The Eddytorial Dining Digest: 9/15/25

Welcome to the Monday dining digest of the Eddytorial. A weekly newsletter completely dedicated to the local dining scene.

Author

Wichita By E.B.
September 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Happy Dining Wichita!
Who’s ready to grub this week?

In today’s email:

  • This Weekend: Wichita Margarita Fest

  • Coming Soon: Smalls Sliders drops its can

  • Mini-Feature: CJ’s Last Stop Cafe

  • Community: Most Like Donuts Championship

THIS WEEKEND
The Wichita Margarita Fest

The next big party in Wichita takes place at Naftzger Park on Saturday, September 20. It's the first Wichita Margarita Fest brought to you by Festive ICT.

This event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and for obvious reasons, is 21+ to enter!

Only 500 tickets will be available, so get them before they sell out.

What to Expect:

  • Vibe & Entertainment — Live DJ set by DJ Mar

  • Sip, Sample, Savor — Every ticket gets you six drink tickets so you can try margaritas from a variety of local bartenders competing for the title of Best Margarita in ICT.

  • More than just margaritas — Your drink tickets also cover Milagro tequila shots. Plus, there will be complimentary taste bites (while supplies last) to enjoy between sips.

  • Get in on the action — There’s a People’s Choice award via QR code voting at the event, and a Judges’ Choice panel made up of local experts.

COMING SOON
Smalls Sliders is officially on the way

Wichita's second <strong>Smalls Sliders is nearing completion at 3500 N. Maize Road.

The slider chain arrived in Wichita earlier this year when they opened at 1370 N. Greenwich Road at the Plazzio.

The quick-service restaurant sells cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries, shakes, and signature “smauce".

Smalls Sliders "dropped their can" at the new location this past week. The orange shipping containers that the restaurant is popular for allow for enough space for a drive-thru and walk-up window. Like their east side counterpart, there will also be a patio space for outdoor dining.

I'm told the restaurant is hoping to open by the end of October, if not November.

COMMUNITY
Most Like Donuts

Have you been following along with the Wichita’s Most Liked Donut tournament bracket?

The championship poll will be out on Monday.

WEEKLY MINI FEATURE
CJ’s Last Stop Cafe

Who should we feature in next week’s mini-feature? Readers decide who we promote for free in the newsletter

This week’s Mini-Feature was suggested by Michelle Simpson.

It’s really hard to stay on top of all the restaurants that open in Wichita. Then once you find out about them, it’s hard to remember them.

That’s why we have the weekly mini feature to put some back on your radar.

This week it’s CJ’s Last Stop Cafe, located at 1548 S. Ida St.

CJ’s Last Stop Cafe had a very family owned, independently run, small-town vibes’ cafe. There was a homey feel to the place. Honestly, it reminded me of when I would head to Newton, KS to visit my grandmother as a kid.

It's a menu of homecooked dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, enchiladas, chicken fried steaks and more.

For more, visit CJ’s Last Stop Cafe on Facebook.

What do you rate CJ's Last Stop Cafe?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

DINING SCENE
Openings and Closings

Bella Vita Bistro - 9506 W. Central

It’s been a tough year for Bella Vita Bistro.

A little over a year ago, the popular Chef Adrian Prud Homme DeLodder moved out of Wichita. Then the building had a mice infestation, and the restaurant would close shortly after from their location at 120 N. West. Street in August.

Sometimes with closures, you never know if a restaurant will reopen. But news broke weeks later as Bella Vita Bistro shared the restaurant is taking over the space at 9506 W. Central, which used to be Magic Wok and most recently Fusion Restaurant.

Coming

EVENTS
Food and Drink Events

Here you’ll find special dinner/drinking events or classes around town that you otherwise may not even know about.

Tuesday - 9/16

Crave Culinary Festival at Mark Arts (thru Sept. 20)
Taste Test Tuesday at Wichita Wagyu

Thursday - 9/18

ICT Fest at Norton’s Brewing Co.
Bach & Brews at Tor Brewing

Friday - 9/19

Saturday - 9/20

Oktoberfest at the Hopping Gnome
The Margarita Fest at Naftzger Park
Blocktober Fest at Old School Tap House
Oktoberfest at MBC Lounge

Sunday - 9/21

11th Annual Wags & Whiskers at Chicken N Pickle

Next MarkArts Cooking Class:
Culinary Workshop: Tuscan Villa Feast at Mark Arts (9/23)

MOBILE EATS
Food Truck Calendar

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