Updated May 2026
Is there any better visual than a table covered by a full spread of Mexican food? Towering bowls of warm tortilla chips, steaming bowls of pinto beans, each culinary delight waiting to be devoured between sips of a salty lime margarita.
Use my list of recommended Mexican food restaurants in Kansas as a taco trail, a bucket list to cross off as you journey from one eatery to the next.
By no means does this list reflect all the must-stop Mexican restaurants in the state, but instead restaurants that I’ve dined at in the last couple of years.
Spice Up Your Life: Mexican Restaurants Worth Trying in Kansas
WICHITA
Las Delicias ICT
Have you tried fresh fruit with Chamoy sauce and Tajin seasoning? It’s sweet with a little heat. A popular menu item at Las Delicias ICT, Vaco de Fruta is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy a treat on any given day of the year. The Mexican eatery serves everything from Nachos Elote and Tostadas Cueritos to Ceviche with Chips.
Go on Waffle Wednesday to order a bubble waffle with ice cream and toppings, and get the second one half off.
Tacos TJ 664
What restaurant would you choose to dine at for your birthday? For me, Tacos TJ 664 is at the top of the list. The restaurant was voted Wichita’s Most Liked Taco in Wichita By E.B’s Ultimate Wichita Taco Tournament in 2020.
A steady line of customers waits at the register to order style tacos, birria ramen, or a quesadilla with fries. Don’t forget to ask for extra green salsa (mild) and orange salsa (super spicy).
Taco Fajita
Taco Fajita serves authentic street tacos, the kind that are not always listed on Wichita Mexican restaurants’ menus. The three-bite taco is filled with your choice of meat, cilantro, and diced onions. They have several salsas to choose from, but I preferred the green salsa with medium heat compared to the hot orange salsa.
Hungry diners, or people seeking to share a meal, should order the infamous Machete. A massive corn tortilla is filled with your choice of meat, onions, peppers, and melted cheese.
Connie’s Mexico Cafe
The city’s north end is known for its recommendable selection of Mexican restaurants. Opened in 1963, Connie’s Mexico Cafe remains the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant and one that continues to attract customers for its delicious food and friendly service.
When you go, ask about highly-requested dishes, including the Original King Size Burrito, Pork Chops with verde sauce, and Special Monterrey. I’ve been eating at Connie’s since I was a kid, and it remains on my list of favorites.
El Mexico Cafe
After my first dining experience at El Mexico Cafe, I listed it in the dining section of my book 100 Things To Do in Wichita Before You Die.Locally owned and operated for over four decades, El Mexico Cafe is well-liked by locals for its smothered burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and grilled fajitas.
The menu consists of Mexican cuisine standards, but everyone knows the shining star is the Deluxe Burrito. Ask about the daily special.
HUTCHINSON
Anchor Inn Mexican Restaurant
Over 1,500 near perfect Google reviews can’t be wrong. Anchor Inn Mexican Restaurant is a draw for diners craving fried flour-shell tacos and heaping plates of traditional favorites from enchiladas to tostadas. The menu of Mexican Favorites also includes mega-sized burritos, sanchos, and chalupas.
The restaurant is spacious in size and the festive decorations make it a popular place for large group parties.
GREAT BEND
Los Cabos Fajita House
Dinner platters arrive sizzling hot at Los Cabos Fajitas House, a restaurant known for its multi-page menu featuring tacos, burritos, and, of course, fajitas.
I devoured a traditional chicken and chorizo entreé with savory beans, rice, and warm tortillas. After a visit to the Salsa Bar, I topped each bite with a creamy avocado salsa for added heat. Visit the restaurant on Taco Tuesday for $2 tacos with your choice of six meats.
Mary’s Kitchen
In our quest to discover the best Mexican food in Great Bend, we dined at Mary’s Kitchen. The small, unassuming building welcomes a steady flow of regular customers six days a week.
The smell of carne asada permeated the air as we ordered street tacos and burritos for an early lunch. The food was crave-worthy. Mary’s Kitchen deserves its stellar online reviews. Buy extra breakfast burritos to go.
OTTAWA
Frontera’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
Some of the state’s best-tasting, authentic Mexican cuisine is served at Frontera’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina (212 N. Main St.).
Not only does every guest receive a warm welcome as the server places warm chips, white queso, and salsa on the table, but the atmosphere also lifts your spirits with lively background music and the sizzle of the kitchen grill.
My meal, Queso Birria, was prepared with fresh ingredients and served with a side of in-house-made birria sauce. The house margarita was hand-shaken behind the bar and served promptly, which was fantastic considering the dining area was nearly full with overflow customers enjoying the patio at lunchtime.
Every detail of my dining experience was impressive, from the attentive service to the thoughtful presentation.
PRO TIP: They serve Happy Hour all day Monday-Thursday, featuring select beers, shots, and house margaritas.
BURLINGTON
Avocados Mexican Cuisine
In Burlington at Avocados Mexican Cuisine (318 Neosho St.), you’ll discover saucy enchilada dinners and combination platters that include authentic Mexican fare and Tex-Mex-style recipes.
Festive music plays from overhead speakers in a dining room decorated with colorful picado banners and neon signage.
The owner recommended the Los Comadres platter served with a savory shredded chicken enchilada, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a crunchy beef taco. Probably more food than I needed, I savored each scrumptious bite, adding homemade salsa to the meal.
MELVERN
Titi’s Mexican Cuisine
The owners of Titi’s Mexican Cuisine (117 SW Main St.) relocated from Emporia to open the restaurant after deciding that they loved Melvern.
The family-owned restaurant serves a two-sided menu of Mexican fare, including the daily special, available for dine-in or carry-out.
My order of savory steak and chicken fajitas arrived sizzling hot with warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole.
The friendly, attentive service complemented the delicious mid-day meal as country music played in the background.
PRO TIP: Not sure what to order? The town’s mayor recommends the Burrito Melvern.
WELLINGTON
Fabiola’s Restaurant
Since 1997, Fabiola’s Restaurant has attracted regular customers. By consistently serving good food and providing friendly service, it’s easy to see why.
For dinner, I chose a beef fajita bowl, Kristi’s Special, made with grilled onions, peppers, beans, queso, and adorned with a tomato rose. The meat was tender, and the outer shell was crisp.
My server recommended that I save room for dessert, and even though I was full, I couldn’t turn down caramel churros with vanilla ice cream drizzled with honey and chocolate. 100% delicious.
ATCHISON
Lopez de Mexico
Colorful overhead flags and booths decorated with framed family photos set the scene at Lopez de Mexico, a family-operated restaurant in the heart of downtown Atchison. I was fortunate to visit with the owner, Ann, who shared how she studied her grandmother’s recipes and opened the restaurant 27 years ago.
The restaurant is known for its crispy beef tacos, which to my delight, were a lunch special the day of my visit.
COFFEYVILLE
El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
Where do you eat when nearly every local you ask suggests the same place? El Pueblito. The Mexican restaurant serves a traditional classic menu plus a full bar of drinks at Cantina Margaritaville – the locals rave about the margaritas.
The #3 Lunch Special Ground Beef Taco & Enchilada served with rice and beans is a tasty meal for the value. Add delicious homemade salsa on top.
SCOTT CITY
The Original Grande
The Original Grande (1201 Main Street) serves fast casual Mexican food meant to “fuel your inner fiesta.”
One of two locations in Kansas, The Original Grande’s menu features menu items such as taco burgers, macho tacho, and my favorite, the nachos supreme.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
GARDEN CITY
Casa Mariachi
Mega margaritas, sizzling tacos, and smothered burritos are some of the delectable menu items at Casa Mariachi. But first, sample their chips and salsa, which are some of the best in the state.
Chomp chips while you peruse the six-page menu and listen to Mexican dance music over the speakers.
Whether you’re visiting Casa Mariachi for a lunch or dinner date or watching soccer while devouring a scrumptious meal, the festive vibe and menu selections deliver a party vibe
MANHATTAN
Taco Lucha
Nestled deep in the heart of Aggieville, Taco Lucha calls itself “a full sit down, cocktail driven, funky Aggieville taqueria.” From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with colorful lights set against a dimly lit eclectic interior.
We made fast friends at the bar while dining on spicy jalapeño poppers, stuffed tacos, and a mega burrito (ask about the “secret menu” options). I plan on trying the popular Raspberry Bean Dip on a return visit.
El Patron
El Patron is known for serving street tacos using fresh ingredients and was ready to order. With festive Mexican music playing in the background, I dove into soft shell tacos filled with beef and BACON. My taste buds went into overdrive.
I know what you’re thinking, but hold on. You haven’t lived if you haven’t tasted bacon in a street taco.
DODGE CITY
Tacos El Torito
Tacos El Torito is a highly-rated food truck where diners order at the window and then wait for authentic Mexican food dishes to be delivered to their cars.
On Tuesdays, tacos are $1.50 unless otherwise advertised. The tacos are stuffed so full you may need to eat them with two hands. Nachos are made with melted cheese topped with the protein of your choice. Try an authentic tamale for real-deal flavor.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
Tacos El Guero
A trusted foodie friend told me were to find delicious street tacos made fresh to order, and he didn’t steer me wrong.
At Tacos El Guero, you can expect steaming hot carne asada from the grill nestled inside soft tortillas topped with white onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The birria and pastor tacos are equally scrumptious. Use the squeeze bottle hot sauces.
I recommend order three tacos for a meal with a bottle of Coca-Cola to wash it down.
El Toro Loco Mexican Bar & Grill
Give El Toro Loco a try, especially if you love a good chili relleño. I ordered chile relleños in many places and I know a good one when I taste it. The cheese was delicious and the battered and fried pepper was perfectly crisp.
Specializing in street tacos, tamales, and other Mexican dishes, it’s a ideal choice for tourists who need a break from shopping at Legend’s Outlets.
El Torito
Kansas City’s cultural roots run deep whether its during Día de Muertos (Day of the Day) of another day of the year. At El Torito, you can enjoy traditional Mexican dishes prepared to order using grilled meats topped with fresh produce and queso fresco.
Flautas, quesabirrias, chilaquiles highlight the menu, but my recommendation is to order a heaping plate of nachos to sustain you through a day of exploring Kansas City. Leave room for flan or tres leches cake.
Jarocho’s Pescados y Mariscos
Continue the cultural journey to Jarocho’s Pescados y Mariscos (719 Kansas Ave.) where high-quality Mexican seafood is served.
Bring your appetite and prepare to be wowed by fresh seafood dishes like Shrimp Chipotle, Fire Grilled Trout, and Seafood Paella. They didn’t win Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food by Feast magazine for nothing.
Three Bees Pottery & Coffee Shop
Three Bees Pottery & Coffee Shop is a quaint eatery specializing in homemade meat and vegan tamales paired with gourmet coffee drinks.
If you’ve not enjoyed a tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in a sauce, wrapped in masa and wrapped in a corn husk. The dish represents traditional food brought to the United States by Mexican immigrant populations. Order a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal.
If you prefer to experience another culture while dining or shopping, read 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, Kansas. Want bonus dining suggestions?
Watch my Instagram reel to see what to expect on the Visit Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail.
At lunchtime, stepping into 
One wouldn’t expect to find authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine in Missouri, but they haven’t dined at 
Start the day at 
At dinnertime, 
BONUS: Read the rest of my list of favorite spots in Olathe 
Get your steps in by shopping downtown before heading back to Mill Properties, where 
At dinnertime, bring friends to 
BONUS: Uncover endless adventures in Bonner Springs 
Cocktail enthusiasts should make a reservation at 
BONUS: While you’re in town, use this 
Pasta fans will feel at home dinging at 
BONUS: Discover more things to do and see in historic Leavenworth 
There is a reason they refer to the town as “Manhappening,” a sensibility you come to understand quickly.
From dining and cocktail lounges to outdoor exploration and museum tours, there is more than enough to do. Choose your fun using my 
I typically order a Combo Plate (Pick 2) for lunch or dinner; however, the Wood-Fired Grilled Salmon Salad and Smoked Brisket Nachos are calling my name. If you have room for dessert, a mega-sized slice of carrot cake is a shareable treat.
BONUS: I haven’t written a travel post about Overland Park yet. In the meantime, enjoy 
Kids of all ages will appreciate watching oy trains overhead deliver food to each table at 
BONUS: Spending the weekend in Shawnee? Use my 
Are you looking for a Kansas City suburb that didn’t make this list? It’s likely on my dining bucket list.
Interestingly, the town got its name during the days of water scarcity in the 1870s. A resident, Mr. Rogers, didn’t charge for water and people often replied “that’s mighty Liberal of you.”
I’ve never viewed a 
The next stop on the tour takes visitors to a 5,000 square foot interactive space, Land of Oz, where Dorothy leads you through scenes from the movie. My experience started by watching an approaching tornado. The thunder rolled, lights flickered like lightening, and window curtains blew.
Following Dorothy as we encountered each whimsical character (mannequins), I was delighted by the craftsmanship of the displays. Each scene reminded me of my childhood when I watched the movie for the first time.
PRO TIP: Make time to tour the retail gift shop. From comfy ruby red slippers to pretty postcards, the shop’s inventory is hard to resist.
Toto’s Dog Park is a new addition providing dog owners a place for their furry family members to roam.
PRO TIP: Take a photo of the life-size bronze sculpture representing the explorer.
Walking inside the museum is like opening a tiny treasure box. The walls and glass cases are adorned with antiques that tell the story of Liberal’s industries.
Outside the museum, the walls of Landmark Center serve as a gallery for framed black and white photography depicting Liberal’s early days.
No matter what you’re in the mood to shop for, it’s likely you’ll find something you can’t live without.
A few handprinted 
While I wasn’t in the mood for a large meat platter with all the fixins’, the menu includes options for more hungry eaters.
The 
I found the first floors collection of lithographs on paper by John Steuart Curry to be the most awe-inspiring. The Kansas-born painter is the same artist painted murals at the state’s capital building, Kansas Pastoral and Tragic Prelude.
Thematic collections of various other pieces, mostly created by Kansas artists, were awe-inspiring including pottery and paintings.
I gravitated to planes produced by Cessna, a company founded in Wichita, but I was equally intrigued when learning that Beech Aircraft once had a production division in Liberal.
The museum also does an excellent job of properly honoring pilots who gave all with a POW-MIA display and exhibit cases filled with uniforms and medals of pilots from Liberal who went to war.
My steaming not P5 Phô with Shrimp had light flavor and oodles of noodles for slurping. I also ordered Fried Spring Rolls, which didn’t last long between spoonfuls of phô.
The ambiance was quiet as I watched a video of wild birds on TV and listened to classical music play from speakers.
When not enjoying my King Rooms 
The staff was courteous upon check in and check out ensuring that I my needs were met.
If you read my blog often, you know I love supporting local restaurants. I’ll return to Liberal to dine at one of dozens of Mexican restaurants or food trucks, a type of cuisine that dominates the dining scene. Plus, a visit to 
Liberal offers visitors plenty of entertaining things to do for an unforgettable day trip or overnight stay. I made memories while dining, shopping, and perusing incredible museums.
If traveling east on Highway 54, use my itinerary suggestions to 
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop is open every day except Sunday. Arrive early to order the best pastry selection. The coffee is hot, and the donuts are fresh.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include 
Not only do they serve delectable pastries for early-morning crowds, but their baristas can also prepare a short list of classic coffee or hot tea drinks. Late-day patrons may appreciate the bar menu.
The display case is refilled with cake and old-fashioned style donuts as they run out. Expect to find bottled drinks, including cold coffee brands and milk in the reach-in cooler.
I judge a donut shop by a perfectly soft, glazed donut. Carol Lee Donuts knows what they’re doing. Add it to your Salina travel bucket list.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and, of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches. The berry scone was to die for.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more.
The display case was filled with every kind of donut you could imagine. Apple fritters the size of your hand. Blueberry cake donuts. Cinnamon rolls. And classics like maple long johns and old-fashioned crullers.
Use a scoop and bag to stock up on bulk candy priced at $10/lb. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include 
As I devoured a chocolate cake donut and a melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, customers came and went with brown bags filled with tasty early morning treats.
If you’re not into sweets, consider ordering their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, 
Veteran campsites use banners to identify their location, making it easy for friends to find them and join their jam circle. The more years a group has camped at the festival, the larger their banner and gathering site seemed.
Fried food, vegan dishes, ethnic entrees, smoked meat dishes–no matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it.
Most food truck items started at $5 and went up. I suggest bringing $20 per person to enjoy a full meal with a drink.
PRO TIP: Don’t assume all food truck vendors accept credit cards, although most do. ATMs are available.
Colorful tapestries hang from booth walls. Tie-dye shirts, dresses, and many hats hang from clothing racks. Shoppers leisurely wind their way in and out of booths.
If it’s a band’s merchandise you’re after, you’ll find it available in a designated area after each band’s show. Musicians often remind fans where to find them when they wrap a set.
This mini grocery market of sorts is just the thing campers and festival-goers need to stay fueled during a weekend. Besides, you never know when you may want to share a whole fruit pie, right?
Second, the festival is well-managed and a safe place to hang out. Staff and volunteers do an excellent job of keeping attendees comfortable and happy to the best of their ability. Attendees take pride in the festival by keeping the fairgrounds clean.
Thirdly, you’ll be surprised to see people getting work done on laptops and phones. Our cell phone signal, typically strong elsewhere, wasn’t strong at the fairgrounds–except at The Wi-Fi Café.
Lastly, bringing collapsible chairs is advisable, as standing to watch shows isn’t appreciated (it blocks the view), and typical band sessions last 45 minutes.
We appreciated the 
Do you need a bicycle or golf cart to navigate the fairgrounds? Not necessarily, but you should be prepared to increase your step count if walking to and from campsites. Ask about Festi-Cab, a golf cart ride for a minimal fee.
You’ll want to buy the latest festival T-shirt to wear with pride to next year’s celebration. We noticed dozens of audience members wearing them.
STAYING INFORMED
EXPLORING WINFIELD
Didn’t get to join the jam? Prepare for the next Walnut Valley Festival. Land rush will be here before you know it.
Click my 
The north-central community of over 45,000 people has much to be proud of. Daytrippers will be impressed by the downtown area’s thoughtful design and unique businesses with something for every kind of traveler.
The smell of new books welcomes you as you walk through oversized wood doors into the store. The store’s shelves are organized by category, while stacks of the latest titles are arranged upon dark wood tables.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover handmade gift wrap, stationery, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
Whether you’re in the mood to create a seasonal gift for your home or a complete dishware set, On The Pot provides all the supplies you need to finish the project.
Be sure to check out their inventory of Julie’s Stickers, a collection of whimsical drawings and sayings, to add to your purchase. The owners are creating five downtown Salina stickers to sell as well.
PRO TIP: Traveling with family? Groups of 10 or more can book the studio at a reduced studio fee rate with a 
From outfits with vibrant colors to unique Cansuelas handbags, the store lives up to its motto, “Be a Little Eccentric.” Shoppers searching for day-to-day closet staples will also find what they need.
The clothing and shoes inventory is constantly rotated by season, and shoppers can expect sizes from XS to XL.
Beautifully upholstered chairs sit adjacent to elegant lamps and candleholders. Ornate plates adorn tabletops. Framed artwork, figurines, blankets, and garden urns showcase the shop’s distinctive inventory. Body products and greeting cards near the register make a fabulous gift for a friend.
PRO TIP: Browse Baron Mushmouse’s clothing racks for Bohemian-style blouses, dresses, and dark denim jeans.
Every well-equipped kitchen needs decorative towels and cookbooks with a pantry stocked with dip mixes and jarred condiments. You’ll find it all and more at The Market Shop.
PRO TIP: Explore the store’s thematic displays for scented candles and home decor. The rear of the store is a clothing paradise for fashion-forward women.
A new outfit isn’t complete without matching accessories. Blushe Boutique’s selection of hats, jewelry, and shoes makes shopping for a last-minute dinner date a breeze.
PRO TIP: Because the store stocks seasonal clothing, check the clearance racks in the rear of the store for mega deals.
Locally-made furniture, art, and pottery are the focus of the shop’s inventory, and Flipping Fabulous carries most of the supplies one needs for at-home projects. You’ll discover the most extensive stock of Redesign with Prima in the world and Melange One Paints.
PRO TIP: Walk upstairs to admire custom-made gifts and home decor created by local and regional artists.
Thanks to ever-changing displays, you’re guaranteed to see something you want to purchase each time you visit.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend about half an hour inspecting the store to see everything it offers. If you bring a gal pal to shop, prepare to spend more time because so many of the finds are conversation-inducing.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or to meet in small groups.
PRO TIP: Check the 
The menu consists of “world regional” fare, which, to my surprise, includes 15 types of sushi rolls as well as nigiri and sashimi platters.
The linen tablecloths, orchestral music playing in the background, and robust menu options deliver an unforgettable meal experience at Barolo Grille.
PRO TIP: Visit the additional dining room to appreciate a massive mural honoring Salina painted by artist 
I felt like a kid again, savoring every bite of Lemon Custard ice cream as a Dagney’s employee shaped homemade waffle cones behind the counter. The color-changing plastic spoon made the whole experience nostalgic.
Choosing my entree, Penne Carbonara with Chicken, wasn’t easy because the menu ranged from seafood dishes and steaks to wood-fired pizzas. I appreciated the pasta dish, topped with a raw egg yolk that I was encouraged to stir into the black pepper cream sauce before enjoying it.
While all the street art designs are worth discussing, the enormity of the Mural at the Mill (343 N. Santa Fe Ave.) by Guido van Helten begs visitors for a closer look. The Australian muralist’s work wraps around all sides.
There is a buzz of creative momentum in Salina’s downtown. You can feel it as you shop, eat, and admire the area’s art scene. I recommend spending the day exploring it as a local would.
