Having family in Colorado, we travel I-70 often. Let me tell you, that is one long stretch of Kansas geography! We have our little landmarks along the way–the top hat guy, the wind farms, and the roadrunner. (If you have ever made this trip, you know what I mean.)
We located a Shimpo pottery wheel in Boulder and we were on our way back from getting it one weekend. (Making this drive in one weekend, we did not have a lot of time to visit with family or do anything out of the ordinary.) On our many trips this way, we usually are happy just finding a McDonald’s or a truck stop with a Subway, especially on this flying trip. On the long trek back, I happened to see a billboard advertising a microbrewery in Hays. What? I was immediately intrigued. Grabbing my phone, I quickly started searching for info and a map to it.
It looks like there is a trend to revitalize the downtown area of Hays featuring the Chestnut Street district. (In fact at least one gallery was open the Sunday afternoon we stopped.) We were pleasantly surprised with what we found—Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewery Co. The decor and architecture is awesome (make sure you check out the bathrooms) and so is the beer and food! I had the Brewben (their take on the Reuben) and it was great. (I did ask for more Oatmeal Stout Thousand Island dressing on the side.) Even if you don’t like sauerkraut, I would encourage you to try theirs—it is less vinegary and very earthy. My husband tried the Beerwurst and deemed it good. We both got fried dill pickle spears on the side. The other sandwiches on the menu looked very appealing.
The beer was cold and good. Not being a huge beer lover, I only ventured toward the Raspberry Wheat which had very subtle raspberry overtones. I could not keep up with all that my dining partner had but I think he enjoyed the IPA and the Oatmeal Stout to name a few of his samples.
Why Lb. for the name of the brewery? It stands for “liquid bread.” When I read that explanation on their website, I could not help but smile. My high school English teacher called beer “liquid bread” as well. (No, I don’t remember how the class got on that subject!)
This will definitely be a destination eatery for us the next time we drive across Kansas. It surely breaks up the monotony of driving across Kansas.
