Dish & Drink KC: Pupusas at El Salvadoreño KC and house-made syrups at Bear Necessities
Pupusas from El Salvadoreño KC. // Photo by Lauren Textor
El Salvadoreño KC
January is the perfect time to slow down and self-reflect on your spending habits. After the winter holiday gift-buying frenzy, I often get agitated and resolve to limit my consumption in the new year. This means less shopping for clothes, gifts, and knickknacks and an emphasis on conscious, budget-friendly outings.
This year, I’m doubling down on a resolution from last year. I want to stop dining out just for something to do. I’ve been a food columnist for almost a year now, and it’s made me more thoughtful than ever about what I eat, where I eat it, and why I choose it.
El Salvadoreño KC is a quick, inexpensive lunch stop with ample parking, and it deserves to be a contender for your meals out, even if you’re cutting down in 2024.
Empanadas from El Salvadoreño KC. // Photo by Lauren Textor
Conveniently located in the West Park Shopping Center in Overland Park, El Salvadoreño KC is best known for their pupusas.
You can order a short stack of the soft flatbreads for under $10, so take the opportunity to try something new.
Lorocho is an edible flower native to Central America. If you’re good about eating your veggies, then you’ll be fine with the Pupusa Lorocho ($3), which has an earthy and mild taste—almost like asparagus.
The Pupusa Chicharron ($3) is a more mainstream but no less valid option. Pork belly is an old favorite for good reason. It’s salty and tender, and the flavor is well complemented by salsa or queso.
Central American desserts are known for not being overly sweet. The plantain empanadas ($5) are semi-crispy on the outside with a custard-like filling.
Wash it all down with a cold cup of horchata ($2.60), or bookmark it as your treat for next time (remember—conscious consumption!).
El Salvadoreño KC is located at 9860 West 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66204.
Hot chocolate with spiced brown sugar syrup and a lavender blackberry scone from Bear Necessities. // Photo by Lauren Textor
Bear Necessities
I doubt I’ll ever get tired of granola-geared coffee shops. Especially when they feature an assortment of local and regional goods like Bear Necessities.
I’d love to hop right off a trail at the Overland Park Arboretum and directly into a cup of Bear’s cold brew. They have a handful of excellent house-made syrups (lavender, vanilla, rosemary vanilla, pumpkin caramel, and spiced brown sugar) to sweeten the deal.
In addition to the standard tea and coffee options, Bear Necessities has beers, wine, and craft cocktails available to help you unwind. Fancy a Liquid Luck to help you tackle an especially imposing run? Bear has you covered.
Bear Necessities Accent Wall. // Photo by Lauren Textor
Baked goods are supplied by Kate Smith Soirée with gluten-free options from Emily Kate’s Bakery. The offerings rotate, but if you see a lavender blackberry scone, grab it. The botanical flavoring is light but noticeable, perfectly paired with the tart berries.
If you’re looking to strike up a conversation about the best long-distance hiking shoes or the lightest functional water bottle, you just might meet your outdoorsy soul mate here.
As an added perk for my vegan or choosier babes: Oat milk is free!
Bear Necessities is located at 9609 West 87th St., Overland Park 66212.
