Times are tough, and we know money can be tight. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy dining out. There are plenty of great cheap eats in Kansas where you can fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. From fast food to international delights, you can always grab a delicious meal in the Sunflower State while still supporting local business. We’ve gathered up a few of our favorite cheap restaurants in Kansas, so check these out:
- El Pollo Rey: 901 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105
John Vani/Google Local El Pollo Rey is one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Kansas City. This place is decidedly no frills. It’s counter service, and you won’t find anything too fancy.
Joseph Beasley/Google Local But what you will find is delicious food cooked over a wood fire. Whole chicken, half chicken, or chicken wings: that’s the entire menu. There’s no website or Facebook, just some of the best chicken in Kansas. El Pollo Rey, 901 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105, USA
- The Beacon Restaurant: 909 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
Rene West/Google Local This diner is pretty big and can get quite busy, but it still manages to have a cozy atmosphere and wonderful customer service. The portions are very big, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
Brian Davis/Google Local The Beacon serves up breakfast and lunch, and it’s some of the tastiest breakfast in Wichita. The menu is very expansive, with quite a lot to choose from. The Beacon Restaurant, 909 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202, USA
- Dagwood’s Cafe: 1117 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103
Yvette Rowland/Google Local If you’re in Kansas City but would like a great small town experience, you have got to check out Dagwood’s Cafe. This old school diner has been a staple of the KCK community since it opened in 1938.
Josh Stephens/Google Local Dagwood’s Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch, with large portions. You won’t be hungry when you leave here! Dagwood’s Cafe, 1117 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Bobo’s Drive In: 2300 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Deedee Durney/Google Local Bobo’s is a classic drive-in in Kansas that’s very tiny, but serves up big flavor. This place is a blast from the past, having opened up back in 1948.
Sianna Palomo/Google Local There’s very limited seating inside, but most people prefer to order from the drive-up area, where you’re served by old-fashioned carhops! The food is so much better than big chain fast food spots, and you’ll get to support local business, too. Bobo’s Drive In, 2300 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, USA
- Pheasant Run: 3201 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601
Scott Sperry/Google Local Pheasant Run Pancake House is a great breakfast spot where you’ll find plenty more on the menu besides pancakes. Lots of locals eat here, and it also attracts plenty of travelers looking for a filling meal at a cheap price.
Edward Nafziger/Google Local Pheasant Run serves up breakfast and lunch, and everything’s homemade. The desserts are also delicious, so make sure to save room! Pheasant Run, 3201 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601, USA
- Pinky’s Grilled Cheestro: 2204 E Kansas Ave #1, Garden City, KS 67846
Don Jubber/Google Local We don’t know about you, but when we hear the phrase “grilled cheese,” we’re automatically intrigued. Pinky’s Grilled Cheesetro is a delicious little sandwich shop in Garden City that specializes in, you guessed it: grilled cheese sandwiches.
Bowe Wingerd/Google Local These aren’t just plain grilled cheeses like you may remember from being a kid - Pinky’s has plenty of amazing melts on the menu with a variety of toppings, and you can even build your own sandwich. Pinky’s Grilled Cheestro, 2204 E Kansas Ave #1, Garden City, KS 67846, USA
There are so many great cheap eats in Kansas that we wish we could’ve named even more! What budget restaurants in the Sunflower State would you put on your list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
John Vani/Google Local
El Pollo Rey is one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Kansas City. This place is decidedly no frills. It’s counter service, and you won’t find anything too fancy.
Joseph Beasley/Google Local
But what you will find is delicious food cooked over a wood fire. Whole chicken, half chicken, or chicken wings: that’s the entire menu. There’s no website or Facebook, just some of the best chicken in Kansas.
El Pollo Rey, 901 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105, USA
Rene West/Google Local
This diner is pretty big and can get quite busy, but it still manages to have a cozy atmosphere and wonderful customer service. The portions are very big, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
Brian Davis/Google Local
The Beacon serves up breakfast and lunch, and it’s some of the tastiest breakfast in Wichita. The menu is very expansive, with quite a lot to choose from.
The Beacon Restaurant, 909 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202, USA
Yvette Rowland/Google Local
If you’re in Kansas City but would like a great small town experience, you have got to check out Dagwood’s Cafe. This old school diner has been a staple of the KCK community since it opened in 1938.
Josh Stephens/Google Local
Dagwood’s Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch, with large portions. You won’t be hungry when you leave here!
Dagwood’s Cafe, 1117 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
Deedee Durney/Google Local
Bobo’s is a classic drive-in in Kansas that’s very tiny, but serves up big flavor. This place is a blast from the past, having opened up back in 1948.
Sianna Palomo/Google Local
There’s very limited seating inside, but most people prefer to order from the drive-up area, where you’re served by old-fashioned carhops! The food is so much better than big chain fast food spots, and you’ll get to support local business, too.
Bobo’s Drive In, 2300 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, USA
Scott Sperry/Google Local
Pheasant Run Pancake House is a great breakfast spot where you’ll find plenty more on the menu besides pancakes. Lots of locals eat here, and it also attracts plenty of travelers looking for a filling meal at a cheap price.
Edward Nafziger/Google Local
Pheasant Run serves up breakfast and lunch, and everything’s homemade. The desserts are also delicious, so make sure to save room!
Pheasant Run, 3201 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601, USA
Don Jubber/Google Local
We don’t know about you, but when we hear the phrase “grilled cheese,” we’re automatically intrigued. Pinky’s Grilled Cheesetro is a delicious little sandwich shop in Garden City that specializes in, you guessed it: grilled cheese sandwiches.
Bowe Wingerd/Google Local
These aren’t just plain grilled cheeses like you may remember from being a kid - Pinky’s has plenty of amazing melts on the menu with a variety of toppings, and you can even build your own sandwich.
Pinky’s Grilled Cheestro, 2204 E Kansas Ave #1, Garden City, KS 67846, USA
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