Does anyone else find the words “old” and “food” to be unappealing when so close together? Typically, these are two words that you hate to see in the same sentence… unless, of course, they are being used to describe these 13 amazing Kansas restaurants that have stood the test of time:
1. Hays House 1857 (Council Grove)
How many restaurants can say they've served the likes of George Armstrong Custer and Jesse James? Hays House, the longest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, sure can.
2. Christy's Tasty Queen (Kansas City)
What the modest burger joint lacks in frills it makes up for with tasty burgers, fries and ice cream. Come see for youself why Christy's is still going strong after nearly 55 years.
3. Al's Chickenette (Hays)
The bright, neon sign outside of Al's screams 1940s. Come to find out, that's when Al began frying up his world-famous fried chicken. (In 1949, to be exact.)
4. Olpe Chicken House (Olpe)
There is no shortage of delicious fried chicken in Kansas. Originally opened in 1934 as Cooper's Cafe, Olpe Chicken House has been specializing in chicken, steak, and seafood since 1958.
5. Ty's Diner (Wichita)
The sign (and vintage car) says it all!
6. Beaumont Hotel (Beaumont)
Is it a hotel? Is it a restaurant? The 1879 Beaumont Hotel is both. Stop by their 1950s style diner for a juicy burger with a side of nostalgia.
7. Old 56 Family Restaurant (Ottawa)
Time stands still at Old 56, which was originally opened in, you guessed it, 1956.
8. Bobo's Drive In (Topeka)
Your taste buds haven't lived until they've tasted a Bobo's Burger, which has been a Topeka favorite since 1948. (Even cooler? Bobo's was named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine.)
9. Brookville Hotel (Abilene)
Though the hotel itself opened in 1870, the restaurant has "only" been serving its iconic family-style chicken dinners since 1915.
10. Cozy Inn (Salina)
Let's just say there's a reason Cozy burgers have been so popular since getting their start in 1922...
11. Dagwood's Cafe (Kansas City)
Since 1938, Dagwood's has been feeding Kansas City eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy for breakfast; and burgers, BLT's, and homemade onion rings for lunch.
12. Cassoday Cafe (Cassoday)
If the sign doesn't tell you enough, try the unique lunch buffet. You'll quickly learn why the Cafe has been in business since the last 1800s.
13. Specks Bar & Grill (Topeka)
Beers, burgers, and history... is there anything better?!
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