The long, flat drive through Kansas is dreaded for most people on a road trip, but not this traveler. In fact, I long for the chance to drive through Kansas. Why? For The Slammer.
The Slammer can only be found in Salina, along with other favorite southern dishes, at an unassuming spot called Hickory Hut BBQ. With humble beginnings, the family cooking up delicious meals has been at it for three decades, first serving BBQ on the road before settling down and setting up shop in the quaint Kansas town.
Like many others, I first stumbled into this establishment a few years back while on an exhausting drive from Colorado heading back home to Nashville. My wife and I were beyond hungry in the mid-afternoon, as we drove past endless fields with no food options in sight. Suddenly, signs of life appeared as the oasis of Salina was just ahead. A quick Google search led us to Hickory Hut BBQ after a quick jump off of I-70.
We opted for dining room seating in lieu of the drive-thru as we needed the rest. We were greeted with the mouth-watering smell of traditional BBQ and a display of meat varieties near the cashier’s counter.
As I gazed at the amazing cuts of chicken, brisket, and pulled pork, my attention quickly turned to a tray of foot-long polish sausages. I found this intriguing as it’s not a common item on BBQ menus back home. I scanned the menu to find the sausage options, and it was here I found The Slammer.

The Slammer consists of polish sausage, your choice of spicy-hot or mild, on a bun topped with beef, pork and a secret sauce. With the sauce being “secret,” I don’t know exactly what it consists of, but it’s essentially a golden BBQ sauce combination with a hint of cinnamon.
The dining area is warm and inviting. Its wood-paneled walls are lined with a plethora of photos, each seemingly sharing a story of the region or family behind the restaurant. One specific detail that is guaranteed to keep me coming back as a loyal customer is the two buckets of complimentary dill pickle spears. Yes, you read that right, complimentary spears.

I enjoyed this dining experience so much that I’ve always kept my western travel plans open to include a lunch or dinner stop in Salina. I was able to make that happen once again this year and was not disappointed. Even with Covid-19 concerns, the restaurant provided excellent customer service, a clean and healthy experience, and of course, The Slammer is still absolutely wonderful. If you ever find yourself driving along I-70 through Kansas, I urge you to make a stop at Hickory Hut BBQ. You will be satisfied. You’re welcome.
Cadbury Pringlebatch is the Operations Manager, Lead Motorcycle Guy, Investment Analyst, and Travel Blogger for The SoBros Network, but knows a little bit about everything. Known for frequenting Nashville YMCA steam rooms, he’s a firm believer that winning football is produced by moving the chains, and became a SoBro after mistaking one of our podcasts for an AA meeting. Follow on Twitter: @SoBroCadbury
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