third generation and sits right next to the family home. Which is what you immediately think and feel upon entering: part of the family and right at home.

This is the place we’d bring somebody who thinks they’ve already seen the entire chicken trail.

What We Ordered

They don’t offer a family-style order here, so we ordered the chicken, which came with white bread - which is homemade and the BEST we tried - and two sides. The onion rings were ala carte and we also got:

• Potato salad

• Coleslaw

• Green beans with bacon

Ratings

Chicken Rating: Of the six different fried chickens we tried, this landed just behind Chicken Annie’s. They use a cracker meal breading, which is delicious and I’m pretty sure, like most folks we talked to, that after a few visits, this would become my favorite spot.

Sides Rating: 4/5. The green beans were the best I’ve ever had in my entire life.

Hospitality: 6/5 (They opened just for our visit, so we couldn’t be more thankful for their generosity - and for the private tour of family photos!)

Pricing: ~$11.50 for 5 pieces of chicken served with 2 sides. ~$8.00 for onion rings.

Plan your visit: 124 N 260th St, Mulberry, KS 66756. Check the prices and learn more here.

Pro-tip: You HAVE to try their famous homemade chicken and noodles, but they are only served on Mondays. Prepare to wait in line. I promise it is worth it.

Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s

This is where things get a bit confusing, maybe? Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s, as you might have guessed, is an offshoot of the Chicken Annie’s Original. This location was founded in 1972 by the original Annie’s grandson, Anthony. His dad, Carl (Annie’s son), and his wife Rosemary, who had been running Chicken Annie’s Original with Carl’s sister Louella and her husband, left to help their son start Pichler’s, the next iteration of the family business. Basically, the idea was expansion and both use the same recipe that Annie launched in 1934, but I am not so sure. Each has its own unique taste!

The restaurant, as they all do, has a loyal following and serves exactly what people drive across Kansas for: huge family-style meals, chicken livers, wishbones, German potato salad, and in an atmosphere that feels like what you imagine a really good home-grown fried chicken restaurant to be. The vibe is friendly, the decor charming (there is chicken wallpaper, folks), and the food incredible. Hands down, this place tops my list.

What We Ordered

In addition to the chicken, onion rings, and white bread, our order came with:

• German potato salad

• German coleslaw

• Spaghetti

Ratings

Chicken Rating: 5/5, this landed in my #1 spot. They use breadcrumbs and flour to coat the chicken, and it was everything.

Sides Rating: 5/5

Hospitality: 5/5

Pricing: ~$25.00 for 6 pieces of chicken comes with bread, German potato salad, German coleslaw, spaghetti and onion rings.

Plan your visit: 1271 S 220th St, Pittsburg, KS 66762Pittsburg, KS. Check the prices and learn more here.

My notes: These were the best onion rings on our trip! We couldn’t stop eating them. If we had been able to take leftovers home, we envision the best sandwich ever to be: the white bread (toasted) with fried chicken pieces, coleslaw and onion rings. Maybe add some horseradish? Comments welcome:

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Chicken Annie’s Girard

This was our last stop on the trail and did we save the best for last? Close to it.

First things first, let me tell you that they have over 1,000 chicken items (they stopped counting at 1,000) on display (see some below!). This, to me, Chicken Annie’s Girard is the quintessential fried chicken stop in Southeast Kansas: chickens everywhere, mouth-watering food, and the friendliest staff in town. Pretty sure we talked to everyone who worked there…

The current owners of Chicken Annie’s Girard and the owners of Chicken Annie’s OG are cousins. Louella (daughter of the original Annie) that we mentioned above, purchased this location from her mother-in-law, Mary Pistotnik, who had opened it as her own chicken spot: Sunflower Tavern & Chicken Dinners.

And now it offers the same menu, as far as I could tell, as the Chicken Annie’s Original, about nine miles apart from each other. They’ve got a window where you can see into the kitchen - and even say hello. As I mentioned, this was the last stop on our tour, so we had slowed down in our ordering enthusiasm by this point. But one bite of the chicken made us realize we had room for more, because yes, it was that good. Side note: pretty sure we never would have made it through the tour if all of this food wasn’t great.

So, did we think the chicken tasted the same as the original? Is it sacrilege to say we preferred the chicken here?

What We Ordered

In addition to the chicken, onion rings, and white bread, our order came with:

• German potato salad

• German coleslaw

• Creamy American coleslaw

Ratings

Chicken Rating: This tied for third place on my list with the Original Annies.

Sides Rating: 4.5/5. This was our favorite German potato salad. Not sure if it’s different from Chicken Annie’s OG, but it hit different for whatever reason…and I don’t even like potato salad.

Hospitality: 6/5 (They gave us a crocheted chicken as a prize for eating at all the spots in town. That’s some real community spirit, and it made us love thi

Plan your visit: 498 KS-47, Girard, KS, 66743. Check the prices and learn more here.

No notes. Good food, good atmosphere, friendly staff.

The Southeast Kansas Chicken Breakdown

If you made it this far, you’re either planning a road trip or you’re from Crawford County and already preparing an email telling us we’re wrong. Either way, we hope to hear from you.

Here’s the guide cheat sheet:

If you’re visiting for the first time:

Chicken Annie’s or Chicken Mary’s

If you seek out hidden gems:

Gebhardt’s

If you are all in on chickens:

Chicken Annie’s Girard

If you’re all about the sides:

Pichler’s Chicken Annies

If you want to eat where locals eat:

Barto’s Idle Hour

If you want to settle the rivalry for yourself:

Annie’s vs. Mary’s

If you only have time for one:

Pichler’s Chicken Annies

If you want to eat like a regular:

Order the wishbone, gizzard or liver. Fried, of course. The folks at Chicken Annie’s Girard (thank you!) threw in a wishbone for me and yes, my wish came true.

My Fried Chicken Ratings:

1. Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s

2. Chicken Mary’s

3. Chicken Annie’s Original AND Chicken Annie’s Girard

4. Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners

5. Barto’s Idle Hour

My Sides Breakdown:

Best Onion Rings: Pichler’s chicken Annie’s

Best German Potato Salad: Chicken Annie’s Girard

Best Creamy American Coleslaw: Chicken Annie’s Original

Best German Coleslaw: Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s

Best Chicken Noodles: Gebhardt’s

Best Spaghetti: Chicken Annie’s Original

Best Bread: Gebhardt’s

Best Green Beans: Gebhardt’s

Best Chicken Decor: Chicken Annie’s Girard

And if you want the most Kansas meal possible:

Head south to Crawford County, Kansas, friends. Most everyone in the area has a “my grandparents used to come here...” story about the fried chicken. Because the chicken is great and so are the people behind it.

Let us know your favorite, if you’ve been or will be going now and don’t forget to subscribe. As always, thanks for being here.

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History buffs know it as the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Railroad enthusiasts know it for the trains. Antique hunters know it for the treasure-filled storefronts that line downtown. Like I said, Abilene is full of surprises.

So here are 5 reasons why it should be your next weekend getaway, starting with art and ending with food.

1. Explore the Art Scene

One of the most surprising finds on my last trip to Abilene was how much creativity you can find across the city! Here’s my short list of what not to miss:

The Cowboy (Boots) Art Trail

The Cowboy Art Trail project began as an homage to T.C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store from the 1870s, initially inspired by a newspaper ad the store had. Comprised of about 14 large-scale boots, each uniquely painted to visually illustrate the history and culture of Abilene’s past, present and future, you can find them all across town. Follow the Trail here.

Take a Mural Tour

I’m not exactly sure just how many murals there are in Abilene, but you can find them all over town - or even stumble upon them! Of course, I thought I’d hunt for them and I found 16. Start your Mural Tour with this:

Abilene Mural Map

History Meets Photography

One of my favorite little museums in all of Kansas is The Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum. Operating since 1921, the studio produced many fascinating views of the life, events, and people of the local Dickinson County community. Set in the original photography studio in the heart of historic downtown Abilene, it offers a unique look at history through the camera lens. And if you like vintage cameras, there are a lot of them! Entry is free. Check it out here.

2. Experience the Culture of Small-Town Kansas

Abilene isn’t just a collection of attractions. It’s a place where Kansas culture is still very much alive.

Find the World’s Largest…

Every Kansas road trip deserves at least one giant roadside attraction. Lucky for you, Abilene’s got a few. Check out the World’s Largest Belt Buckle, The World’s Largest “I Like Ike” Button and the Big Spur - which isn’t the world’s largest, but it’s still pretty frickin’ big. Fun stops and great photo ops. Check out this out to hit them all.

Visit the Parks

I love including a local park on an itinerary. You can learn a lot about a place, and discover quite a bit of its character, in a park. And it’s free. Abilene has two parks I recommend:

• Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the stadium is where General Dwight D. Eisenhower announced his run for the presidency in 1952. The park is home to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. More info here.

• Little Ike Park: Located in the heart of downtown, it features a bronze statue of a young Ike and a nice bench to take a break while exploring the area. More info here.

Just Take It All In

Listen to live music on the porch at Rackets Tap House while enjoying a Kansas craft beer. This welcoming spot offers self-service beer and wine on tap, a clever cocktail menu and tasty snacks. Once the music started, I was ready to settle in my seat for the rest of the night. Check out their event schedule here.

Come on Ride the Train

And really, one of the best - and most unique things to do in Abilene - is ride the train. You can climb aboard The Flint Hills Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley heritage railway. Relive history as you travel the same tracks that helped build Kansas in the late 1800s, take in the sights and even enjoy dinner on one of the Dinner Trains. The train departs from the 1887 Rock Island Line Depot, restored to include the Fred Schmidt Railroad Museum that is a great way to get acquainted with Abilene’s deep railway roots before you take off on your journey. See the train’s schedule here.

3. Dive Into the History

If history is your thing, Abilene delivers. It was recently voted “Best Historic Small Town” by USA Today.

Cowboy History Comes to Life

Abilene played a major role in America’s cattle-driving era and was one of the original Wild West cow towns. Visit Old Abilene Town to experience the wild west come to life: grab a drink at an old saloon, step inside a jail, and don't lose your hat at a cowboy stand-off each summer. More info here.

A Mansion Worth the Visit

One of my surprisingly favorite experiences in Abilene is the Seelye Mansion. In all honesty, a home tour is never at the top of my list…especially a historic home. Let a tour of the Seeyle Mansion change your mind. It might have been the well-versed and well-read tour guide, the house’s colorful owners or the very rare and very old “Box Ball” bowling alley in the basement that you could actually play. Worth the price of admission for sure. Book your tour here.

A Presidential Highlight

Most notably, Abilene is home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, one of the most significant historic sites in Kansas. I’ve been many times, and will probably visit many more. If you had to ask me which part of the visit is my favorite, I’m not sure I could tell you. The exhibits are always changing, so keep that in mind. And speaking of, get there to see the current exhibition on view “Opening the Vault” before it closes on July 5. Plan your visit here.

4. Go Antique Shopping

If you enjoy treasure hunting, Abilene has got you covered. In all honesty, this isn’t my thing, but it is my partner’s thing and apparently many other folk’s thing, too. I did a little digging and I learned Abilene has over 150 antique vendors spread among it’s antique shops. So yeah, it’s actually a pretty big thing. Get into it here.

5. Eat Your Way Through Town

You know I saved the best - or maybe my favorite part - for last. From great pastries to one of my favorite pizzas in Kansas, Abilene does not disappoint when it comes to food. Here’s my shortlist:

Serving up pizza in downtown Abilene for over 31 years, Tossed n Sauced is one of my favorite pizza spots in the state. Ask them if they have any pizza specials while you are there - they can get pretty adventurous in the flavor combinations and you know I’m here for that.

You do not know what you are missing if you skip Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro. Offering fresh homemade pastries, sandwiches, desserts, coffee and more, it’s a great stop for breakfast or lunch. And always get the cinnamon roll!

If you’ve never been, don’t skip a local favorite - or maybe THE local favorite, a status that stands true not just in Abilene, but in all of Kansas: Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashioned Grill. Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the pie. Open for breakfast and lunch.

I finally made it to M&R Grill on my last visit - after everyone telling me to try the burger. So I did. But they also serve a slew of other American favorites on their menu and it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like a part of the community. Check it out!

The Hickok - Spirits & Eats is a relative newcomer on the Abilene food scene and a great addition. Serving BBQ, burgers and more with an Old West flair, it’s worth a stop. Pro tip: Try the Million Dollar Bacon - and the pickles!

One of the coziest and most charming (it’s set inside a beautiful home) little spots in town, Susie’s Deli is as delicious as it is cute. Open for breakfast and lunch. Also, get the cinnamon roll here, because you can never have too many, right?

I haven’t tried Fuji Asian Kitchen yet, but it’s on my list, and as I hear from my Instagram comments, I need to go - if you do, let me know how it is!

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And I’m sad to report, if you didn’t know already, Brookville Hotel closed…so no more legendary fried chicken in Abilene. We did stop by to make sure…just in case.

Find a full list of eats in Abilene and their addresses below. As with any small town, make sure you check opening times before you head out:

Abilene Food Stops

Bonus for the adventurers: For those of you who like a small-town dive bar, check out Southside Bar. I’ll leave it at that because IYKYK.

Where to Stay

In Abilene, I always stay at the Holiday Inn. They serve a good breakfast, although you won’t need it with my long list of good breakfast spots above. You’ll have to drive to all the stops listed above, but it’s nice to have a place you know will always be clean and waiting for you. Book your stay here.

An Itinerary to Make it Easy

You should have everything you need to know to have a great time in Abilene!

And if you’re a paid subscriber, I made you a detailed Itinerary for a weekend in Abilene. It includes:

• Where to stay

• Where to visit

• What to eat

• When to go

• And all the addresses and contacts to help[ it all go smoothly.

Download it below.

And if you aren’t a paid subscriber, considering becoming one - learn what’s included and what it costs here:

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CHICKEN STORIES

I’m currently in Southeast Kansas on a mission to eat at all the fried chicken places here. Well, actually, I finished that mission today: 3 spots each day for two days. That’s something like 30 - 40 pieces of chicken. And about the same for sides. I couldn’t even tell you how many onion rings that is. Fun fact: Onion rings are a precursor to chicken out here. Luckily, I am not alone in this assignment - there are three of us, and we did pretty good getting through it all. Lots of leftovers, of course. And let me tell you: the chicken out here is GOOD. Really good. I’ll be writing up a little review for ya here next month. Have you been?

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GET YOUR DAD SOMETHING NICE

Father’s Day is coming up, so I made a very, very short list of things you could get him. In case, like me, your Dad doesn’t say much or want much, but that’s what makes him great.

A Father's Day Gift Guide

IT’S FARMERS MARKET SEASON

One of my favorite times of year! I went to Manhattan, KS for a weekend earlier this month - for the Flint Hills Fest, actually. If you haven’t been, it’s a great one-day festival, in cooperation with the Discovery Center, celebrating Kansas and the Flint Hills. While in town, I went to MHK’s Farmers Market because it’s one of the best around. Which one should I visit next? Leave a comment below to let me know and check out what I checked out:

MHK Farmers Market

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WHERE I’VE BEEN & HOW IT’S GOING

I wrote a little post about my travels, being an “influencer,” eating and being told where to eat, Kansas and a few other random things. If you are curious:

A Quick Hello

BEST BURGER IN KANSAS

I finally ate the burger from Hell Rayzors Roadhouse in Harveyville, KS. We got there late so we decided to hang out for a while to take a break from driving. Great burger and great folks. Met a few followers of the tour there - it’s always fun to meet you all and talk burgers in real life. That’s what it’s all about.

Read My Review Here

AN ODE TO SUMMER

Summer is upon us! Maybe not officially, but school’s out and that’s good enough for me. The air tends to feel a bit different this time of year - heavy with anticipation and energy of the freedom that comes with summer.

Read More Here

LONGER DAYS MEAN BETTER COCKTAILS

Longer days mean we can celebrate longer. Check out a few cocktail bars across the state that are the perfect places to kick off summer.

Kansas Cocktail List

A PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM IN KANSAS

If you’ve never been to the Eisenhower Presidential complex in Abilene, KS, let this be your sign to do it. It’s a really great way to spend the day. Visit the Museum - it was renovated not too long ago, so it’s better than ever if you haven’t been since then. The Library is always surprising and Ike’s Boyhood Home is worth the guided tour. And don’t skip the Place of Meditation while you’re there. Check out more about it from my last visit:

Eisenhower in Abilene

NOTHING LIKE A KANSAS SUNSET

I think that’s all I need to say about that, really. But I went on about it anyway. So, if, like me, you can’t get enough of a Kansas sunset, this post is for you:

Chasing Those Kansas Sunsets

As always, thanks for being here. And if you enjoyed this post, consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep me on the road and to get access to all my Kansas Maps….did I mention we’re dropping Breweries of Kansas this summer?!?

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Another fond memory is the time he got to listen to me cry myself to sleep during what at the time seemed like a hurricane rolling through Camp Geiger in Saint Joseph, Missouri, during a Cub Scout camp weekend. It wasn’t a hurricane. And we both survived.

One thing about my dad, he is incredibly difficult to get gifts for. I mean, after the years of gifts that included Louis L’Amour, Clint Eastwood, and John Wayne we had to relent to 12-packs of Squirt. No, I’m not kidding. But I’m guessing this is most dads. Even me.

This is why I thought I would throw together a list for anyone who’s been buying their dad’s 12-packs of their favorite pop for the last few years. Here are some options, at least some for dads who still enjoy burgers, pizzas, and a Kansas sunset.

A Midwest Father’s Day Gift Guide

1. “Kansas, it’s not as bad as you think!” T-shirt

You know I had to include this, even though I sell it. Does my dad have one? Yes. Does my Father-In-Outlaw have one? Yes. Are you doing your dad a disservice if he doesn’t have one? Maybe not, but I still bet he’d like it.

Get it here

2. CORE Equipment Oversized Padded Round Chair

I have yet to meet a dad who doesn’t love a good camp chair, whether it’s for sitting lakeside while fishing or for watching fireworks on the 4th of July. At 45 years old, soon to be 46, and after years of research, this has got to be my favorite camp chair. And as a little bonus, you can let your dad know that CORE Equipment is based right here in Kansas!

Get it here

3. Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

When my dad makes breakfast for my kids, it’s like they’ve never had breakfast before. From the bacon to the scrambled eggs, they would swear it’s the best they’ve ever had. If your dad doesn’t have a set of cast iron, he needs one. When we go camping, the only pan I take is my cast-iron. It works for any meal and the more you use it, the better it gets.

Get it here

4. And if all else fails: A Membership to this Substack

Your dad may have enough shirts, a favorite camp chair, and more cookware than he knows what to do with. If that’s the case, maybe he’d be interested in our curated guide to everything Kansas (and beyond) has to offer - aka this Substack. It comes with some maps of Kansas burgers, pizza and soon breweries. Maybe if you get him this, you can visit them together, and there’s no better gift than that: spending time together.

Give a gift subscription

As always, thanks for reading. If you aren’t already, consider subscribing - we’ve got some good stuff planned for this summer.

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I grew up in a small town in Northeastern Kansas called Everest, like the mountain except the opposite of big and the opposite of a mountain. Our local pizza spot, one town over in Horton, was a Breadeaux Pizza. Growing up, the best Friday and Saturday nights I knew were cruising Horton and those breadsticks from Breadeaux. While it is no longer a Breadeaux, it is still open and I actually went recently. One of the things I love about this search for the best pizza is all the nostalgia everyone has around their favorite pizza spots. And here’s mine, that slice from the Pizza Bakery in Horton, just tastes like home. It may not be technically the best pizza, but it holds a special place in my heart and stomach.

I started my social media channels in 2020, when the world shut down, and my job as an preK-12 school administrator left me with a lot of time on my hands. I was seeing a lot of negativity about Kansas on social media at that time and I decided to do something about it: to share the Kansas I knew, the beauty that we all know and love right outside our door.

When I started my TikTok channel, I focused mainly on travel, sharing hidden gems and not-to-miss sights across the state. To my surprise, people started following along and everyone was so supportive - telling me where to go next. So like Forrest Gump, I just kept going.

I spent as much time as I could on the road. I took my kids along, though they rarely show themselves on camera. A couple of years ago, I met a great woman and now she travels with me. I felt I was part of something bigger than myself, bigger than my family. I’d meet strangers who said hello because they saw me online and they are always so kind and supportive. I never thought I’d find such a community on the internet, but there I was.

And one day my partner and I headed north to Lebanon, Kansas to see the Geographic Center of the Contiguous 48 States of America. And we stopped at Jiffy Burger in Smith Center. I thought, I’m going to record this and share it, because folks had recommended it in my comments on TikTok. And that post did really well, but it was the comments that changed everything. A slew of recommendations for other small, local, mom-and-pop burger joints all across the state.

So many we decided to make a list. I ate more recommended burgers. Then the list became a spreadsheet. And I tried more burgers recommended in the comments. With all this burger eating, we decided we should probably give it a name. Since everyone has their favorite, we went with the “Best Burger in Kansas Tour.” I kept eating burgers whenever I could - wherever I was passing through - one time 3 in a day - I don’t recommend. I decided I should probably try my hand at Instagram. And then a website. I ate more burgers. All the while traveling across Kansas, sharing the journey to get there, too.

Small towns and big cities across the state started inviting me to come visit and to eat things. Then, other states. I added in pizza. And locally brewed beer. Now I’ve got a Substack with some awesome follower.

I thought the Substack would be a great place to share more insights into all the travels and the food. There’s so much info I haven’t been able to share on social media, so many thoughts cruising down the open road that I thought, Maybe someone might be interested.

I’m still an educator by day - I get asked that a lot by old colleagues. And I am. It’s something I love. But summer vacation starts next week and I’m excited to get back to the road (would be more excited if gas prices were lower than my Cholesterol). To the eating. To the sharing it all with you.

I’m excited to have an audience here to share it with, from my perspective as that burger guy or and influencer - whatever makes the most sense. But I’ve always liked Renaissance Man of Mediocrity - I find it a better fit. At the end of the I’m just a guy who loves pizza, burgers, beer and Kansas. Who attempts to be a Substack writer. But, that’s enough for me.

So I hope you’ll subscribe, if you haven’t already. I’ll be sharing more about where I eat, what I visit and everything all around it - see the full list of what I feature here below!

As always, thanks for being here. Read on for more info on what this Substack is all about and where to find the stuff that I share.

Subscribe to my Substack to get:

• Travel stories and field notes

• Kansas road trip ideas

• Food recommendations

• Best Burgers in Kansas

• Best Pizza in Kansas

• Breweries of Kansas

• Small town reflections

• Cocktail spots and coffee shops

• Weekend getaway ideas

• Thoughts from the road

• Maps, guides, and recommendations

• And occasionally, reflections on why any of this matters in the first place

Paid subscribers also get Kansas food maps, my Top lists of Pizza and Burgers, discounts on merch and more!

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If you have kids, you know that anticipation is high with only a week or two or three left of school. If you don’t have kids, you surely remember those last days of class spent daydreaming of summer plans on your bike, or running free around town.

Something shifts, even now as an adult. Even if most of us are too busy to fully stop and take it in, even if our excitement will never be as it was when we were young, we still feel that slight tingle in our bones in anticipation of summer’s most valued asset: freedom.

As a kid, summer feels endless. Days that don’t seem to end and the race to get home before dark. The relentless summer sun didn’t shake our need to be under it. Nights were warm and full of starry skies and lightning bugs in jars. Baseball games under orange-colored skies. Bike rides you won’t believe you did when you are an adult. The only things that actually seem too fast were days at the lake or your popsicle melting over your fingers.

And as an adult, summer still offers sun-filled skies with later hours after leaving the day job - somehow giving us more time to relax. It means family road trips, long holiday weekends with family and friends, and lake days if we’re lucky.

Even though I’ll be working through the summer, and likely many of you will, too, this time of year still stirs something inside me. Maybe it’s memory — muscle memory. Whatever it is, I know it’s mainly that summer, despite the job, still means freedom. Mixed with possibility. Life loosens its grip just a little bit.

And we realize now that we, and even today, kids don’t treat summer days like they need to be optimized to their fullest potential. They don’t build perfect itineraries. They don’t worry about fitting in all their plans. They just take it in as the moment comes - and I think that’s where the freedom lies. And so that’s my summer goal. Who’s in?

And that’s the thing about Kansas, it’s beautiful in a quiet way that makes you feel alive. Cameras can catch the golden fields set against skies of the most perfect blue and clouds that look straight out of a Bob Ross painting, but they don’t capture the feeling. Being a part of the ever-expanding landscape and never-ending sky. There’s nothing else like it.

Add in a sunset and you feel like you might explode trying to take it all in. Those sunsets against the Flint Hills, the plains, miles of Milo, wheat and sunflowers. Streaming skies of colors behind low-lying small town skylines of grain elevators, windmills and cows slowly grazing.

I’ve driven through more small towns than I can count, but it’s those sunsets I remember the most. The colors seem impossible: vibrant orange melting into vivid pink, then fading into deep purple - and I’m colorblind!

Yes, I’ve been known to pull over and attempt to capture it. And yes, some of you have seen me and yelled out the window to give me props. How lucky are we to be Kansans?

It’s during these moments that I feel deeply connected to the heart of the Midwest. No skyscrapers, no traffic lights, just the horizon stretching out and the quiet hum of life in Kansas.

Chasing these sunsets has become a bit of an obsession for me, a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated, and that sometimes the simplest things leave the deepest impression.

The sun will set whether I watch it or not, but pausing to notice it makes the world feel both enormous and personal, and it’s a lesson I try to carry into every day, not just on the road.

As alway, thanks for being here and thanks for reading. Let me know where your favorite sunset is.

My favorite spots are the ones that respect the craft of making a good cocktail. And in all honesty, it wasn’t until I went into a place that respected it so much that I knew this was a thing.

Find yourself a spot that takes its time, that makes you reconsider ordering what you usually get and gives you a great memory of a Friday night that you just want to relive over and over again.

Here are a few of those spots for me in Kansas.

M1918 in Salina, Kansas. Led by a true craft cocktail artist, Colby Kish, this place is as comfortable as it is special. Friendly, cozy and the drinks are some of the best I’ve ever had. Offering prohibition-era-inspired cocktails, the whole experience - from the cocktails to the decor to the amazing service - it is at the top of my must-try list in Kansas. Order something off the seasonal menu if you want a whole new taste experience and make a reservation beforehand because you need a password to enter. Grab your table here.

If you want to know what I ordered, check my post about my latest visit.

GROW Plant Bar in Wichita is one of those places that is so unique, you can’t help but come back. The bar is set inside a plant store, with each table or booth set in its own little nook surrounded by plants. The menu is packed with cocktails inspired by the garden - think rhubarb, lavender and even carrot-packed menu items. Make a reservation because it gets busy. Check out the menu here.

And last, but not least: John Brown’s Underground in Lawrence. This spot is a Lawrence staple, named after one of its most notable residents, John Brown, but somehow it’s always surprising, and still seems like a secret. With one of the most innovative - and massive - cocktail menus in the state, you can’t help but try something new. And whatever you choose, it will be worth it. Book in advance and come early, because you’ll never want to leave. Make your reservation here.

If you have any recommendations for more great cocktail spots in Kansas, drop a comment below and let me know. And as always, thanks for being here.

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• All the pizza nominations that you, the audience, have submitted.

• If you already have the Map, check it because I also just added my Top Ten Pizza rankings list, so now you have everything in one spot. And in case you want to judge my rankings, I added what I ordered and ate.

• Also included is what I ate at the spots I’ve tried that didn’t make the Top Ten, in case you’re curious.

• Each marked location on the map gets you directions if you need ‘em. I suggest using the Map on your phone; it’s the easiest way to use the navigation feature.

Keep in mind, this is a running list. I’m always adding new spots - suggested by you, and also always trying to keep up with the list by eating pizzas.

And if you’re following along on the rankings, here’s why this is important today: because today the Top Ten changed, a new spot was added and an old one was knocked out.

Welcome, Morningstar’s New York Pizza from Lawrence into the Top Ten Best Pizzas in Kansas. They’ve got a buffalo chicken sauce that eases its way in, but brings the flavor with every bite. I can taste it as I write this….

Go give it a shot and become a Paid Subscriber to get the Map. It’s worth it, friends, under $4 a month and you get all my Maps, Lists, Merch discounts, itineraries, updates - basically everything. Sorry for the hard sell, but I do think you’ll find it worth it.

Become a Paid Subscriber

If you prefer to get the free stuff, find my Top Ten list here.

And get into the map here:

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It isn’t just a beer festival. It’s a room full of people who care deeply about what they’re making, about the people standing next to them and about the communities they are representing.

Brewers pouring for each other. Recommending each other. Talking about ingredients, processes, mistakes, and small wins like they are all on the same team. No ego. No weird competition. Just a shared understanding that they’re all trying to build something together in the same place. Trying to tell a story of where they are from and who they are through what they make. As Kansans.

And Kansas doesn’t always get credit for that. But it should.

The sheer variety alone tells the story. You walk in expecting a handful of safe options. Maybe a few IPAs, a couple lagers, some stouts and maybe one or two unpredictable somethings. But that’s not what this Expo is.

You’ll find a slew of sours that push the edge of what you expect beer to taste like - or be made from. Stouts that feel more like breakfast than a drink - because yes, there were two pancake-inspired takes. Clean, crisp lagers that remind you that restraint is still a skill. Experimental pours that probably started as a “what if” and ended up being something people line up for.

It’s not one style. It’s not one lane. It’s a state figuring out what it can be, one batch at a time. And somewhere along the way, I’ve figured out my lane too.

I like the adventurous stuff. Give me the sour that makes you pause after the first sip. The stout that feels a little over the top in the best way. The beer that someone had to convince themselves to brew in the first place. That’s where things get exciting! That’s where you remember what you’re drinking and want to know more about what’s in it, where it came from and who the mad geniuses behind it all are. So you do, because you are at this awesome Expo. (See my interviews with a few of the mad geniuses on Instagram).

And then there are the attendees. A crowd of people not just there to drink, but to drink among friends, support their communities and their favorite beers. I heard a few folks say this was their favorite day of the year, and I get why. It’s bigger than just beer.

If it’s your first time at the Expo, take note of the veterans on how to navigate it. There are a few strategies; they all work. Some people move fast, trying everything and covering a lot of ground. Others settle in. Longer conversations, fewer pours, more time simply taking it all in.

And then there are the planners. Necklaces of pretzels, meat sticks, Funyuns, cookies and anything else that can be clipped on like gear for a long hike. You can tell who’s done this before. It’s part preparation, part personality, and part of the fun.

By the time you step outside, commemorative glass in hand, you’re already taking stock of your favorite pours, conversations, and maybe even planning a trip to a new brewery you discovered.

And you’re realizing how special this community is. Because it’s not just beer. It’s people building something together. Experimenting. Supporting each other. And inviting the rest of us in along the way.

Now that’s worth showing up for.

Mark your calendar for next year - find more info here.

I get a lot of comments and DM’s about where to go and what to see in Kansas. My to-do list is becoming so long I don’t know how I’ll ever finish it. But I’m glad for that. It's proof of what I always try to communicate through what I do: Kansas is pretty great. And this month proved it: a few small towns, a great weekend in Lawrence, a stacked list of great pizzas and more.

Craft Beer for the Win

I visited my first Kansas Craft Brewers Expo (KCBE) - thanks to a suggestion from Shawn, Kansas beer’s biggest fan and a Subscriber here. I hadn’t been more excited to visit an expo, to be honest! And it was everything I thought it could be and more - the more because the beer community is like no other. It welcomed me with open arms, filled me with hops, and taught me a helluva lot about beer. I interviewed probably 12 brewers? I am sharing those interviews, slowly but surely, on my social channels - check the latest with Ladybird Brewing here:

Interview with Ladybird Brewing

Top Ten Pizzas

I finally made a list of my Top Ten Pizzas in Kansas. And a Map to help you get there if you want to try them. Let me know if you agree with my picks. But before you throw shade, there’s still plenty more places I haven’t been yet. Get into it here:

See my Top Ten Pizzas in KS

Lawrence, Kansas

As you know, I was in Lawrence for their annual Brew Fest. I decided to explore a bit more, as you do when in Lawrence. A coffee and a sweet treat at Barker, cocktails at John Brown’s Underground, a visit to the Spencer Museum on KU Campus (that was also a sweet treat in a different way), and of course, a pizza. Morningstar Pizza was a knock-out. It had been on my “to-eat” list for a while, but a lot of pizzas had been submitted to that list from Lawrence, so I was skeptical that there could be that MANY good pizzas there. But the way Morningstar brought it, maybe I’m wrong. We’ll see.

See my Morningstar review here

The Beauty of Small Towns

I talk a lot about small towns on here. And yes, that might be because I love to visit them. One thing Kansas - and Kansans - have taught me well: appreciate the beauty around you. There’s so much to be seen if you really look.

I visited two small towns this month: Phillipsburg, KS and Kensington, aka The Biggest Little Town in Kansas. It’s amazing to really stop and look at what each spot offers - a lot of similarities, of course - but it’s the unique things that always make me curious to know more. Where should I go next?

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Your Next Adventure

I got a few requests to make a list of the stops on one of the most popular Instagram videos (see it here). So I did. While the list doesn’t include all the stops featured, it’s a good start. I’d suggest putting the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, KS on the top of your list, because it’s “Tulipalooza” season and their Grand Opening tomorrow (March 28)!

See my top Kansas spots here

A Listen for Your Next Drive

I forgot to mention, in last month’s newsletter, that I was on the Ask a Kansan podcast. If you aren’t familiar with it, you might consider adding it to your podcast playlist since you are reading this! On my episode, I share insights into my travels and a few favorite stops in Kansas - and beyond. Click below to give it a listen:

Ask a Kansan podcast

As always, thanks for being here! If you enjoyed this post, consider becoming a paid Subscriber…gas is getting expensive.

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Here’s a list of some of my top destinations across Kansas - destinations I keep going back to - in no particular order. I’ve shared a few of these before, but hopefully you find it helpful to have my top spots all in one spot. Let me know where you go!

Kansas Maze Sunflower Field

Location: Near Buhler, Kansas

After all, we are the Sunflower State. There are few things in Kansas more mesmerizing than a field of sunflowers as far as the eye can see, swaying back and forth in the Kansas wind.

Cedar Bluff State Park

Location: South of Ogallah, Kansas

Truly one of the most awe-inspiring views in Kansas, just stand atop the Cedar Bluff Overlook for a sunset that you won’t forget! Amp up the view by hiking down the bluff to get the view from the beach. A couple of things to note: There is no railing along the edge of the bluff, so be mindful! Also, Apple Maps never seems to bring up directions to the Overlook, so be sure to use Google Maps for this one.

Bartlett Arboretum

Location: Belle Plaine, Kansas

This is a little slice of the European countryside right here in Kansas. If you are a garden lover or just want to rewind to a simpler time, this is a great place to leave your phone in the car and find yourself.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

Location: Just South of Oakley, Kansas

This was the very first place I visited when I decided to start making content to celebrate Kansas. It never fails to amaze me, you’re just cruising along the flatlands of western Kansas and then the whole Earth seems to open up into these beautiful badlands formations.

Waterfall at Geary State Fishing Lake

Location: Just South of Junction City, Kansas

This is easily the most temperamental spot in Kansas on this list. This waterfall is not always flooding, so don’t add this to your road trip list until you check the water levels of the lake and there have been a handful of good rains.

Castle Rock Badlands

Location: South of Quinter, Kansas

This is easily my favorite of the three Kansas badlands. Privately owned, but open to the public, it offers stunning geographic features that you can hike and explore to your heart’s content. Fair warning: The road has been improved, but can be a little rough.

Wildwood Adventure Park

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

There are a handful of ziplining experiences around Kansas, but we loved our experience here. The Flint Hills offers a beautiful backdrop and you fling yourself from one tower to another!

Monument Rocks Chalk Pyramids

Location: South of Oakley, Kansas

The last of the three Kansas badlands, this one offers one of the most iconic photo opps with the keyhole. This one is also privately owned, but open to the public. It makes a great companion to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park since they are both just off of the same highway.

Blue Sky Sculpture

Location: Newton, Kansas

If you haven’t heard of Phil Epp’s art, then I highly encourage you to seek it out. He is the artist behind this sculpture, which plays upon the enormous skies the plains have to offer.

Teter Rock

Location: Near Cassoday, Kansas

One of the most unique stops in Kansas, Teter Rock stands atop one of our famous Flint Hills and offers sweeping 360-degree views. Bonus points if you spot the horses in the distance.

Wilson State Park

Location: Just South of Lucas, Kansas

We live pretty close to this one, so this may be the one we visit the most often. Pack a cooler, grab your camp chairs, and make the hike to Rock Town. Dig your toes in the sand and enjoy a beautiful sunset among the amazing limestone rock structures.

Of course, there’s more on my list, but start with these. They’re all great for Spring Break, a summer road trip, or a weekend getaway. Let me know if you want a map!

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