Everyone knows that the most popular attraction in Great Bend is… well, actually, that’s the thing—most people don’t know much about Great Bend at all. And even though folks might call it various incorrect things like “that town near the river” or “somewhere in Kansas,” it’s inevitable that you’re going to end up eating here someday. And, when there are more grain elevators than traffic lights, things can seem overwhelming fast.
But if you use this guide, you’ll see that it doesn’t have to be a spinning vortex of chain restaurants and highway diners. We’ve organized this by cuisine, so you can plan out your entire meal (or three) in Great Bend for stuff like barbecue, pie, or steak.
Los Dos Potrillos
$ | (620) 793-7585 | WEBSITE
Los Dos Potrillos is a restaurant with such fun decorations and excellent service that we plan to visit regularly until we’re old enough to always have pocket chips just in case a craving strikes. This vibrant spot serves a bunch of stupendous Mexican dishes with their freshly made sauces at the forefront, including a phenomenal Big Burrito deluxe and tortilla chips so thin and crispy that you could probably use them to communicate with The International Space Station.
Mr Burger
$ | (620) 793-3635 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a convenient spot with parking all around, this local joint serves some of the best burgers in Great Bend, let alone some of the tastiest comfort food in town. Everything here is prepared by a friendly staff who are quite efficient despite the busy lunch rush and the food is so satisfying that we’d gladly wait in the drive-thru line around the building.
Delgado’s
$ | (620) 793-3786 | WEBSITE
You’re here for one reason and one reason only: the chips and salsa. They come fresh and warm, with that made-to-order salsa that’s just the right kind of spicy, and there’s always the option to customize your meal however you like. You might want to skip the fountain drinks and go for the tasty taco salad instead. And a side of those chips. And maybe another bowl of salsa. OK, that’s a few reasons.
Amore Italian Restaurant
$ | (785) 515-2012 | WEBSITE
On the other end of the spectrum is Amore Italian Restaurant, which should be at the top of your list if you prefer your pasta with heart. Sausage, mushrooms, meatballs, and rich tomato sauce combine to create one of the most satisfying spaghetti dishes in town: the Spaghetti Master. And much like a classic recipe or a symphony’s movements, you need all four for things to be just right.
The restaurant has other rotating seasonal specials to explore as well, like the tender Chicken Marsala or linguine swirled with red clam sauce. And the Tiramisu tastes simply heavenly with a cup of espresso.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
$ | (620) 792-4386 | WEBSITE
Is this a chain restaurant? Yes. But they make good chicken fried steak, and it’s too hard to look a fluffy pancake stack in the face and say no thank you. So grab a booth, get your comfort food, pour some maple syrup over everything, and welcome to Kansas. Beware—the overly sweet fruit-topped French toast is heavy on the whipped cream and doesn’t really taste balanced, so stick to the classics.
La Nana
$ | (620) 804-4506 | WEBSITE
This bustling Mexican spot is good for a casual weeknight dinner, a quick lunch break, or basically any occasion that should entail a straightforward meal without much fuss. The restaurant has gained a good following, so yes, La Nana means business with its busy atmosphere. The service is decent, and the seating is arranged in small cubicles that offer some privacy.
The food has been described as okay and somewhat bland by some, with flavors not as strong as what you might be used to in a southern state. If you order takeout, note that additional chips come with a small charge if you want them with your meal, and salsa for chips may need to be requested multiple times. While some customers may not plan to return, others suggest giving it a try to form your own opinion—it’s a place that works for a simple, no-frills bite.
Scooter’s Coffee
$ | (620) 282-5067 | WEBSITE
You’re going to need some caffeine to deal with the crowds waiting in the narrow drive-thru. Skip the commercial chaos at those big chain coffee shops and head to Scooter’s instead for a quality dark roast. Here, you’ll find classic coffee drinks and more thrilling ones, like the sea salt caramel with chocolate and cream.
Arby’s
$ | (620) 792-2717 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of places in Great Bend where you can get a decent fish dinner. But sometimes you just want something quick and reliable, and we totally get that. (We blame busy schedules.) At Arby’s, you won’t wait forever for their tasty fish with fries and tartar sauce. The whole place smells amazing, too, so you’ll likely make other customers smile as you walk by with your hot tray.
Great Bend Coffee
$ | WEBSITE
There’s no need to settle for a bland chain coffee shop when there’s Great Bend Coffee. This local favorite founded by folks from Kansas serves some of the best breakfast you’ll find off the beaten path. The menu offers a variety of fresh, homemade options based on what they prepare daily, with things like highly recommended biscuits and gravy or a delicious gluten-free breakfast pizza.
The real winner here is also the simplest—be sure to try the Sweet Brie Pizza or the Tuscan Sandwich, both reasonably priced and satisfying. The Italian sodas are unique and delicious, and the well-decorated dining room with its friendly, helpful staff makes it a pleasant stop for any traveler.
rePerks Coffee Shop
$ | (620) 786-2334 | WEBSITE
rePerks Coffee Shop is a cozy neighborhood spot that serves up excellent coffee and a genuinely warm atmosphere at very reasonable prices. (The lavender-vanilla latte is absolutely worth the $5.75.) They also offer some of the friendliest service in town, especially from staff like Mandy who really make you feel welcome. And throughout the space, there’s a comfortable, inviting ambiance that makes it easy to settle in and relax.
We suggest grabbing a coffee and learning about the building’s history from the knowledgeable staff. For a treat, don’t forget their delicious baked goods. Or the perfect morning pastry. Or the simple but satisfying breakfast sandwich. Just enjoy it all.
Mary’s Kitchen
$ | (620) 792-2912 | WEBSITE
Mary’s Kitchen has the best Mexican food in Great Bend. It’s a quick-service spot that doubles as a breakfast destination for early risers (think chorizo burritos ready before sunrise), and the steak burrito here is outstanding. When you’re in a hurry, take advantage of the to-go counter, which has friendly staff and fresh tortillas.
Mizumi Sushi & Steak
$ | (620) 796-2221 | WEBSITE
We like Mizumi not just because the Happy Family Kitchen Entree here is really satisfying, but also because it’s both date-night worthy and kid-friendly at the same time. The menu ranges from classic steakhouse cuts to Japanese sushi and hibachi. And, you can enjoy your meal as-is, with the perfectly cooked steak and chicken, or try the awesome seafood like the Bump Bump shrimp. Sorry for making you choose between steak and sushi.
Sarocha Thai Restaurant in Great Bend
$ | (620) 792-3100 | WEBSITE
The craving hits, and now all you want is something bold and a little something to warm you up. Head to Sarocha Thai Restaurant. It’s a cozy, neat dining spot that specializes in Thai (we hope that’s clear) and flavorful homemade dishes like Massaman Curry, red chicken curry, and Thai pork fried rice. If you plan ahead and ask the friendly servers, you can even get the spice level adjusted to your taste.
Lumpy’s Home Field Bar & Grill
$ | (620) 793-6420 | WEBSITE
Maybe you got jostled by someone cheering too loudly for the game on the big screen. Pull up a stool at the bar at Lumpy’s for some comfort in the middle of all the commotion. Someone behind the counter will grill your juicy burger and pile you some crispy tots (which is what to order). The bartenders are welcoming and kind, pouring big ol’ mugs of ice-cold beer. It’s a welcoming spot with delicious food that’s worth a return visit, especially on Tuesdays when bottles are just $2.
Gambino’s Pizza
$ | (620) 603-6272 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for pizza, go to Gambino’s. It’s a popular spot with a welcoming atmosphere, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu of options that are both quality and not so heavy, like pizzas, pasta, and salad. The 11:30 AM buffet is a great deal, offering a range of dishes plus a drink.
HandleBar And Grill
$ | (620) 603-6676 | WEBSITE
HandleBar And Grill feels like a classic roadside diner, but in a welcoming way. We can’t think of any other casual spot we’d rather dig into a plate of chicken fried steak alongside some crispy fries, onion rings, and a Reuben sandwich piled high with care. They also have high tables and chairs and an interestingly decorated dining room. If you’re looking for a real meal with friendly service, this is the place.
Kiowa Kitchen
$ | WEBSITE
Kiowa Kitchen is a local institution that serves decent TexMex cuisine with a focus on Mexican dishes. The pork green chili smothered options are a solid choice, though the menu doesn’t offer much variety. Grabbing a quick, no-frills meal here is a Great Bend tradition, but ordering something covered in that chili is basically mandatory. Don’t skip the tradition.
Dry Lake Brewing
$$ | (620) 793-0400 | WEBSITE
Dry Lake Brewing is the friendliest bar we know. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are completely designed for comfort, with sturdy wooden tables, soft lighting, and the occasional string of patio lights. After settling into a weathered leather chair, order from a selection that’s straightforward and satisfying. It features things like local craft beers, crisp seltzers, and a creation called the ‘Sunset Sour’ which is tart, refreshing, and exactly what you need.
Stop in here on a weeknight after work and it’ll be way more relaxing than anywhere else in Great Bend.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (620) 796-5307 | WEBSITE
For a very long time, the only quick sandwich you could get around here was from some generic chain that probably just slapped together whatever was in the fridge. Now there’s Jimmy John’s fresh subs with options like turkey, ham, and Italian (our favorite). From the team behind those friendly counter folks, this speedy stuff is well worth almost missing the turn into the parking lot to get there. It’s textbook fast-casual dining, with quality ingredients and consistent service.
Watch them assemble your order right in front of you before heading back to the office or home.