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Gella's Diner ~ Hays, Kansas


Latest visit: Jan 2026

First visit: Jun 2009

Leaving Wichita, we now enter into very familiar territory. Driving north on I-135 to Salina, followed by I-70 into Limon. We've done this journey many times, especially since we had the Denver townhome between 2009 and 2012.

As with Highland Super Submarine, Gella's was a destination spot. It's also one of those I-can't-believe-I-haven't-documented-this-yet places. We've been here a few times over the years, though it's now been 12 years since our last visit. It was always crowded, and it appears they've expanded to the building next door. It was a slow Sunday night, despite the NFL playoffs, which was fine with us.

There's a saying out there, and my parents were one to repeat it, that states "You can never go back". That means an experience you had in the past cannot be replicated and always ends up in disappointment. I always thought it was a bunch of bunk. If there's ever been a counter argument to that premise, let me offer Gella's Diner. This was our best experience here, despite a 12 year break, over a 17 years timespan.


The beers remain excellent (from LB. Brewing), the service always features perky students from nearby Fort Hays University, and the food only gets more delicious. I stayed on the chicken sandwich theme, and was rewarded with arguably the best chicken sandwich I've ever had! Take a look at that bad boy. Crispy and huge. So delicious too. The garlic fries guarantee no one will get close to you the rest of the night. Mrs. RJG was sticking with salads, and look how loaded it is.

Gella's is also a well appointed place. It sits in the old downtown, and is very pleasant on a cold, dark, winter evening. If it's dark, and you're on I-70, make Hays your destination and head to Gella's for dinner.

6/13/09; 5/1/10; 5/7/11; 5/17/14; 1/11/26 (new entry)

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