Breakfast, Coffee, Lunch, Date Nights & Desserts You’ll Love in the Little Apple

If there’s one thing Manhattan, Kansas does exceptionally well, it’s food. For a town our size, the locally owned restaurant scene is vibrant, creative, and downright delicious. Whether you’re craving a big breakfast before a Flint Hills hike, searching for your new favorite latte, planning a cozy lunch, or booking a special date night spot, Manhattan has something for every appetite.

This foodie guide to Manhattan, KS, is packed with local favorites, hidden gems, and can’t-miss dishes — the places I personally visit over and over again.

Let’s eat our way through the Little Apple.

🍳 Best Breakfast in Manhattan, KS

Start your day with flavor and local warmth.

1. The Chef Café

A Manhattan classic. Expect hearty plates, friendly service, and breakfast that feels like home.
Don’t miss: Biscuits & gravy, breakfast burrito, and their frittatas.

2. Full Circle Diner

Bright, casual, and delicious. Great for families or groups.
Try: The Eggs Benedict, Chicken and Waffles, and their cinnamon roll.

3. Bluestem Bistro

Located in Aggieville, Bluestem has a cozy vibe with creative plates and excellent coffee.
Local favorite: The turkey avocado omelet.

☕ Best Coffee Shops in Manhattan, KS

For your morning caffeine fix or an afternoon pick-me-up.

1. Arrow Coffee Co.

Modern, bright, and creative. Their specialty lattes and pour-overs are some of the best in town.
Try: The campfire latte or seasonal creations.

2. Radina’s Coffeehouse & Roastery

A Manhattan staple with several locations. Great coffee, great pastries, and a feeling of community.
Fan favorites: Cinnamon rolls, chai latte, blueberry muffins.

3. Flight Crew

Light, airy, and perfect for working remotely, or a break from shopping in Downtown Manhattan.
Best for: Iced lattes + laptop days.

🥪 Best Lunch Spots in Manhattan, KS

Quick, delicious, and full of local flavor.

1. Bourbon & Baker

Small plates with big flavor. Perfect for sharing or mixing and matching.
Must order: Cornbread, chicken and waffles, mac ‘n cheese.

2. The Hungry Chickpea

A welcoming local spot with fresh wraps, soups, and hummus. Partnered with Thera-pie, so you can grab pies baked in-house.
Try: Their salads are amazing, and their hummus is my favorite in town. I literally SLATHER that on everything.

3. Powercat Sports Grill

A favorite for sports fans, families, and K-State visitors.
Classic order: Wings, burgers, and game-day appetizers.

4. So Long Saloon

You really can't go wrong at So Long Saloon. Amazing salads, burgers, sandwiches, and bean dip. IYKYK
Local favorite: Raspberry Bean Dip, Crank it up and Head South burger, and the Cowboy Cobb salad.

🍷 Best Date Night Restaurants in Manhattan, KS

Where good food meets unforgettable atmosphere.

1. Arrow Cocktail Lounge

Elegant, iconic, and perfect for celebrating. Located inside the historic Wareham Hotel, it’s the go-to place for anniversaries, special moments, and romantic nights out.
Signature picks: Shallot Dip, Assassin Spaghetti, and Beef Bourguignon. Plus all the craft cocktails and mocktails

2. Wine Dive + Kitchen

Stylish, modern, and known for great wine and gourmet dishes.
Order: The scallops or the Brussels sprouts — trust me.

3. Tallgrass Taphouse

With a rooftop view, an upscale-casual menu, and craft beer brewed in-house, Tallgrass is a perfect date night with a relaxed vibe.
Best for: Sunset dinners on the rooftop.

Best Pizza in Manhattan, KS

1. Willie's Hideout in St. George, KS.

Located a short drive from Manhattan, KS, their pizza is craveable.

Try: Taco Pizza, Nashville Hot Chicken Mac-N-Cheese

2. Liquid Art Winery

Not your first thought when craving pizza, but their wood oven pizzas and flatbreads are delicious!

Try: Their Winemaker, King of the Hill, and ALL their dessert pizza

3. AJ's and The Hi Lo

Sister restaurants, both with their specialities, are located conveniently in Aggieville and Downtown MHK.

At AJ's, try their White Pie, Popper Pizza, and during Lent, their Crab Rangoon. At the Hi Lo, their Hot Wing Pie and Goat Sticks are the perfect combo.

🍰 Best Desserts in Manhattan, KS

Because no meal (or day) is complete without something sweet.

1. Thera-pie

One word: irresistible. Their handmade pies range from sweet to savory and everything in between.
Try: Everything! Grab a slice, or a whole pie, at their downtown location, or Brother's Coffee

2. Nico's Little Italy

Located in Aggieville, come for dinner, but stay for dessert.
Favorites: Creme Brule and Cannolis.

3. Radina’s Pastries

You’ll never go wrong with their cookies, muffins, or handmade chocolates.

4. Varsity Donuts (Aggieville)

An Aggieville classic. Great for late-night snacks and fun traditions.
Must have: The classic glazed or the maple bacon.

🌟 Local Insider Tips

✔ Saturday mornings: Start at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, grab coffee at Radina’s, and follow up with lunch at a local favorite.
✔ Game days: Book dinner early — Tallgrass, Bourbon & Baker, and Harry’s fill up fast.
✔ Best time for dining photos: Early lunch or pre-sunset dinner for dreamy Flint Hills lighting.
✔ If you're new to Manhattan: Try a mix of Aggieville + Downtown for a full taste of the city.

💜 Why Manhattan, KS Is a Food Lover’s Dream

What makes Manhattan’s food scene so special isn’t just the quality of the restaurants — it’s the community behind them. The chefs, bakers, baristas, owners, and staff are passionate about what they do, and you can feel it in every plate, every cup, and every dessert.

From cozy cafés to upscale dining, Manhattan offers flavors that rival bigger cities while keeping that warm Kansas charm.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, cheering on the Wildcats, or a long-time local looking for your next favorite spot, this foodie guide to Manhattan, KS has you covered.

Now the only question is… where are you eating first?