The culinary scene in Kansas is an ideal blend of experimentation and the traditional. One of the best ways to get a taste of what these great eateries have to offer is through their delectable appetizer menus. From pork belly to oysters on the half shell, these 7 great places for appetizers in Kansas are sure to impress.
Monarch in Wichita, Kansas, is a Delano District fixture. Their unique appetizer options make it an absolute must during any Wichita trip. Cheese lovers will die when they try the “Everything Cheese Ball,” made with cream cheese, smoked cheddar, bacon and green onions rolled in a mix of seeds and spices. The mushroom caps, Cremini mushroom caps stuffed with cream cheese, smoked sirloin, and smoked cheddar, are just as tasty.
Mason Jar Brews & Burgers serves up delicious pup food including burgers, sandwiches, wings and more. Their appetizers are worth the trip alone, with options like the jumbo meatballs, CCQG, and bratwurst sliders shining.
Merchants Pub & Plate’s appetizer menu, called “snacks,” might take you a few times to understand. With dishes like “Bee Stings,” manchego cheese with truffle-infused local honey and fresh cracked pepper, and “Nduja Crostini,” a Calabrian chili sausage, you know you’re in for some extremely awesome flavors.
The Blue Moon Bar and Grill has four locations throughout Kansas, including one in Prairie Village, one in Topeka, one in Manhattan, and a final one in Lawrence. While the menus might slightly differ on the location, customers can always count on great small plate and appetizer options, including crispy pork belly and fried pickles.
The Sake Lounge is “a locally owned, contemporary sushi restaurant that serves fresh sushi with premium sake and wine.” Before diving into the main course, warm up with a little sake and a few traditional Asian appetizers, like their shrimp shumai, two-piece harumaki, or gyoza.
Blind Box BBQ in Shawnee, Kansas, serves lunch, brunch, and dinner with a happy hour. They’re known for their Blind Box Specials, which includes “a wide variety of our in-house smoked meats and cheeses” as an appetizer. If you’d prefer to know what you’re getting, might we tempt you with the barbecue wontons?
The Radius Brewing Company is Emporia’s first brewery since the prohibition era, as well as a full-service restaurant. Choose from five delicious appetizer options off their regularly offered dinner menu or ask to see the always-changing chef’s menu. Regardless of what app you choose, ask for a brew pairing and enjoy.