Best Restaurants in Southeast Kansas: 27 Memorable Spots to Eat and Drink
Let me introduce you to the food of Kansas, Southeast style. The farm-fresh fare in this corner of the Sunflower State is sure to charm you. We’ll take a road trip with our taste buds and stop to eat in some of the best restaurants in Southeast Kansas.
You might expect down-home goodness, but there’s plenty of sophisticated tastes, too, even in the smallest towns. Across the board, its a journey of good eats—from a big family helping of the absolute best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted, to a bite of exquisite pastry.
Start your day with beautifully plated French toast decorated with pomegranate seeds in an upscale “bruncherie,” or with buttery grits and biscuits from an old-school diner.
Whether it’s a bar with live music, an iconic stop on Route 66, or an old-fashioned soda fountain—you’ll learn, as I did, that Southeast Kansas has a world of tastes to offer those who venture here.
Read on for some of the best restaurants in Southeast Kansas, complete with drool-worthy photos!
Disclosure: My trip was hosted by Kansas Tourism. This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions are completely my own.
I went on a Southeast Kansas (SEK) road trip recently. After writing about the places I saw and the things I did, I kept coming back to the culinary memories I made and the warm hospitality I experienced. Here’s where you should eat on your own Kansas road trip. We’ll start out in Kansas City, then head south.
Kansas City Barbecue
When you think of Kansas cuisine, you think of Kansas City barbecue, am I right? Perhaps the most famous food of Kansas, Kansas City barbecue is known around the world.
Kansas City is very serious about its signature cuisine. The Kansas City Barbecue Society, or KCBS, is the world’s largest organization of barbecue fans. Dedicated to celebrating and preserving barbecue as not only a culinary technique, but an art form, KCBS sanctions over 400 barbecue contests worldwide.
The Kansas City metro area boasts more than 100 barbecue restaurants, several of which are nationally renowned. KC hosts the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the largest barbecue competition in the world, along with several other major contests.
My trip to Kansas was my personal introduction to Kansas City-style barbecue.
What is Kansas City-style Barbecue?
So, what exactly is Kansas City-style barbecue? It originated in the early 1900s with Henry Perry. Perry served slow-cooked ribs on pages of newsprint for 25 cents a slab in his Kansas City establishment.
During the heyday of Kansas City Jazz, Perry’s barbecue restaurant became a major cultural touchpoint. Two of the oldest Kansas City-style barbecue restaurants still in operation trace their roots back to Perry’s pit.
Kansas City-style barbecue is first seasoned with a dry rub, then smoked “low and slow” over a variety of woods. It’s served with a thick, tomato-based barbecue sauce. KC-style barbecue is also characterized by the wide variety of meats used—pork, beef, chicken and turkey, lamb, sausage—sometimes even fish.
Burnt ends are a Kansas City specialty, introduced at Arthur Bryant’s. The crusty, fatty, flavorful ends cut from the point of a smoked beef brisket were initially considered scraps. But their unique flavor and texture, created by caramelization and smoking, has led to their becoming a celebrated dish.
Sides for Kansas City barbecue typically include a unique KC style of baked beans, French fries, and coleslaw.
Pro tip: Traditional KC-style barbecue sauce is not sweet. The well-known and nationally distributed KC Masterpiece sauce, sweetened with molasses, is very different from the more traditional sauces served at the old-school, counter-serve Kansas City barbecue restaurants.
Slap’s BBQ
Slap’s BBQ in KCK (that’s short for Kansas City, Kansas—Kansas City is located in both Kansas and Missouri) is an award-winning barbecue restaurant.
When I say Slap’s is award-winning, I’m talking about one of the few restaurants that actively competes on the KCBS circuit every year, to the tune of 25–35 contests each season.
The restaurant actually started out as a barbecue competition team, founded by brothers Mike and Joe Pearce in 2013. They won so many contests they decided to open their own barbecue joint the following year.
Their commitment to cooking fresh and putting out the best barbecue possible had dedicated customers lining up at the door. They still sell out every day.
You won’t leave hungry. Servings are generous. I could barely get my mouth around my sandwich!
Rosedale Bar-B-Q
My first night in Kansas City, I got takeout from Rosedale Bar-B-Q, a family-owned business that has been serving Kansas City-style barbecue for over 90 years. When I learned that Anthony Bourdain had eaten there, I decided to check it out.
Bourdain visited in 2012 while filming his show No Reservations. He dined on the Texas toast brisket sandwich and “Cheesy Potato Bake” side. According to Reddit, the extra crispy fries, the cheesy potato bake, and the beef sandwich are very popular.
Rosedale’s slogan is “Beef, pork, chicken and more, smoking for the carnivore since ’34.” They aim to keep to tried and true recipes and methods and offer a quality product at competitive prices.
Rosedale Bar-B-Q is Kansas City’s oldest major barbecue restaurant continuously owned and operated by the same family. I had the barbecue chicken dinner with 3 sides:
The KCK Barbecue Trail
KCK Tourism recently launched a new way to explore Kansas City, Kansas with your taste buds. The KCK Barbecue Trail is similar to the KCK Taco Trail, which features the best places to get KCK tacos. Both highlight hidden gems and neighborhood staples that make KCK a must-visit for food lovers.
The self-guided trail offers check-ins at each stop to unlock points and earn prizes.
With Slaps and Rosedale, I’ve already hit two of the restaurants on the Trail. High on my barbecue bucket list is Joe’s BBQ original KCK location—Anthony Bourdain listed it as one of “13 Places You Must Eat Before You Die.” I can’t wait to hit the Barbecue Trail next time I’m in KCK.
Pittsburg Kansas Restaurants
As the largest city in Southeast Kansas and a college town, Pittsburg has a whole lot of good food.
Just a couple hours drive from Kansas City, Pittsburg is home to Pittsburg State University, or Pitt State. Pitt State’s mascot is a gorilla—the only collegiate gorilla mascot in the country. You’ll find gorillas—and football fans—all over town.
Bob’s Grill
Bob’s Grill is no exception. The diner is a paean to Pitt State football, with helmets lining the tops of walls and and football jerseys for wallpaper. A checkered black-and-white floor, long counter, and bar stools facing the big diner grill complete the picture.
Bob’s Grill is an old-school, classic diner. How classic? It’s been in operation for 62 years, and the restaurant building itself has been serving food for closer to 80. That’s a whole lot of experience pleasing Pittsburgers and visitors alike.
I personally am deeply in love with their cinnamon rolls and sigh longingly every time I remember them. Sigh!
This singular Southeast Kansas restaurant offers a taste of community history and Pittsburg pride at affordable prices. Belly up to the counter for classic diner fare with friendly service. Tell them I sent you!
Downtown Historic Building Renovation Houses Pittsburg Restaurants
An historic area in Downtown Pittsburg has been revitalized and now houses some amazing Pittsburg restaurants that are redefining Kansas cuisine.
The Block22 project is a unique partnership between Pittsburg State, the City of Pittsburg, and the Vecino Group. In 2018, the partners transformed four historic buildings in downtown Pittsburg into an innovative, mixed-use living and learning community.
The buildings include the Commerce Building, housing TOAST restaurant and the Brick + Mortar Social House, and the Opera House Hotel, home to The Balkan.
TOAST and the Pittsburg Bread Company
One of the spaces inside the Commerce Building was formerly Crowell’s Drug Store. It’s now TOAST, a funky little restaurant with big flavor and food options. TOAST features seasonal, local ingredients paired with artisan bread from their award-winning sister business, the Pittsburg Bread Company. This is creative comfort food at its best.
The delicious sourdough breads, as well as the biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and baked desserts served at TOAST, are made at the Bread Company. It was voted Best Bread in Crawford County 2025.
When the Block 22 project came along, Heather & Roger Horton had been operating nearby Sweet Designs Cakery for several years. They had been thinking about expanding, and Block22 was looking for businesses to occupy the just-renovated buildings. The Hortons opened TOAST in October 2019.
Six months later, the COVID 19 pandemic hit. Ouch. They made it through, and during that time, transformed the Cakery into Pittsburg Bread Company.
All their flour is grown and milled in Kansas. Next, they plan to start milling their own flours from wheat and corn grown in SEK. I love that! Their intent with the bread company is a product that is healthy and nutrient-dense as well as utterly delicious.
The two businesses work hand-in-hand. Heather brings her culinary creativity to the unique farm-to-fork fare. Supporting local food systems is a big part of their mission—80% of their ingredients are either grown or manufactured locally.
I think helping to revitalize historic downtown Pittsburg and making a difference by promoting local foods calls for a toast to these two busy entrepreneurs!
Roger’s breads can be purchased at TOAST market inside the café on Fridays and Saturdays, along with Kansas-made products and grab-and-go treats.
The Balkan, formerly Root Coffeehouse
When I was in Pittsburg, I visited Root Coffeehouse. The original tin ceiling, decorative tile floors, and exposed brick walls, along with delicious coffee drinks and comfortable seating, made this an ideal place to hang out.
This beautiful space has since reopened as The Balkan. A coffeehouse and café during the day, it transforms into a cocktail lounge on Thursday–Saturday evenings. Built in 1892 as the Opera House Hotel, Scott Joplin once performed here. In homage, one of their coffee drinks is named after his ragtime classic, The Entertainer.
The restaurant’s name pays tribute to the Balkan immigrants who came to work in the Southeast Kansas coalfields, beginning in the 1870s. They represented a wide variety of cultures from a dozen countries in Southeastern Europe, each with distinct languages, food, music, and traditions.
Over time, the area became known as “The Little Balkans” to represent a community built from many cultures standing together.
The Balkan is a coffeehouse every day of the week until 5 p.m., and a cocktail lounge from 5–11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday nights. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dessert, keeping it fresh with new items and pop-up specials.
I can’t wait to visit next time I’m in Pittsburg.
Proprietors Brenda Davis and Christina Oberle are also owners of the Blue Spoon, just a short walk down Broadway.
The Blue Spoon
In 2017, The Blue Spoon made its debut as a food truck at local events and county fairs. By early 2021, owners Christina Oberle and Brenda Davis decided to take a risk. They quit their corporate jobs to grow the Blue Spoon into a full-service custom catering company.
In August 2022, they officially opened this grab ‘n go storefront that also operates as a catering kitchen. Here you’ll find delicious lunch and dinners on the go, from salads and paninis to lunchboxes, dinner meals, and a fabulous plethora of desserts (my personal fave, but I try to eat dinner first).
The Blue Spoon won Pittsburg Small Business of the Year in 2025. The second floor of the building houses Beds on Broadway, beautiful furnished apartments available through Airbnb. They offer an option if you’d like to stay downtown, as the hotels are just outside of town.
Where to Stay in Pittsburg
- Highest-Rated: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburg by IHG
and Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburg - Mid-Range: Regency Inn Pittsburg
- Budget: Americas Best Value Inn Pittsburg
- Note: The Holiday Inn and the Regency Inn are closest to Chicken Annie’s and Mary’s
Kansas Fried Chicken! Crawford County, near Pittsburg
Fried chicken dinners are some of the most beloved food of Kansas and an important part of Kansas cuisine. You’ll find incredible chicken dinners all over the state, but Crawford County’s historic group of fried chicken restaurants have earned them top honors.
Fried Chicken Wars
What are the Fried Chicken Wars? I picture drumsticks wielded as weapons while pieces of fried chicken fly through the air in some kind of epic food fight.
The 2 oldest fried chicken houses, Chicken Annie’s (1934) and Chicken Mary’s (1942), have been serving up their original recipes for decades. For over 4 generations, there’s been a friendly rivalry between these women-owned local gems that operate within just 300 feet of one another.
Back in the 40s, the competition was fierce because families didn’t often go out to eat. These days, there’s a large and mobile enough population in Pittsburg to keep not only these 2, but another 4 chicken houses in Crawford County going strong.
Over the years, the rivalry died down to the point the families intermarried (Annie’s grandson and Mary’s granddaughter, who now own another local chicken house).
But Pittsburgians are still either team Annie’s or team Mary’s, each with a slew of devoted fans. This was evident in 2010, when the Travel Channel’s Food Wars filmed here. Annie’s and Mary’s faced off, and 5 blindfolded taste testers sampled a fried chicken leg from each restaurant.
It really comes down to the crust. Annie’s chicken is bathed in eggs and breadcrumbs only, while Mary’s uses eggs and milk and adds some flour to the crumbs.
So which to pick? My group solved the problem by having the family-style dinner at both restaurants. Family meals include 3 sides and a giant order of onion rings to start. A large bread basket is served right after you’re seated.
Gosh, it’s been awhile since I’ve had a family-style meal at a restaurant—and these were especially generous.
Chicken Annie’s Original
Chicken Annie’s is the oldest chicken house, est. 1934. That was when Annie’s husband, a coal miner, was disabled at work. Annie turned her living room into a dining area and started serving chicken dinners to make ends meet.
Her home eventually became a homey restaurant. It’s still in the family, being run by Annie’s grandchildren. Her granddaughter Donna stopped to chat with us.
Why is it named Chicken Annie’s Original? It’s the original Chicken Annies. There are a couple spinoffs, Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Annie’s Girard, owned by relations from the same family.
The onion rings were a standout. Never had better. Our sides included German potato salad, which is a thing around these parts, along with German-style coleslaw. (They have a vinegar-based dressing, rather than a mayo-based one.)
Chicken Mary’s
After this feast we staggered over to Chicken Mary’s, est. 1942. Similarly, after Mary’s husband was injured in the coal mines, she started serving meals in her home.
At Mary’s, they served onion straws rather than rings. Then came out a big plate of fried chicken and our sides, including macaroni cheese and spaghetti (another thing around these parts. Spaghetti is common as a side dish for fried chicken).
Chicken Mary’s also thought we should try the cornbread biscuit they were developing, served with homemade apple butter. Oh, my.
They were hot and delicious and I ate the leftover apple butter with a spoon. They also brought out a huge serving of chicken parmesan. Yum. And we’d already eaten a meal at Annies! To say I was stuffed is an understatement, but I enjoyed every minute.
So affordable, you can try both!
Did I mention all this deliciousness was also eminently affordable? You’d be more than happy eating a meal at either restaurant. Or try both, like we did—they’re just a block apart!
History of Kansas Fried chicken
You can learn more about the history of Kansas fried chicken on the Kansas Sampler Foundation website. The Kansas Sampler Foundation came up with the 8 wonders of Kansas series which I absolutely love. They also have tons of great programs like the Big Kansas Road Trip and the Kansas Explorer’s Club. Crawford County fried chicken is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine.
Best Restaurants in Southeast Kansas: Where to Eat on Kansas Route 66
Kansas has just 14 miles of the Mother Road, but it’s jam-packed with kistch and fun. Here’s some of the best places to eat along the route. Did you know Route 66 turns 100 years old in 2026?
Restaurants in Baxter Springs, Kansas
Kansas’ stretch of Route 66 begins in Baxter Springs, which is home to the Kansas Route 66 Visitor’s Center. Baxter Springs is a good food stop as there are quite a few restaurants. Here are my favorites.
Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub
The Woodfire Grill is dedicated to bringing classic wood fire pizza taste to Route 66. Owner Doug Puckett was born and raised in Baxter Springs. In addition to wood fire pizzas, the restaurant offers a selection of appetizers, salads, pastas, burgers and hot sandwiches.
I had a fantastic salad, though now I’m wondering why I didn’t just pig out on the pizza buffet.
Don’t forget the brews! The full bar features a large selection of craft beers, along with wine, hard cider, and cocktails. Watch out for their frequent drink specials.
Live music is also a big part of the Bricks & Brews experience. Local artists play in an upstairs music venue. Check the restaurant’s Facebook page for details on upcoming shows.
They also host frequent events with food, fun, and entertainment. I get the impression the restaurant acts as a community hub, whether people are watching a game, attending a cornhole tournament, or enjoying a weekend concert. It looks like they break out the smoker for special occasions.
Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
It was really fun to check out this old-time-style soda fountain right across the street from Bricks n Brews. It’s not so old—while housed in a classic brick building, the interior is actually new construction.
At Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, they’ve done an amazing job recreating a traditional pharmacy and soda fountain. From the ceiling, which looks like an old tin ceiling, to the general decor, you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
They serve the old-fashioned good stuff you won’t find just anywhere: handcrafted sodas, phosphates (lime rickey, anyone?), and egg creams. Their menu of shakes, malts, and specialty items will fulfill anyone’s ice cream dreams.
When you walk in, you’ll see a board listing the day’s featured flavors. When we visited, there were nine! Wish I could have tried them all, including black walnut, espresso, peach, and s’mores.
My malt tho . . . made with salted caramel ice cream:
Galena, Kansas: Cars on the Route
Cars on the Route is a well-known stop in Galena that blends history with pop culture. Parked out front are classic fire trucks and other vintage vehicles that transport you back to the Mother Road’s heyday. Take your picture with the tow truck that inspired the character “Mater” in Pixar’s Cars movie.
The former Kan-O-Tex service station at the north end of Main Street has been part of Route 66 history since it opened in 1934. In 2007, the building was purchased and restored by four Galena women.
With both indoor and patio seating, it’s a great spot for lunch. The menu includes burgers and other hot sandwiches. They sell snacks, antiques, and memorabilia in their gift shop. Don’t miss this slice of classic Americana on Route 66!
Riverton, Kansas: Nelson’s Old Riverton Store
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store has been doing business on Route 66 essentially unchanged since 1925. Inside, you’ll find groceries, souvenirs, and gifts.
There is also an old-school deli you don’t want to miss. Their deli sandwiches are very reasonably priced, and there’s a pleasant seating area on an enclosed patio.
The Old Riverton Store, known for its 1920s architecture and tin ceiling, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s considered one of the most authentic, still operating stores of its kind on Route 66.
Coffeyville: Home of the original ICEE!
Did you know that Coffeyville, Kansas is the home of the original ICEE?
Coffeyville businessman Omar Knedlik invented the stuff. On a boiling hot day in 1958, Knedlik, owner of the local Dairy Queen, found himself in a sticky situation. His soda machine broke. In desperation, he put a few bottles in the freezer.
Voila: the sugar in the soda prevented it from turning to ice, but rather created a pleasant icy slush. Turned out his customers, who were flocking in to get something to cool off, loved the stuff.
In true inventor fashion, Knedlik got to work designing a machine to create the frozen drink and spent 5 years perfecting it, using car air conditioning parts at first. He patented it in 1960.
Get an ICEE
You can find the town ICEE machine at the Coffeyville Chamber, housed in the the iconic Perkins Building. This gorgeous historic structure, circa 1890, was once home to the Condon Bank. An exceptional example of Eclectic architecture, be sure to admire the rare stamped metal facade.
Condon was one of the banks the infamous Dalton Gang attempted to rob. Go on inside—You can check out the building features, including the original bank window, and get an ICEE while you’re at it!
The Perkins building is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Breakfast at Hersh’s Coffee shop
The coffee is at Hersh’s is expertly roasted in small batches right in town by the Coffeyville Coffee Company. Besides the regulars, a thoughtful and creative menu of specialty coffee and tea drinks—with non-caffeinated options too—rotates seasonally.
If you love the custom blend featured that day, you can purchase their organically grown beans, packaged in compostable bags.
A café as well as an espresso bar, Hersch’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Their menu is small but delightful, with everything fresh and homemade. I had a smoothie bowl with delicious homemade granola and lots of fresh berries. They offer sandwiches at lunch.
Hersh’s sells some tempting gelato as well—for an out-of-this world affogato, a cone, or a pint to go. Some of their recent flavors are Banana De Leche Dulce, Belgian Chocolate, and Sea Salt Caramel—I’d like to try an affogato with that one! They have a dairy-free version, too.
The Yoke Bar and Grill
The Yoke Bar and Grill is a popular local restaurant, housed in a renovated building in historic downtown Coffeyville. Residents have voted their steak the best in town every year since 2020.
The menu features flame-grilled burgers and steaks, plus pizza, salads, chicken, and fish. Both the dinner rolls and the hamburger buns are freshly made in house.
Known for their penny-topped bar, drinks include draft and bottled beers as well as a cocktail menu.
I enjoyed their custom Death Alley* root beer, served in a frosty mug. Get a root beer float for dessert!
*If you’re wondering what Death Alley is, check out the story of how the people of Coffeyville defeated the Dalton Gang.
Wild Bloom Coffee in Iola Kansas
One of my favorite Southeast Kansas road trip stops was lunch at Wild Bloom Coffee in Iola, Kansas. This delightful café is so much more than a coffee shop (though their coffee drinks are amazing). It’s the place to go in Iola for delicious food—a community hub for everything culinary with a focus on scratch cooking.
First of all, it’s such a beautiful space to spend time in. Your experience starts outside with an eye-catching mural and a door surrounded with flowers. Then you enter a light-filled zone with soaring pressed-tin ceilings, green plants, and the delicious aromas of coffee brewing and good things baking.
Owners Myra and Gabe Gleason hail from California. They migrated here during the pandemic.
Gabe’s flair for food and Myra’s gift for creating curated experiences bring a bit of California’s culinary diversity to the small town of Iola, widening the scope of rural Kansas cuisine.
Wild Bloom offers pastries and a brunch menu to enjoy with the extensive coffee and tea selection, and the most delightful lunches. Our beautiful sandwiches were accompanied by truffle potato chips. Afterwards, Gabe prepared a board of custom desserts that were positively swoon-worthy.
The exquisite pastries were the equal of any I’ve had in a big city patisserie, and all the tastier for showing up unexpectedly in small town Kansas.
Best Restaurants in Southeast Kansas: Humboldt
You might not expect a little town in rural Kansas to have a brunch restaurant, a dedicated coffeeshop, a confectionery, and an elegant cocktail lounge, along with a craft brewery and two pubs offering live music. But you’d be wrong. Humboldt has all that, and more.
This tiny Southeast Kansas town—1.5 square miles, population under 2,000—is a small town revitalization success story. In 2024, Smithsonian Magazine named Humboldt one of its 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA.
The downtown’s beautiful historic buildings all have active or developing businesses, and many of them feature food and drink. You’ll be surprised at the sophistication of this small town’s Kansas cuisine!
Honeybee Bruncherie
Another of my favorite Southeast Kansas road trip stops was the charming Honeybee Bruncherie. This place is all-out adorable, and the food is delicious. I really love breakfast food, anytime, anywhere, and I consider myself a pancake aficionado. So believe me when I say the pancakes are GOOD here.
As you might have guessed by the name, it’s a brunch spot, also serving breakfast for earlier birds (they open at 9 am) and lunch until 2 pm. If you’re there for lunch, try one of the local favorites, the crispy pork tenderloin sandwich.
Honeybee offers tasty takes on diner classics along with excellent coffee, a cozy, modern vibe, and a big ol’ dose of Midwestern hospitality. If you’re in Humboldt on a Sunday, don’t miss their Sunday brunch, an all-you-can-eat buffet from 9 am–2 pm.
Check out the gorgeous plating of this French toast! I am in love with the little syrup pitchers that look like vintage depression-era glassware. Combined with the clean modern lines of the ceramic plates and the flatware and the colorful exuberance of the food, this kinda sums up the Honeybee aesthetic.
Octagon City Coffee Company
On to the dedicated coffee shop, Octagon City Coffee Company. Their mission states, “we believe the people should have access to great tea and coffee, no matter where you live, even in tiny towns in rural America.”
Octagon delivers with delicious coffee and tea drinks. The coffee is roasted locally, and the lineup includes espresso, cold brew, and matcha. Hungry? Octagon also sells pastries and fruit smoothies.
The shop is named after an obscure piece of history. In the mid 17th century, a group of dedicated vegetarians wanted to build an utopian community in the form of an octagon, with octagonal buildings, near what is now Humboldt.
Of the 100 settlers who arrived in May 1856, only 4 were left the following spring. Their numbers had dwindled as they endured multiple hardships, from mosquitoes to border ruffians. Today, all that remains is a waterway named Vegetarian Creek—and the Octagon City Coffee Company!
Bijou Confectionery
The Bijou Confectionery features French treats. Bijou is the French word for jewel, and this gorgeous little sweets and treats shop is a jewel housed in a beautifully restored historic building on the Humboldt town square.
Bijou opened in 2018 and started making and selling French macarons. Humboldt locals liked them. Pretty soon everybody liked them. They now ship macarons nationwide.
They also offer housemade fudge in a number of inventive flavors, cookies, bars, and cupcakes. The shop sells pick-your-own chocolates and candy, and a wide variety of unusual and nostalgic candies.
A lovely Bijou apartment above the store can be rented through Airbnb. We stayed at The Bailey Modern Rooms Boutique Hotel, which is housed in the historical corner building along the same street.
Dinner and Live Music at Cozy’s Grindhouse
We had a fun dinner at Cozy’s Grindhouse. The pub’s stage featured Damaris, a singer-songwriter, our Humboldt tour guide, and the town’s community engagement director.
This popular bar and restaurant offers something for everyone, from craft cocktails and barbecue to local brews, a kids menu, and pinball.
More about that craft barbecue. Smoked pulled pork and wings are on their regular menu, while a brisket is smoked on Saturdays, making for brisket sandwiches and authentic burnt ends from 11 am to 8 pm, or until they sell out.
More Humboldt Nightlife
Union Works Brewing Company
Humboldt has a vibrant bar scene in addition to the great live music and pub fare at Cozy’s. After dinner, my group headed over to Union Works Brewing Company. This craft brewery has ten beers on tap and is also a casual restaurant.
The Hitching Post
Another popular Humboldt watering hole, the Hitching Post tavern has live music focused on old-school country. They serve up a variety of beers, non-alcoholic cocktails, and curated whiskies. In fact, they have the largest whiskey selection in southeastern Kansas. You’ll love the 1950’s cowboy theme.
Perenound Cocktail Bar
We toured the the Perenound Cocktail Bar when we arrived and is it ever gorgeous. The upscale space makes you want to lounge about and drink cocktails all day and night.
Perenound, nicknamed Perry’s, features expert mixology along with charcuterie and other artfully presented snacks. Their creative drink menu offers fresh takes on classic cocktails and includes some one-of-a-kind mixed drinks.
Best Restaurants in Southeast Kansas: Where To Eat in Emporia
Breakfast at Commercial Street Diner
I was thrilled to see grits on the menu at this classic downtown Emporia diner. I’m seldom far enough south to get real grits, and I love ’em. Commercial Street Diner did not disappoint with a bowl of traditional grits swimming in butter. Their biscuits were excellent as well.
One of my dining companions had the most gorgeous stack of thick, pillowy pancakes I’ve ever seen. Though I loved my grits, I was extremely jealous. I’d suggest ordering both, and a biscuit too. This is not the place to worry about your carbohydrate intake.
Lunch at Radius Brewing Company
In downtown Emporia, enjoy a stroll down Commercial Street, which was chosen among USA Today’s 10 Best Main Streets for 2025.
Emporia’s historic downtown is home to a celebrated microbrewery. Radius Brewing Company is Emporia’s first brewery since prohibition days. Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Justin Bays serves brick-oven pizzas and other creations.
During the day, nosh on sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The chef’s menu becomes available after 5 p.m., featuring the likes of fresh seafood, steak, and pastas. You can see food being prepared in the open kitchen. Watch out for flying pizza dough!
Accompany your meal with a brew from Radius’ line of craft beers, which are brewed right in the middle of the dining room.
Dinner at Union Street Social
A Midwestern-style supper club and classic cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Emporia, Union Street Social is so darn cute. They describe themselves as “kind of like an old school steakhouse, mixed with your grandma’s weird basement, with a dash of vintage speakeasy.”
The focus here is hospitality, delicious and beautifully presented food, and yummy cocktails.
We started out with the Bee Stings appetizer, Spanish Manchego cheese drizzled with local honey and truffle oil, accompanied by toasted baguette. Oh my, this was gorgeous and delish.
We also had the hummus topped with grilled red onions and bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, lemon and herbs. Served with fried and grilled naan bread, you could make a meal out of this appetizer alone!
About that food presentation—Check out this gorgeous dish. My dining companions entrées included a steak dinner, fried chicken, and a fish entrée. I had this incredible grain bowl with grilled chicken.
NOTE: Union Social closed at the end of 2025. Their new venture, PlainSpoken, has an anticipated opening sometime this spring. Watch here for updates.
In Conclusion
Are you hungry yet? Southeast Kansas is brimming with local gems, comfort food, and exciting new restaurants that are redefining Kansas cuisine. Many of the highly-rated eateries listed here have been popular with locals and travelers for decades.
I hope you’re inspired to plan your own Southeast Kansas road trip and get on your way to enjoying some excellent Kansas food. These are just places I’ve sampled myself. If I’ve missed one of your favorite Southeast Kansas restaurants, tell me about it in the comments!
Map of Southeast Kansas Restaurants you Will Love
Southeast Kansas Road Trip
Be sure to join me on my Southeast Kansas road trip! Essential stops include:
- The Western Frontier in Fort Scott
- Big Brutus, the world’s largest electric shovel, in West Mineral
- Quirky Fun on Kansas Route 66
- The Little House on the Prairie Museum near Independence
- The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
More Food Travel Posts
- The Best Places to Eat in Oklahoma City
- The Best Restaurants Near Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis
- New York Street Art and Good Food on the Lower East Side
- Stuffing Myself With Foods On A Stick at the Minnesota State Fair
- Tour Grand Central Terminal and Eat at the Oyster Bar
- Best Things to Do and Eat in Wisconsin Rapids
Nearby: Oklahoma City
Kansas borders Oklahoma, so when in Southeastern Kansas, think about visiting nearby Oklahoma City!
