Food Network names a burger-slinging pub the ‘most charming small-town’ Kansas eatery
Food Network’s “most charming small-town restaurant” in Kansas is a little more than a two-hour drive from Wichita.
Cable channel Food Network compiled its list of most charming small-town restaurants in every U.S. state and gave 4th & Elm Bar & Grill in Wamego the Kansas title. Wamego is in Pottawatomie County, east of Manhattan.
“Delivering made-to-order pub food, this classic and contemporary restaurant has what visitors on Google call ‘the best cheese burgers in the world,’” the Jan. 31 Food Network article reads. “And though burgers aren’t the only thing the joint serves up (truffle mac and cheese, anyone?), it’s the one thing you won’t want to leave without tasting.”
Brady Herman owns the restaurant with his wife. He said when they got the news of the Food Network recognition, they were shocked.
“I know there’s a lot of great restaurants in Kansas, so us being named the top one was very flattering,” Herman said.
Herman said they aim to offer menu items diners can’t get anywhere else, especially when it comes to the burgers.
“We try to use higher quality of product, and all of our burgers are made to order,” Herman said. “We try to make some unique burgers [and] switch it up for people that have never seen anything like that on a burger, is kind of what we like to do.”
The restaurant has 4.6 of 5 stars on Google reviews.
“The food was delicious, the service was awesome, and they turned on the game we wanted to watch. Was a great experience!” one Google review reads.
“Go treat yourself. If you’re so inclined, treat me. I’m always down for that burger,” another one says.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning to pay the restaurant a visit.
What’s on the menu?
There’s a little bit for everyone on 4th & Elm’s menu, including hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos and flatbread pizzas.
The most expensive specialty burger on the menu is “The Other One” for $13.50 — a hamburger in a pile of curly fries and queso, tossed in habanero bacon jam barbecue sauce.
If you want a classic burger, the regular cheeseburger is $8.50, but can be upgraded to a double for $11 or a triple for $13.50.
Starter menu items include jalapeno poppers, Southwest egg rolls, chicken strips, truffle mac and cheese, cheesy garlic bread and more. If you want to mix it up, the restaurant also has soups of the day for $5 for a cup or $7 for a bowl.
4th & Elm Bar & Grill is located at 404 Elm St. in Wamego. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Things to do in Wamego, Kansas
If you want to experience more of Wamego after your trip to 4th & Elm, there are plenty of options, especially if you’re a “Wizard of Oz” fan.
Wamego is home to the Wizard of Oz museum, where you can see original movie production notes, as well as props from the Broadway musical, “Wicked.” You can also stop by Wamego’s yellow brick road for a fun photo.
If you’re a fan of wine, pay a visit to the Oz Winery. Or if you prefer flowers, Wamego is hosting its Tulip Festival April 12 and 13, which is free and open to the public.
There are also several parks, camping areas, a water park, a theater and more.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
