best restaurants hays ks

Welcome to Hays, America

If you’re traveling on I-70 and looking for a great place to eat, look no further! Hays, Kansas is home to some amazing restaurants. Our list includes the best places to eat in Hays ks: Big Smoke Barbecue, The Golden Q, Gella’s Diner, The Press, and J D’s Country Style Chicken. These places are all locally owned and operated, and they serve up some of the best food in town. So whether you’re in the mood for barbecue or burgers and fries, we’ve got you covered! So come on in and enjoy a great meal at one of our fantastic restaurants. You won’t be disappointed!

Restaurant #1: Big Smoke Barbecue

Big Smoke Barbecue is a must-try for any barbecue lover.

The owner, Philip Kuhn, is a Chef with decades of experience, and he’s created a menu that will tantalize your taste buds.

When you walk into their restaurant, the first thing that strikes is how warm and welcoming it feels. The floors are covered with hardwood flooring which gives off a richly padded atmosphere as well-suited for intimate conversation or quiet dining, but most importantly–you can taste those fresh ingredients!.

From chicken fried bacon cheddar soufflés to tender brisket sliders (yes please!), there’s no wrong way of enjoying these delectable cuts served up alongside some pure blue smoke from America’s favorite backyard barbecue cooker: Kansas City Barbeque Society Style Pork Rib Eye.

The food at this restaurant is so good, it’s worth waiting for. The Ribs are melt in your mouth texture-perfect and they have a great selection of sauces to choose from too! Brisket doesn’t get much better than pulled pork or chicken fried steak but if you’re looking for something different then definitely give their specialty menu offerings a try. 


Did We Mention Blue Smoke BBQ has a Soda Fountain?

Come to the small-town soda fountain for American classics and ice cream. We have taken old favorites from around this region of America, but we are also adding our twist on them!

A visit here will remind you why it is so great being an outsider in everyday life – because even when things seem weird or different than what’s usual (like drinking fountains), there is always something worth celebrating about where ever people come together through shared interests like food & fun alongside friends.

We Love the:

  1. Big Smoke Dog
  2. 3 Meat Plate
  3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches



Restaurant #2: Golden Q

Golden Q is a great place to go for a quick bite, a Burger, and to Sit and Watch the Game

Their burgers are absolutely delicious. The curly fries will take your taste buds on a magical ride that you won’t want to come back from! Come get them at the counter, where they’re easy and quick—and best yet? You can order directly through an app so there’s no need for pesky waiters or seated dinner tables anymore (you know how much we love ourselves some good old-fashioned date night). With self-serve soft drinks available as well.

They have great drink specials. As they say “If the Game is On We’re Open.” Stop in for the best burgers around! Great prices and drinks too. You’ll love our seating, perfect for groups of all sizes

We recommend the Q Burger. It’s a must-try! It has two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.


Restaurant #3: Gella’s Diner

The food here is great! American cuisine with bar options for dinner and late at night. You can also order from their full menu of dishes, which includes vegetarian-friendly choices as well vegan selections to meet any dietary needs you might have- even gluten-free ones if needed (they’re really considerate like that).

The service is always attentive and polite, the ambiance is super cozy with dark wood furnishings and red vinyl booths. The menu has all of your favorite diner foods, from burgers and fries to chicken-fried steak and homemade pie. And their prices are very reasonable too!

It’s an Award-Winning Microbrewery so Make Sure You Have a Beer

Gella’s Diner has been honored at the Great American Beer Festival for its 2013 Small Brewpub and Small Brewery Brewer qualifications. They have a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as in bottles and cans. So whether you’re a beer lover or not, there’s something for everyone at Gella’s Diner.

We recommend the:

Chicken-Fried Steak

Bacon Steak Burger

Dutch Apple Pie a la mode


Restaurant #4: JD’s Country Style Chicken

JD’s is a great place to go for some good old-fashioned fried chicken. The chicken here is some of the best you’ll ever have. It’s juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. The sides are also amazing. The green beans are a personal favorite. They’re cooked with bacon and onions and they’re absolutely delicious. The mashed potatoes are also to die for. They’re creamy and flavorful and they go so well with the chicken.

When stopping in the little town of Hays KS for some great food! You must try this chicken place. They have delicious fried chicken dinners, hot roast beef sandwiches, and awesome crispy or grilled cheeseburgers. Our shakes are the best around–we’re not just talking about ice cream either; you can get your favorite fruit flavors.

The service here is great. The staff is friendly and attentive. They make sure you have everything you need and they’re always happy to help. The prices are also very reasonable.

We recommend the:

Fried Chicken

Green Beans

Mashed Potatoes


Restaurant #5: The Press

The Press is a great place for dinner and drinks. The menu has something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options. The service is amazing. The staff is attentive and polite, and they make sure you have everything you need. The prices are very reasonable.

It’s not your average restaurant. There is a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to bring you the best food and service in Hays, Kansas! Whether it’s lunchtime or dinner time – they’ve got something for everyone on our menu (including some awesome vegetarian options).

We highly recommend:

Chicken Basil Pesto with Grilled Chicken, Basil Pesto, Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Tomato, and Garlic Aioli on a Ciabatta Roll.

The chicken basil pesto is delicious. The chicken is cooked perfectly, and the pesto is flavorful. The Mozzarella cheese, sliced tomato, and garlic aioli add the perfect amount of flavor to the sandwich.

Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Steak, Swiss Cheese, Sweet Peppers, and Onion on a Toasted Hoagie Bun.

The Philly Cheese Steak at The Press is absolutely delicious. The steak is grilled to perfection and the cheese is melted to perfection. It’s definitely a must-try! The sweet peppers and onions add the perfect amount of flavor and the ciabatta bun is soft and fluffy. It’s definitely one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever

Give Them all a Try!

If you’re ever in Hays, Kansas, make sure to check out these great places to eat! You won’t be disappointed. From BBQ to fried chicken, there’s something for everyone on this list. So make sure to give them a try next time you’re in town. Thanks for reading! Happy eating!

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