By Anna Corbett, Opinion Editor
College students are often looking for cool new spots where they can satisfy their appetites. But sometimes, they don’t know where to start, especially if they’re from out of town.
I’m a Wichita native and have visited many great places to eat, especially in the downtown Wichita area. Proximity to campus, great food and decent prices are what college students look for the most, so I decided to put together this list of places to visit when dining hall food doesn't quite cut it:
- Meddys, 120 S. Washington
Meddys is a staple in my household and the restaurant I visit most often. From its immaculate ambiance to its high-quality cuisine, there are many reasons it is at the top of my list.
Meddys is a Mediterranean grill that first opened in Wichita in 2014 and has now expanded to other parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. Wichita has five Meddys locations, and they’re all decorated with plenty of greenery and lots of natural light. The downtown location is closest to campus, and during the warmer months, it opens a patio that is nicely shaded and often features live music.
Most meals range from $10 to $20, depending on what you get. I often get the succulent chicken shawarma wrap along with the tomato soup. I am not normally a fan of tomato soup, but there is something different about this one. It is a bisque that packs a punch of flavor that is unexpected. Meddys offers many different options for those who are a bit more adventurous or more picky.
It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- The Monarch, 579 W. Douglas
If you are looking for a casual spot that allows for mingling, The Monarch is the place to go. By day, it is a restaurant with fantastic American food, and at night, it turns into a bar. It describes itself as a “backyard escape” meant to make guests feel comfortable and choose the kind of experience they want. This is made clear by its slogan: “Kick up your boots and be free to just be at the Monarch.”
The decor makes The Monarch feel like a comfortable gathering place. The lively energy mixed with work from local artists hanging on the walls makes it a fun place to bring friends.
The Monarch offers many great drinks and a wide selection of creative sandwiches. I highly recommend trying sweet potato tater tots or the spinach and artichoke dip as appetizers. I also often recommend the buffalo mac and cheese; it's a classic that has great flavor. Prices range between $10 and $20 per person.
The Monarch is open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily.
- HomeGrown, 645 E. Douglas
This list couldn't be made without including one of the most well-known brunch spots in town. Homegrown is decorated in a more upscale farmhouse style and serves food made with local ingredients. It uses old bottles for cups and always has fresh flowers on the tables.
Homegrown started in west Wichita in 2017 and now has three local restaurants, including the downtown location across from Naftzger Park. Its slogan is “Cultivate Kindness,” and according to the restaurant's website, every interaction, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Dishes range from $10 to $20. Some of my favorites often come from seasonal menus, but the staple menu items include iced coffee, homemade pop tarts and coffee cake.
These are all great, but what is even better is the restaurant supports other local businesses. It has a mini shop by the waiting area that showcases items made by many different local artists. HomeGrown also serves items made by other local food vendors, including Yoder Meats, Reverie Coffee Roasters and Bagatelle Bakery.
Homegrown is a great place to go for brunch or just to sit and chat. It’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.
- Copper Oven Cafe, 2409 W. 13th St.
Copper Oven Cafe is a restaurant that offers many different options, making it a great spot to try at any point during the day. This is a family-friendly restaurant that has been around since 2002. Dishes run between $10 and $20.
The restaurant is decorated like a dining room you would find in someone's home, making for a comfortable and warm experience. The menu offers a wide range of options and includes daily specials. If you are lucky, you might be there on a day the chef makes potato soup, which is a classic packed with flavor.
It’s open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays.
- Tanyas Soup Kitchen, 1725 E. Douglas
Tanya's Soup Kitchen earned a spot on the list because of how unique it is. What I find most interesting is that the soup flavors change from day to day. The restaurant also has a homey ambiance, similar to that of Copper Oven Cafe.
Tanya’s also locally sources most of its ingredients, which I find to be appealing in a restaurant. It also offers flights of soups that allow a patron to try four of the daily soups in smaller portions. Why have one soup when you could try all the great options on the menu that day?
Most meals range from $10 to $20. Tanya’s is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
PHOTO: Dannicka Mcgrath, Photo Editor
