Manhattan Kansas : Five Places Worth The Drive
Hop in the car and take a drive– good eats abound down I-70 Westbound. Here, 5 Manhattan eats worth the road trip.
All photos by Kara Lust
Kansas City is amazing, and no doubt one of the best hubs for good eats in the Midwest. However, sometimes it’s good to get out and explore different restaurants and bars that you haven't been to yet. Here’s my top five places in Manhattan, Kansas, that are worth the drive.
During these times, remember to call the restaurant/bar or check social media ahead of time for current offerings like curbside and carry-out if that’s your preference, as well as mandates like mask wearing, to protect yourself and others. Stay safe, support local, and keep exploring!
Arrow Coffee Company
1800 Claflin Rd, Manhattan
I think it’s only natural to start with the best coffee shop in town. Arrow Coffee Co. has been serving up specialty coffee using none other than Messenger Coffee’s beans since 2012. They perfect the coffee scene with their homemade syrups and flavorings. And just around the corner inside, you’ll find their own specialty cocktail lounge. Arrow Cocktail Lounge is notorious for their large selection of Old-Fashioneds. So whether you’re in the mood for an iced mocha, or a negroni, Arrow is your place.
Bourbon & Baker
312 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan
Bourbon & Baker is a unique restaurant specializing in southern style, elevated small plates. Oh and yes, bourbon! With over 70 different kinds of bourbon, you’re sure to find the one that makes your bourbon dreams come to fruition. I think it’s safe to say that this place has mastered chicken and waffles. I can’t decide which component of the dish is the star: the cinnamon-nutmeg waffle, the perfectly moist fried chicken, the maple-pecan butter, or the maple syrup hot sauce all from scratch. Either way, I could eat this dish everyday. And we can’t forget to mention the bakery part of Bourbon & Baker! On the opposite end of the restaurant, they have a bakery selling freshly made gourmet cakes, brownies, cookies, and bourbon-frosted cinnamon rolls. Need I say more?
Poolhouse Kitchen & Bar
219 S Fourth Street, Manhattan
A tiki-themed speciality cocktail bar is perfect for when you want to escape the college scene and try something a little more adventurous than a vodka cranberry (no judgement, but come on, it’s time to expand that palette). Located in downtown Manhattan, this place transports you to the beachy pool party that we all need to get through the week. Each cocktail is made with syrup from scratch and seasonal ingredients. Like the Watermelon Mojito, made with watermelon jam, local mint, and fresh squeezed lime juice! And of course, they serve their own unique version of bar food like vegan hotdogs, house-made soft pretzels and nachos!
Varsity Donuts
704 N Manhattan Ave, Manhattan
Doughnut shop by day, food truck by night– Varsity Donuts is located in Aggieville, where locals flock to get their freshly made doughnuts with a variety of flavors and toppings. This shop also rents out tandem bicycles for people to ride around the city. On Thursdays-Saturdays the Varsity Truck is open late serving up their mac n’ cheese grilled cheese, corn dogs, bacon bombs, and of course, fresh donuts. So whether you are an early bird or a night owl, Varsity will satisfy your needs!
324 Speakeasy
324 Houston Street, Manhattan
324 gives you the classic speakeasy experience located in the heart of Downtown. Lots of people don’t know about this place, but the few that do are glad they do! Each week they release a password to enter the Speakeasy, and if you don’t know it, you can’t get in. Each cocktail is handcrafted and they have a large selection of rare and desirable spirits that will help you find your perfect cocktail. To find their weekly password, like them on Facebook!
