In the heart of Southwest Kansas, a small-town cafe is making a bold claim: it serves the best pie in the region. This assertion is particularly notable given the area’s reputation for serious bakers. The cafe in question, Brianna’s Cafe in Montezuma, backs up its claim with a diverse menu that includes not just pecan, chocolate, and raspberry pie, but also street tacos, fajita nachos, and fries loaded with chorizo and queso.
The mix of traditional American comfort food and Mexican dishes is a unique aspect of Brianna’s Cafe. Fried chicken and chicken pies sit alongside guacamole and cheese dip, offering something for every palate. The cafe’s doors open for breakfast, close for a break after lunch, and then reopen for supper in the evening.
Pie and Fresh Bread: The Cornerstones of Brianna’s Cafe
Pie is undoubtedly the star of the show at Brianna’s Cafe, with its lineup of pecan, chocolate, and raspberry options. Each pie offers a distinct flavor profile: pecan provides a classic, nutty richness; chocolate is a comforting choice; and raspberry adds a bright, fruity twist. Order your slice early in the meal, or at least ask about it before you fill up. Desserts are a big part of the reputation here, so skipping them feels like leaving a fair without trying the funnel cake.
Fresh bread is another highlight of the cafe, with the kitchen baking its own rolls and bread daily. The attention to detail in baking fresh bread daily makes a big difference in the dining experience, particularly in dishes where bread plays a central role, such as breakfast toast or the roll served alongside a hearty supper plate. The homemade bread is a sign that the kitchen cares about the basics, which often leads to a great meal overall.
For breakfast, Brianna’s Cafe flips on the griddle at 7 in the morning, Monday through Saturday, serving up classics like pancakes and French toast made with the cafe’s homemade bread. This homemade touch is a big part of the charm, offering warm, filling food in a small-town setting. Sunday is a day off for the cafe, so plan your weekend breakfast stop for Saturday instead.
A Menu That Reflects the Community
The cafe’s menu is notable for its combination of American and Mexican dishes, reflecting the culinary traditions of Southwest Kansas. On the American side, options include chicken-fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, burgers, and steak dinners, while the Mexican side offers tacos, chips and salsa, cheese dip, and guacamole dip. This pairing makes for a delicious and varied dining experience, with something for everyone.
One of the standout items on the menu is the Papas Locas, French fries covered in white queso, chorizo, and jalapenos. The name translates to “crazy potatoes.” It’s a specialty item that makes the menu stand out and could potentially ruin plain fries for diners forever.
Given the cafe’s remote location in the high plains of Kansas, its reputation attracts visitors from afar. The combination of its famous pie, fresh bread, and diverse menu makes it a must-visit for anyone traveling through the region.
For those planning a visit, it’s worth noting that the cafe is closed on Sundays, so weekend breakfast stops should be planned for Saturday instead. The cafe’s hours of operation, which include a break after lunch, are designed to accommodate the needs of both locals and travelers. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic American breakfast or a spicy Mexican dish, Brianna’s Cafe has something for everyone.
A Unique Dining Experience
The Papas Locas, a specialty item on the menu, is a standout dish that could potentially ruin plain fries for diners forever. The combination of French fries covered in white queso, chorizo, and jalapenos is a bold and flavorful twist on a classic side dish. The name translates to “crazy potatoes.”
