T Stands For Town and Country Restaurant

Last Saturday my foodie friend Sally called and invited me to lunch.  She wanted to take me to this restaurant way out on the west side of town.  She told me it had been years since she ate there, but wanted to know if it was still there.  Luckily it was.

This was a huge restaurant, although it didn't look that large in my photos. 

Note the chicken theme they have going on.

It was a hot day, and I got overheated just taking photos outside the restaurant.

Of course, I got distracted when I noticed this old water fire hydrant (sometimes called a tap in other countries).  I've always been fascinated by the design.  But it was time to go inside, where Sally was waiting not too patiently.

She told me she knew I would love this place because of all the old photos on the walls.  I couldn't make out the words on this photo except Kansas and what appeared to be 1938.  Since the Broadview Hotel (far back of photo) wasn't built until 1920, I had to rule out 1918.  None of the buildings are still standing except the Broadview.  You are looking west on Douglas in this photo.

There's no doubt this photo is from Wichita, but I have no idea what the date is.

This one is easier to read.  It reads Wichita, KS, east on Douglas, 1959.

Although it doesn't give a location, I can tell you with no hesitation, if you were standing on one of the upper floors of the Broadview Hotel today, and looking east, this is the view you would see.

These are photos and a newspaper article about the restaurant we were standing in, waiting to be served.

An overhead view of the Town and Country restaurant apparently before the turrets were added.

A close up of the restaurant with the photo under glass.  When did the chickens first appear, I wonder.

This is another view of the restaurant before the strip mall was added and the area was built up.

More chickens!

Then it was time to be seated.

I seriously doubt the menu has changed since 1957, with the exception of the prices, of course.

I would hate to bring anyone on a gluten free diet, another vegetarian, or a vegan to this restaurant.  Even though this is the largest city in the state, we still have not learned that some people require special diets, or prefer something other than meat with their meals.  As a vegetarian, I could get a grilled cheese sandwich, but even the salads have meat and cheese in them.  No vegan would EVER step foot in here, but this place was buzzing, even at 2 p.m., when most restaurants are dead.

We both chose a lunch special.  Sally had breaded fish fillets, and I had grilled tilapia.  To be honest, I didn't care for it.  Although I normally like white fish (albeit mainly salt water fish), this fresh water fish had a funny taste that I didn't care for.

We each got a cinnamon roll and a regular roll, both made in the restaurant.  The salad was a disappointment.  Head lettuce is like eating cardboard.  In fact, I suspect cardboard has more nutrition than head lettuce!

I got Sally to smile, at least.   As you can tell we both had water.

I brought about 90% of my lunch home.  Bleubeard begged for the tilapia, but Squiggles only wanted more kibble.  As we were leaving, we walked through the lunch counter area, which was now roped off.

Looking back, you can see we ate in the back room

where there were only a few chickens and a fireplace that was definitely not lit.

Everywhere I looked there were chickens, even on their ticket orders.

It was a new-to-me restaurant and a fun experience.  I only wish I had been able to see all the rooms that were in the restaurant.  I seriously doubt I'll go back, though.

Now it's your turn to share a drink related post.  Your post may include photos, a place you visited, movies, postcards, books, sketches, mixed media, drawings, paintings, tags, scrapbooking, or other art that is digital, hybrid, or traditional, as long as it in some way relates back to a drink, any drink.  Please share your direct link below and Bleubeard and I, along with the rest of the T gang will be by to visit.



In mid July, T Stands For Tuesday will celebrate our FIFTH anniversary.  I'd like to propose another ATC swap, but maybe with a twist this year.  Please be thinking about your possible participation.