2 Best Restaurants in Atchison, Kansas

From fajitas to fish, Maria's is a veritable tour of Mexico's diverse regions and their culinary traditions. Seafood options include Maria's Shrimp, a dozen shrimp cooked in spicy sauce, or Enchiladas Jayhawk, stuffed with shrimp, crab, and cheese sauce. Meat dishes range from light (corn or flour toritillas with avocado slices and shredded pork) to hearty (beef or chicken chunks cooked with ranchero red-chili sauce). Nothing on the lunch menu—seven choices with Mexican rice and either refried or black beans—costs more than $6.

With a rich history that dates back to a deli in a small town north of Naples, Italy, Paoluccis has stayed in the family since it opened 30 years ago. Recipes crafted by the Paolucci–Begley families are served here, starting with garlic- and basil-infused dipping oil with flatbread and moving on up to the locally famous get-a-second-plate-free specialty pasta. Hearty breakfasts include a stack of chocolate-chip pancakes or biscuits and gravy. The upstairs lounge is open late and puts an Italian twist on bar food with toasted ravioli, while still honoring classics like spicy hot wings and roast beef sandwiches.