As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, there's no better time to enjoy one of the country's most iconic foods: the hamburger.
From historic burger counters that have served generations of Wichitans to modern chefs putting creative spins on an American classic, Wichita's burger scene offers a delicious taste of Americana. Whether you're craving a nostalgic roadside-style burger, a towering all-American creation or a locally inspired specialty, these Wichita favorites showcase the flavors, traditions and entrepreneurial spirit that have long been part of the American story.
6S Steakhouse
Built on Kansas' rich ranching heritage, 6S Steakhouse transforms premium beef into an elevated burger experience that honors the state's longstanding role in America's cattle industry. Enjoy a blend of their in-house 28-day dry-aged ribeye, KC strip and filet topped with American cheese, garlic mayonnaise and your choice of toppings.
The Belmont
Located near the colorful murals of the Douglas Design District, The Belmont combines modern craftsmanship with classic American comfort food, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring Wichita's creative side. Try the Smokestack, which is served on a toasted egg bun and “stacked” with house pickles, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, buttermilk fried onion straws and smokestack mayonnaise.
Bricktown Brewery
A burger that tastes like a home-cooked breakfast? Sure, why not! At Bricktown Brewery (east and west), you can order a burger – complete with a fried egg, hashbrowns, American cheese, sweet pepper bacon and burger sauce – to tackle your hunger and satisfy your craving for breakfast any time of day.
Dave & Buster's
Whether you decide to devour it all yourself or split it with a friend, the Buster’s Bacon Smashed Burger at Dave & Buster's is a classic. A tribute to the restaurant’s founder, this stand-out topping on this burger is the applewood smoked bacon combined with American cheese, bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and their house-made bacon aioli – all on a toasted potato bun.
Deano’s Grill & Tapworks
In addition to being known as a great place to watch a game because of their 20-plus big screen televisions, Deano’s Grill & Tapworks is also known for their artisan wood-fired pizzas, housemade salads and mouthwatering burgers. On the unique side is their Fat Kid Deluxe, which comes with a juicy beef patty, cheddar cheese, Canadian bacon, mayonnaise and an over-easy egg all served on a brioche bun. Dine at their west Wichita location, Deano's On Pier 37, and enjoy lake views from their patio.
Fizz Burgers and Bottles
Keep it simple and delicious at Fizz Burgers & Bottles with their House Burger. Like all of the burgers on their menu, it is made with 100 percent fresh ground chuck that is double ground in-house and served on a toasted bun. Other distinctive varieties to try include their Blue Cheese, Spicy and Boursin Cheese. Wash it down with one of Fizz’s craft root beers or sodas.
The Hill Bar & Grill
Head over to The Hill Bar and Grill to fill up on good food and a wide selection of craft beers. Sure to please, their memorable Shack-Out Smash starts with your choice of single, double or triple smashed beef patties and is layered with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and special sauce on a potato roll.
Lotte
Chef Josh Rathbun puts a creative twist on the classic slider at Lotte. Each one crafted with care, the juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties are topped with Miso mustard, Kabayaki and grilled scallion. Plus, the flavorful sesame brioche buns complement the fillings perfectly. Whether you're headed out for a date night a casual dinner with friends, the sliders at Lotte promise a memorable treat that's sure to leave you craving more.
The Kitchen
The eats at The Kitchen aren’t just good, they’re Guy Fieri good. Owners Natasha and Scott have earned national recognition for their creative comfort food and award-winning menu items. For a taste of classic Americana, try the ’Shroom & Swiss Burger or Smokehouse BBQ Burger, a half-pound brisket-blend burger topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings and BBQ sauce. It's packed with the bold flavors that have become staples of American burger culture. Pair your burger with their housemade sweet potato fries for the full experience.
Nortons Brewing Co.
For a mouthful of Midwest flavor, order the Norton Burger at Nortons Brewing Co. It’s a double bacon cheeseburger with two grilled cheese sandwiches for the buns. They start with two patties, top it with American cheese and their thick cut bacon strips and then add lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise – all in between grilled cheese goodness!
NuWay
Few restaurants capture Wichita's place in American food history quite like NuWay. Serving its signature crumbly burgers since 1930, this local institution has welcomed generations of families and remains a nostalgic reminder of classic American burger stands. Find them at two locations in Wichita: West Douglas and West Central.
Oasis Lounge
If you are feeling especially hungry and a bit adventurous, order The Widow Maker from Oasis Lounge. This popular local hangout is known for its scrumptious burgers. The Widow Maker takes it up a notch with a hamburger patty, polish sausage and bacon topped with a fried egg, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, onion, tomato and your choice of cheese. Try it with their homemade chips and leave with a smile on your face and a full belly.
River City Brewing Co.
Pairing locally sourced Kansas beef with house-brewed beer, River City Brewing Co. highlights two longstanding American traditions: burgers and breweries. You can’t go wrong with 16 craft brews on tap. Try a Classic Smash burger or a creative That’s My Jam variety, which features two beef patties, cream cheese, jalapeno jam and fried onion strings. Both smash burger varieties are made with Kansas beef, of course. Tack on a classic dessert and you’ll feel right at home at Wichita’s original brew pub in the Old Town District.
Stearman Field Bar & Grill
Nothing says Americana quite like burgers and aviation. At Stearman Field Bar & Grill, diners can enjoy a massive Big 'Merica burger while watching planes take off and land nearby. It’s a uniquely Wichita experience that celebrates America's love of flight and the open skies.
Tor Brewing
Tor Brewing in downtown Wichita dishes up juicy, flavorful patties pressed thin and seared to crispy-edged perfection. Known for their Original Smash, these burgers earn high praise for their depth of flavor. Whether you're stopping by on a trivia night or before an event at INTRUST Bank Arena, the lively atmosphere, friendly service and board games upstairs make it a must when visiting the Heart of the Country.
Still hungry for more? Other places to find stacked-high burgers in Wichita include B&C Barbeque Pub and Grill, Bill's Charcoal Burger, Buster's Burger Joint, Calvin's Hamburger Haven, Dempsey’s Burger Pub, Five Guys, The Flying Stove, Public, Pumphouse, Redbird, The Rusty Nail, Smalls Sliders, Social Tap - Northeast, Sport Burger Drive-In, TJ's Burger House, Todds Creole Kitchen, Tor Brewing, Ty's Diner, West Street Burgers and many more. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know at info@visitwichita.com.
Get more ideas on how to celebrate America 250 in Wichita with the Wichita250 Guide.
