Hayes Hamburger & Chili

Do you like small, mediocre hamburgers for an above average price? Then this place is for you. Unless you want to pay with plastic, in which case you won’t be able to. This is a cash-​only establishment the last two times that I have swung by.
The burgers are nothing to write home about. Burger King down the road serves a better tasting sandwich. The shakes are average, typically a bit chunky and not evenly stirred. The fries are soft, unflavored pieces of potato that resemble McDonald’s fries. The chili, which for the name one would believe it to be decent, was mushy and unappetizing.
Parking is an annoyance, the seating is cramped, and the staff is barely passable in service and food preparation time.
In summary, waste your money elsewhere.
1 – 5 Ratings, Overall: 1
Locale and ambiance: 1
Friendliness: 2
Food: 1
Price: 1

It’s an interesting little diner. And that’s about it. Burger was a triple but they smash the patties together into one decent sized one. Wasn’t as impressed as much as a few years back. If town topic is closer, go there.

Nice little place that’s always open. Double cheese Burger was pretty scanty but they seemed to have many cheap options. If it’s late night and a choice between McDonalds and Hayes, then Hayes would win.

I love this place. If you want a good old fashioned greasy burger, this is the place to go. No frills, just grill.

Overpriced for what you get. The regulars look at you like you’re in a biker bar. If I got up and cooked for everyone, my foods just as good. The b&g is the only thing that keeps me going back. Hopefully they get a new look with all the construction. Maybe more room for customers.

I am not quite sure where to start, and I hate to write this review. We have been there maybe a dozen times at various times of the day in the last few months. We got there for some breakfast Sunday morning about 9:30. We both kind of felt dirty/​odd looks coming from everywhere, no smiles, not salutation (well except from the woman working the counter, but it was a far from enthusiastic Good Morning), but we stayed anyway. We have noticed this in the past, thought maybe it was just bad timing, or ‘something’.
Food was good as it has pretty much always been. Though I would avoid the steak and eggs, it was probably about ¹⁄₈ inch/​3oz piece of meat, and they appeared to be making fun of me as I tried to order it medium rare, not likely going happen with that steak.
Anyway, they do perfectly cooked eggs, bacon and potatoes, though I always wished they offered than the just really crappy white/​wheat toast they serve. They also have an odd bottle of Louisiana hot sauce on the counter, it looks and tastes like water and the bottle looks to be as old as Hayes. They also have pretty much only one bottle of each condiment (except mustard and ketchup on the tables), and they are on the counter in front of other customers… just a little awkward to get to.
Anyway, not sure what the issue is there but we will stick to Town Topic, always friendly and lively, and closer.

Food is very good for diner fare. Not GREAT, but solidly good. The atmosphere and experience of dining in an original 1950’s era diner is what makes this a fantastic place to eat. Overall, this is one of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots in KC.
For anyone that tries to avoid chain restaurants and experience local dining institutions, Haye’s is must.

Don’t ever bother. I’m not sure how they size their portions, but it’s laughable. Ordered a double tenderloin sandwich and what I received was a bun with two thin cut boneless chops. I had grander expectation from this place, but it seems they were misplaced. The «hostess» must have been having a bad day the day I visited, because she was far from friendly. Short and sweet, I’ll never look at this place or go there again.

Let me start out by saying I have been eating here for 30 years. That’s my whole life FYI. Every time I’m in town I go WAY out of my way to eat here because it brings back the memories of my child hood and my grandmother. So it is hard for me to say this but stay a way. Over the years the service has gone way down hill. There was a day you would walk in the door and be greeted with a smile and what can I get you. Now it is a far cry from. I have had my last burger from here as of today. My wife and two kids went in all excited for some burgers and shakes. When we went in there was a blond (not real blond by the way) working the counter. No hi or anything just «what do you want» she said. I proceeded to order and my wife asked for a burger fries and a shake. The employee folded her arms and rolled her eyes then started mumbling something. Rude as hell. Then my daughter ordered the same thing that’s when the employee started complaining because we are ordering shakes. Said «thanks now I’m wanting to look for a new job. I hate making shakes I will be here all night scooping ice cream». Then keeps rolling her eyes and complaining when my son orders the same thing. I order and pay the total was $ 39.64 she comes over with the 36¢ and asked if I want it and I said no you can have it. She said no thanks and slammed it down on the counter. Then goes about making our shakes. I by the way did not order a shake because I was sick of her attitude. By the time she was about done with them a customer who was at the counter before we got there said «I’m so sorry but that looks good I think I want one». The girl came unglued. Started cursing about making the shakes. Then I said maybe I want one too. (Just to poke at her I will admit). She said «what with the 36¢». Our order was ready now we got it to go and she said what only 36¢ tip. And was talking about us as we walked out the door.
I’m sorry this is so long but this is the worst by far, but not the first time the service has been crappy here. So sad to see a place that has been around so long sink so far down.

Like In-​a-​tub, Cascones, and Penguin Park; Hayes Hamburgers is a Northland institution. Always open and the grill is always hot. The burgers are pressed thin and are wonderful. Don’t be surprised if you order twice, since the burgers are small especially if you order a single. Stay clear of the hash browns, and go with the thin fries or awesome onion rings. Shakes are hand dipped.
Make sure you have cash or you will be running across the street for an ATM.

Small friendly diner with a small town flavor.
— 5 two top tables and 9 counter top seats.
— ²⁴⁄₇ hours… and hang on to your skillets… Breakfast anytime! Oh Baby, you read the right. 24 hour breakfast.
— Cooking for the entire restaurant is done up front and off to the side. It is really neat to see your food being cooked.
— Waitress bantered with us while eating and carried on conversations with almost everyone in the diner. Entertaining in itself.
— This is one of those places that will make you feel like you stepped back in time. I love it.
— Note, the burgers are a bit small, so order one size up from what you would normally get.
— It does have desserts, but (like going to your aunts house) it is what they can pick up, so they may or may not have what you got previously. This is not a chain style restaurant, but a down home style diner.
— Parking is in front and to the right of the building… but like the limited seating inside, it is also limited.
2 IMPORTANT POINTS that some folks need/​want to know.
— 1) Cash Only
— 2) No CCW allowed.

This is where we go for burgers in the Northland. The service is always good. We love their cheeseburgers, curly fries and strawberry rhubarb pie.

Have been coming here now and then for years and always enjoy the food and service. Best tasting small burgers in town, great chili and some pretty fabulous fried mushrooms. Really down to earth, genuine guys who cook and wait on you. Love me some Hayes!

We have eaten here for years and always enjoy coming in. The food is reasonably priced. I think they have the best hamburgers in town. They are so much better than fast food hamburgers, and fresher tasting, too. My only complaint is, because the place is so small, when we leave, my hair and clothing usually end up smelling like a diner. But we always find it worth it to eat here still regardless!

Small, unique dinner that has some delicious hamburgers/​cheeseburgers and the fried cauliflower bites are delicious as well.
The employees are very nice and the service is quick. Parking kind of sucks cause there are only like 4 – 5 spots. Very casual setting.

Hayes: the lazy Northlander’s answer to Town Topic.
Or sometimes we’re just too hungry to drive all that way. But at Hayes, we get that same greasy-​spoon diner experience, with slighly more seating and offstreet parking.
It was a rainy Sunday night, and everybody in the household had worked into the evening hours; the roomie offered to buy dinner at Hayes, and who doesn’t need hashbrowns & B&G’s at 11 p.m. Especially after running your fanny off in the ICU all day.
Scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, a slice of ham, and toast were less than $ 7, and we split a large order (3) of biscuits and gravy. All were standard, tasty hash house fare, except the toast. Guys, just like they butter and grill the hamburger buns, they butter and grill the toast! It arrived hot and buttery, instead of the as lukewarm and dry afterthought that is most restaurant toast. YD ordered a tenderloin and fries; the tenderloin was on the thin side, and not the hand-​breaded plate-​sized variety, but she said it was good.
Like its Crossroads cousins, Hayes can be a great place to people watch. The cooks are polite and friendly, and the customers range from blue collar to white collar workers to, yeah, some drunks, I’m sure. But that’s a diner for ya, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Best burger in KC! I drive down from Des Moines Iowa just have a burger sometimes, and I can not leave KC without stopping in, it’s not a fancy burger, but a good old fashioned burger with lots of flavor and just the right amount of grease! Order at least a double, the hash browns are awesome too, the hot dogs are the old fashioned split grilled dog on a hamburger bun and the pork tenderloin is always great, but it’s more like a boneless pork chop sandwich, but very tasty! The prices are a little steep, but well worth it! I don’t mind paying a little more when you get good food, and the guys behind the counter are always nice and friendly.

This was a recommendation from my co-​worker. I thoroughly enjoyed myself by the food and the lady that took the orders. She was very very nice and friendly. I could tell she loved what she did. I got the biscuits and gravy, which were good. The gravy was a bit glue-​y, thus I will definitely get the burgers next time! They have all kinds of items on their menu that I will need to go back and try. They have breakfast (I’m a HUGE fan of breakfast for any meal other than breakfast!). Definitely a place to try.

Unilocalers, I must apologize. I’ve visited Hayes restaurant three times now and I’ve yet to Unilocal about it. For punishment, I think I must go back to Hayes again this weekend, just to make sure the food is as great as I think.
Now, I had driven past Hayes about 4,637 times before I finally decided to visit. Not that I was afraid to, but it seemed like I was always heading somewhere else (if you can imagine that!). After my first visit, I’m quite bitter with myself for not having visited on those other 4,637 opportunities.
In three words, Hayes is fantastic! It’s a very cozy, quaint, über friendly diner. The staff are always courteous, the food is terrific and the prices are GREAT! It’s a Class A «greasy spoon» joint that really knows how to prepare great tasting food. So far, I’ve only been for breakfast, but I must visit for lunch and try their burgers! I’ve seen them cooking on the grill and they look OH, SO GOOD! I’m sure that will be happening soon.
The staff really does a great, great job with breakfast. I love how they prepare the hash browns, as they are crispy. ‘The bacon is, well, it’s bacon! And the pancakes… Well, if it were socially acceptable to rub them all over my chest, that’s what I’d do in a heartbeat. Hell, I may just do it anyway!
It’s a wonderful diner with great food, great staff and great prices. By the way Unilocalers, Hayes only accepts cash. So hit the ATM before visiting. You won’t regret it, I promise!
It’s almost midnight, but a vanilla shakes sounds fabulous now. Yes, Hayes is open ²⁴⁄₇. What more, I say, what more do you need? GO!

An old school diner burger is tough to beat. They do them up right here.
Enter a ball of beef. Put said beef on a well seasoned grill… decades old. Place onions that have been soaking in salted water on said beef ball. Smash the shit out of it until it is ¼ inch thick. Wait about 90 seconds. Flip. Wait about 2 minutes so the onions are caramelized. Place buns on top of patty to steam. Remove. Eat. All. Of. It.
I actually put pepper vinegar and mayo on mine, and ordered it with cheese. Really, REALLY good.
The onion rings were crispy crumbly circles of love.
This place is cash only. Bring you bills and enjoy a piece of living nostalgia!