Get ready to indulge in a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds! The Wichita Art Museum is about to become your new favorite lunch spot. But here's where it gets exciting: the museum's brand-new cafe, aptly named Eat at The Wichita Art Museum, has been quietly perfecting its menu for weeks, serving everyone from janitorial staff to museum board members. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about the art anymore; it's about the experience.
After a series of successful trial runs, the cafe is finally ready to welcome the public. Starting this Wednesday, you can be among the first to enjoy a meal in this beautifully revamped space. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off in the morning, with doors opening to diners around 12:30 p.m. From then on, Eat will operate Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plans to extend hours during the museum's popular WAM Nights on Fridays.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can a museum cafe truly compete with Wichita's thriving food scene? Bill Rowe, owner of Blue Moon Caterers and the mastermind behind Eat, thinks so. With a career spanning popular spots like Red Bean’s Bayou Grill and Willie C’s Cafe, Rowe is no stranger to creating culinary hits. He’s particularly proud of the cafe’s flatbreads, which he boldly claims are 'the best in Wichita.' Using a 72-hour cold fermentation process and state-of-the-art oven technology, these flatbreads are anything but ordinary. Think steak and Gorgonzola or grilled chicken with Thai sauce and coconut cream—sounds like art you can eat, right?
The menu doesn’t stop there. It features a mix of appetizers, salads, soups (including a nostalgic potato soup from Willie C’s), and sandwiches. Dessert lovers, rejoice! There’s a layered chocolate wonder called Willie Wonder, served with ice cream, alongside cookies that strike the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Coffee enthusiasts and brunch fans aren’t left out either, with options like quiche Lorraine and avocado toast.
Here’s a modern twist: ordering is a breeze, whether you use the kiosk, register, or scan a QR code. QR orders even come with a text alert when your food’s ready. And while alcohol isn’t on the menu yet, it’s coming soon once the liquor license is in hand.
The cafe’s space, previously occupied by 1400 by Elderslie, required minimal updates—just fresh paint, new signage, and wall vinyl. The private dining area, a holdover from the 2003 remodel, remains a standout feature, perfect for business meetings or intimate gatherings. Rowe envisions Eat as more than just a museum cafe; it’s a neighborhood spot for families, kids, and Riverside locals.
But here’s the question: Can Eat strike the right balance between museum elegance and family-friendly accessibility? Only time will tell. What do you think—will this cafe become your next go-to spot? Let us know in the comments!
