One Region...so many flavors!

Explore the Northeast Kansas Culinary Passport

Northeast Kansas is full of locally-owned restaurants that reflect the culture, creativity, and character of our communities. The Northeast Kansas Culinary Passport is your guide to finding them.

This self-guided food adventure invites you to explore restaurants across the region, try new flavors, and support small businesses along the way. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or just looking for your next great meal, the Culinary Passport makes it easy to turn eating local into an experience.

• Freddy's Pizza Palace | Seneca - a Seneca tradition since 1969. Freddy’s is a small-town, family-run restaurant serving pizzas, burgers, and chicken. Known for their Sausage and Sauerkraut Pizza, which celebrates Seneca's rich German roots, Freddy's offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to quality. 

• El Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant | Merriam  - Enjoy a savory journey through authentic Salvadoran cuisine, serving up dishes bursting with flavor and tradition. From delectable pupusas to mouthwatering tamales, every bite is a culinary delight. Step into the cozy atmosphere where warm hospitality meets exceptional food, making it a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast exploring Merriam.

• Bon Bon! | Lawrence - A neighborhood bistro serving up playful dishes rooted in Midwest comfort. Trust us, Bon Bon! is is elevating the culinarian scene, serving up the best cocktails, and having a blast while doing it!

• The Wheel Barrel | Topeka - Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich that was more than just some cheese on some bread? At The Wheel Barrel, you will not only find grilled cheese with unique ingredients, you will also find a bar made of pennies, craft cocktails, and beer from around the state! Dine inside or out, and enjoy live music each season on the back patio.

• The Country Cabin | Hiawatha - The Country Cabin Restaurant provides an array of food including Certified Angus Beef steaks, seafood dishes, country fried plates, fresh ground burgers and mouthwatering sandwiches. The Cabin provides unique daily specials inclusive of a 30-year-old prime rib recipe only available on weekends. 

• Of Course Kitchen | Overland Park - Of Course offers a perfect balance between daring and cozy with shareable plates that invite culinary exploration while enjoying a meal with loved ones. The restaurant features a warm, welcoming atmosphere with modern touches, where every dish highlights locally sourced ingredients. Founded by Swetha and Jesse Newcomb, Of Course showcases a path-breaking menu with global cuisine and American influences.

• The Suburban | Leavenworth - Chef Jason Wiggin offers a tasty twist on classic American dishes at Leavenworth’s date-night staple, The Suburban. On its menu, steaks and chops meet short rib tacos, Angus beef burgers and a house favorite: honey-coated fried chicken. Be sure to visit when the weather cooperates and find your seat on the restaurant’s back patio oasis!

• The Reserve at the Embassy | Olathe - Perched on the outdoor terrace of the Embassy Suites in Olathe, The Reserve offers a fresh, inviting space perfect for unwinding after a long day.  Open exclusively to guests 21 and over, The Reserve serves up wine, craft cocktails, drafts, and a selection of delicious bites from Wednesday through Saturday, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving. 

• El Luchador | Gardner - Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico right in Gardner, KS, at the brand new El Luchador Restaurant! From their delicious empanadas to their mouthwatering tacos and burritos, each bite is a fiesta of authentic tastes crafted with fresh ingredients. Come and try one of their signature specialties and “have a taste of the glory!”

• Aunt Netter's Cafe | Lecompton - A quaint small town cafe with a wonderful atmosphere and really good food.Voted by USA Today as the #4 pie shop in the US.  Their motto is "Eat Dessert First"

• We B Smokin' | Miami County - You'll never know what sights you might see while enjoying your meal. Visitors have full view of the landing strip and taxiway for Miami County's airport. And, while the smell of BBQ lures many in, their weekend breakfast is also a hit. "Where sticky fingers are a good thing!"

• Quentin’s BBQ & Sides | Bonner Springs - For BBQ aficionados, Quentin’s BBQ & Sides features mouth-watering smoked meats and sides that range from scratch-made mac-n-cheese to hand-cut onion rings. They offer daily specials from brisket nachos to short ribs and chef specials that always hit the mark. A new addition to the menu are the amazing pizza choices that range from classic pies to “The Funk” pizza with feta cheese, pepperoni, salami, bacon, and pickled jalapenos.

• African Dream Cuisine | Lenexa - Drawing inspiration from traditional recipes passed down through generations, every dish at African Dream Cuisine is a celebration of the West African culture and tradition.

• GG's Barbacoa Cafe | Kansas City - Is GG's Barbacoa Cafe Kansas City's best kept secret? Chef and owner Gabriel Gonzalez has mastered the art of bring the locals back for more with his mouth-watering breakfast and lunch dishes included birria tacos, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and more.

• Kirkwood & Co. | Doniphan County  - Your local hotspot for delicious burgers, hearty sandwiches and daily specials! Start with one of over 10 tasty appetizers and enjoy a delectable dessert to top it off.  Generous salads are offered as well as entrées such as Bourbon Glazed Salmon or a 14 oz. Rib eye. 

• True Brew | Osage County - Need a caffeine fix or a spot to sip and stay awhile?  Family-owned, True Brew Café is the perfect place for you! Featuring full espresso bar and bistro, delicious smoothies, specialty pastries and mouthwatering breakfast | lunch innovations to satisfy your taste buds!  A Northeast Kansas coffee spot worth visiting!

• Pete's Steakhouse | Atchison - Chef inspired dishes, locally sourced central Kansas beef, and the freshest ingredients around. Amazing Greek menu and pizzas, too! Our favorites are the Saganaki (FLAMING CHEESE) and the Chicken Carbonara.

• Pizza Village | Ottawa - Pizza Village Opened in 1965 and has become a local staple. From birthday parties and class reunions to standing room only on cruise night, the PV is the place to be. Serving pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, pasta, and a salad bar, there's something for everyone.

Start Your Culinary Passport Adventure

The Northeast Kansas Culinary Passport is more than a food list. It’s a reason to get out, explore new towns, and discover places you may have never tried before.

As you visit participating restaurants and check them off in the digital passport, you’ll earn chances to win fun prizes along the way, making every stop even more rewarding. From small-town cafés to bold international flavors, each visit helps support local businesses and celebrates what makes Northeast Kansas unique.

So download your passport here, bring your appetite, and start exploring Northeast Kansas one bite at a time.