Altoona's Prairie Nut Hut The Prairie Nut Hut in Altoona, Kansas is a unique little bar and grill that is well worth a visit. I hesitate to call it a "hole in the wall," since some would think that was a derogatory comment, but it is one in the best sense of the word. The exterior has been cleaned up since I first visited the Prairie Nut Hut and I think it had even more charm before it was cleaned up. Originally opened in the 1940s or 50s (the present owners are uncertain), the Prairie Nut Hut was operated as the A&B Tavern and was well known for serving mountain oysters until closing in the 1980s. It was reopened mid 1990s, and is now a fun place to get generous servings of hamburgers, chicken fried steak and mountain oysters. Including the stools at the small bar, the Prairie Nut Hut seats less than 40 customers. The floor is littered with peanut shells and the walls are decorated with T-shirts offered for sale that have messages like "I had a ball at the Prairie Nut Hut" or "Come in and have a seat, our mountain oysters are hard to beat." For many years the walls were also lined with photographs of people who had dined at the Nut Hut from all over the world. For those of you unfamiliar with mountain oysters (also known as Rocky Mountain oysters, prairie oysters, cafe fries and other names), they are usually calf testicles, which are removed when a young bull is neutered. Other times they may come from a lamb, buffalo or hog. At some restaurants, mountain oysters are close to the look and texture of fried oysters. At the Prairie Nut Hut, the breaded and deep fried nuggets and are closer in texture and appearance to fried chicken gizzards. Although smaller servings are available, a mountain oyster basket with French fries and pickles is $12.59. Iced tea is only $1.25! As good as the mountain oysters at Altoona's Prairie Nut Hut are, the hamburgers are even better. The Rohr burger (with grilled onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese) is one of my picks for Best Burgers in Kansas. and the Chopped Sirloin Burger (a thick patty of chopped sirloin, wrapped in bacon and served on Texas Toast) and Green Chili Burger (grilled green chilies and Swiss cheese) are also very good. specialty burgers are $7.99-8.49. Non specialty burgers start at $4.49. The Prairie Nut Hut also serves beer, wine and wine coolers, all for $2.75 or less. There is an stage and seating next to he building where there is karaoke and occasional guest performers. (Prices listed from July 2023)
copyright 2007-2024 by Keith Stokes |
