By 
Yesterday, my breakfast/lunch was at Al’s Chickenette. A photo of this sign was in Marci Penner’s Guidebook for Kansas Explorers and the colors always grabbed me. So, when in Hays yesterday, I checked it out – and, not having had breakfast yet at 11:30, I was hungry.
Al’s has these three really cool neon lights on the ceiling.
According to info on the menu, Al and Lucille Bieker lived in Salina. Then in 1949, Al and his wife “packed up their stove and moved to Hays. They built the Chickenette at its present location on Vine Street.” (8th and Vine.)
I’m not really a chicken eater, but that’s what I ordered. It was fine. The mashed potatoes weren’t real, but tasted pretty good. I think the meal was $5.99.
My, that looks good. I want fried chicken now.
What they are equally famous for, in addition to their fried chicken, is their French fried potatoes. They are made from scratch, thinly sliced and fried crispy brown. My friend from here would drive there almost daily for that. We’ve made dozens of trips to Al’s at all hours for her to have chicken and fries. I much prefer their homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s always very good and I figure, a lot better for you. Try it next time and see what you think.
They’re closing, just read it online.
Al’s Chickenette will be reopening at the end of April or first of May. Please come back and enjoy the food all over again with the same look but a refined atmosphere.