Are you ready to step back into the good ol' days for a while? The days of soda shops and corner stores are fading away, though we still have a few left here and there. This little restaurant and soda fountain in small town Kansas is one of the last we have, and it's full of antiques and old memories. Stop by someday and check out their menu full of tasty food and homemade soda.
Welcome to The Linger Longer, a restaurant and soda shop that you'll never forget.
This 100-year-old building was once abandoned, but after it was purchased in 1996 and slightly remodeled, it opened in 2010 as The Linger Longer. Ever since, it's been a treat for many Kansans from spring to fall.
Where is it, you ask?
It's hiding just north of Salina, in a small town named Bennington. The people working inside are as friendly as you can get, even though a couple of them are playfully called "jerks" by other staff.
The old style bar counter and swivel stools make this blast to the past feel warm and welcoming.
Sit at the counter and enjoy a shake, malt, or homemade soda of your choice alongside a classic lunch or dinner meal. Once upon a time, soda shops like this were everyone's favorite place to be. Will it be yours?
Their food is divine, especially their chicken salad sandwich. However, we're mainly here for the soda.
They serve all sorts of old-fashioned pops called "phosphates" in flavors like cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and even chocolate.
Plus, you can enjoy the plethora of antiques on display while you're here.
They've got old pinball machines, game tables, and couches to lounge on as you enjoy your time here at The Linger Longer. They want you to feel right at home when you're in town, and they do a fantastic job!
There's no wonder this place is called "Linger Longer" because you will definitely want to.
They're open Mondays through Saturdays from 3-7pm. On Memorial Day, those hours are extended to 3-9pm for the summer season. They close for the year on Halloween, so make sure to add them to your list and don't forget!
You'll find The Linger Longer at 119 N Nelson Street in Bennington, Kansas. Feel free to use the map below to help guide you there, or just go north from Salina on hwy 81 and take a right onto 18 until you get into town. When you're there, ask them to run the trains for a special treat!
If you're looking for more towns and cities to explore in your spare time, why not check out this list of 9 places that are just waiting to show you what they've got in store.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or business you'd love to see us feature? Put it in the comments below, and we'll give it a look.
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