Wanda’s Roadside Cafe

We stumbled across this thanks to Unilocal on a Saturday morning. If you’re looking for simple good food with a small town feel, this is the place. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the food was simple and very good. Will definitely stop in again!

Great service and excellent old time delicious diner food. Second time here and it being just a hundred yards from home, it may become a habit!

Some tasty folk Americana in the form of Wanda’s chicken fried steak. Our waitress was a no mess, no frills, kind and efficient Boss lady, who seemed to be on a first name basis with most of the crowd. Everything about the place stays true to theme, group of farmers chatting over biscuits and gravy, the smell of coffee and pancakes when you walk in, sign on the wall saying «we don’t skinny dip, we chunky dunk».
My hash browns had a tasty lil crunch to them. Coffee was was hot, and fresh. A little honey jar on every table from a local farm. These were some of the little things that stood out to me, that really only add to the overall like ability of what Wanda is serving up daily. Well actually I don’t think they are open Monday.
Food was tasty, prices were good, portions large.

Wish I could give this place ½ star. My husband and I ate here this morning and it was dreadful. I had the one egg breakfast. Egg was scrambled fine but the hash browns were greasy. Now for the worst part, my husband got the pancake stack. The top pancake was barely cooked through and the other two were BURNT! When the waitress sat them in front of him, she said if they were too done, he could have them redone. Since the one on top looked okay, he said no that was fine. But they were horrible. The greasy smell as you walk into the place should have been a clue that this was not going to be a good experience. I cannot believe the 4 and 5 star reviews this place has gotten. I always try to support locally run places in a community, but this place is the worst place for breakfast. I’m not exaggerating. Save yourself some heartache and heartburn and go down the road to McDonald’s for a good breakfast.

Always amazing service and hot food! Never have to ask for a refill, food is always fresh and hot. Plus, the prices are amazing!

Great all american breakfast! Went there on a Sunday morning with hubby & two kiddos. He had the full order of biscuits n’ gravy, I had the vegetarian omlette, kids had pancakes and one egg breakfast with hash browns and toast. Hubby love the biscuits n gravy! The pancakes were definitely from scratch with buttermilk and delicious and my veggie omlette was fresh and delicious! Biscuits were homemade and served with real butter and local honey on the table… YUM! We had read a couple reviews and had to splurge with desert and LOVED the homemade BUTTERMILK PIE! Hubby said it was just like his grandma used to make! Don’t come to this place if you are in a hurry… come to enjoy! Tons of cool trinkets and collectibles all around to look at while you wait for your fresh, homemade meal to be prepared. We will return!

incredible breakfast to eat after camping all night in severe thunderstorms by a mosquito-​infested creek. we’ve been to several greasy diners across America but this place was one of the best. get an omelette!

This place serves a great breakfast in a «country» atmosphere. Very friendly service, Wanda buzzing around to check on everyone. Love it.

Excellent breakfast, but super fattening. We loved every bite but just be warned that this is deliciously fattening.

I’ve heard about this spot and finally it worked out to stop in and try their breakfast.
Just you down home diner — that served up GREAT food — AWESOME service and warm friendly and quaint décor.
My wife and myself had: — omelette — eggs– waffle — biscuit and gravy… It was all very good but their sausage (patty) was awesome as were their hash browns.
According to a couple friendly customers, their pies were a must have, but neither of us had room this trip.
In fact we enjoyed it so much — my wife just asked if we were going back tomorrow!
Breakfast and early lunch only —

Wanda’s was introduced to me by my mother, who raved and raved about the place. When you walk in, the first thing to know is that this is a relatively small place. However, don’t let the size fool you into believing the food will be mediocre or anything of that sort.
I’ve had their omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and a few of their sides you expect to see at any other breakfast restaurant. Their sandwiches are hands down my craving when I come up this spot. I prefer the ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. And man, is it perfection.
So glad I found a place like this in good ol’ De Soto.

I met Wanda.
I found myself in town here unexpectedly and then was delayed on an errand and decided to grab a bite to eat. This is old school Americana dining, the kind that’s almost impossible to find. The name almost suggests what you’re in for. Old school restaurant interior design, lots of odd little motivational sayings on the walls, faded photographs and newspaper clippings on the wall. The local sheriff and co-​worker (they grow them BIG here) seated head down devouring the daily special, a fish platter with fries, cole slaw and a monster slice of homemade bread. When there’s a special in a joint like this, stick with it.
The fish was frozen as were the fries, not unexpected, but cooked nicely. The slaw and bread definitely homemade and fine. Small town menu and tastes so don’t expect salmon steak tartar if you come.
Expect a really nice waitress that checks in on you at the right times, keeps the water filled and assures you you’ve made the right choice with the special. Expect reasonable prices (under $ 8.00 for a massive meal), fairly clean interior and lots of locals elbow to elbow on lunch break.
There’s something endearing about a joint like this. No pretense, good service, affordable, and everyone is welcome. Keeps you grounded.
When I was paying the bill there were two ladies up front working. One was my waitress. I asked, «so which one of you is Wanda?»
The oldest lady, in her 60s at least said, «That’s me hon. Enjoy your lunch?»
«Indeed, that was fine, thank you.»
«Come back and see us soon,» she said with a smile.
Next time I’ll eat less and explore the homemade desserts. Thank you, Wanda.

Been coming here occasionally for about a year now. Make the trip from Tongie once or twice a month. Great country fried steak and eggs, with even better gravy. Most items are made in house and it shows! Wanda’s is what is missing from every small community that trades something good and locally owned for a mcdonalds or sonic. They also buy their meat from a local supplier. What a concept! A local company supporting a local company! Who’d of thought?

I need to start by saying this is my first 5 star rating ever. My husband and I went to check out Wanda’s on a whim. We have recently moved to the Kansas City area and have been checking out local dining. My omelet was the best I have had in a long time. It was full of flavor. I had to push my plate away from me,.every part of me wanted to keep eating, except my stomach which was beyond full. The staff was friendly and even some of the customers were friendly to us. We will be back… and we will bring friends.

I travel the country, north to south-​coast to coast, for work. I search out the mom and pop shops because the chain restaurants offer cookie cutter service and the same for the food.
When I walked in the door of Wanda’s Roadside Café I felt as if I stepped back into a time lost in this busy world we live in today.
The atmosphere and decore captures the welcome feeling we long for. The smiles by the staff were genuinely warm and welcoming. I didn’t feel like another customer, I felt like family.
I had the kitchen sink omelette. Mmmmm. The cinnamon roll melted in my mouth. I am not sure if the hashbrowns were made with fresh spuds or not, but they were better than any chain restaurants.
I would give this experience 9 out of ten stars if I could. The only way it would be 10 is if we were having breakfast in heaven.
Wanda’s Roadside Café is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the drive. I will definately make the trek there again next time I am anywhere within 50 miles of Desotto Kansas.
Kevin A. Clatskanie Oregon

We have been to Wanda’s several times since moving to DeSoto. Wanda’s pancakes are so good, you don’t really even need syrup. Also, her soups (chicken chili and sausage/​rice) with homemade bread is fantastic.

Sat down… fell in love. Everything from the cinnamon roll to the thick bacon made Phoebe and I want to come back for lunch! We will make this our restaurant for our Xmas staycation! Please go there and keep this De Soto jewel around!

I’ve been eating here now, since it’s opening and have been remiss in kicking it up to the 5^th star, that it deserves. I have never had a meal at Wanda’s that was lacking. Over the past season Wanda and her crew have given me food ranging from Kielbasa and Kraut, Ham & Beans Tuna Wraps and fresh fruit in the hot summer months, Fish and Chips that shame the big city establishments that specialize in such items. Of course she also offers Hot Roast Beef, and sandwiches that are always hot and fresh
Make sure to either save room for her home made desserts, or do like I do… take it home with you. One of my favorites is the Buttermilk Pie. definately an old time recipe, Delicious!, Blackberry Crisp also creeps up on the menu board that is worth an order… sometimes homemade ice cream is available to top it.
So here it is gang, an upgrade in stars that is richly deserved. Its worth the drive to DeSoto if you are in a different part of town. But be aware, get there before closing time at 3pm.

We heave eaten here twice and we can say hand on heart that this truly a jewel in rough and a worthy stop. Great food at great prices. We have only had breakfast and loved it. A little birdie told us though that as good as breakfast is, lunch may just be better. …”

My brother-​in-​law brought us here for breakfast yesterday and six of us came back for breakfast again today. Places like Wanda’s are worth tracking down, because you won’t find the mass produced, predictable, boring food that is the staple of the American road. Get off the highway, spend five minutes to get here and you’ll be rewarded with great cooking, a wonderful small town environment, friendly and helpful wait staff. The cinnamon buns are worth the drive alone, but everything on the menu is worthy. The pancakes are so light they float off the plate. The omelettes will keep you going all day. I haven’t tried lunch, but by the look of the menu and the daily specials board, I know I wouldn’t be disappointed. If there’s a downside, I like my sausage gravy a little spicier, but that’s my taste, not an indication of poor quality.
Wanda and her staff do everything they can to make your meal a pleasant one. They don’t make enough places like this and many of the ones that survive barely do so. Give this one a chance — you won’t regret it. Thanks Wanda !!!
Note: Breakfast and Lunch only — closed on Mondays.