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 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.
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
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
Many of the predominantly Swedish town’s residents gather there for an early-morning coffee and breakfast pastry, and the restaurant recently started serving lunch for mid-day diners.
You’re alway guaranteed to find the owner’s famous cinnamon rolls under the glass case. Don’t miss a chance to purchase his family’s jarred jams and jellies.
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, their baristas can 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 order 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, 
The taproom is owned and operated by some of the nicest Kansans. Patrons can expect a laid-back atmosphere, where locals are friendly and eager for conversation.
Plan your visit around one of their live music nights when everyone in the county shows up to sip and listen to sounds.
The brewery has quickly expanded from one barrel to five since opening in 2022. Although they don’t offer traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews, ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale.
They invite breweries that use their hops to join the tap wall. Patrons can choose from guest taps from makers like Fields and Ivy Brewery, Free State Brewing Company, and Kansas Territory Brewing Company.
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.
I couldn’t decide which beer I wanted, so I created a flight of 3 oz pours. Cool Mom Pomegranate Saison was a winner. But if I’m honest, I enjoyed all of the beer in the flight. The brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks are available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.
During my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beers. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers with varied flavors and ABVs. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, was awarded the best beer in the line-up.
Individual tasters are $3, but a flight of tasters is the way to go. Most patrons seemed to agree, as nearly everyone had a board and a flight card at their table. A continuous rotation of beer keeps regulars coming back for more. Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shop events, trivia nights, and the like. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo.
Their menu has always featured items made with fresh ingredients and flair. You won’t find standard pub grub at Free State. The menu options appeal to foodies who appreciate unique flavor combinations and the freshest ingredients.
I highly recommend stopping at Free State Brewing Co. for lunch or dinner during your visit to Lawrence. Although they are not hosting brewery tours, you can check their 
The food menu features an array of hearty options from burgers to soups and salads. Non-beer drinkers will appreciate the LBC Seasonal Cocktails menu, short wine list, and hard ciders.
Warbeard Irish Red remains one of their most requested flagship beers. I would also recommend the HighBeam IPA. Drinkers who prefer a lighter brew will appreciate the Falconer’s Wheat and Teter Rock Kölsch.
PRO TIP: Check the brewery’s Facebook page for announcements about events, which often include comedy shows and live bands. Leashed pets are welcome in the tasting room.
PRO TIP: 
During our visit, we swapped stories and learned more about the great people who make McPherson what it is while sipping on a Vertigo IPA and their latest recipe, Summer Breeze Lime Gosé. Already a fan of one of their flagship beers, Wanderlust, a Scottish Red, I had always wanted to visit the taproom.
The brewery uses a large, on-site production facility. Three flagship pours are served on tap, and the remaining nine taps are reserved for rotators. The bartender told me the brewery’s gluten-free Wicked West Cider is popular with regulars.
The evening of my visit, an acoustic original songwriter sang while newcomers milled about chatting with friends. I appreciate the brewery’s wide selection of beer types, choosing best-selling El Compadre, an adjunct lager, and maltier Irish ale, Clurichaun.
We sipped on Langdon’s Lager and the Belgian Wit during the lunch hour. With the kitchen in sight, it was time to order pizza. Our server told us that the most popular specialty pizza on the menu is the Drop The Piggy. The homemade crust and sauce were surprisingly good, reminiscent of the pies we dine on in New York. The large pizza was covered in Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and traditional bacon. Loving every bite and not wanting to leave a morsel behind, we asked for a to-go box.
They offer about twelve beer selections and a quarter of the menu are IPAs, and they age some beer variations in barrels.
On warm-weather days, the brewery hosts outdoor events that spill over into Hyde Park across the street. Their anniversary block party in August features live music, food trucks, and games for the kids. I recommend their free jerk chicken and coconut rice during Raggae Sunday.
If you’ve not enjoyed tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in sauce wrapped in masa inside a corn husk. The dish represents traditional food brought to the states by Mexican immigrant populations. Masa is a soft dough made from ground corn with a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.
I ordered a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal. A cinnamon vanilla rice drink with a double espresso was served in a vibrant handmade coffee cup. The cafe’s interior is visually stunning as it is filled with colorful pottery from Mexico. All of it is marked for sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a gem to take home with you.
When our bus stopped at the 
We drove to a historic two-story stone building near railroad tracks and a baseball field, which has served as the headquarters for 
The nondescript building was constructed because the community needed a place where Latinos could gather without discrimination. In the early 1900s, it served as a Methodist mission and school. Years later, the outside of the building contrasts greatly with the interior’s design which features a sports bar where locals gather to enjoy game day.
It’s a hidden gem, or the kind of restaurant locals know and dare not tell others about, because their go-to places become crowded. 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.
It’s one of the most festive celebrations I’ve attended. Vendors line both sides of Central Avenue, offering the best gifts and authentic Mexican food dinners. The smell of freshly grilled meat lingers in the air.Walking the route, you encounter live bands performing Latin pop and regional Mexican music in front of small groups of onlookers. Women dressed as Catrinas wear makeup resembling skeletons ad flowing gowns with hats or elaborate headdresses.
I was asked if I wanted to ride in the parade inside a decorated bus with authentic music (see pictured). “Yes, of course!” We threw candy to eager children from the bus and waved at families. Dancers led our path down the street. Everyone was in good spirits laughing, eating authentic food, dancing, and singing. The festival is one you don’t want to miss.
Take a moment to downtown 
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 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.
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 
