Side-by-side Manhattan restaurants celebrate 50 years with customers
who call the establishments their own.
By Joan Elliott

It’s a tradition that’s been passed down from parent to child for several generations–a meal at the Hibachi Hut before the first day of classes at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

Above: The twin restaurants on North 12th Street, Hibachi Hut and Texas Star Cafe. Below: Restaurant owner Kale Becker, center, sits with members of his staff in front of the Hibachi Hut’s signature bayou mural. Joan Elliott photos

The restaurant’s general manager Kale Becker smiles nostalgically as he recalls the countless times he’s heard someone say, “Dad brought me here on my first day of classes and I’m going to bring my kids here, too.”

But don’t be fooled into thinking this is strictly a campus crowd hangout. The Hibachi Hut, established in 1959, is considered a place for young and old, students, as well as professional and blue-collar workers. It’s where they gather for a good meal and friendly camaraderie.

Don’t mess with success

Before Kansas State athletic and homecoming events, the Hibachi Hut is the place to go to get revved up. The KSU Pep Band often is brought in to play to help set the stage.

Hibachi Hut regulars claim this as their restaurant and are adamant that it should not be changed. It’s had the same horseshoe-shaped booths, wood paneling and lighted black and white mural of the bayou on the back wall for 50 years. It wasn’t without some resistance that the owners recently replaced worn seat covers, although they chose fabric that was similar to the original.

Several changes, however, must be noted. The Hibachi Hut’s namesake, a large hibachi grill where meals were prepared, no longer occupies the place of honor in the back corner. In addition, the Time Out bar up front was remodeled in 2002.

“In general not much has changed,” said Becker, whose parents bought the place in 2004. “Interestingly, some customers who haven’t been here for 20 or 30 years come in and tell us things we never knew about The Hut.

Only half the story

The other half of the remarkable success story of the Hibachi Hut is the Texas Star Café located next door. It was purchased by the Hibachi Hut’s third owner, John Heritage, in the early 1980s. The restaurants’ matching façades and identical green awnings signal to even a casual observer that these two are twin restaurants. Each can be accessed by the other inside.

The two are located on North 12th Street, in a six-block section of Manhattan called Aggieville. The oldest shopping district in Kansas, Aggieville includes 100 unique shops, which, in spite of both big box stores and an economic downturn, have continued to do amazingly well.

“At our restaurants, we have the same number of people coming in,” said Becker, “although they may buy less–maybe not have an appetizer or a second cocktail.”

The fare at the two restaurants is distinctly different although patrons can order from either menu. The Hibachi Hut features Cajun/Creole and American casual dining including such favorites as Tiger Wings, red beans and rice, Chicken Orleans, Blackened Chicken Parmesan and Cajun Feast. For seafood lovers, there’s Crawfish Etoufféewith Blackened Catfish.

A longtime tradition at the Hibachi Grill is the Belly Bomb Hamburger with birdy (chicken) and Bayou variations. Then, of course, there is other standard fare with soups, salads, kids’ meals and homemade bread pudding among dessert choices. A typical lunch averages $7; dinner, $12.

The Texas Star Café specializes in Tex-Mex and Southwest barbeque and, since all items are made to order, patrons might want to begin the meal with some salsa, guacamole, quesadilla or Texas-style nachos. Dinner could include such favorites as Tex-Mex Giant Smothered Burrito, enchiladas, Tacos Con Pollo Asada, Mexican Club, Santa Fe Chicken Breast, barbecued brisket or ribs. Most Mexican specialties average $10, with lots of starters, soups and salads available.

Sunday brunch and daily specials at the Texas Star Café include a wide variety of “while supplies last” items. And don’t forget to top off your meal with a sopapilla or some fried ice cream.

Tradition, innovation, stability and excitement: what more could patrons hope for when they think of a meal out on the town. A trip to Aggieville in Manhattan wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Hibachi Hut or Texas Star Café.

The restaurants are closed on Tuesday, but are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Weekend hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Late bar hours Friday and Saturday are from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For menus and more information, click on www.hibachihut.com or call (785) 539-9393.

Joan Elliott is a new contributor from Lake Sherwood, Mo.