Al's Chickenette: Small town food with big taste

I've been to many places that claim to specialize in fried chicken. However, on a road trip you have to try local places so we took a chance on Al's. It's a bit of a drive from the interstate but hey, we had time.

It was well worth the drive. Even though there's not a lot to do in Hays, KS and it doesn't look like much from the outside, and the small parking lot needs some serious work, I highly recommend you make the trip. They claim to make the food fresh in house, and it looks and tastes like it. The breading on the chicken was crisp and tasty, and the chicken itself had flavor. Too many times you get good breading but bland chicken or worse, bland breading and chicken. Not here. The pieces were good sized, too. I had the Big Al, a two piece dark meat meal, which comes with two sides. I was expecting at best a drumstick and wing, both scrawny. What I got was a drumstick and thigh, both good sized. With the mashed potatoes and gravy and corn, I was full. Of course, they have pie and there's always room for pie, especially home made pie. Get the triple berry pie warmed up. Trust me on this.

Another pleasant surprise was their offering of one breast with two sides. Most places won't do that, and that's what my wife likes. So, happy wife. Another score!

Jess, our server, put up with our questions with a smile and still provided great service.

Then there's the interior. It's kitschy. It's old. They've been in the same building since 1949, after all. But it adds to the charm. When you combine it with the great food and great service, it's hands down one of the best places I've been to for fried chicken ever.

Do yourself a favor. Check it out for yourself.