For generations of students, alumni, and Manhattan locals, the Call Hall Dairy Bar isn't just a place to grab a treat; it's an institution, a beloved landmark deeply woven into the fabric of Kansas State University. Nestled on the campus, this iconic spot has long served as a testament to K-State's commitment to agricultural excellence, offering an unparalleled "farm-to-spoon" experience that tantalizes taste buds and educates palates.
From its humble beginnings as a campus convenience to its current status as a culinary destination, the Call Hall Dairy Bar embodies the spirit of innovation and quality. It's a place where the rich heritage of Kansas agriculture meets modern gastronomic delight, inviting everyone to discover the fresh, wholesome products born right from the university's own herds and farms.
Table of Contents
- The Heart of Kansas State: A Legacy of Flavor
- The Farm-to-Spoon Philosophy: Quality You Can Taste
- A Flavor for Every Palate: Ice Cream Excellence
- More Than Just Desserts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Beyond
- The Future of Flavor: Relocation and Innovation
- A Community Hub: Reviews, Ratings, and Campus Life
- Planning Your Visit: Essential Details
The Heart of Kansas State: A Legacy of Flavor
The Call Hall Dairy Bar holds a special place in the hearts of many associated with Kansas State University. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a living classroom, a research outlet, and a beloved gathering spot. For decades, it has served as a tangible link between the university's robust agricultural programs and the wider community, showcasing the fruits (or rather, the dairy and meat products) of their labor and expertise.
Many Kansas State University graduates fondly recall their visits to the Call Hall Dairy Bar, where a scoop of ice cream became a sweet memory of their college days. It's a rite of passage for students and a nostalgic pilgrimage for alumni. This deep-rooted connection to the university’s identity underscores its importance, not just as a business, but as a cultural touchstone within the KSU family.
From Campus Corner to Culinary Landmark
Historically, the Call Hall Dairy Bar has been intimately connected to Call Hall itself, situated on the northwest corner of the building, directly adjacent to the Call Hall Dairy Plant, which is located on the north side. This proximity is crucial, as it highlights the direct pipeline from production to consumption. The dairy bar serves as the retail front for the dairy products crafted in the plant, utilizing milk produced by the university's own dairy herd.
Beyond its role as a retail outlet, Call Hall, the building, is a hub of academic activity. It houses offices, classrooms, and laboratories, making the Call Hall Dairy Bar an integral part of the academic environment. Students studying animal sciences, food innovation, and related fields often have a direct connection to the processes that bring these delicious products to life, fostering a unique "learn-by-doing" experience that is rare to find elsewhere.
The Farm-to-Spoon Philosophy: Quality You Can Taste
At the core of the Call Hall Dairy Bar's appeal is its unwavering commitment to the "farm-to-spoon" principle. This isn't just a marketing slogan; it's a fundamental aspect of its operation. The dairy bar proudly offers products derived from animals raised right at Kansas State University. This direct sourcing ensures an unparalleled level of freshness, quality, and transparency that is increasingly valued by consumers today.
The milk, for instance, comes directly from the KSU dairy unit. While some of this milk is sold and processed through Dairy Farmers of America, a significant portion is channeled directly into the Call Hall Dairy Plant for use in their own products. This direct control over the entire process, from animal husbandry to processing, allows for meticulous quality control and ensures that every scoop of ice cream, every slice of cheese, and every sip of milk meets the highest standards.
Beyond Ice Cream: A Full Dairy & More Experience
While the Call Hall Dairy Bar is undeniably famous for its ice cream, its offerings extend far beyond frozen delights. It provides a comprehensive selection of dairy products, including fresh milk and a diverse variety of cheeses. Visitors can explore an array of cheese types, showcasing the versatility and expertise of the KSU dairy plant. This range allows patrons to truly appreciate the breadth of dairy innovation happening on campus.
But the experience doesn't stop at dairy. The Call Hall Dairy Bar also offers high-quality meat products and even eggs, all sourced from animals raised at Kansas State University. This commitment to providing a wide array of farm-fresh goods makes it a unique culinary destination in Manhattan, KS, allowing patrons to enjoy everything from a savory breakfast to a sweet dessert, all under one roof and with the assurance of university-backed quality.
A Flavor for Every Palate: Ice Cream Excellence
The ice cream selection at the Call Hall Dairy Bar is nothing short of legendary. With over 40 (and sometimes even 48!) unique flavors produced annually, and a daily rotation of 16 flavors available, there's always something new and exciting to try. This impressive variety ensures that every visit can be a fresh adventure for your taste buds. The sheer volume of production is also noteworthy, with the dairy bar selling over 20,000 gallons of ice cream a year, a testament to its immense popularity.
Among the many celebrated flavors, "Purple Pride" holds a special distinction. This blueberry-flavored ice cream was crowned the winner of the annual Call Hall March Madness competition, an intense showdown of sweet flavors that captures the spirit of friendly competition and community engagement. Beyond the award-winners, classic flavors like Vanilla are also highly recommended by patrons, praised for their rich, authentic taste that speaks to the quality of the ingredients and the craftsmanship of the dairy bar staff. For those with an espresso machine at home, the vanilla is even suggested as a perfect base for a homemade affogato, highlighting its versatility.
More Than Just Desserts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Beyond
While its ice cream might be the star attraction, the Call Hall Dairy Bar operates as a casual restaurant, offering a robust menu for breakfast and lunch. This makes it a perfect stop for a complete meal, not just a sweet treat. Breakfast is typically served starting at 9 a.m., providing a convenient option for early risers on campus or visitors exploring Manhattan, KS.
The breakfast menu features classic favorites designed to fuel your day. Options include a simple yet satisfying egg and cheese on ciabatta, or for those seeking something heartier, a sausage, egg, and cheese on ciabatta. They even cater to specific preferences with options like the Monterey egg white, featuring egg whites, bacon, and cheese. For lunch, starting at 11 a.m., the dairy bar serves up delicious burgers, and reviews mention other savory options like nicely cooked sandwiches, pork, and even quail eggs, showcasing a diverse culinary approach beyond typical dairy fare.
The Future of Flavor: Relocation and Innovation
Change is a constant, even for beloved institutions. The Call Hall Dairy Bar embarked on a significant transition, temporarily closing its previous location in Call Hall on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This temporary closure marks an exciting new chapter as the dairy bar prepares for its highly anticipated move to the new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. This move is not just a change of address; it signifies an expansion of its capabilities and an even stronger integration with cutting-edge food science and innovation at KSU.
Call Hall fans will need to exercise a bit of patience, as the dairy bar's return is anticipated to be at least another year after the May 2025 closure, coinciding with the opening of the new Global Center. This new facility promises to be a state-of-the-art hub for agricultural and food research, and the dairy bar's presence within it underscores its role as a showcase for university advancements. The dairy plant facility itself will also undergo significant upgrades as part of this relocation, ensuring that the quality and innovation behind the Call Hall Dairy Bar's products continue to evolve and impress.
A Community Hub: Reviews, Ratings, and Campus Life
The Call Hall Dairy Bar consistently garners high praise from its patrons, reflecting its dedication to quality products and excellent service. On platforms like Tripadvisor, the KSU Dairy Bar boasts an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 20 unbiased reviews, ranking it commendably at #33 out of 129 restaurants in Manhattan, KS. Other platforms also show strong approval, with a 4.7-star rating based on 14 reviews, highlighting consistent customer satisfaction.
Beyond the numbers, the dairy bar is a vibrant part of campus life. It's a casual restaurant on the KSU campus that offers not only dine-in options but also delivery and outdoor seating, providing flexibility for its diverse clientele. Its presence on campus makes it a natural gathering spot for students, faculty, and visitors. Many students, particularly those in animal science, feel a personal connection to the dairy bar, often having grown up with a passion for working with animals, from calves to swine, which aligns perfectly with the dairy bar's farm-to-table ethos.
For visitors exploring the Kansas State University Gardens, the Call Hall Dairy Bar serves as a perfect spot to relax and refuel. It’s a place where you can not only enjoy delicious food but also connect with the university's agricultural heritage and see firsthand how academic excellence translates into tangible, tasty products. The reviews consistently praise the quality of the food, from sandwiches to ice cream, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting the area.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Details
Before its temporary closure on May 17, 2025, the Call Hall Dairy Bar operated Monday to Saturday, making it accessible for most of the week. Breakfast was served from 9 a.m., and hot lunch, including burgers, from 11 a.m. While specific hours for the new location in the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will be announced upon its reopening, it's expected to maintain convenient hours to serve the KSU community and the public.
Located at 1530 Mid-Campus Drive, Manhattan, Kansas, the Call Hall Dairy Bar has always been easy to find on the KSU campus. Once it reopens in its new home, updated maps and directions will be readily available. Patrons can typically view the menu, check prices, and find photos and ratings online, ensuring they have all the information needed for a satisfying visit. Payment is convenient, with options to remit payment by credit card or by check made out to Call Hall Dairy Bar. If you've never been, it truly is a store you should make a point to visit once it reopens, to experience a unique blend of academic excellence and culinary delight.
Conclusion
The Call Hall Dairy Bar stands as a vibrant testament to Kansas State University's enduring legacy in agriculture and food science. From its origins as a direct outlet for the university's dairy plant to its status as a beloved campus institution, it exemplifies the "farm-to-spoon" principle, offering a remarkable array of fresh, high-quality dairy, meat, and egg products. Its famed ice cream, with dozens of flavors and a significant annual production, remains a highlight, but its comprehensive breakfast and lunch menus ensure it's a destination for any meal.
As it embarks on an exciting new chapter with its temporary closure and impending relocation to the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, the Call Hall Dairy Bar continues to embody innovation and tradition. It's more than just a place to eat; it's an educational experience, a community hub, and a cherished memory for generations of Wildcats. We encourage you to plan your visit once it reopens and experience this unique culinary gem for yourself. Have you visited the Call Hall Dairy Bar before? Share your favorite memories or flavors in the comments below!
