Gella's Diner and LB Brewing is a go-to in Downtown Hays, KS for amazing food and award-winning craft brewed beers!
When I am in town and planning to meet up with friends, Gella's Diner and LB Brewing is one of our favorite spots to grab dinner and drinks at. Opened in 2005, Gella's Diner and LB Brewing has become a staple in downtown Hays, KS. The restraraunt and brewery takes up four old storefronts in the downtown area.
The atmosphere of the space greets you as soon as you walk in, the open floorplan give view to the exposed brick walls, old photos, open kitchen, and the stainless steel brewing tanks. Patrons can find themselves seated in the bar area, or in more of a casual dining setting.
The old photos on the walls of Gella's add a fun touch and allow locals to reminisce and those who are not from the area, a chance to see how much the town has changed. With the owners being native Kansans, there is no doubt that there is a lot of Kansas pride throughout the building.
Another way the restraraunt shares our Western Kansas history is by paying homage to our roots through their food! The menu mixes classic German foods, savory options made with their award winning beers, and also some lighter fares.
When I first heard about Gella's, I was already living in Manhattan, KS so it took me a minute before I could make it back to the restraraunt. One of the things I heard people talk about the most was a very nostaglia menu item, the fried Bologna sandwich. The first time I took my husband to Gella's, this was his order and has stayed his order to this day. The fried mushroom appetizer is also amazing and uses local grown Jensen Family farm mushrooms!
When I go my order changes, but one thing always stays the same. I NEED a cup of their Dill Pickle Soup! Yes, you read that right, Dill Pickle Soup is served daily at Gella's. This cream based soup is thick and packed with potatoes, carrots and of course, big chunks of Dill Pickles! I promise it is a must and you won't regret ordering this soup when you are there, especially if you are a pickle connisuer like I am.
The last time I was there I met up with a couple friends and knowing I was going to write this I asked them their go-to Gella order. My friend Sarah loves the Fork and Knife Cobb Salad and her husband, Brian's, he enjoys the Beef Stroganoff. Sarah's salad was huge, and filled with so many veggies, it looked absolutely delicious. Brian's Beef Stroganoff is made with LB Brewing award winning Oatmeal Stout and as you can see, looks and tastes amazing.
To talk about Gella's Diner with out talking about LB Brewing is impossible. Beer brewing was how this all got started. Home brewing was a passion for Gerald Wyman and something his wife Janet allowed in her kitchen until it was too much and moved Gerald to the garage. Realizing that Gerald had a talent for brewing beer made them shift gears. They sold the families cattle, leased the farm ground, and with the help of additional investors set to open Gella's Diner and LB Brewing in Hays, KS!
With seven medals from the Great American Beer Festival and wins at the Wold Beer Cup to name a few, LB Brewing is putting out some seriously delicious craft beers! The two most popular are the LB Brewing Oatmeal Stout and the LB Brewing Liberty Stout. Their variety of in house brews offers a wide selection for those new to the restraraunt and their flight options allows you to try and see what tastes best to you. If you find one you like ask for a growler and enjoy beer at your home! The Growlers filled with LB Brews are so popular they even come in gift sets! I love seeing them in my friends homes from Hays to Manhattan, and even in Kansas City!
If you are looking to plan a trip to enjoy some of their fantatic food and beer, you can see their daily tap list here! Plus, I will be adding some of my favorite things to do in my hometown if you are thinking about making a weekend of it!
