Server at Chicken Mary's holding three plates of fried chicken, cole slaw and mashed potatos.
Food & Drink

Savor Culinary Delights

A Rich Tradition of Delicious Cuisine

Some say the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach. If that’s true, then our dining experiences are sure to win you over. From world-famous barbecue to farm-to-table delights, Kansas offers a diverse blend of flavors that cater to every palate. Savor slow-smoked meats, explore historic vineyards and indulge in local craft beers – this is a place where every meal becomes a memory, and every bite tells a story. Join the ranks of those who have tasted, savored and embraced the culinary wonders of Kansas, and make your taste buds part of our vibrant community.

Facts & Rankings

#3

Best BBQ City in America (Kansas City, KS)

6

Wichita Restaurants Awarded by Wine Spectator

2023

James Beard Foundation Best Chef Midwest Semifinalist (Corvino Supper Club)

2023

James Beard Foundation Outstanding Bar Nominee (Drastic Measures)

World-Famous BBQ

Here, barbecue isn’t just food – it’s a culture that unites communities and tantalizes taste buds.

Thanks to our strong ties to agriculture, our steaks are a cut above the rest, and operations focused on sustainability and all-natural ranching practices ensure unmatched flavor. Experience our rich heritage of BBQ excellence, from tender beef brisket to perfectly seasoned burnt ends, within a community that welcomes you to the table with open arms. We may be humble by nature, but when it comes to our barbecue, we’re loud, proud and ready to share.

Over 100 BBQ joints provide mouthwatering flavors throughout Kansas City including Slap’s BBQ and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, both award-winning restaurants renowned for their burnt ends and delicious sauces. In Wichita, you’ll find Bite Me BBQ, where the inviting atmosphere pairs perfectly with the mouthwatering meats, and in Topeka, the Topeka BBQ Shop allows you to stock up on all your favorite seasonings and sauces so that you can enjoy the zest of BBQ in the comfort of your own home! And that’s just the start – no matter where you go in Kansas, you’re sure to find finger-licking barbecue.

BBQ chef puts more hickory wood into a wood-burning oven

Locally Sourced With Love

The farm-to-table movement thrives in Kansas, where the commitment to local, sustainable ingredients is palpable. From bustling farmers’ markets in cities like Lawrence and Manhattan to innovative restaurants like Silo Modern Farmhouse in Lenexa, our diverse culinary landscape embraces freshness and community connections, creating a seamless link between producers, chefs and diners alike. Drawing from our agricultural heritage, our farm-to-table dining experiences ensure that every dish is a celebration of flavor and responsible sourcing, so you know exactly where your food is coming from.

In recent years, this heightened focus on sustainable living has only grown, and local communities have embraced the concept of sourcing food directly from nearby farms and producers. Farmer’s markets have multiplied, and establishments like Elderslie Farm in Kechi and The Barn in Burrton are proudly showcasing the freshest local flavors in their innovative menus. The recent growth reflects a shared desire to connect with the land, honor tradition and celebrate the rich flavors that flourish within our state’s fertile soils.

With the sun beaming on his face, a chef takes a bite of a fresh meal in the kitchen before its brought our for service

We’ll Drink to That

When it comes to wine, we know a thing or two. Our rich history of winemaking dates back to the mid-1800s, and since then we’ve continued to carve a unique niche in American winemaking. Led by passionate winemakers and a commitment to quality, our vineyards embrace local produce and sustainable practices, and our diverse climate allows for a range of grape varietals. Tasting rooms and events now showcase innovative blends, reflecting a recent revival in our winemaking tradition, which you can explore over three wine trails: the Glacial Hills Wine Trail, Kaw Valley Wine Trail, and Somerset Wine Trail.

And, our wineries aren’t the only things gaining steam: distilleries and breweries are growing in Kansas, too. Embracing small-batch production and quality craftsmanship, our distilleries have evolved from historical Prohibition-era challenges to a vibrant modern industry, and today you’ll find whiskey, vodka, gin and more at establishments like Boot Hill Distillery and Smoky Valley Distillery. Prefer a brewski? Our craft beer scene is flourishing, boasting a vibrant range of breweries that cater to diverse tastes. From small-town gems to urban hubs, you’ll find a community of passionate brewers across Kansas who are embracing innovation and creativity, including Tallgrass Tap House, Defiance Brewing Co. and River City Brewing Co. Explore the variety of winery, distillery and craft beer options throughout Kansas with Kansas Tourism’s directories for Breweries & Distilleries and Wineries & Vineyards.

Bartender pouring a craft beer.

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