Hay's House Restaurant and Tavern
The Hay's House Restaurant and Tavern is a Kansas tradition, having been founded in 1857 by Seth Hays, Daniel Boone's great-grandson. Hay's House Restaurant and Tavern has been proudly serving clients for over 150 years and is the oldest continually operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Jesse James and George Armstrong Custer were among the tavern's previous clients, providing a visit a true peek into American, Kansan, and gastronomic history. The restaurant still has an old-fashioned, nostalgic feel to it, with the original fixtures and bar in the subterranean dining area.
The cuisine is also straightforward and classic, with a choice of steaks, seafood, and barbecues to choose from. This restaurant and trading post was also the venue of many other local activities from the mid-to-late 1800s. The structure was hired by the US government to hold court and distribute mail. Bartenders covered the liquor bottles on Saturday evenings so that church services could be held on Sunday mornings.
They invite you to see the historic rooms of the Hays House Restaurant, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time to the original bar in the rustic stone basement. It's easy to image Santa Fe Trail travelers saddling up and tossing a few back from this vantage point. Then make your way upstairs to the Judd Family's cherished crystal collection, which is housed in the Crystal Room. On each floor, there are new discoveries to be made. Consider hosting bridal or baby showers in the Crystal Room, as well as bachelor parties or group gatherings in the basement, when you visit these locations.
They have the distinction of being the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi. This historic eating establishment has been given new life by co-owners Frankie & Shey-Anne Greco and head chef Randall Dickson, who purchased it in 2019. They serve soulful, high-quality meals in a welcoming environment for families. They are still going strong after 165 years because of their excellent service and low costs.
Address: 112 West Main StreetCouncil Grove, KS 66846
Phone: (620) 767-5911
Website: https://www.hayshouse.com/
