Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern

A historic dining experience. I had the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and a dinner salad. The chicken was crispy & delicious and included a breast, thigh, and drum stick. Had the mashed potatoes which undoubtedly had a ton of butter and a crispy dinner salad. The staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was very nostalgic. Unfortunately the chicken dinner is not always available. But if you get a chance would highly recommend.

Excellent food in the heart of the really cool downtown of Council Grove, Kansas. Beautiful fall day, went for a late lunch. Not crowded but the food took longer than expected. The Chicken Fried Steak was delicious and well worth the wait! The desserts were just outstanding! My wife loved the Bread Pudding, “just the right amount of cinnamon”. My Apple Crumble pie was equally delicious.

We are the best time here. The four of us got delicious steak dinners, red wine, fancy dessert that was out of this world. I can't remember when we've had such a nice time together as a family. Can't say enough good things about this wonderful place. They even let us go upstairs and look at the old fashioned way of life. This is the West.

We had the Burger Special and it was pretty good, not the best but pretty good. Fries were almost the best , but the green beens were a bit too vinegary. Good Beer and a Good Burger hit the spot 😋 Friendly and fast service . I think that Seth Hays would be happy !

The Hays House 1857 in historic downtown Council Grove, Kansas, definitely lives up to its reputation. The famous chicken fried steak is everything you’d hope for—tender, perfectly breaded, and free of any chewy gristle, making each bite pure bliss. Pairing it with classic garlic mashed potatoes and gravy was the perfect choice, adding to the comfort of the meal. The atmosphere really enhances the experience, with its old west vibe, cozy fireplace, and authentic wooden tables and chairs, reminding you why it’s one of the oldest restaurants west of the Mississippi. It’s easy to see why you’re proud to have been there, and trying the Reuben next sounds like a great plan. Definitely a spot worth returning to!

Me and the wife loaded the motorcycle and just road to where ever we wanted to go. Our first stop for lunch was here. Food & customer service was awesome. And a great history with this place. Well worth the ride and portions were big enough we had left overs for dinner. I had the chicken fried steak sandwich & wife had the club sandwich with the Raspberry sauce that was supposed to be spicy but wasn’t at all. Because wife loved it and hates spicy food. They even have a sign on door saying we love motorcycle riders. Beautiful place & little town.

The chicken fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes however was delicious to the point that it's worth ordering extras to take-home. The gravy was pretty good and it tasted like it was homemade. However, the salad with croutons and balsamic vinaigrette was just a typical salad that isn't anything special. Overall, this restaurant is worth trying once while in Council Grove especially for their chicken fried steak. Plus, you get to learn some history since this restaurant existed before Kansas became a state in 1861.

Food was delicious! Had the chicken fried steak which may be the best I have ever had anywhere. Their country gravy is unrivaled. We had Fried pickles and the fried beef tips as well and it was all scrumptious. My son had a burger which he said was one of the best he's ever had. Oldest restaurant around but well kept with a full bar and kind service. A+