The Cozy Inn

The legendary The Cozy Inn restaurant is a true portal to the past, located in the heart of Salina, USA. Opened back in 1922, this tiny diner is considered one of America's oldest fast-food establishments, having preserved its original appearance and unique cooking traditions.

The establishment's main feature is its famous mini-burgers, known as "Cozies". These are classic sliders made from fresh beef, grilled with an incredible amount of onions, which creates that recognizable aroma that permeates everything around. The restaurant's interior is extremely simple: there are only six seats at the counter, an original century-old grill, and the unmistakable atmosphere of an early 20th-century American diner.

The Cozy Inn has repeatedly made lists of the best burger joints in the country according to USA Today and the Travel Channel. Tourists and locals come here not for an exquisite menu, but for an authentic experience: the burger recipe hasn't changed since it was founded, and you won't find cheese or french fries on the menu — only those legendary sliders, served by the dozen in paper bags.

If you want to check the availability of counter seats or place an order in advance, you can use the following contact details:

The main ritual for any visitor is to order a portion of classic Cozies. They are usually bought in sets of 5, 10, or more, as these mini-burgers disappear in an instant. If you're lucky, be sure to grab a seat at the historic counter to watch the cook masterfully handle 50 patties at once on the original 1922 stove. There's an unspoken tradition at The Cozy Inn: the finished sliders "slide" to the customer across the counter on waxed paper.

Be sure to notice the unique aroma of fried onions — it's an essential part of the experience. Keep in mind that the scent will stay on your clothes for a long time, becoming a kind of souvenir. If it's too crowded inside, you can always order through the traditional walk-up window outside or move to the vintage terrace, where pleasant music often plays.

Don't forget to check out the merchandise section. You can buy branded t-shirts, magnets, or caps with the recognizable logo, which are very popular with collectors. After lunch, it's nice to walk through downtown Salina, looking at the old buildings and imagining what this place looked like a hundred years ago when workers and schoolchildren stood in line for their "Cozies" just the same way.

Getting to Salina to visit the famous burger joint is easy, as it's located in the heart of the historic downtown at 108 N 7th St. If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to take the I-70 or US-81 highways, which lead directly to the downtown area where parking is provided for visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, taxi services and popular apps like Uber or Lyft are available in the city. Salina Regional Airport (SLN) is just a 10-minute drive away, making the establishment an excellent first stop for hungry travelers.

If you're already downtown, it's best to head to The Cozy Inn on foot or by bike. The establishment is located in a bustling pedestrian-friendly area, surrounded by offices and shops, so its characteristic onion aroma will serve as your best guide.

The history of this place began in 1922 when former baseball player Bob Kinkel opened a tiny establishment in the USA, inspired by the success of the first chain diners. From day one, they began cooking signature onion-laden sliders that cost just 5 cents. Remarkably, even during the Great Depression, The Cozy Inn flourished thanks to its affordable prices and simple but incredibly tasty menu.

In the 1940s, the restaurant became a cult spot for soldiers from nearby military bases, and since then, visiting the establishment has become a family tradition for many generations of American military personnel. Over the years, famous Major League Baseball players like Bob Swift and Bob Cain worked here, which only added to the place's popularity among locals.

In its century-plus history, the establishment has been threatened more than once: in the 1980s, there were even plans to demolish it for a parking lot, but thanks to public protest, the building was saved. In 2022, The Cozy Inn celebrated its 100th anniversary, maintaining its status as one of the few remaining original "six-stool" diners in the country, where the recipe and atmosphere have remained unchanged for decades.

A visit to The Cozy Inn usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Service is quite fast since the menu is limited to classic sliders cooked in batches on a large grill. However, keep in mind that during peak hours or on weekends, a small line may form at the walk-up window.

If you're lucky enough to snag one of the six coveted counter seats, set aside a bit more time to leisurely enjoy the retro diner atmosphere and watch the cooking process. Also, allow 10-15 minutes to look at the historical photos on the walls and choose some commemorative souvenirs with the restaurant's logo.

The Cozy Inn is ready to feed hungry travelers every day. The establishment's hours are quite consistent, making it easy to plan a visit:

From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 10:00 to 21:00. On Sunday, the restaurant operates on a shorter schedule — from 11:00 to 20:00. It's the perfect spot for both an early lunch and a late retro-style dinner.

Exploring the surroundings of Salina after a hearty snack can significantly enrich your travel experience. Interesting historical markers and cozy urban spaces are just a few minutes' walk from the restaurant.