[eat] Rediscovering Barn’rds
A while back, Dani wrote an article about unforgettable Wichita food. Well, is it possible to say that for a long time, I forgot about one of these unforgettable places? Well, I’m saying it, and the place I’m talking about is Barn’rds.
A good portion of my childhood and teenage dining out experiences, especially for lunch, took place at this unassuming little restaurant on North Woodlawn. I would look forward to ordering my usual, the regular roast beef sandwich with a side of delicious, crispy fries. I would grab a soda and a couple of sides of barbecue sauce, and then my mom, brother and I would settle in at our favorite table, the one that looks out the window, and dig in.
Of course, the ’80s, and even into the ’90s really, were simpler years for food in ICT. Choices were limited. Back then, I got as excited to go to Spear’s as I do now to go to Sabor. (Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but you get what I’m saying.) The point is, as restaurants have boomed all around Wichita, I’ve forgotten about some of my old favorites, including Barn’rds.
Recently however, one of my boyfriend’s friends introduced him to the simple wonder of the Barn’rds roast beef sandwich. I was inundated with cries of, “I thought you loved me! How could you not have taken me to this place sooner?!” Well, the the truth is, I wasn’t holding out on him, I had simply forgotten about it. After hearing him go on and on about how awesome it was, I knew I needed it in my life again.
So, one Sunday afternoon, we headed to the restaurant shaped like a barn so I could remember what I had been missing. I deviated a bit from the usual, ordering the Barnstormer sandwich, which is the classic roast beef with lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles and dressing. I had to get fries, and I also grabbed a side of not only barbecue sauce but the dijon horseradish as well.
And oh man, was it good. The Barnstormer will be my new go-to sandwich on what will surely be many return visits. And I’ve already been back for more fries.
Besides the awesome food, the other thing that was great about my visit to Barn’rds is that the restaurant looks and feels exactly the same. The tables and chairs are just like I remembered, even the menu and styrofoam cups have a wonderful ’80s vibe to them. It’s hard to explain exactly what I mean, but just check it out for yourself and you’ll see.
At one point there were plans to build a Barn’rds on the west side, but I think that has been put on hold indefinitely. So, west siders, you’ll have to venture to 21st and Woodlawn to get your fix, but believe me, it’s worth it.
What’s your favorite thing to eat at Barn’rds? Let me know in the comments.
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Great article Ashley. Couldn’t agree with you more. One of the guys here at work ventures from Valley Center to Barn’rds every once in a while to get us lunch. Man is it good!
Please Please Please Open your west side location on Maize road – we all promise to support you heavily – Barn’rds is hand down best fast food resteraunt ever
hands down, the absolute best food FAST in ICT!Family owned, family operated every day for the past 27 years. Nice article on a great place!
I agree! I love the family-owned places around town. And Barn’rds is fast, super-friendly and DELICIOUS! One of my favorite things is to see the WSU traffic on game days. I can’t explain why?
You left out one of the VERY best things there…their veggy soup is spectacular! No doubt all those good left over roast beef juice and scraps go into it….its even better than what mother use to make
BBQ beef sandwich with steak chili in the winter and never pass up their incredible cookies.
I LOVE THE BARNSTORMER!! But, I love everything there – tuna, chicken, pasta salad – yum.
oh definitely the hot ham & cheese! it’s simply superior to anything else there! it just has this juiciness to it that makes it SOO good! and not to mention the workers here are so nice! i like to come in every thursday and they know and call me by name. they already know that i’m gonna want the ham & cheese! i’m telling you, this place has got the goods!
[...] (2037 N. Woodlawn) – Have I made it clear how much I love this place yet? Perfect roast beef, great atmosphere and the fries are awesome. [...]
I’m definitely going to have to go there! I will be sure to take Dannie. It sounds like it’s right up his alley! Thanks for the awesome review!!!
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