You can trust a guide book, or you can trust a Kansas local. If your GPS insists on taking you to a chain restaurant right next to the interstate, turn it off.
The true culinary backbone of the state is found 10 miles down a dusty county road, or tucked away in a downtown building that hasn’t changed its wallpaper since 1978.
Locals don’t advertise these spots because they don’t have to; the community keeps them alive.
1. Old Mill Tasty Shop – Wichita
Step through the doors of this downtown Wichita landmark and you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into 1932. The black-and-white checkered floor, spinning counter stools, and vintage soda fountain transport you to a simpler time when milkshakes were made by hand and neighbors actually knew each other…