Quote: Al’s Chickenette is perhaps Hays’ best known restaurant. Both loved and hated by the townsfolk, this is a hit-or-miss. After hearing all the hype about this restaurant which has been operating consistently since the early half of the 20th century, I had to try it out.

Located at the south end of Hays on Vine Street, Al’s is located inside a rickety old building, with a very (and I do mean VERY) vintage sign outside. Enter its doors and you’ll see a classic old diner atmosphere, with a counter bar to sit and order at, along with a couple booths.

I was seated by the friendly staff at a booth and given a menu, consisting of daily specials, along with standard fried chicken meals and sides. There is a decent kids menu for those with young ones. I ordered a two-piece fried chicken dinner, with a baked potato and sour cream, along with a tall glass of lemonade.

I immediately could not understand why this was considered to be “the best chicken” by many locals. I took the side of the locals who call it a “gross greasy spoon”. The chicken was tough, but hot, and very dry. The baked potato was simply enormous, and decent, smothered in sour cream. Overall, though, it was far too greasy to be considered any good, and very dry to the palate.

Other menu offerings could be better, like chicken pot pie. I have only tried the chicken, twice now, and have been disappointed time and again. Avoid this restaurant, mostly because KFC does a much better job at cooking chicken.

The restaurant does get busy during the lunch hours, and with limited seating, you may have to come back later. Do yourself a favor, though, and just head up the road to one of Hays’ other worthy establishments.

Al’s is closed Sundays and Mondays. Call for updated hours, as they regularly change. To get here, take I-70 to exit 159, then take Vine Street south around 2 miles. The restaurant is on your left.
From journals The Middle of Nowhere - My Life in Hays