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Kansas, known for its flat lands, is ideal for building runways and airports. Many aviation-themed restaurants, bars, and coffee shops celebrate the state’s history in the aviation industry.
Aviation’s roots run deep in Kansas.
Carl Dryden Browne built an airplane prototype in his Freedom, Kansas, factory three years before the Wright brothers went wheels up in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Five years after the Wright brothers’ flight, Kansas’ first successful airplane, the Longren Flyer, was built in Topeka in 1910.
Clyde Cessna, Walter Beech, and Lloyd Stearman founded Travel Air Manufacturing in 1925, and each contributed to the state’s role in the aviation industry thereafter. Amelia Earhart spent her childhood daydreaming of aviation in Atchison, Kansas.
As an Air Capital of the World resident and a jet pilot’s girlfriend, I’ve visited my fair share of Kansas’s aviation-themed restaurants, bars, and coffee shops open to the public. I loved them all.
The following must-visit places aim to give the state’s aviation industry the recognition the Sunflower State deserves.
Kansas: Aviation-Themed Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops
Flight Crew Coffee
Wheels up! Flight Crew Coffee in Manhattan is ready to serve you. The owner, Heather, has considered every detail to ensure seamless “in-flight service.”
The cafe’s interior transports you to aviation heaven. Navy blue walls, black and white prints of airplanes, and a cozy fireplace invite you to nestle up with a coffee in hand. Jazz music plays in the background. As they say, “Our Coffee Gives You Wings,” and after my first visit to Flight Crew Coffee, my mood is flying high.
Bonus: Cross the Missouri border to experience The Roasterie Coffee Company in Kansas City. There, a Douglas DC-3 aircraft is displayed outdoors. The airplane appears on the packaging of its air-roasted coffee and merchandise.
Bars
Flight 1868
As they say, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take-off at Flight 1868, an aviation-themed cocktail bar in Wichita. Sip on a Mile High Mai-Tai or Wright Flyer between in-flight bites. The bar is stocked with countless bottles of bourbon and whiskey, and yes, flights of 1-ounce pours are available. View my tour video.
During winter, you can reserve an outdoor Patio Sky Lounge (an enclosed igloo with seating) for up to eight guests.
1906 Bar & Lounge
The 1906 Bar & Lounge in Wichita’s Hotel at Old Town is a sought-after evening cocktail space after 5:30 p.m. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to stop by and enjoy live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays after 6:00 p.m. from a velvety couch surrounded by books and artwork showcasing the Air Capital of the World.
You can also stay overnight in a guest suite, located on the hotel’s newly renovated Aviation Floor.
Fly-In Airport Restaurants
Kansas aviation lovers can dine at several restaurants at airports across the state, and you don’t have to fly a plane to enjoy a meal.
Airport Steakhouse
Airport Steakhouse in Hutchinson attracts diners seeking a fine dining experience with a view of the Hutchinson Regional Airport’s runway. The restaurant is known for its charcoal-grilled Angus steak dinners, but the lunch buffet Monday through Friday and Sunday is also a popular draw.
Stearman Airfield Bar & Grill
Park your car (or airplane!) at Stearman Airfield Bar & Grill in Benton to enjoy a hamburger or a sandwich inside a building resembling a hangar. During the summer, garage doors lift to create an open-air outdoor patio, a front-row seat to watch bi-planes take off and land at Lloyd Stearman Field.
K18 Café
At the Lucas Airport, K18 Café attracts aircraft owners and pilots seeking comfort food classics and a slice of homemade pie for dessert. Ask about the daily meal special with a choice of salad, mashed potatoes, and a beverage. At lunchtime, hamburgers and cold sandwiches satisfy.
We B Smokin’ BBQ
We B Smokin’ BBQ at Osawatomie-Paola Municipal Airport is often a stop for general aviation pilots and foodies alike. Show up for slow-smoked barbecue meat and crave-worthy sides Tuesday through Saturday or enjoy a breakfast menu on the weekends.
Beaumont Hotel Cafe and Restaurant
Watch pilots land on Beaumont’s airstrip from the Beaumont Hotel Cafe and Restaurant, Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant, located in Beaumont, reopens every Spring to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The prime rib dinner is served every fourth Saturday of the month, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Milk and Honey at the Flight Deck
As a pilot’s girlfriend, I know something about flying into airports to appreciate on-field restaurant fare, and Milk & Honey at the Flight Deck is certainly worth the trip to Garden City Airport.
You don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy their elevated breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items with views of the tarmac.
Bonus: Although the following restaurants are not located at an airport, each restaurant’s interior is designed with aircraft in mind: 6S Steakhouse (Wichita) and Hangar One Steakhouse (Wichita).
I’m always eager to learn about new-to-me aviation-themed restaurants in my home state, so if you know of one I didn’t include in this post, please drop the name in the comments.
You may also enjoy reading my additional blog posts, which highlight Kansas aviation, Visiting Doc, B-29 Superfortress in Wichita, Exploring the Historic Charm of Atchison, Kansas, and National Aviation Day from the Air Capital of the World.
Meanwhile, I hope you visit one of these aviation-themed restaurants, bars, or coffee shops the next time you’re wheels up (or driving your car) in Kansas.
Did this blog post inspire your love of air travel? Be sure to read 10 Essential Items I Always Pack In My Carry-On Bag before departing for the airport.
Opened in its original location in 2015, the cafe won Best Atmosphere for two years running by Restaurant Guru. You’ll love the casual, comfy ambiance of the café, which reminded me of The Perk in the TV show Friends. Trending music plays in the background as patrons sit at tables sipping coffee and bent over laptops. Paired-up friends chat about the day’s happenings.
It is nearly impossible to order at the register without spying on a delicious homemade pastry in the bakery case. The owner told me she had just pulled warm blueberry muffins from the oven so it was a no-brainer. It was the perfect pairing with my chai latté.
KC Wine Co. is not just a tasting room next to a vineyard. It’s a winery destination located on five acres with a multitude of things for visitors to enjoy.
Inside The Barrel Room, adults can savor tasting flights ranging from dry whites and reds to sweeter varieties. You’ll discover an expansive open-air building with outdoor seating and a scenic view of the vineyards just beyond its doors. An oversized KC Wine Co. lights up at night, providing a picture-worthy moment.
Plan your visit to the winery around one of their popular 
The red barn is also open to visitors. Walk inside to order a wine slushy, a pint of Free State Brewing Company craft beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Look for a seasonal display with a bench to take a photo with friends or family.
The building is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and outdoor patio space with you can sit back and be yourself, plus dogs are allowed on the patio.
The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening last spring. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to my character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.
The food menu included a short list of flatbreads. When they told me that the brisket on the Meats Pizza was made by an American Royal award-winning barbecuer, 
My suite was a 456 sq. ft. living room separated from the bedroom by a privacy door. I appreciated its amenities, including free WiFi and a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Each room had a 42-inch HDTV, and the king-size bed was as comfy and plush.
The five-generations, family-owned vineyard and winery produce more than 20 wines, hard ciders, and wine slushies. During my taproom visit, I discussed the winery’s history with the owner while savoring the “Thankful for Wine” $10 flight (5, 2oz pours), a wide-ranging selection of dry to sweet wines.
Their best-selling wine, Hoftoberfest, tastes semi-sweet with pineapple notes that finish crisp. I prefer full-body, dry reds, so, I was a fan of Zin XXI, which had blackberry and plum notes.
Outside, wine enthusiasts can take advantage of patio seating and covered seating inside a second building also available for group parties. I recommend planning your visit around the sunset hour.
I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game.
PRO TIP: The brewery is closed Mondays, so you’ll want to plan your visit when the brewery and the food truck are open. View the hours 
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominated the menu, and the place smelled like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Not in the mood for ice cream? Choose a hazelnut iced coffee, latte, or vanilla macchiato from the Espresso Bar menu.
A quick scan of the shelves and I noticed that they sell their bagged coffee beans, so I kept it simple and ordered a tall drip coffee. Irresistible pastries stared back at me from the glass case. A warm strawberry homemade Pop-Tart and a slice of quiche tasted delightful while I watched it rain outside from a window seat. Nearby, a cabinet with jewelry, branded merchandise, and retail candles sat on display.
The owner of Junque Drawer also owns Holiday House across the street (101 W. Cedar), which is one-stop shopping for all things festive. Thematic rooms are designed by style and color creating Christmas decor and ornaments. Wait until you see the bathroom shower filled with pillows!
PRO TIP: Start on the third floor and work your way down, ending the shopping experience at the register. If you’re searching for a specific gift item, ask the friendly staff to point you in the right direction.
I recommend scanning the bakery case and the menu before ordering breakfast or lunch. I was searching for lighter fare and chose a flakey scratch-made croissant filled with chocolate. The chef could be seen in the kitchen busily cooking eggs for someone’s breakfast order.
PRO TIP: Don’t be surprised if they say you can pay for your order after dining in. Bring cash, or you must spend $5 for a credit card purchase.
The menu includes drool-inducing sandwiches like The Z-Man Sandwich, made with slow-smoked beef brisket topped with provolone cheese and onion rings. People rave about it for a good reason. It’s filling, so consider ordering the regular sandwich instead of the jumbo portion.
The food Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is putting out is pure kitchen magic. Do you want to try a variety of smoked meats? Order a Combo Sandwich or a Two Meat Dinner. Save room for dessert – ask about the seasonal dessert while ordering your meal. 
PRO TIP: Walk across the parking lot and check out 
I spent an overnight stay in Bonner Springs, which I was glad for because between sunrise and sunset I was busy exploring and needed the extra time. My first stop? Checking into my lodging accommodations at 
Guests have access to a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as an up-to-date fitness center with treadmills. The rooms are quiet and spacious – two must-haves for exhausted travelers who want a place to relax after a day of exploring Bonner Springs. Parking was a non-issue despite the fact the hotel stays busy with guest arrivals.
Not only does Ten & Two prepare specialty drinks and drip coffee, but they also serve breakfast sandwiches and pastries. A steady flow of customers consisting of locals and out-of-towners came in the door while I enjoyed a homemade cinnamon roll and a cup of signature coffee from a comfortable couch.
I spied beer on draft and a menu of specialty cocktails behind the coffee bar. Sure enough, Ten & Two transforms into a taproom after dark.
I drove a few blocks from The Fuel House to the Historic Downtown District to do a little shopping. Correction: A lot of shopping. Within three short blocks, I saw numerous boutiques. A few appealing eateries. I was delighted. I parked the car and set out on foot to see what I could find. My wallet was burning a hole in my pocket.
The tiny store was stocked to the gills with packaged seasonings, jams, and retro candies. The refrigerated case teased shoppers with whole cheesecakes, ice cream treats, and copious amounts of cheeses and meats. The food store is the place where neighbors visit with one another and the town’s sheriff stops by for a to-go snack.
If you’re someone who appreciates knowing where their food comes from, Karen’s Country Kitchen is the place to shop. Every package’s label lists a farmer or maker by name including the town where the food was sourced.
Owned and operated by female entrepreneurs, it’s the kind of place where they serve wine slushies or mimosas for special events.
If you don’t find the ideal gift for someone, they will custom create it for you. Their staff can print any word or phrase onto apparel or drinkware. Now, that’s great customer service. View the 
I fixated on the front display showcasing a Christmas tree and shelves of miniature gnomes. They certainly know just what shoppers are looking for during the holiday season.
Say for example that you’re on the hunt for items for a photo shoot or to gift to someone who collects vintage sit-abouts, you’re in luck. The store is filled with retro finds. Perhaps you’re more in the mood to shop for a new candle or a pretty piece of jewelry. Yowza Antiques is one-stop shopping.
I found just what I was searching for… a knit headwrap to keep my ears warm just in time for winter. And the price was reasonable – score!
New to the neighborhood, they’ve earned a loyal following. Farmhouse-style decor, t-shirts imprinted with positive sayings, and go-to gifts for friends who need a good laugh are just what fans flock to the store in search of. Preview the latest inventory for sale on their 
A firefighter standing in line behind me said I couldn’t go wrong with any of the sandwich options and that I should also “order the brownie.” My turkey avocado bacon sandwich was served on pillow-soft bread with a side of chips. I settled into a cozy seat near the rear of the cafe and watched as customers made their way to the counter.
Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso or meal with conversation. If you prefer reading while sipping a latté, check out the “Borrow a Book or Buy It $1” display in the rear of the cafe.
The Wi-Fi is free. The coffee is flavorsome and the food is so good you won’t have a single crumb left on your plate. View Third Space Coffee’s hours 
Breslow, who started as a woodworker, is passionate about his craft. He took me around the retail area of the store to teach me the difference between marbles. Some marbles are used in competition while others with ornate designs and for display purposes.
He is also known for designing miniature glass sculptures. Ask him to show you his design of eggs and bacon in a frying pan. You’ll discover more whimsical designs as you tour the shop. All of his creations are made with beautiful Italian glass and created on-site at his workbench.
As of now, shoppers are asked to schedule their visits in advance. Once inside, the world of marbles and toys envelopes you. Everywhere you look there are colorful displays of blown glass and marbles. Moon Marble Company also specializes in carrying a large inventory of retro games and traditional toys. I had never seen so many board games for sale in one place.
If your kids complain that they’re bored, take them to Moon Marble Company for a visit. They’ll be in awe of the toys at every turn. Many of the games in stock are ideal for adults. Party planning? Need a gift for someone? The store carries timeless classics as well as trending games ideal for group play.
But not all was lost. I learned about the historical significance of the area from the outdoor exhibits, which referenced tribal ancestry. As the sign reads below, the Wyandot people who lived in Ohio were moved to this location. To read more about their friendship with the Shawnee tribe, visit this informative 
Also located in front of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum rests the World War II Bomber Builders Monument to honor the aviation workers of Kansas City, Kansas who built over 6,000 bombers. Women fulfilled many roles at the Fairfax Bomber plant since men were overseas serving their country during the war.
Admission to the museum is free. To plan your visit and view upcoming exhibits, glance at their information page 
Let me tell you something. I’ve eaten at most of the barbecue joints in the Kansas City area, but this one served some of the best-tasting smoked meat that I’ve enjoyed. The sliced brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends were exceptional. I wasn’t about to sacrifice any of it just because I was full. It was worth packing the leftovers on ice until I could get them home to Wichita to share with others.
Quentin’s BBQ is so popular that they’ve since opened in a restaurant located at the same site as Ten & Two Coffee and The Fuel House. If the dining room is full, take your specialty sandwich or meaty meal outdoors to enjoy on the patio. Afterward, play a lawn game or head inside the complex for dessert at Olde Mill Ice Cream.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
Bonner Springs blew my socks off. From the attractions to the shopping and delicious meals, I loved visiting the area. With almost a dozen boutiques located in the historic downtown area, I’ll return to do more shopping. Besides, the people were incredibly kind and I want to see them again.
