best restaurants hays ks

Welcome to Hays, America

If you’re traveling on I-70 and looking for a great place to eat, then I have a list for you.

Hays, Kansas is home to some amazing restaurants.

Our list includes the best places to eat in Hays ks: Thirsty’s, The Golden Q, Gella’s Diner, Verdant, 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: Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill

Dining Menu

Address: 2704 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601Phone Number: 785-628-8284Thirsty's Brew Pub and Grill

If you’re seeking a fantastic dining experience in Hays, Kansas, look no further than Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill. Renowned for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere, Thirsty’s has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants.

During our visit, we kicked off our meal with the Roasted Corn Cheese Dip, a delightful appetizer that set the tone for the evening. It’s creamy, flavorful, and an absolute must-try.


Roasted Corn Cheese Dip

For another great starter, try the Pig Tails. These crispy, savory bites are a hit among locals and visitors alike.


Pig Tails

For the main course, Thirsty’s offers a great selection that guarantees something for everyone. I highly recommend the Blackened Prime Rib Caesar Salad. This dish combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors to create a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.


Blackened Prime Rib Caesar Salad

Of course, no visit would be complete without trying the iconic Thirsty Burger. Juicy and packed with flavor, it’s easy to see why this is a favorite among folks in Hays.


Thirsty Burger

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap is another standout option, combining succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for those wanting a lighter yet satisfying meal.


Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap

What truly sets Thirsty’s apart is its extensive menu, ensuring there’s something for every taste and preference. You’ll find everything from hearty pub fare to lighter, health-conscious options. For a full menu and to explore more delectable choices, click here.

Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill is a gem in Hays, Kansas, offering great food, a friendly atmosphere, and exceptional service.

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: Verdant Bistro

Menu

 

RestaurantAddressPhone NumberImage
Verdant Bistro230 E 8th St, Hays, Kansas 67601(785) 621-5040Verdant Bistro Image

Verdant Bistro has firmly established itself as one of the favorite restaurants in Hays, Kansas. Known for its mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan options, this culinary haven provides a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences while maintaining exceptional quality.

For those dealing with more issues regarding dietary restrictions or looking for specific flavors, Verdant Bistro’s varied menu should be checked regularly as it changes to offer new and exciting dishes. Below is a glimpse of some current menu items.

CategoryDish NameDescriptionPrice ($)
Entrees (Lunch & Dinner)Zesty Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto ( V | GF )Garlic cream, sage, balsamic, squash15
Entrees (Lunch & Dinner)Miso Butter & Mushroom Pappardelle ( V )Miso butter, local mushroom blend14
Entrees (Lunch & Dinner)Bacon Brunch Buffalo BurgerHavarti dill, tomato jam ketchup, egg, bacon13
Sandwiches (Lunch & Dinner)Shrimp Po’Boy SandwichDill mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, fresh baguette13
Sandwiches (Lunch & Dinner)Spicy Gochujang Chicken SandwichDill mayo, green onion, lettuce, fresh baguette13
Sides (Lunch & Dinner)Crispy Agrodolce Brussels Sprouts ( V | GF ) 4
Desserts (Lunch & Dinner)Tiramisu 9

For the most up-to-date menu options, be sure to check Verdant Bistro’s menu regularly, as it frequently changes to bring new and exciting dishes to your table.

One of the reasons Verdant Bistro stands out is its value for money. With a range of price points on its menu, there is something for everyone, making it accessible without compromising on quality.

The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff further enhance the dining experience, making it a beloved spot within the community.

Whether you are in the mood for a hearty sandwich or a gourmet entrée, Verdant Bistro ensures a memorable dining experience.

At dinner time, Verdant Bistro becomes a place where the community gathers to enjoy delicious meals and lively conversation. The restaurant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients not only supports local farmers but also brings fresh and sustainable food to your plate.

Located conveniently in Hays—a convenient place is you are driving to Kansas City or to Denver—this bistro is a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

 

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!

Join Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with all of our recommendations. People are always asking us real estate agents about the best services, food, and businesses a local area has to offer. Stay up to date with us!