Cruising I 70 and craving something real You will spot a low key local favorite where the sirloin keeps winning over travelers and truckers alike.
Meridy’s Restaurant & Lounge in Russell serves hearty plates, small town kindness, and prices that will not scare your wallet.
Step inside for the kind of meal that makes a detour feel like destiny. Stay for the steak that regulars swear by and the banter that feels like home.
The celebrated sirloin
That first bite of sirloin brings a sizzle you can hear and a tenderness that sets expectations for every road meal after. Seasoned with restraint, it leans on local beef and careful searing to lock in juices. You taste smoke, salt, and a clean beefy finish that lingers.
Travelers talk about it at the counter, and you might find yourself nodding along. Order medium or medium rare for the sweet spot.
Pair it with fries or a baked potato, then let the simple plate do the talking while the dining room hums.
Breakfast that fuels the road
Roll in around daybreak and the coffee hits the table before you settle in. Eggs come fluffy, hash browns crisp edged, and pancakes arrive with that golden griddle glow. It is the kind of breakfast that keeps you cruising for miles without a second stop.
Locals gather early, which is your sign you picked right. Service runs quick and warm, with refills that appear right on cue.
If you do not usually eat breakfast out, this is where you change your mind and smile about it.
Small town service that sticks
The staff makes you feel recognized even if you walked in five minutes ago. Banter floats between tables, and you will hear friendly hellos traded with regulars and newcomers alike.
Refills and check ins happen without hovering, which is a rare sweet spot. Ask for recommendations and you will get honest ones, not upsells. On busy days, patience pays off as plates arrive hot and right.
Leave a kind word for the crew, because they are a big part of why the room feels easy.
Hearty classics beyond steak
If steak is not your move, the menu does not leave you wandering. Chicken fried steak arrives cloaked in white gravy with buttery mashed potatoes on the side. Fried chicken crackles, and chicken cordon bleu lands rich and satisfying.
The small salad bar is basic but fresh, a crisp counterpoint to the comfort mains. Portions run generous, so plan for a to go box if you hate wasting good bites.
Prices stay friendly, which helps when you are feeding a crew.
Ribeye and local beef pride
The 16 ounce ribeye has a fan club all its own. It shows off that local beef character, rich yet clean, with edges that crunch and a center that stays velvet.
You can taste care in the cut and on the grill. Ask for simple sides and let the steak lead. Salt, pepper, and a patient rest are the not so secret recipe.
It is the plate folks remember miles down the interstate and the reason many circle back.
Road trip friendly details
Right off I 70 at the Russell exit, the location is tailor made for a hungry detour. Hours run early to late most days, so breakfast and dinner are both easy wins. Truck parking behind the building helps big rigs slide in without stress.
Prices stay in the 10 to 20 dollar range, which feels rare on a long haul. Call ahead if you are timing a group stop or watching the clock.
You will still want a few extra minutes to relax before rolling out.
Lounge vibes and friendly chatter
The lounge side brings a low key place to unwind. You will catch locals swapping stories while travelers exhale after long miles. TVs murmur, drinks land quickly, and the room feels like a soft landing.
It is not fancy, which is exactly the charm. Pull up a stool, order that sirloin, and let the evening unspool.
By the time the check comes, the road rush fades and the conversation stays.
Tips for your best bite
Hit the sweet spot by arriving a little before the rush, especially on weekends. If you like a juicy center, ask for medium rare and let the steak rest a minute before cutting. Add the salad bar for crunch and call it balance.
Service is attentive, so speak up if you want tweaks like extra pickles or onion. Save room for a hearty side and plan that to go box if you over order.
Then step back into the Kansas sky feeling full and glad you stopped.