Kansas

Scotch & Sirloin, Wichita, KS., 4/10/26

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
building – 5325 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67218-1627

Scotch and Sirloin opened in 1969 and was a huge place.  After a fire it moved to its present location in 1997 and Mike Issa took ownership from Lindy Andeel in 2014.   Issa then proceeded with an interior makeover that includes a 400 bottle glass wall that separates the bar from a dining room..  The place is divided into a number of rooms – several of which were booked for private parties when we were there.  They have an 1,100 bottle temperature controlled wine cellar in additon to a large selection of spirits.  They use Riedel glassware and have a variety of crystal decanters that all red wines are poured into.  The steaks are from Sterling Silver Meats and they do have “the biggest selection of scotch in the city of Wichita.”  White cloths cover the large tables in the center of the room as well as the booths along the edges.  There is art on the walls, lowered lighting, carpet on the floors and music from somewhere.  The place was too big for me but service was good and the food was acceptable. Continue reading →

Old Mill Tasty Shop, Wichita, KS., 4/10/26

~ hsnixon ~ 6 Comments
exterior – 604 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202

The Old Mill Tasty Shop has been in business over 90 years.  They started in 1932 and have been under just two families of ownership in all that time. They are open everyday, but Sunday, 11-3.  They serve a variety of sandwiches as well as having a marble countered soda fountain.  It was a medium-sized place with stools at the fountain counter and booths on the opposite side of the room.  Small tables filled the rest of the room with an old wooden cooler in the front holding ice creams and such.  A tile floor, brick walls and high tin ceiling complete the look of something that’s been around for awhile.  Servers were efficient and knowledgeable about the food and the place.  It was a great place serving tasty food.  They have some Mexican dishes as well as a daily special but their sandwich selection caught my eye along with the fountain.  If you have the chance stop in – you won’t be disappointed. Continue reading →

Lottē, Wichita, KS., 4/9/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 320 S Market St STE 101, Wichita, KS 67202

Lottē was started as a seasonal farm to table restaurants from Chef Josh Rathbun.  Opened in the fall of 2023 it was named for his daughter Charlotte.  A Wichita native Rathbun has worked in many different kitchens where he developed a fondness for seasonal cooking, using as many local products as possible.   He developed a good working relationship with Chef de Cuisine Zakk Thomas at Siena Tuscan Steakhouse and now the two create their own dishes with a menu that changes about every six weeks.  Located on the ground floor of a bank parking garage it’s a large space with a wall of windows to the downtown street.  Opposite this was a wide granite counter facing the kitchen prep area with fancy cut wood tables of varying sizes in between.  We chose counter seating to see some of the action and while it did get a bit noisier I liked the many granite surfaces they combined to make the counter.  The other end of the room had the bar area with a different counter and higher stools for those that wanted to eat or drink there.  It was a bustling place with 4 chefs cooking and excellent servers handling the rest.  It was a place I’d heartily recommend you try especially if you’re willing to share so you can taste more things.  It was all good with a nice variety of flavors and textures. Continue reading →

Artichoke Sandwichbar, Wichita, KS., 4/9/26

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
building – 811 N Broadway Ave, Wichita, KS 67214-3509

Artichoke Sandwich Bar was an Irish inpired dive bar that opened in 1984 near downtown.  It was since expanded to a second location as well as a food truck, which all have slightly different menus.  We went to the original location which had a full bar and restaurant at lunch and live music on Wed.-Sat. evenings.  The large place was spread over a couple rooms with a large parking area outside.  Inside there were a lot of green lights, faint music, booth seating on one wall opposite the bar counter seating with a row of small tables in between.   The walls were heavily decorated with art and memorabilia.  It primarily serves sandwiches that all come with a pickle and chips – regular, BBQ or jalapeno.  Other sides are available for an upcharge and they do offer a couple salads and some appetizers.   Many of the sandwich combinations sounded really tasty and I know if I ever get back this way I’d go again, it was that good.  Hope you’ll try it and also hear some live music. Continue reading →

The White Linen, Topeka, KS, 4/8/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
building – 112 SW 6th Street, Topeka, KS 66603-3842

The White Linen serves a 4-course tasting or an a la carte menu.  Their tasting is different in that the first and dessert course are set but the second course has a choice as does the entree course, which also sets the price of your tasting.  If you want less or just some optional starter shared plates that is also an option.   Chef Adam VanDonge and his wife Kasie opened the restaurant about 8 years ago, to offer a fine-dining experience to Topeka residents.   The food is American with French accents and changes monthly based on seasonal offerings.  It’s a small place in an historic old bank building.  The bar was in a room across the hall and servers would ferry cocktails and food across.   Pictures from the town’s past line the walls and the wine storage is now in one of the vaults.   It’s an attractive space but there was no white linen on the tables and the napkins were polyester.   It gets great reviews online but the food was mixed and service amateurish, but then our server was new and Chef was not in house as he was at a new concept he’s developing nearby. Continue reading →

Saddles and Spurs Bar and Grill, Abilene, KS, 4/8/26

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building – 2309 N Buckeye Ave, Abilene, KS 67410

Saddles & Spurs opened on Dec. 29, 2025 in a past Dairy Queen building.  It was medium-sized with counter, booth and table seating options.  Windows along the front look out at the parking lot and nearby highways.  The wood floors go well with the bare wood tables that all seemd to be about the same size. (There are high top tables in the bar area).  Muted TV monitors are plentiful but one seemed to be streaming some music.  The menu was quite varied and they try and do as much in house as possible – they make their own corned beef.  Service was friendly and efficient in that one server worked the entire room and served as hostess and bus boy.  It’s not fancy but it’s one-of-a-kind serving generous portions of good enough food.   It’s near a highway, so give it a try when you’re in the area. Continue reading →