Disclosure: Great Plains Ventures sponsored this post, and Aloft Wichita sponsored my overnight stay. All opinions and photographs are my own.
District 96 is your destination for a multitude of entertaining activities and boutique hotel lodging in Northeast Wichita, located at K-96 and Oliver Street. Imagine checking into a fresh, modern hotel, savoring a chef-prepared meal, and pausing to play indoor pickleball or golf, located steps away.
The neighborhood gem makes it easy to plan a weekend that feels like a getaway, whether you’re visiting Wichita for the first time or simply rediscovering this area of the city.
A Wichita Lineup You’ll Love: Food, Fun, and Sports at District 96
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE: SAVOR A SOUTHERN-INSPIRED BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
The locally owned Wichita franchise, Another Broken Egg Cafe (4862 E 35th St N) offers diners a comforting Southern-style breakfast or lunch meal prepared made-to-order with fresh ingredients.
I’ve raved about Another Broken Egg Cafe before, and the breakfast menu selection just keeps getting better. The seasonal food and drink selections keep it interesting, offering diners quality Southern fare you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Unlike a diner-style restaurant, Another Broken Egg Cafe layers each meal with ingredients such as seasonal produce and fresh herbs.
A successful restaurant must serve quality meals consistently at a standard that exceeds the competition, and this one checks all the boxes.
Go for a Southern brunch or lunch duo featuring a half-order sized meal with soup or salad. Indulgent Bourbon Street Pancakes, spicy shrimp and grits, or the Southwest Scrambler are repeat-worthy orders.
The locally-owned eatery at District96-ICT is at the top of my list when people ask me, “Vanessa, where should we go for a really good, fresh breakfast in Wichita?”
PRO TIP: On a sunny day, order from the patio table or walk-up to the pass-thru window to order a spritzer, cold brew cocktail, or mocktail.
TAPNPADDLES: PICK UP A PADDLE FOR PICKLEBALL
Joining friends for a game of pickleball is a way of life for sports enthusiasts who love playing at TapNPaddles (4656 E. 35th Street). Whether you’re a die-hard player or want to drop in for a one-hour court session, the pickleball venue offers a places where players of all skill levels can compete.
As a beginner player, I felt comfortable learning the game on one of 12 indoor, air-conditioned courts. We reserved a court during Open Play, and surrounding courts were occupied by Senior Open Play and one-on-one training sessions.
Open to the public and Tap Elite, Plus, and Choice Members, TapNPaddles makes it easy to reserve a court online. If you fancy a game of table tennis or cornhole, reserve Courtside Social, a portable professional-grade game set available for no charge on a first come, first served basis.
After a fun game of pickleball, we cooled off with a District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Norton’s Brewing at the TapNPaddles bar. I was surprised to discover the Bar & Court Menu features dips, burgers, and pita pocket sandwiches as courtside bites during kitchen hours.
The cocktail lounge is the ideal place to quench your thirst while watching pickleball on television or playing a game of chess.
The pickleball venue is located next door to Raha Mediterranean, a more laid back eatery serving chef-prepared cuisine with bold flavor. Honestly, I could’ve spent half a day at TapNPaddles having fun.
PRO TIP: Arrive dressed in your sports gear. The locker room is for members only.
K96 LIQUOR: SHOP FOR SPIRITS, WINE, OR BEER
K96 Liquor (4858 E. 35th Street North Suite B), is the ideal place to shop for a bottle of wine, spirits, or beer before retiring for drinks at Aloft Hotel or before returning home.
The locally-owned liquor store works with distributors to carry a vast selection of well-known brands, and I was pleased to find spirits on the shelf produced by Wichita makers, including Una Vida Tequila and Greatness Vodka.
The store’s owner helped me located the perfect bottle of dry red wine to take back to the hotel. As shoppers came and went, I noticed how she knew what some of the regular customers wanted before they located it.
K96 Liquor is one-stop shopping if you’re seeking a variety of wine, beer or spirits to purchase for your next gathering with friends or family. And if you’re a guest at someone’s party, consider purchasing one of the pre-boxed bottles that come in gift-worthy packaging.
PRO TIP: Inquire about holiday-themed gift sets.
ALOFT WICHITA: OVERNIGHT IN STYLE
Aloft Wichita (3642 N. Oliver) is a hip hotel that feels like a staycation for locals and it’s the ideal retreat for leisure or business travelers. Between bold design, unexpected fun, and local art connections, this spot makes it easy to blend work and play in one trip.
Newly renovated, the boutique hotel has a swimming pool with outdoor seating and fire pits, views of a lake, and a swanky hangout, W xyz® Bar. Aloft Wichita is not another hotel. It’s a vibe.
The lobby is home to games (Ms. Pac-Man, anyone?), a complimentary coffee station, and a sunken lounge area where a musician plays music on Tuesday evenings, the same night W xyz® Bar serves a taco and margarita special.
After check-in, we sipped District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Nortons Brewing Company at the bar to the sounds of live music. The lobby was filled with hotel guests and drop-in locals who socialized from velvety, stylish couches and around a billiards table. Business travelers worked from laptops at a central desk area.
Later, we explored the hotel’s art gallery by Envision, which displays remarkable works completed by Wichita artists with vision loss. The breathtaking collections change throughout the year.
Guests who want to make the most of the available amenities during the day will appreciate the fitness facility’s collection of state-of-the-art machines and weights.
When it’s time to slumber, one can count on Aloft Wichita’s beds to be some of the most comfortable ones thanks to soft Marriott Bonvoy® bedding and blackout curtains guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
Our Aloft King room was equipped with a workspace and a mini fridge to keep my bottled water ice cold. The in-shower bath products are top quality.
The pet-friendly hotel provides dog bowls, toys, and laundered pet beds for its four-legged guests weighing up to 40 pounds via the ARF (Animals Are Fun) program.
In the morning, the Re:Fuel by Aloft℠ grab-and-go yogurt with fruit cups or hot breakfast menu is open for early-morning bites. My preference? The OG B.E.C Sandwich served on a Brioche Bun.
Assorted beverages, snacks, and cookies are available for a mid-day munch. At night, one can purchase non-alcoholic and boozy beverages from the reach-in cooler.
Wichita’s Aloft Hotel felt less like a stay and more like stepping into the city’s creative pulse. The best part? It’s minutes from downtown Wichita, and steps from The Kitchen, RAHA Mediterranean, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Tap N Paddles, K96 Liquor LLC, and ShotSuite.
Reserve a guest room for your next staycation or trip to Wichita.
PRO TIP: Pick up an Una Vida Tequila Passport to complete a cocktail tour of District 96’s bars and restaurants.
RAHA MEDITERRANEAN: INDULGE IN GLOBAL CUISINE
Adjoining TapNPaddles, Raha Mediterranean (4956 E. 35th Street N.) serves a menu of lunch or dinner fare catering to diners who appreciate flavorful main dishes blending indulgent and nutritious ingredients.
To set the mood, we ordered an Indigo N Ginger and Keepers Heart Old Fashioned from a cocktail menu consisting of eight drink options. A beer and wine list equally impressed.
In a city with many Lebanese restaurants, we agreed that Chef Rickard’s Roasted Mushroom Hummus was some of the best we’ve tasted, and the Labeneh and Muhammara served with warm pita bread were award-worthy.
Don’t miss a chance to sink your teeth into Smoked Brisket prepared with labneh, blueberry barbecue, and sliced sweet peppers. Served with Persian Fried Rice, the dinner service surpasses typical Mediterranean restaurant cuisine in the city.
NOTE: If the waitstaff asks what kind of water you want to drink with dinner service, inquire about pricing.
PRO TIP: The restaurant’s private dining space, resembling an enclosed patio with refined seating, is available if you want to reserve it for an upcoming event.
SHOTSUITE: PERFECT YOUR GAME
At first glance, I thought ShotSuite (4854 E. 35th Street N) was only an indoor golf simulator venue, but it’s so much more.
ShotSuite offers a plethora of games for virtual sports, ranging from bocce ball and rugby to dodgeball and carnival games. Add an upscale bar serving scrumptious eats with handcrafted cocktails and it’s the ultimate one-of-a-kind experience for a date night or a group outing.
Participating is as easy as reserving a suite and participants don’t have to bring equipment or know how to play each game. Each crafted experience is tailored to you, mixing competition and entertainment.
I shared laughs with a friend while throwing soft dodge balls at a screen of approaching zombies, and Full Swing golf allowed me to work on my swing on one of over 50 courses, including a Battleship-style game via Target Golf.
The quality of the game simulator’s censors combined with the multitude of games was better than any indoor sports simulator venue I’ve experienced. And the food menu? Think elevated game day food.
Order the house-made Salsa And Guac appetizer before selecting lunch or dinner. Don’t sleep on the Bogey Dogs menu, which includes the best-tasting Chicago Dog outside of the Windy City. The Hot Honey Pepperoni is the top choice when selecting from a four types of flatbread pizza. (View the menu.)
I especially enjoyed unwinding after gaming with a Dubai Chocolate Martini and Azalea Martini as a golf tournament aired from bar-side television. The bartender’s inventive cocktail recipes are well-balanced.
PRO TIP: If you love your ShotSuite experience, inquire about membership perks and shop the pro shop‘s apparel selection. League play is also an option.
THE KITCHEN: INDULGE IN A COMFORTING, CREATIVE MEAL
When I want to eat a healthier restaurant meal made with the freshest ingredients, I indulge in a flavorful Buddha Bowl, sandwich or dinner-size salad at The Kitchen (3622 N. Oliver).
The restaurant, known for its scratch-made bistro classic fare, was created by Chef Natasha Gandhi-Rue, who with her husband, won Guy’s Grocery Games Season 23, Episode 11, appearing on the Food Network.
Shareable appetizers like the gravy-drenched Disco Fries and Jalapeño Cheddar Bites are worth ordering; however, if you want a lighter option, order the Steak Lettuce Plater served with sliced Bavette steak and vegetables.
Chef Gandhi-Rue’s scratch-made pasta entreés are irresistible, and I liked customizing my pasta by adding bacon, mushroom, and chicken. Another hearty meal, the Thai Bowl is one I’ve ordered repeatedly over the years, much like the Fajita Bowl.
The best value for the experience is Tuesdays Dinner for 2, featuring three courses and a dessert to share for $40. Take it from me, The Kitchen’s cake selection is worth the visit alone.
PRO TIP: Seat yourself indoors or on the patio, and then ask your server about the updated Happy Hour bar menu or order from one of 24 beer taps, which include locally-brewed beers.
If you love The Kitchen, think about hosting a party in their reservable room that seats 32 people or ask about catering options.
Overall, you’ll find there is more than enough to do at District 96 during your day trip or overnight stay. Simply park and walk to food, fun, and sports adventures – some of the best experiences in Wichita.
District 96 is more than a commercial district. It’s an entertainment destination for locals and travelers who want unforgettable lodging, dining, shopping, and sports-themed attractions in one place.
Dine under mason jar light fixtures surrounded by whimsical antiques, savoring appetizers like the Wichita Wings or Prairie Bison Slides. For the main course, Brisket Tacos or the Spicy Fried Chicken are solid choices, and pizza lovers will delight in the Bassano topped with wood-smoked chicken.
Located inside a historic building that was the Carey Hotel, where hatchet-wielding prohibitionist Carry Nation destroyed the bar in 1911, patrons can sip and savor a cocktail or espresso drink at The Workroom’s 
Immerse yourself in the Wichita experience by learning about the heritage of the Wichita Indians who gave the city its name. Tour a replica Victorian home, watch a movie about aviation history, and admire the electric guitar that made its debut in Wichita. Afterward, take in the tranquility of Heritage Square Park beyond the museum’s doors.
In 1899, Harry Dockum opened downtown drugstores, including one in the same building. Bartenders, also referred to as pharmacists, meticulously prepare small-batch cocktails using house-made bitters and fresh-squeezed juices. The Smoking Gun, a rye whiskey signature drink, emits earthy aromatics during its presentation.
To enter, follow the pharmacy signs to the hotel’s basement and knock on the door at your reservation time.
Aviation companies Cessna, Beechcraft, Learjet, and Stearman put Wichita on the map, and its central location made it the ideal location for a cross-country airport, Wichita Municipal Airport, now the 
Ascend the Control Tower for a bird’s eye view of the tarmac where 600 flights took off and landed during its heyday.
Walk west to the clock tower, Window in Time, located at the roundabout. Its sculpted panels detail scenes from the Chisholm Trail. A time capsule is buried at its base.
I recommend downloading the PocketSights mobile app to listen to a fascinating audio tour, 
Bar drinks are served with or without booze. Add delectable bites such as chips with dip or gourmet pizza to your order.
Expect comfort classics on the menu, and if you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve come to the right place. I recommend starting a meal with brisket stuffed mushrooms to share with friends.
Voted the best Japanese cuisine by Wichita Magazine readers it’s also listed as one of the 50 Ramen Destinations by USA Today, the menu’s most popular dishes include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, but I’m partial to Spicy Yakisoba.
I’ve heard good reviews about their sandwiches, but I can’t seem to order anything other than pizza because I crave the Cajun Bacon Ranch and The Banick.
I recommend arriving when they open at 11:00 am (Monday-Friday) to secure a booth before the restaurant fills up quickly.
They often feature a seasonal drink special, and the fruit smoothies and refreshers over ice are solid choices.
Enjoy buy-one, get-one-free Junior NuWays with a purchase of a drink on Sundays.
View the records under the Local Bands section, and if you still own a CD player, you’ll appreciate their used inventory selection.
In business for decades, the hattery offers concierge services to create a custom design after taking your measurements.
Choose from Wichita merchandise, jewelry, handmade candles, hats, mugs, and more. The items are unique and unlike anything you’ll find at a big-box store.
The massive store also carries high-end outdoor furnishings, making it the go-to shopping experience if you’re ready to redo your home patio or deck setup.
I often leave having purchased Wichita postcards and refrigerator magnets. People with a sense of humor will feel at home at Vortex Souvenir.
Historic Delano is certainly a Wichita neighborhood worth exploring, whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking weekend-worthy fun.
Established in 1974, the campus museum continues to wow each time I visit. After perusing its second-floor galleries, I highly recommend taking a walk on campus to discover 86 permanent works displayed in the Martin H. Bush Sculpture Collection.
PRO TIP: Cut costs by ordering the sandwich only with curly fries for $4.49.
Today, 
PRO TIP: Stop to appreciate one of several Keepers on Parade, small scale versions of the city’s iconic sculpture, Keeper of the Plains. In the Historic Delano District, Credit Union of America and Hutton Construction display a Keeper on Parade.
PRO TIP: Find choice parking at
Each meal is prepared to order using fresh ingredients, and if you ask me, they serve the creamiest, most delicious hummus in town. It’s consistent food quality and service is why I also included it in a blog post about the city’s thriving 
PRO TIP: Pack hiking shoes. If weather permits, take a nature walk along the Tallgrass Trail, a scenic 1.5-mile loop with views of a pond and natural prairie. Walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations.
PRO TIP: Bring binoculars if you plan on driving designated roads to view waterfowl on a good weather day in the Cheyenne Bottoms.
Koch Exhibit Hall includes 3,500 square feet of walk-thru displays with hands-on visual and auditory stations. Birdwatchers will appreciate the Bob Gress Wildlife Observatory for spotting native songbirds, deer, or turkey.
The collection includes birds, wild animals, and Kansas native species. His collection of owls is particularly amazing, especially when in contrasted with big cats in close proximity.
Fossils, rocks, minerals, dinosaur bones, and aquariums with snacks, frogs, and bugs make touring the museum an immersive experience for all ages. A native Kansan, I loved the artifacts found in the Sunflower State, including massive geodes and crystals.
PRO TIP: Animatronic dinosaurs and life-size taxidermy may frighten the museum’s youngest visitors, so prepare your self-guided tour accordingly.
Ignite your curiosity on a self-guided tour of mammal skulls and taxidermy ranging from Arctic animals and the Rocky Mountains to the rain forest and the Kansas prairie.
Open year-round, Kansas nature centers offer visitors an opportunity to learn about native plants and animal species.
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care through a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers with a space where they can get to know one another.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the high-quality selections as you peruse the bookcases. Of course, my eyes darted right to the cookbooks and travel guides, but I also found myself gazing at the rest of the gently-used books. The backend of the story is dedicated to the littlest shoppers, while the rest of the store stocks books for all ages.
Open since 2015, the store is operated as a non-profit with the hope of connecting people with the resources they need. Within moments of my visit, I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the dedicated kids’ section, which caters to their reading needs.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
Decorative ravens cut from paper dangle from a string overhead as shoppers choose their next read. Like any good indie bookstore, a couple of curious cats are known to greet customers.
Shoppers can expect a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not be found elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
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.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet in small groups. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with free Wi-Fi access. Other areas of the coffee house were dedicated to families with kids, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
I particularly appreciate their local interest and Kansas history books, a modest section located on the second floor. In 2021, I was proud to see they stocked my first book and encouraged me to sign it when visiting.
In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events and book talks.
