The Anchor is full of eclectic takes on classic bar, grill food

Selena Favela

A brew and a popular dish called The Haystack from The Anchor.

Selena Favela
The Anchor bar and grill is located on East Douglas.

For those looking for a locally owned restaurant with excellent food, The Anchor can’t be beat. Since 2004, the restaurant has served up an exceptional menu, a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails and a distinctive atmosphere.

At 1109 E. Douglas, it’s become a Wichita classic that everyone should experience. Perhaps, most importantly it has some of the best burgers in town.

The Anchor offers options that include a House Burger, a Heritage Lamb Burger, and Sriracha Pork Burger, among the 15 burgers on their menu. The most popular burger being the Haystack, an open-faced patty on Texas toast with French fries and queso piled on top.

It’s easy to see how burger enthusiasts rank The Anchor among their favorites when The Chop Shop, a butcher shop is next door.

Schane Gross, the owner of both The Anchor and The Chop Shop, said that the butcher shop functions almost as an extension of a prep kitchen. They grind all their meat in-house daily and serve locally-sourced meats.

If the burgers won’t get you in the door, The Anchor also serves a variety of traditional bar fare with flair. Appetizers include Smokin’ Wings, Fried Pickles, Truffle Fries and more. The main course includes items like fish & chips, beef tacos, and mac ‘n’ cheese.

Gross’s personal favorite is the Burrata Antipasto Salad. A salad with salami, fresh burrata cheese, Castelvetrano olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, arugula, microgreens, red onions, balsamic glaze, extra-virgin olive oil and herbs.

The Anchor’s down-to-earth vibe also caters to those that are just looking for a new favorite bar. Located where Downtown meets Old Town, it’s a great place to start a Friday or Saturday night. In addition to craft cocktails, there’s a selection of 59 craft beers on tap. If beer isn’t your style, the Black Cherry Mojito and Badass Bloody Mary are recommended.