The Cozy Inn, Salina, Kansas - serving "Cozies" since 1922

Every small town has one - the local burger joint and hangout.  In Salina, Kansas that place is The Cozy Inn.  Only in this case, there is no place to hang out because the place is literally too small; maybe 10' x 15'.  Six stools, about 12 feet of counter space, the same grill since they opened in 1922, no drive through.  The locals say that although the sliders are so flavorful because of all the onion, the real secret is that they have been using that same grill and the flavor is in there.  Whatever the secret is, they make one of the best sliders around.  Think a White Castle burger and then amp up the onions ten-fold.  If you carry home Cozies in your car,  the interior smells like onions for a week.  If you go shopping downtown after your meal, people smile and comment "You've just come from the Cozy Inn."  It's part of the Cozy experience. 

Cozies aren't individual; they come by the sack, either 6 or 12.  And reminiscent of that SNL skit, no cheeseburger, no fries, no Pepsi.  It's the same at the Inn.  There are no fries, only bags of chips, but just about any kind.  There's no soda fountain.  You get your choice of a canned soda.  I've been afraid to ask, but I don't think they serve the burger with a pickle either.  Mustard and ketchup.  Hamburger purists.  No change since 1922 except they finally plan to expand for the first time in almost 90 years when they open a new restaurant near the University of Kansas in Manhattan in the near future.  It won't be the same though - the original grill is staying in Salina. 

It's not much, it's not fancy, but it's darn good eats.