These Wichita restaurants, bars have had long COVID-19 closures but are ready to reopen
The last six months have been nothing if not unpredictable, and that’s definitely true of the restaurant scene in Wichita.
Some restaurants closed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to reopen. Some reopened only to close again when owners worried about the safety of their employees and customers. Some were operating as to-go only and have since changed course.
Here’s a list of updates on Wichita restaurants and bars whose operations have been affected by COVID-19, many of which are about to reopen. Is there a restaurant not on the list that you want an update on? Email me at dneil@wichitaeagle.com.
Back in business
Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar, 923 E. First St.: This popular downtown hangout, known for its schedule of live music and its covered patio, has been closed for in-person business since June, but the owner is hoping to reopen on Thursday with 50% capacity with social distancing. Its hours will be 3 to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 11 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Lotus Leaf Cafe, 251 N. Washington: This healthy-eating restaurant closed down during the start of the pandemic but reopened in early May. Then, in June, an employee faced a possible COVID-19 exposure, and the restaurant closed, reopening 14 days later for to-go orders only. Then, last week, owner Jackie Keefer reopened the dining room.
Old Tokyo Steakhouse, 6821 W. Taft: This hibachi restaurant has been closed since late June, when owners posted their concerns about increasing COVID-19 cases. But on Tuesday, the restaurant reopened the dining room, though owners are requiring reservations. To celebrate the reopening, the restaurant is offering a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree throughout September.
Jack’s Coffee Shop, 6154 S. Hydraulic: This famous Wichita hole-in-the-wall burger joint closed at the start of the pandemic, but last week, the owner’s daughter reopened it for carryout only. In a first for the restaurant, known for its practice of serving customers potato chips from a communal bowl, Jack’s is offering french fries (which may or may not stay on the menu once dine-in hours are reestablished.) Jack’s hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, though the owners are considering extending the hours until 7 p.m.
Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood: It’s one of Wichita’s favorite craft breweries, but it’s been closed for all but curbside-to-go business since March 15. On Tuesday, the brewery finally reopened, but for now, customers who visit must stay outside unless they’re using the restroom or purchasing merchandise. An added perk: Thanks to the Open Streets ICT initiative, Central Standard was able to add a large outdoor seating area on the south side of its building. Hours are now 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Reverie Coffee Roasters at the Library: This satellite location of downtown’s Reverie Coffee Roasters that operates inside the Wichita Learning Library has been closed since the start of the pandemic. But it reopened last week, complete with new outside seating provided by the library, and is now serving from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Reverie also is open but for carryout only at its main location at 2202 E. Douglas.
Crutch BBQ, 550 N. Rock Road: This new barbecue restaurant opened inside the former Dempsey’s Burger Pub East space in late July, but at first, it was carryout only. Now, though, owner Steve Gaudreau has opened up the remodeled dining room. It has 17 spaced-out tables inside and three on the patio, and the dining room is full-service with a full bar. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
Avivo Brick Oven Pizzeria, 2441 N. Maize Road: This longtime pizza restaurant had been open only for curbside carryout. But its dining room recently reopened and is welcoming customers from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.
Not quite ready
My Tho, 500 E. Central: This Wichita pho restaurant has been closed during much of the pandemic, and although it will reopen, owners aren’t quite ready. They say it will still be a few more weeks.
This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 5:01 AM.
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