Kansas has a lot of history, mostly kept in the form of old buildings that have survived the test of time. One of our favorite old buildings houses what we think might be the oldest still-serving restaurant in Kansas, and a great place to eat as well. What might indeed be the first homestyle restaurant in Kansas is still serving, and they’re dishing up comfort foods of all kinds these days. Let’s take a look!

Welcome to the Hays House in historic Council Grove. They've been serving homestyle meals for longer than anyone can remember.
Sheila Scarborough/Google
This building was built in 1857 by Seth Hays, grandson of Daniel Boone himself. Though it started off as a tavern and later an inn of sorts, it started serving food and gradually changed into a full blown restaurant.
Ed Sirianni/Google
Surviving fires and the test of time, it's still standing today, though plenty has been restructured to keep things standing. The original roof was replaced in 1886, and became a flat roof, leaving room for the outdoor seating you can dine on during warm weather.
Hays House Restaurant Facebook

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One of their historically famous meals is their fried chicken, which is served buffet-style on Wednesday evenings.
Dick Kahoe/Google
Most of their dishes are made up of country food, ranging from hot beef sandwiches to chicken fried steak. All of our favorites!
Ray Blewitt/Google
Of course, you can't end a meal without trying their homemade pies, can you? Save room for dessert when you visit!
Hays House Restaurant Facebook
The Hays House is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Tinna Patten/Google

You’ll find the historic Hays House at 112 W Main St, Council Grove, Kansas. For more information about this restaurant, check out their website here.

For more rural restaurants like this one, you’ll love this list of rural restaurants that never lack in taste.

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