Good food is part of a good getaway.

While the Schoolhouse sits peacefully in the prairie countryside, you’re never far from welcoming small-town cafés, cozy diners, and local favorites worth discovering. Below are some of our go-to spots in Paola and nearby Louisburg, whether you’re looking for morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, or a satisfying dinner after a day exploring.

As with any local restaurant, hours and menus may change seasonally, so we recommend checking their website or social pages before heading out.

🧡 Quick Picks (When You Just Want a Great Meal)

☕ Best for Breakfast or Coffee

• Miss B’s Café (Louisburg)
  Classic diner atmosphere with hearty breakfast favorites and friendly service.

• Café Latté (Paola)
  Charming coffee shop near the square serving espresso drinks, pastries, and light bites.

• Circle C Diner (Paola)
  Reliable local spot for traditional breakfast and comfort-food classics.

🍽️ Dinner & Sit-Down Favorites

• San José Mexican Grill (Paola)
  Fresh, flavorful Mexican classics with a welcoming, lively atmosphere.

• The Go To (Louisburg)
  Highly rated local favorite for burgers, pizza, and handcrafted sides in a cozy setting.

• Black Barrel Bar & Grill (Louisburg)
  Laid-back dinner spot with hearty fare and a relaxed vibe.

• Timber Creek Bar & Grill (Louisburg)
  A personal favorite for classic American comfort food, rotating specials, and standout chicken-fried-chicken dinners.

🍔 Family-Friendly & Casual

• Spudley’s Family Restaurant (Paola)
  Beloved diner serving home-style meals. Great for breakfast or lunch.

• Rice House (Louisburg)
  Popular Chinese restaurant known for generous portions and a broad menu.

🍽️ Paola Favorites

🌮 Mexican & Latin Cuisine

San José Mexican Grill
A local go-to for tacos, enchiladas, and flavorful classics in a relaxed setting.

El Potro Mexican Café
Casual, welcoming atmosphere with generous portions and familiar favorites.

🍔 Comfort Food & Local Classics

Spudley’s Family Restaurant
Down-home cooking with a loyal local following.

Milo’s Steakhouse
Classic steakhouse experience with a cozy small-town feel.

We B Smokin’
BBQ and smoked meats located at the Paola airport. A fun spot to enjoy a laid-back meal while watching planes arrive and depart.

☕ Coffee & Café Stops

Café Latté @ The Jackson
A charming coffee shop with espresso drinks, pastries, and light bites.

Cowboy Coffee Post
Rustic café serving excellent coffee. Currently located inside Price Chopper.

Scooter’s Coffee
Convenient drive-through option when you need a quick caffeine stop.

🍕 Quick Bites

Pizza Hut
Classic pizza, wings, and pasta options for easy takeaway or delivery.

Simple Simon’s Pizza
Pizza and calzone favorites with a slightly different twist.

🥘 Louisburg Local Flavors

🍔 Burgers, Pizza & Casual Eats

The Go To
Casual and welcoming with standout burgers and pizza.

🍖 Bar & Grill Favorites

Timber Creek Bar & Grill
Local favorite with steaks, burgers, and rotating specials.

Black Barrel Bar & Grill
Relaxed dining atmosphere, great for dinner with friends.

🍳 Breakfast & Brunch

Miss B’s Café
Highly recommended diner known for all-day breakfast and down-home cooking.

Cowboy Coffee Post
Friendly atmosphere with dine-in seating at their standalone location.

🥢 International & Family Dining

Rice House
Popular Chinese restaurant with generous portions and family-friendly menu.

🌾 A Local Tip

Small-town dining comes with its own rhythm. Hours may vary, especially on Sundays or during seasonal events. If you have your heart set on a particular spot, checking ahead is always a good idea.

🍷 Slow Down & Stay In

(Takeout + Delivery Options)

Some evenings are best spent slowing down beneath the prairie sky.

Many guests enjoy picking up takeout in town and returning to the Schoolhouse to enjoy dinner under the café lights or around the fire ring. And if you’d rather not head back out, DoorDash currently delivers to the Schoolhouse, making it easy to enjoy local favorites without leaving your peaceful surroundings.

It’s especially helpful for late arrivals or cozy nights when the quiet countryside feels too good to leave behind.

Availability may vary depending on driver coverage and time of day, so we recommend checking the app for current options.

Sometimes the best meals are the ones you don’t rush.