Father's Day: Meat Fest and free hats

Commercially speaking, Father's Day might not be quite as popular as Mother's Day.

But it is far meatier.

The big day for dads is Sunday, and although restaurants aren't rolling out the finery as they did for moms last month, several are literally beefing up their offerings to attract a fatherly crowd.

Among them is The Anchor, a popular bar and restaurant at 1109 E. Douglas that hopes to make an annual Father's Day tradition out of its new Meat Fest.

The day of food will include a whole menu of smoked meats, ranging from sausages to pulled pork, plus barbecue-friendly side dishes that dads like.

It's from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the restaurant will offer a variety of plates ranging in price from about $8.95 to $15.95.

Among other restaurants offering something special for Dad on Sunday:

• Abuelo's, 1413 Waterfront Parkway, 316- 634-2230: The Mexican restaurant will open an hour early at 10 a.m. and will offer free hats to dining dads while supplies last. They'll also have coupons for free meals to be used in July, August and September.

• Chelsea's, 2949 N. Rock Road: The restaurant is cooking up a variety of father-friendly specials from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, including prime rib and deep-fried shrimp, and is offering $5 martinis and beer specials. Also, fathers get a free chocolate brownie sundae.

• Fazoli's, 8520 W Central and 3553 N. Rock Road: Dads can get a free small spaghetti or fettuccini Alfredo with purchase of an adult entree.

• Kwan Court, 1443 N. Rock Road, 316-634-1828: This recently remodeled Chinese restaurant will fatten up its usual Sunday buffet with prime rib, crab legs, oysters on the half shell, cocktail shrimp and more. It'll be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $19.95 for adults, $8.95 for ages 10 and under and free for children 3 and under. Reservations recommended.

• Sweet Basil, 2424 N. Woodlawn, 316-651-0123: The Italian restaurant will add some extra touches to its usual Sunday buffet for Father's Day. It will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is $13.95 for adults and $6.95 for children ages 2 to 11.

• Ted's Montana Grill, 2142 N. Tyler Road, 316-773-4443, and 3121 N. Webb Road, 316-634-8337: The restaurant with one of the meatiest menus in town will be serving 8-ounce Delmonico rib eyes and will be handing out coupons for $10 off at the diner's next visit.

• Yia Yia's Eurobistro, 8115 E. 21st St., 316-634-1000: Yia Yia's also is doing a brunch filled with meaty items that might be served at a back-yard barbecue, from bourbon-glazed ribs to Jamaican jerk salmon. It's from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $24.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Reservations are recommended.

• Wendy's restaurants will, in honor of Father's Day, donate 50 cents for every Frosty sold Saturday and Sunday to the Dave Thomas Adoption Foundation.