First of all, this poll has nothing to do with my personal opinions, because it’s all about how Kansans all over voted. Conducted by the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (KRHA) every year, this poll helps everyone from other states know which restaurants are truly the best in Kansas. However, here are seven great Kansas eateries that made the list, and the four that made it to the top three (because third place had a tie!)
1. Finalist - The Cozy Inn (108 N 7th St Salina, KS)
Most of us Kansans know by now about Cozy Inn's famous sack of burgers, and most of us have strong opinions on them either direction. Hence they easily made the list of our top choices.
2. Finalist - Brookville Hotel (105 E Lafayette Ave Abilene, KS)
Fried chicken is a staple in Kansas households, and as such, we hold dear those restaurants that are serving it well. As a popular staple of Abilene's tourists, it's no wonder they made the list.
3. Finalist - Gella's Diner & Lb Brewing (117 E 11th St Hays, KS)
If you're one that likes comfort food and a great brew, then this is your new home away from home. Everything from their chicken fried steak to their salmon is delectable, every time.
4. Finalist - India Palace (129 E 10th St Lawrence, KS)
Some might be surprised by an Indian eatery on this list, but once you've tried the food at India Palace, you'll give them your vote, too! Maybe after eating here, you'll think of them next time you get a hankering for takeout?
5. Finalist - Ladybird Diner (721 Massachusetts St Lawrence, KS)
Here at Ladybird, the servings are hearty, and the food is perfectly wonderful. Artsy Lawrence restaurants tend to get a bad rep sometimes, but this one makes up for it with taste.
6. Finalist - Rowhouse Restaurant (515 Van Buren St Topeka, KS)
A bit on the pricey side, this spot is a place reserved for a special night out where you'd like to try small portions that taste better than they fill you up. The menu changes often, and all of the ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible, though. However, they do offer a tasting option of each for a more modest price than a full plate of each course.
7. Fourth Place - Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers (8621 W 21st St N Wichita, KS)
If you've never had one of Freddy's burgers or custards, then you won't understand why they're in this list. Their fry sauce and tiny seasoned fries aren't something to doubt, either. Together, they all make a perfect meal fit for any occasion. That's why they came in fourth!
8. Tied in 3rd - Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ (9520 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS)
Third place is shared in part by this tantalizing barbecue joint based in Overland Park and KCMO. No matter what location you choose, there are plenty of customers who will tell you about their favorite BBQ place, and name Jack Stack as one of the best.
9. Tied in 3rd - 715 (715 Massachusetts St Lawrence, KS)
715 is a unique staple of any Lawrence resident, with tastefully artsy food arrangements that never lack in flavor. You'll find genuine Italian flavors all over the place in this dining experience. The only catch? We don't have one in every city! (Oh, I wish!)
10. Second Place - Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que (11950 S Strang Line Rd Olathe, KS)
Considering that Joe's won first place last year, it's no wonder they're still in the top three for another round. Beating out Jack Stack and 715, this eatery is fine dining for those of us who feel like BBQ connoisseurs.
11. First Place - Free State Brewing Co. (636 Massachusetts StLawrence, KS)
Free State pushed Joe's out of the way for a first place title this year, with their plentiful servings and high quality food choices. Who wouldn't eat something that looked this good? This year's Best in Kansas is really a great spot to try, if you haven't. Add it to that bucket list!
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