WICHITA, Kan. – We’re all guilty of rushing in the mornings, even when we know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s especially true for travelers, who should fuel up for the day ahead, whether it’s full of plans for sightseeing at museums, browsing at souvenir shops or hiking a popular trail.

So if you’ve demoted breakfast to slamming a thermos of coffee and rushing out to tackle the day with a granola bar, Wichita challenges you to sit and enjoy breakfast at one of these Wichita favorites for Better Breakfast Month – and then explore each restaurant’s nearby neighborhoods and attractions.

• Doo-Dah Diner specializes in breakfast dishes from scratch using family recipes. Voted Wichita Magazine’s 2015 AND 2016 Best Breakfast, their cooked-from-scratch breakfasts include both sweet and savory options. Can’t make a choice? Try the chicken and waffles or the Triple D, which includes the Benny (a decadent version of egg’s benedict), banana bread French toast and crispy corned beef hash. They were one of just three restaurants featured in VacationIdea’s 25 Best Things to Do in Wichita, Kansas and recently named as the best greasy spoon diner in Kansas by American Express Essentials. While downtown, jump on the free Q-Line Trolley, which connects to restaurants, bars, hotels, museums and entertainment venues throughout downtown; you can also ride the whole route for a scenic view of downtown or view the more than 40 pieces of public art. Plus, some of Wichita’s best museums and Keeper of the Plains are within two miles of each other, accessible from a beautiful walking path along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita.

• Quirky creations are the norm at The Donut Whole, where the delicacies are made from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - but with a fun, modern twist. They offer 40-plus varieties of rich, moist cake donuts in delicious flavors such as root beer float, sunshine citrus crunch and maple bacon – the most-asked-for variety. If you’re in the mood for a brew, ask for Breve. It’s made with fresh heavy cream from a Kansas farm located approximately two hours north of the city. The Donut Whole’s location in Douglas Design District, an eclectic neighborhood with numerous local shops and breweries, makes it the perfect stop before heading out to find all 22 of the murals in the area created by local artists. Download the map at http://avenueartdays.com/Maps.  

• Egg Crate Café: This family café serves homemade French toast, omelets, pancakes and, of course, bacon. They often feature a build-your-own breakfast burrito bar. And if you’re traveling with a large group and want to fill up before a day of exploring, order the frittata. It’s a layered dish, served in a pan to feed 12 to 15 people, and stacked high with bacon, ham, sausage, and cheese. After breakfast, visit nearby Sedgwick County Zoo, the seventh largest zoo in the country, or Sedgwick County Park, which offers walking and biking trails, tennis and basketball courts, five fishing ponds and multiple playgrounds. Both are within minutes of Egg Crate Café.

• Served any time, breakfast at Jimmie’s Diner can be found at one of three locations: North Rock, South, Tyler Road. The diners’ history in Wichita dates back to the 1920s. Diners at the North Rock location are just up the street from Bradley Fair, one of Wichita’s eight shopping districts.  It’s comprised of trendy boutiques, a top-of-the-line spa, exclusive dining, scenic views and more. With aesthetic surroundings, it’s the perfect place to shop and dine in scenic Wichita.

• In the heart of Riverside, one of Wichita’s most charming neighborhoods is R Coffeehouse. They offer direct trade coffee, a full menu, pastries, live music, and local art. For breakfast, choose from a breakfast sandwich, signature omelet or “fancy” French toast. In nearby Riverside, you can enjoy a variety of relaxing, fun activities. There are three separate Riverside Park areas located along the Arkansas River. Kids can play and explore at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit in Central Riverside Park, which features more than 25 species in eight naturalistic cages. The splash park fountains at Celebration Park are refreshing in the summer time. And if you need a refreshing juicer or smoothie, made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients, after a morning playing in the park, swing by Songbird Juice Co., which is located next door to R Coffeehouse.

• Cracker Barrel: From hearty, made from scratch comfort foods to nostalgic gift items, there's no better place to eat, shop and relax. Stop in and order favorites like the blueberries n’ lemon stuffed French toast breakfast or the Peppermill steak n’ egg skillet, which combines home-style potatoes layered with grilled Peppermill seasoned USDA Choice Sirloin Steak Tips, scrambled eggs, fresh sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and Colby cheese. While you’re in the area, experience the wild beauty and uniqueness of North America's heartland through your visit to the Great Plains Nature Center. You can explore through the 240-acre Chisholm Creek Park via two miles of accessible trails through wetlands, prairie, and riparian habitats.

• From build your own omelets to hand-breaded chicken-fried steaks, The Beacon is the place to enjoy a traditional Midwest breakfast. It’s located near two popular Wichita neighborhoods. To the south, Old Town’s brick-lined streets and historic lampposts are a collection of brick warehouses dating back to the late 1800s. Now, it’s a popular place to live, work and visit with more than 100 businesses, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, theatres, galleries, museums and retail stores. To the west, you’re within walking distance to Douglas Design District.

• Egg Ecetera, also located in Wichita’s Old Town District, is a quaint place to enjoy sweet potato pancakes, huevos con chorizo, beans and rice and a variety of other unique breakfast items. Its proximity to retail shops, entertainment and walkable streets make it a perfect location to start a day of exploring.

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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a major convention and tourism destination, thereby enhancing the economic development of the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2015 travel and tourism contributed more than $1 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.