Are you seeking a healthier dining option in Kansas? Find the freshest salads in the state using this handy restaurant guide.
City Limits Bar & Grill, Colby
City Limits Bar & Grill is a must-stop for travelers driving on KS I-70 who love an all-you-can-eat mega salad and soup bar. Other lunch menu items included burgers, chicken tenders, and hand-cut top sirloin. The food is downright delicious.
Trio Tap House, Hays
Trio Tap House claims they are a place to enjoy “an honest meal and a proper good time,” and they are right. I nestled into my seat and reviewed the menu. I was craving a hearty salad. The Dry Aged Steak & Blue checked all the boxes. Ask about the Soup of the Day.
McLain’s Market, Shawnee
McLain’s Market is where you go when craving fresh salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch. You can expect hearty salads with a slice of sourdough bread. They also serve delicious coffee and delectable breakfast pastries.
Johnny’s Tavern, Lawrence
You can’t go wrong at Johnny’s Tavern, whether you order the Apple Walnut Crunch, Johnny’s Cobb, or Wedge salad. If you’re craving a savory bowl of soup, enjoy homemade chili, or ask about the Soup of the Day. House-made Jambalaya with andouille sausage brings the heat.
The Glass Cat, Bonner Springs
A day in Bonner Springs is enhanced by a chef-prepared salad at The Glass Cat. The latest addition to the town’s dining scene, it’s become a local favorite for its lunch menu options, which often include protein-topped salads. If you’re in the mood for a chicken salad sandwich made with homemade bread, you’re in luck.
Willie’s Sports Pub, Atchison
Every town needs a celebrated restaurant like Willie’s Sports Pub, where locals and visitors can gather for heaping plates of food and a cold drink. Enjoy a Chicken Club Salad, Smoked Chef Salad, or Grilled Steak Salad while you watch the game. Similar recipes appear on the Sandwiches and Wraps menu.
Union Street Social, Emporia
Union Street Social is the restaurant you always wished for, and now it’s here. The Smoked Salmon Salad includes perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs and warm bacon dressing served over microgreens and spinach. Menu options change, but you can always find a sprout salad or a garden salad.
Crown & Rye, Lindsborg
The Crown & Rye serves tasty meals, ranging from traditional Swedish dishes to burgers and salads. I recommend the Berry Salad, an iceberg and romaine salad topped with fresh berries, goat cheese, and the house vinaigrette. Other hearty meal options include the Crispy Chicken Salad and Cobb Salad.
The Local Table, Newton
Wichita
Sunflour Cafe & Collective
A haven for healthy eaters who need vegetarian-based dishes, Sunflour Cafe & Collective serves a rotating menu of salads in two portion sizes.
Cucumber Dill, Summer Tide, and Balsamic Fig current menu options, but check the front board for weekly specials.
Tanya’s Soup Kitchen
Tanya’s Soup Kitchen may be known for bowls of scratch-made soups and stews, but the restaurant’s salad menu deserves attention.
Order Cleopatra prepared with sliced chicken breast, apricot chutney, and feta cheese over mesclun for light lunch fare that delivers bold flavor. Four additional salad options are available using spinach or romaine lettuce.
Nortons Brewing Company
It’s not often that you find delectable salads on the menu at a brewery. At Nortons Brewing Company, the roughage menu lists three salads: Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad, Cobb Salad, and Side Salad – each served with house-made dressing. Come hungry because the super-sized salads are a meal that requires a fork and knife to eat.
Public at the Brickyard
Located in a historic building in Old Town, Public at the Brickyard is known for serving farm-to-table entrees using locally sourced greens. Typically, the menu features about four salads with the option to add protein (smoked salmon, anyone?) or substitute vegan cheese.
HoneyBee Bruncherie, Humboldt
At HoneyBee Bruncherie, the lunch menu draws diners seeking made-to-order favorites. Thai Like Salad and mixed green salads with seasonal fruits and vegetables are beautifully plated, each with a bowl of soup or sweet potato waffle fries.
Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Fort Scott
Sharky’s Pub & Grub towering sandwiches and seafood dishes may dominate the menu, but the Going Green section of the menu deserves a glance. Diners can choose from two salad options served with Texas toast and optional blue cheese crumbles.
TOAST, Pittsburg
Seekers of healthier dining who want to indulge in the season’s flavors should dine at TOAST, a restaurant known for sourcing local ingredients and artisan bread.
At mealtime, dig into tasty Avocado Smoked Salmon Toast or a dinner-size Grilled Cajun Shrimp Salad, served with a zesty house-made dressing.
If your goal is to eat a lighter meal prepared with fresh ingredients, a garden salad is waiting for you at one of these Kansas restaurants. Menus change based on seasonal vegetables and the chef’s creativity, so ask each eatery for the latest salad options.
Spending time in Wichita, Kansas? View my complete guide to 10 Places to Dine in Wichita If You’re Seeking Healthier Menu Options.
I had the pleasure of staying overnight in Clay Center to make the most of my visit. With a population hovering at about 4,000 people, the tight-knit community rolls out the red carpet for visitors. I arrived in town just after sunrise and parked not far from the limestone courthouse in the town square.
I ordered The OG Acaí Bowl, a blend of acaí (berries of a South American palm tree) and banana topped with fresh fruit, locally sourced honey, coconut shreds, and granola.
Happy Hippie Studios is more than a place where wellness-driven people come for a tasty bite. A certified yoga instructor, Hammel encourages visitors and locals to join a yoga class or enjoy on-site massage therapy, sauna treatments, and esthetician services.
Hammel’s drive and determination are more impressive than the studios. An award-winning business owner under 30, she grew Happy Hippie from a one-blender farmers’ market stand to a flourishing business. In fact, she served 150 smoothies on opening day. No wonder her slogan is “Smoothies Make People Happy.”
The town’s espresso bar and artisan restaurant are centrally located near retail shops and local businesses. I talked with the owner, Mike Peerson, about his business while he made cold brew. Multi-tasking is a skill Java Junkies employees have to master since the coffee shop is seemingly always busy.
The smell of coffee permeates the air. I enjoyed the Latté of the Week selection while relaxing inside the cafe during my visit. The menu also features early-morning selections, including scones and pecan rolls, muffins, and breakfast burritos. You’ll also find heartier options like grilled PB&J or cheese sandwiches, as well as turkey wraps.
I returned on Day 2 of my stay in Clay Center for a hot coffee. The line reached from the counter almost to the door while employees hurriedly served patrons. They were busy for a good reason. The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity was about to start, and race fans wanted to fuel up before watching it.
The 299-seat theatre is a gem in the heart of the town. It’s where many locals have come for years, noting memorable moments. Director Reneé Langvardt and her employees work hard to provide an unforgettable experience.
When the lights are up, visitors can see the theatre’s stunning architecture, including ornate plaster made of horsehair. The modern seating provides a comfortable movie screening experience.
Newly restored bathrooms are adorned with framed images of Hollywood stars of the past. The original tile floor and entryway harken back to an earlier time.
The concession stand is fully stocked with movie popcorn, cotton candy, and candy selections you crave. Ask about combo deals. Adults can enjoy beer and wine.
As I drove up to The Schoolhouse Inn, I noted the bell in the tower and the oversized windows and doors. Inside, the interior was decorated in neutral tones. The restored hardwood floors creaked as I toured the accommodations. The open living room easily accommodated several guests. Original chalkboards carved with the initials of rambunctious students flanked two sides of the room.
Two bedrooms with plush queen-sized beds, end tables, and armoires welcomed me. Which one would I choose? The rooms were equally inviting. The full bathroom with a modern shower included the amenities of home, plus a basket of toiletries.
Although The Schoolhouse Inn did not have a kitchen, I had access to a small refrigerator and freezer, a Keurig coffeemaker, and a microwave. The refrigerator was filled with bottled water and soda products. Complimentary drinks and snacks made the stay unexpectedly comfortable.
Because The Schoolhouse Inn sits on the owner’s private property, I found it to be a peaceful and quiet setting.
I had the opportunity to meet various animals during a guided tour led by facility employees. I watched black bears dine on snacks. A lemur ate raisins from my hand. And beautiful birds like those pictured above chatted excitedly as we observed them.
Ginger has operated the business for 36 years, providing locals and visitors with a place to shop for gifts for themselves or others.
I challenge you to try leaving the store without buying something. I couldn’t do it. Home cooks will appreciate the specialty foods corner that includes fill-a-bottle olive oils.
Known for its wedding registry services, the store caters to those who need to pick up a gift for the bride and groom. Rumor has it that they’re on almost every local wedding registry.
The Uptown Girls host Thursday Coffee Talk sessions on Facebook live showcasing the newest inventory. Events like All That Glitters Christmas Showcase always draw big crowds, so signing up in advance for one of the sessions is key.
The 
PRO TIP: If you accompany a country club member, you can golf the course or enjoy a meal in the dining room as their guest.
After a fire destroyed their old facility, the owners drew design plans for the current building on butcher paper. The converted Dollar General Store is the town’s meat locker keeping locals’ refrigerators stocked with Kansas beer and pork products. It’s also a one-stop shop for grab-and-go shopping. They carry a large selection of beer and road-ready snacks.
PRO TIP: Pack a large, iced-down cooler for your trip to Clay Center and fill it with frozen meat. Oh, and don’t miss the back shelves stocked with private-label pickled vegetables and salsa.
Piotique Celebration takes place on the last Saturday of September every year. A tradition since 1936, hundreds of people turn out to watch parades, shop for food and craft vendors, play games, watch Cruise Night, and listen to live music.
The 4th Annual Java Junkies T-Rex Race for charity drew hundreds of spectators. Sponsored participants donning inflatable costumes sprinted down a city block to earn their way into the final heat. The winner earned $1,000 to donate to a charity of choice. It’s an event that is not to be missed.
Milford Lake is a 30-minute drive southeast of Clay Center. It’s an exceptional location for birdwatching, hiking, water sports, and overnight lodging in cabins or via campgrounds.
I’m not going to lie. I felt a little tug on my heartstrings as I pulled out of town, leaving my new friends behind. The town’s people are welcoming, and with so much to do and see in Clay Center, it made it hard to leave.
Go for the murals. Drop into town to dine at the restaurants. Plan a trip around the town’s many events and festivals. No matter the time of year, Clay Center is a wonderful place to explore.
Outdoor enthusiasts love it for its recreational options. It sits on the edge of the Flint Hills and near waterways in Cowley County. Shoppers appreciate the downtown corridors for the town’s long list of boutiques and retail stores. I discovered noteworthy dining while spending the day in Winfield as well.
Winfield is home to the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival where people far and wide have arrived at the Flat-Picking Championships to hear the best musicians play every September. The market’s scene was set.
During the opening day of the market, I purchased a baked lemon loaf and walked away with a jar of preserves. Other vendors sold seasonal produce, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, and gifts.
From the breakfast options I could see from within the glass case, I chose a slice of Farmers Quiche to go with a steaming cup of cappuccino. It was made from delicious ingredients and had a flaky crust. It hit the spot.
I took time to enjoy the meal from a quiet spot inside the converted house. The walls were adorned with local artists’ work and a small amount of retail (bagged coffee, jewelry, and artwork) is for sale. Music played from the room’s speakers and a cool spring breeze passed through open windows.
When in Winfield, promise yourself you’ll stop at College Hill Coffee. You can order from a window on the porch (seating available!) or dine inside. They serve breakfast all day and 
I learned from Rick about the numerous plant varieties and the growing habits of lavender as we walked the property. The farm has 28 varieties and he plans to add 15 more in due time. His family is dedicated to providing lavender to as many people who want it.
They grow lavender from seedlings inside a greenhouse and eventually move it outside to be planted in rows. What started as something to do in Rick’s retirement has blossomed into a farm where the public can come out and experience it for themselves.
I was excited to borrow a pair of scissors and sip stems. Afterward, I took my bundle to a farm employee at a cart who added a rubber band to it and directed me to the retail shop to pay $5 for the lavender. The process is easy and one you’ll appreciate.
The 
Shady tree-covered areas and tall grass surround fairways. The meticulous maintenance of the course makes it a beautiful setting. Each hole has two tee boxes made with turf pads. The basket placement ranges. Some baskets sit under trees near a water’s edge, others are hidden in cleared areas around trees, while others are located more in the open. For example, Hole 8’s basket is elevated atop a mound of sand and large tires.
During my tour, I learned that golfers could arrive during course hours and pay cash using the honors system inside a converted train railcar or pay online. Inside the rail car retail shop, you can also purchase new discs. The course was technical and challenging, especially as a new disc golfer. Be prepared to look for baskets that have been moved and don’t always match what 
She added a magnet to the bottom of the glass, set it on a base, and added pressure. Suddenly, the pint glass began to fill with beer from the bottom up. It was quite a sight.
Back at the bar, I enjoyed the Smokey Turkey Club with onion rings with a side of sauce for dipping. It was made from top-quality ingredients and tasted delicious. In fact, everything on the menu looked crave-worthy.
Sporting events played on TVs as patrons filled the dining room. The bartender told me how the family, who has owned the restaurant for several years, sandblasted and reused industrial items to decorate the space. The entire restaurant almost felt partially like a museum, from the rustic chandeliers to the hostess stand.
The store is a gem for shoppers on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces who don’t want to pay big-city prices.
The staff at 
I also appreciated the outdoor gardens with walkable paths that lead underneath arched to whimsical spaces and greenhouses. If you’re shopping for herbs, native plants, and hardscaping options, or just need to talk shop about lawn care, Gottlob is where you go.
PRO TIP: Follow the F
People drive from out of town to visit the brewery open Thursday-Saturday. The shaded patio and indoor seating areas were filled with craft beer drinkers. Inside, you can select from 6-8 beers on tap.
The brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.
The prices were affordable, and the staff consistently visited the table to check on me. Other menu options ranged from baked pasta like lasagna and manicotti to stromboli sandwiches and meatball subs. In search of lighter fare? Order a Greek or caesar salad.
My trip to Winfield was long overdue. When I told friends I was traveling to the area, everyone had good things to say about the Cowley County town. It turns out they were right. Winfield is wonderful.
On my next visit to Winfield and the surrounding area, I plan to stop at 
Have you visited Winfield or attended the Walnut Valley Festival? Leave your comments below to provide your travel suggestions for the area.
