3 Best Restaurants in Council Grove, Kansas

Dining here is a step back into history. Dating back to 1857, it is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Daniel Boone's great-grandson, Seth Hays, arrived in Council Grove in 1847 and a decade later he built this restaurant, which, at the time, included a trading post. Historic pictures of the building and area line the walls, and antique church pews serve as booths. Hearty portions range from the signature "trail mix" (eggs scrambled with green chilis, ham, hash browns, and cheese, with a fluffy biscuit on the side) for breakfast to salmon and prime rib for dinner.

Serving comfort foods and diner-style breakfasts, this place is a fixture on the local dining scene. The popular no-frills eatery bakes its own breads and sticky cinnamon rolls. Daily ethnic themes such as Mexican put new twists on the menu. Included on the breakfast menu is a breakfast burrito with a side of hash browns, and lunch and dinner options include a pork-tender sandwich or chicken-fried steak. Finish the meal with a slice of homemade pie.

Tucked into the 1861 Terwilliger house, with items dating back to the Civil War, this café puts a historic spin on its food. Hard-to-find dishes common to old-world settlers from Europe, like toad-in-the-hole (sliced sausage baked in batter), are featured alongside grass-fed elk, recalling a staple of the early Native American diet. "History Happens Here" literature on the tables is changed monthly to reflect a new topic. When in season, a slice of rhubarb-strawberry pie is a must. After eating, be sure to walk around the Maple Camp's seven buildings, including a chicken coop and a log cabin.