America’s heartland is a vast region that’s peppered with some of the country’s most amazing small towns. I can tell you with all honestly that Abilene, Kansas is one of the best and you don’t have to take my word for it. The Smithsonian rated Abilene as the best small town to visit and something tells me they know what they’re talking about. I think the best idea is to get the keys in the car and head down the road for Abilene and start eating!
*We had the pleasure of being hosted by the Abilene CVB during this gallivant to Kansas. Some of our meals were compensated/complimentary and the views expressed are of our own. Let’s see what this town is cooking up!
Meat & Potatoes-Kansas!
Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashion Grill serves up the classics with a hard working kitchen that has the recipes that make you crave Kansas home cooking, weeks after your visit. The mayo based salad is a Midwest icon and Snuffy’s has a great one. Pair it up when they have their Sloppy Joe on special to get a perfect Kansas flavor combo. And don’t be afraid of the Witch Doctor. The creamy Italian dressing brings it all home with the crispy bacon, sliced turkey, and ham. If you love club sandwiches then you’ll love this Abilene twist on it here at Snuffy’s.
Comfort food is the best when you’re rolling in from a long road trip. We like to dabble when it comes to all the flavors of the universe but there is something about everything topped with gravy when you’re tackling the interstate. Kansas is big-beef country and the M&R Grill has a classic cut waiting for you to give it a good home. Their chicken fried steak is truly one of the best in America, and we’ve come across a lot of them. Get a fork full of those made from scratch mashers with every bite!
Brookville Hotel has quite the history in Abilene. In business for almost 150 years and they do one thing here and do an amazing job with it. No menu needed because you just sit down and wait for the food. The fried chicken dinner is best served family style and it’s a concept we always enjoy on The Iowa Gallivant. A beautiful historic feel as you dine with service that knows how to welcome hungry guests. Their chicken dinners have been pulling people in for many-many years, and they plan on going another 150 trips around the sun. The hot bowls of sides are passed around to one plate to the next and the Brookville is happy to replenish them when they get low, and they will because they are all the comfort you were waiting for paired up with your fried chicken. Ask the owner for a little trivia on the Brookville Hotel and he just might give you a little inside scoop on this Abilene institution.
Coffee & Dessert Break!
We pride ourselves with going off the beaten path and finding extraordinary locations. Sometimes we overlook what’s ON the beat path, but not in Abilene. We highly suggest that you spend multiple days in one of America’s best small towns and experience as much as we did and more. However, if you’re on the way somewhere else make sure you stop-in at Sips Espresso Bar and get yourself fueled up. Another great Abilene business in view from I-70 and they know how to make a cup-a-joe with the best of them.
Three very well known points of interest converge in this area. Let’s make it four with the Hitching Post corralling customers into their dining room. We had a sweet tooth going off and this was the place to satisfy it. Right by the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum, and Old Abilene Town is this well known restaurant that’s a very short walk from some Abilene’s best treasures.
What brings a tear to your eye? An inspirational movie? The Christmas commercials that you say you won’t let get to you this year but always does? New puppy in a box? How about walking into the Russell Stover candy shop with your jaw dropping and the cashier immediately asking if you’d like a free sample. Get all your gifts, cravings, snacks, and all around candied dreams accomplished before you leave Abilene!
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