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Eating out is one of the things I love about traveling, so we’re always looking for something new and interesting. Here is our list of the 15 best restaurants in Pittsburg. We find that the appetizers at many restaurants are more interesting than the entrees, so we particularly look for places with unique appetizers.
Sometimes, however, especially if traveling with small kids or other family members, it‘s also great to find something recognizable and dependable. In Kansas, one of the best staples is fried chicken! It’s something Kansas is known for, as well as our great, locally raised beef.
I’m including places to get both new and old favorites on this list of great places to eat in Pittsburg. at the end I’ll include a roundup of the fast food available, since I well know that’s where we’re all going to end up occasionally.
You’ll notice that many of the restaurants are on Broadway, the main strip through town. However, a few are off the beaten path.There’s plenty of choices and variety in this southeast Kansas town. If you are trying to decide where to eat in Pittsburg, you’ll find cuisine to suit anyone’s taste!
Best restaurants in Pittsburg: locally owned (not in any particular order)
1) The Pitt
Why We Eat Here: This bar and grill is right on Broadway in Pittsburg so its easy to find. The parking on Broadway itself is limited but there is more than enough parking if you drive around to the back and, of course, there is door in from that parking lot. This place has the upbeat feel of a favorite hang-out in a college town, but people of all ages, including families, come in there. It has the requisite tv screens with sports and a fairly noisy atmosphere. We were there on a Friday night last time, but were seated immediately.
We enjoyed the crispy green bean appetizer, and my Hawaiian burger was really good! Pineapple with meat isn’t usually my choice, but I thought this combo was great.
They advertise that they have the best wings in the four-state area and Doug agreed that they live up to that reputation. Service was quicker than expected and friendly.
They are also a live-music venue, so watch their facebook page to see what the schedule for that is. If you are looking for that young, full-of-energy feeling, this is a great place to eat. Kids’ menu available.
Address: 516 N. Broadway, Pittsburg KS
2) Drop the H
Why we eat here: This is a locally-owned brewery that makes great pizza. We aren’t beer drinkers, but we definitely enjoyed the artisanal pizza and the pleasant service. We had the Drop the Piggy pizza and throughly enjoyed it. The reviews for the beer are quite good, so if that is your thing, check them out. The big, shiny brewing tanks are right in the middle of the restaurant. If it’s not your thing, try out the food.
The name comes from the idea that many people will assume the town is spelled Pittsburgh, like Pennsylvania, but it is not. This town is Pittsburg, with no H. Clever name, good pizza. They do have a kids’ menu.
As you can see here, they have a very cool red-tiled pizza oven!
Address: 107 E. Rose Street, Pittsburg, KS (Just a block off Broadway. If you are coming from the north, there is a huge sign painted on the side of a building to direct you where to turn.)
3) Brick + Mortar Social House
Why we eat here: If you are looking for something a little less traditional (for southeast Kansas, nothing crazy here) to eat for supper, this might be your place. Try this trendy restaurant that prides itself on its made-from-scratch kitchen where everything is made in-house. They have interesting combinations of tastes. They are known for their cocktails, so that might be a consideration for you. They advertise that even the juices they use at the bar are fresh, nothing bottled.
Everything we’ve tried here has been good. We’ve tried several appetizers including the poutine and were happy with what we had. Of course, if you are having the poutine, you may not want fries with your entrée. This is another eatery that has an upbeat energy to it. Kids’ menu available.
Address: 401 N. Broadway, Pittsburg KS
4) Toast
Why we eat here: It’s a unique idea for a Kansas town. The owners also own Pittsburg Bread Company selling artisanal baked goods, so everything at Toast is served on or with their own fresh-baked bread. They have great flavors, and I enjoyed my plate, but my husband found it to be a bit too much bread for his taste. Other friends I have rave about it, so it probably just depends on how much bread you want with your meal.
You can turn dishes into salads by substituting greens for the bread. They have vegan and vegetarian options as well as gluten-free options. The owners definitely try to accommodate dietary needs!
They also have trivia nights, so if you are into that, check their Facebook page for the schedule.
We always encourage eating at locally-owned restaurants, so try it out if you are a fan of baked goods. I would suggest going through the menu before you get there because you order at the counter and I hate to feel rushed making a decision if there are people behind me in line.
Address: 401 Broadway, Suite D, Pittsburg KS (Though this has a Broadway address, you actually enter it from 4th Street, about half a block west of Broadway.)
5) Chatter’s
Why we eat here: They are a popular, what I consider New American cuisine, restaurant with a little bit of everything. I particularly enjoy their French Onion soup, and I have a fond memory of eating pho on the patio with friends. It’s just one of those places that has a nice vibe to it, good food, good service. It’s a reliable choice and I haven’t had a bad experience here.
It can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights or if Pitt State has something bringing people to town, but I don’t think we’ve ever waited over 10 minutes to be seated. I’ve been in with a large group that was celebrating a graduation, but we were served quickly. Just an all-around good choice for a tasty meal.
Chatter’s is near the hospital, so if that’s what brings you to town, you’ll find this one easily.
Address: 2401 S Rouse St, Ste B, Pittsburg, KS
6) The Mall Deli
Why we eat here: The Mall Deli is a staple in Pittsburg life. As the name implies, it’s inside the Meadowbrook Mall and there have been a couple of times we’ve had to wait on a table, but never long. The movie theater is in this mall, so Mall Deli is a smart choice for grabbing some supper before a movie. The French Dip sandwich is my favorite, but I have friends who swear by the grilled cheese, and I’ve not heard complaining from any of my dining companions about the food.
Some of the people I’ve gone with rave about the creamy Italian dressing. I’m not sure what that is all about, but if you like Italian dressing, check it out. Just another solid restaurant that you can rely on to serve delicious food and friendly service. A good choice if you have kids with you. Kids’ meals available.
Address: 202 E. Centennial Drive, Pittsburg KS (in the mall which is at the south end of town, past the university a bit)
7) Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s
Why we eat here: Fried chicken is traditional in southeast Kansas and, really, all over Kansas. Some people will travel through Kansas just to try the various famous fried chicken restaurants. Chicken Annie’s is a landmark here.
My husband is a huge fan of fried chicken. Therefore, Chicken Annie’s. They have been in business serving chicken since 1934. In some circles, debate can rage about where to get the best fried chicken in Pittsburg, but this is the one that my crew likes.
I have to say that while I have lived here quite a while, fried chicken is not my thing, so I take everyone else’s word for it that if you are seeking out one of the most traditional dishes in Kansas, this is a great place to get it. They serve the chicken with German Potato Salad and German cole slaw, as well as, for some reason not clear to me, spaghetti.
They do have other things, so if you have non-fried chicken eaters in your group, they will still find good choices here. Many of the other entrees will be fried, as would make sense at a place famous for their fried chicken. They do have a kids’ menu.
Address: 1271 S 220th St, Pittsburg KS (This is the far south end of Pittsburg, across from the Kansas Crossing casino)
8) Two Brothers Mining Co.
Why we eat here: This restaurant is in the Kansas Crossing Casino, so that will be a big draw for some, but we just stop in here as another good choice in Pittsburg. The décor is meant to reflect the mining history of the region. It feels warm and comfortable. They have a wide variety of food on the menu and smoke their own ribs and brisket in-house. You’ll get plenty of food on your plate. If you are staying at the Hampton Inn attached to the casino, it’s an obvious choice.
Address: 1275 S. Highway 69 Pittsburg, KS (This is the farthest south you can go and still be in Pittsburg. It’s basically at the Highway 69-Highway 400 corner.)
9) Jim’s Steak and Chop House
Why we eat here: This is a classic, old-fashioned steak house with the regular sides and desserts you would expect from a steakhouse that has been open for quite a while. Perfectly done steaks, great baked potatoes, traditional soups and salads. If you’re looking for the kind of steakhouse you remember from years ago, this will satisfy your hunger. The décor, while a bit dated, is well-kept and many locals are die-hard fans of Jim’s. They do offer a kids’ menu.
Address: 1912 N Broadway Street, Pittsburg, KS
10) Napoli’s
Why we eat here: Great Italian food with large serving sizes. We’ve always had friendly and prompt service as well. We enjoy the dipping sauce for the bread as we wait for our food to come out, but it isn’t usually a long wait. I’m a huge fan of fettucine Alfredo, so that is my go-to dish here and there is always enough for my lunch the next day as well. My husband has ordered quite a number of things and never been disappointed with the food. Pittsburg isn’t known for its Italian restuarants, unless you include pizza. This will be your best choice if Italian is what you are looking for. A children’s menu is available.
The décor needs some help. I’ll be the first to admit that. This is one of those places where you can choose to ignore the surroundings and focus on the food and service, but if the looks of the dining room matter to you, you might be a bit disappointed.
Address: 1301 N Broadway St, Pittsburg, KS
Best Restaurants in Pittsburg: Chains (not in any particular order)
11) Rib Crib
Why we eat there: RibCrib is a chain, one with locations throughout the south-central part of the US, which we don’t always write about since we like to recommend locally owned restaurants, but Doug really loves their ribs. If you are a rib-eater, check them out. The menu has plenty of things besides ribs, so your whole group should find something to enjoy here. I like the baked potato with brisket, personally. I also love their homemade potato chips. Serving sizes are large. I always have plenty to take home for another meal, no matter what I order. Kids’ menu is available.
Address: 2909 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS
12) Chili’s
Why we eat here: This is another chain that you are probably already familiar with, but sometimes that’s what you’re looking for. We eat here because my mother knows what she likes and isn’t always sure about that at the more trendy restaurants. A wide variety of food, done reliably well, good specials, and no surprises. A kid’s menu is available.
Address: 2911 N. Broadway, Pittsburg KS
13) Freddy’s
Why we eat here: A fast food chain, but it makes this list because of one thing. Frozen custard. No matter where else we have eaten for our meal, we tend to end the evening with a concrete from Freddy’s. Of course, they have burgers and fries, but we focus on the custard. Doug likes his with Butterfinger, and I prefer Oreo’s.
Address: 1314 S. Broadway, Pittsburg KS
14) Buffalo Wild Wings
Why we eat here: Another chain to make the list, but this was always one of our daughter’s favorite places to eat. If you like wings, they have the variety to satisfy just about anyone as well as other menu items, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. Probably a solid choice if you are traveling with younger people. They do have a kid’s menu.
Address: 101 W 29th St. Ste. A, Pittsburg, KS (This is in a strip of stores at the north end of town. While the address isn’t Broadway, you’ll see it as you drive along here because it’s the end store in the strip on the west side of Broadway.
15) Applebee’s
Why we eat here: As with Chili’s, everyone in the fam is aware of the menu and knows what they are probably going to order before we go in. When eating with our less adventurous family members, this can be just the ticket. The food is good, but not surprising and you’ll get what you are used to getting. A generally safe choice if you need one for your crew. A kids’ menu is available.
Address: 2802 N. Broadway, Pittsburg KS
Fast Food Roundup
These places don’t need to be described to you. You already know if you like them or not. This will let you know how close or far they are from you.
- McDonald’s-3008 N. Broadway and 1125 S. Broadway
- Arby’s-2715 N. Broadway
- Wendy’s-2610 N. Broadway
- Braum’s-515 S. Broadway
- Sonic-2307 N. Broadway
- Panda Express-2704 N. Broadway
- Taco Bell-1115 S. Broadway
- KFC-921 S. Broadway
- Pizza Hut-102 E. Quincy St. (This actually faces Broadway)
- Mazzio’s Pizza-818 S. Broadway
- Domino’s Pizza-716 S. Broadway
- Subway-1103 S. Broadway and 3015 N. Broadway
- Dairy Queen-2111 N. Broadway
- Burger King-2723 N. Broadway
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it’s not hard to find good food in Pittsburg. When you think about where to eat, finding a restaurant just depends on whether you are craving something traditional like fried chicken or something more trendy like artisanal pizza. Check through our list of the best restaurants in Pittsburg, find what suits your hungry travelers and enjoy!
Other things to do in the area
- A general overview of what is available in Southeast Kansas. There is a lot to do here!
- Visit one of the state’s biggest attractions at nearby Big Brutus!
- A quick and fun photo opportunity in Southeast Kansas is where the three states of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma come together.
- If you would like to see other areas that have been reclaimed from the coal strip mining, explore the Mined Land Wildlife Area.
- Looking for more outdoor adventures? Check out Crawford State Park.
- Need something for the kids? Head on into Parsons to Curious Minds Discovery Zone. This is one of my grandkids’ favorite places to be!
- Feeling the need for more adult activities? Kansas Crossing Casino is right on the south end of Pittsburg.
- Are you a fan of Disney’s movie Cars? If so, don’t miss Kan-O-Tex service station in Galena. The home of the original Tow Mater!
