Hays Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Hays

April 14, 2018 Trinity Boughner

Hays is a city in and the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas, United States. The largest city in northwestern Kansas, it is the economic and cultural center of the region. It is also a college town, home to Fort Hays State University. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 20,510.
Things to do in Hays

1. Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co.

117 E 11th St, Hays, KS 67601-3603 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, German, Bar, Pub, Brew Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 785-621-2739
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 960 reviews

Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co.

Awarded the Great American Beer Festival's 2013 Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer honors, the four storefronts the microbrewery and diner call home didn't always look like this. An aluminum facade hid these historic structures for decades as the elements took a devastating toll inside and out on the forgotten buildings. Acquired in 2000, these buildings became the first properties deeded for development as part of the Chestnut Street District's downtown revitalization effort.Along with stabilizing the collapsed ceiling in what is now the brewery, other challenges included replacing chiseled and damaged brick with limestone, unifying the storefronts with a steel I-beam and conforming the different floor levels of the four buildings to ADA standards. Whenever possible, designers incorporated original elements of the buildings into the design.The open kitchen buzzes with culinary activity, savory aromas and fiery spectacle. Acting in stark contrast is the cool calm of the steel brew tanks, tangle of hoses and the sweet scent of barley and hops. The industrial beauty of rusted steel, the cool glare of galvanized aluminum and the raw quality of weathered wood are all perfectly offset by the intimate chatter of patrons over plates of delicious food and pints of handcrafted beer.Historically inspired paintings created by graduates of Fort Hays State University's Art Department add color and culture directly to the authentic brick walls. The paintings are indicative of the signage that once appeared on the sides of downtown structures serving notice of the name of the company or type of services offered within. Patrons entering by the west door of Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. Are greeted by the artwork entitled "Three Star Harvest". Taken from a 1930s photograph, "Three Star Harvest" is the silhouette of three Ellis County farmers eating lunch in a field. Diners in the second room from the west are treated to a rustic sign once prominent on Eleventh Street in the 1920s. FHSU graduate, Amber Hampton, interpreted historic photos to design both murals. The actual act of painting was a collaboration between Hampton and nationally renowned artist Kris Kuksi of Hays. Kuksi, a graduate turned instructor for FHSU's Art Department, enlisted students from FHSU's Basic Design Class to paint.From hand painted murals to industrial agricultural lighting, open spaces and references to early railroad cars, the brewery and diner convey an industrial farm look for a fresh yet traditional atmosphere that is Hays' alone.Look above the bar and you'll see that the brewery's designer took egg baskets and turned them upside down to create an ambience unlike any other. The black granite for the brewery's bar came from Sylvan Grove, located just east of Hays. The Company M&G Designs provided this granite for Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. As well as granite for the elevators of Chicago's Sears Tower. A glass wall separates the bar from Lb. Brewing Co.'S stainless steel tanks or "barrels" which produce 310 gallons of beer each run. Lb. Brewing Co. Is capable of producing 1,000 barrels of beer a year. A private banquet facility just off the bar can entertain up to 50 guests, and it's fully equipped to host a variety of functions. Free wireless Internet access is available throughout the diner and brewery.Centrally located downtown, the city's cultural centers, recreation parks, galleries, specialty shops and more are all within walking distance.

Reviewed By WilliamWillieWilson - Brentwood, Tennessee

Driving across the vast expanse of nothingness in Kansas, we needed an oasis. A town with hearty food to satiate our hunger. The city of Hays was that oasis, a civilization amidst the endless agricultural fields and empty plains. And within this town, Gella’s was just the place to fill our stomachs with delicious food!

The menu offered countless mouth-watering descriptions of appetizers, sandwiches, and good ol’ American food. I finally settled on the grilled cheese panini, a gooey amalgam of provolone, cheddar, and Swiss. I wish the cheeses were a bit more flavorful and sadly, the bread was indiscernible as sourdough. But this high quality sandwich was certainly enjoyable. It just needed more flavor.

The deep fried grilled cheese sandwich sounded heavenly on paper, but surprisingly it had less flavor than the panini. Biting into the bread was almost like the opening encounter with a great fried chicken exterior. But the cheese inside didn’t do the sandwich justice.

The mac ‘n’ cheese was the standard run-of-the-mill mac, nothing too exciting, but definitely satisfying. The crispy onions on top however did manage to add flavor and distinguish this side item from its counterparts.

Finally, a restaurant with garlic fries where you can actually taste the garlic. Too many establishments get this wrong! Overall, Gella’s didn’t WOW me to earn that coveted 5-star rating, but it was certainly a solid attempt at American comfort food with a twist.

2. The Brew Bar

2306 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601-2406 (Formerly Union Station Coffee & Roasterie) Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible SGD 10 +1 785-301-2898
Excellent
59%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

The Brew Bar

The Brew Bar (Previously known as Union Station Coffee & Roasterie) is a locally owned and operated business. We opened our doors February 2, 2015 because we saw an opportunity to bring fresh-roasted, craft coffee to our community. We welcome everyone to come in and experience coffee the way it was meant to be brewed.

Reviewed By Carol D - Overland Park, Kansas

This is a coffee shop that also serves deli sandwiches, paninis and some salads. The outview may not be great, but they made the inside very inviting. There were a combination of comfortable couches and chairs along with regular tables and chairs for those that needed that kind of set up. I was there for lunch and ordered the Turkey pesto panini, based on staff recommendation. It was wonderful, along with a glass of ice coffee and some chips. Staff was friendly, helpful. Prices were under $10, very affordable.

3. Mokas Bakery

1230 E 27th St, Hays, KS 67601-2106 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 785-301-2266
Excellent
51%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 37 reviews

Mokas Bakery

Reviewed By Carol D - Overland Park, Kansas

I was introduced to Mokas by a client in Salina. It was my favorite place for lunch. So I was pleasantly surprised to find there is a Mokas in Hays! The place has it colorful interior like the place in Salina. This time I tried the Baja Chicken Wrap with chips ($8) and a latte. The flavors are there just like I remembered. Good food, prices and coffee what more do you want?

4. Sake2Me Sushi

2306 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601-2406 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Wine and Beer, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Sushi, Grill, Bar, Seafood, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Drinks SGD 7 - SGD 66 +1 785-301-2999
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 179 reviews

Sake2Me Sushi

Sake2Me Sushi Rolls brings a big city feel to a small town. Our food is made fresh to order and our sushi rolls are hand rolled. We like to think of it as edible art. We hope you enjoy your experience!

Reviewed By Tammz - Kansas

My husband were in Hays, KS. for work and having eaten here one time before (like it) decided to try it again. It was in a new location; nice atmosphere but a little on the noisy side. Service was very good, attentive staff, etc. The food was very good. I had sushi, unbelievable in the middle of Ks., my husband had fish tacos....wonderful! He really enjoyed them, and he's pretty picky. We will definitely eat here again on our next trip!

5. Augustine's Bakery

1305 Main St, Hays, KS 67601-3622 Takeout, Seating Breakfast, Lunch +1 785-621-2253
Excellent
68%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Reviewed By Errol_2010 - Hays, Kansas

Augustine's Bakery is a morning gathering place for me. Chad and Holly are friendly people who will provide great service besides terrific baked goodies. They also have great lunch specials. Need catering they do that, too. Located in downtown Hays. They have a variety of baked items to start your morning. Oh, I almost forgot they have a good variety of coffees and teas, too.

6. Al's Chickenette

700 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601-3946 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 13 +1 785-625-7414
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 261 reviews

Al's Chickenette

Reviewed By sewut - Kansas

We stopped here because of reviews we read on here. The chicken was good, the potatoes were real, not instant. The green beans were mushy like they had been leftover from the day before. The coleslaw was good. The service was okay.

7. Cancun Mexican Grill

1011 Elm St, Hays, KS 67601-3821 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Television, Full Bar Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +1 785-621-4550
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Cancun Mexican Grill

Reviewed By Jennynoel77 - Hays, Kansas

The authentic mexican food is great! We love the chicken dishes. Their margaritas are tasty as well. It's one of our favorite places to go when we want to dine outdoors since outdoor dining in Hays is limited.

8. El Dos De Oros

1002 E 41st St, Hays, KS 67601-9495 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Mexican Lunch, Dinner +1 785-621-4709
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

El Dos De Oros

zip code 67601<br>phone number 785-321-4709

Reviewed By Alicejujubee - Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Saw all the reviews on the salsa and food. Salsa is just runny salsa, no substance to it at all. I ordered the equivalent to Queso Flamiago, which is melted mozzarella cheese with chorizo, theirs was white cheese dip poured over chorizo. It was horrible. I asked if their guacamole was fresh made, they said yes. OK, it was fresh made squeezed from a paste. It is not fresh avocados. The beer was ice cold after traveling all day. I will not eat here again, but may go have a beer here.

9. Freddy's Frozen Custard

3505 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601-1952 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner +1 785-621-4770
Excellent
33%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 103 reviews

Freddy's Frozen Custard

Reviewed By Henry A - Hays, Kansas

The food at Freddy's is very good. Service is not as fast as fast food - though still faster than some so-called fast food restaurants. Prices are higher than typical fast food - but still not expensive. The trade-off is that the food quality and service a definite notch above typical fast food.

10. Pasta Jay's

4310 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601-9484 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 13 - SGD 29 +1 785-621-2000
Excellent
59%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Pasta Jay's

Pasta Jay&apos;s has been serving exceptional Italian food for over 29 years! It is truly "A Restaurant You Can Call Home!"

Reviewed By saiza - Lees Summit

I love Italian food so I was pretty excited to stop here on our trip to Denver. I got the spaghetti with marinara, which was $8 for not a big serving at all.It was also SUPER garlicky and I love garlic. It just made a burning sensation in my mouth, I couldn't even finish it all. My mouth was on fire from the garlic. I also got the Rustica salad to share with my mom and bf, that was by far the best thing they had. Our 1 year old son got spaghetti, which was very garlicky, he always eats his spaghetti, and he didn't eat half of his either. My mom and bf got the meatball sandwiches which were $8; but they only had TWO meatballs on them in a giant boat of bread. TWO meatballs for $8 with a loaf of bread. The service was ok, a little slow considering they weren't busy at all. We got a basket of garlic bread to go with our entrees; but none of us could eat it, it was just covered in shaved garlic. It was quite a bit to spend on lunch; but we were on vacation. But we couldn't even finish our meals due to the garlic. The only good thing was the Rustica salad, and sadly I'll never stop at Pasta Jay's again to get it.

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