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The Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Wichita

GE1RAY Sandwich with cheese, tomato, cucumber, radish and lettuce. Dark and moody.
GE1RAY Sandwich with cheese, tomato, cucumber, radish and lettuce. Dark and moody. | GE1RAY_© Hans Geel _ Alamy Stock Photo

Kansas is farm country, and Wichita is its heart and capital. Unsurprisingly, a hearty breakfast isn’t hard to find here, thanks to a few old-fashioned diners and cafés. At the same time, other spots in the city focus on farm-to-table dining. For lighter options, there are plenty of small bakeries. In no particular order, here are the top 10 breakfast restaurants in Wichita.

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The Beacon Restaurant

Banana, nuts and peanut butter American pancakes

The Beacon Restaurant is quite an institution in Wichita. Seating is rather limited since the restaurant isn’t large. The décor suggests a quaint feeling, as if you’ve stepped back in time. Be prepared to leave some food on the plate, as the portions are quite large and filling. Highlights include the omelettes and pancakes. The Beacon Traditional is also well-regarded: toasted English muffins, 4 pieces of bacon, 2 eggs topped with cheese, and hash browns. For a home-cooked American breakfast and brunch, the Beacon is rather hard to top in Wichita. Since it’s a local favorite, you may want to stop in earlier rather than later.

Copper Oven Café & Bakery

The Copper Oven Café & Bakery specializes in pastries, and the case is prominently on display right when you walk in, offering scones, cookies, cakes and more. The décor includes murals on the walls, lending a peaceful atmosphere. Muffins from the bakery can be substituted as sides for the breakfast dishes. Top choices here include the breakfast sandwiches, such as the ‘Hole in One’ which is served on a grilled ciabatta bun and stacks up eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, and vegetables. Only open Tuesday through Saturday, be prepared to wait, as this is a popular spot for locals. Breakfast is served through 2pm, making this an ideal brunch spot.

Jimmie’s Diner

Styling itself as a ‘Wichita Family Tradition’ the history of Jimmie’s Diner and its owners goes back to the 1930s with its ‘Kings-X Waffle’, a house specialty. The décor recreates a classic 1950s diner, down to the jukeboxes available at some tables and the waitstaffs’ uniforms. Breakfast is the specialty here and is served all day. As this is a diner, burgers are also available, including a breakfast version topped with hash browns, a fried egg, and Hollandaise sauce. For a full platter, try the ‘Southern Sunrise’ with fried apples, fried mush, bacon, and an egg.

Riverside Café

Riverside Café‘s goal is to make you feel as though you’ve stopped by to visit with family, and the eclectic décor supports that aim. This restaurant opened its doors in 1946, and locals and tourists have been flocking ever since. Breakfast is served all day. Specializing in homestyle cooking, the menu includes chicken-fried steak and chicken, the former of which is often hailed as the best in Wichita. The real highlight here are the biscuits and gravy, though. The biscuits are light and fluffy; even a half order may be sufficient to fill you up. Pancakes here are massive, but not too thick and heavy. The best omelette on offer is the ‘Junkyard Dog’ which includes bacon, ham, tomatoes, and peppers.

Doo-Dah Diner

Doo-Dah Diner has earned accolades such as ‘Best Breakfast 2015’ from Wichita Magazine. Pull-apart monkey bread is served before every meal. The décor is inspired by Wichita itself, with plenty of photographs and memorabilia. For those who enjoy sweet breakfasts, try the ‘Banana Bread French Toast’ which is topped with candied apples and pecans and is also a gluten-free option. One of the newest additions is the ‘Crab Cake Benedict’ which includes French-style lump crab cakes paired with asparagus, jalapeno bacon crumbles and poached eggs. Breakfast is served all day, though the restaurant is only open Wednesday through Saturday.

Egg Cetera

A charming café in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood, Egg Cetera has a pleasant, homey atmosphere. One of the more surprising dishes on offer is also one of its best: the chorizo and eggs, which can be served with beans and rice. Otherwise, give the sweet potato or blueberry pancakes a try. There is also outdoor seating for when the weather is good, allowing visitors to get a great view of Wichita’s historic district. As it’s often recommended by hotels in the area and the restaurant isn’t large, you may want to prepare for a wait.

Egg Crate Café

Only open until 2pm each day, Egg Crate Café serves both breakfast and lunch. The omelettes are a specialty here, with both standard and build-your-own options. Both the hash browns and breakfast potatoes are made to order. Unusually, pork chops, either breaded or grilled, are also on offer for breakfast dishes. The décor is farmhouse-style, with paintings on the walls and pots of flowers on the partitions. The café is a bit of a hidden gem in the northwest part of the city and can get extremely busy on weekends.

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