If I told you I was going to a chicken house, what would you think? Would you picture a house in which chickens live, otherwise known as a chicken coop? Would you envision a house decorated with chicken wallpaper and knickknacks? Would you think of a house with one of those huge rooster sculptures in the front yard?
In my circles, when I say I’m going to a chicken house everyone knows that means I’m headed to one of our amazing restaurants that specialize in fried chicken. I’m fortunate to live in an area of the country where I have access to several such wonderful eateries. They are all in Southeast Kansas and an important part of this area’s history.
Chicken Mary’s, Chicken Annie’s, Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s, Bartos, and Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners are all within easy driving distance of my home. In fact, Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s was the closest restaurant to where I grew up. The only takeout Mom and Dad ever bought us was from that place.
Don’t be confused by the similar names of Chicken Annie’s and Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s. They are two different places. Both of them have excellent fried chicken and German Potato Salad. Both have a downhome country feel. Both offer friendly service and superior food. Chicken Annie’s is right down the road from Chicken Mary’s, and Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s is right off of Highway 160.
All of these fine establishments have been around for years. Chicken Annie’s was established in 1934. Chicken Mary’s started in the early 1940s. Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners opened in 1946. Barto’s Idle Hour opened in 1951. Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s opened in 1971.
It’s difficult to choose a favorite because I love the food at each place. I have fond childhood memories of family dinners at all of them. I will tell you that the German Potato Salad at Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s is the best I’ve ever had. I could eat that stuff every day.
The chicken houses are so ingrained into my world view that I was taken aback the first I suggested visiting one to my husband and he asked me why we’d want to do that. He had no idea what I meant. He was picturing a chicken coop while I was talking about a nice family restaurant. It didn’t take long for him to catch on, though. Now when I suggest visiting a chicken house, he asks, “Which one?”
While I love trying new kinds of cuisine, nothing beats good ol’ fashioned fried chicken for me. It’s the ultimate comfort food from my childhood.
Below are the chicken houese with their addresses in alphabetical order if you’d like visit one or all. These are dinner establishments. Most of them open at 4:00 p.m. Check their websites for more information.
Barto’s Idle Hour 201 Santa Fe St Frontenac, KS 66763
Chicken Annie’s 1143 E 600th Ave. Pittsburg, KS 66762
Chicken Mary’s 1133 E 600th Ave. Pittsburg, KS 66762
Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners 124 N 260th St. Mulberry, KS 66756
Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s 1271 S 220th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762 Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please subscribe to Ozarks Maven, Like Ozarks Maven on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter @OzarksMaven.
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