From the counter
The road's closed. We're still open.
Construction has 21st St N (NE 50th St) shut down for a bit, and we know that makes getting out here a little trickier. Good news: the kitchen's on, the cooler's cold, and the patio is still the best seat at Cheney. Here's how to find us, plus a few things we've been up to.
October 27, 2026 3 minute read
We're open
Regular hours. Full menu, full store, cold drinks.
Detour's easy
Adds about 6 minutes. Directions below.
Getting here
Take the long way. It's worth it.
The county has 21st St N (NE 50th St) completely closed to all traffic between 391st St W and 407th St W while they work on it. Right now they're saying it should reopen sometime in early 2027. We'll post an update here and on our socials as soon as that changes.
If you are traveling from Wichita or anywhere to the east, you cannot take your usual direct route down 21st St. Instead, follow this official detour to get there safely:
- 1Take Highway 54 West out toward the lake.
- 2Take the Mount Vernon Exit.
- 3Head North on 150th St W.
- 4Turn back East on 21st St N (NE 50th St).
- 5The Outpost will be about 1/4 mile down the road on your left.
Heads up: your GPS might try to route you straight through the closure. Trust the orange signs, not the phone. Still turned around? Give us a call and we'll talk you in.
Same hours, same us
| Day | Store | Kitchen & bar |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9 am – 8 pm | 11 am – 8 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am – 8 pm | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9 am – 8 pm | 11 am – 8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am – 8 pm | 11 am – 9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am – 8 pm | 9 am – 9 pm |
In the news
So, we made the magazine.
Travel Mag featured The Outpost in "This Small Kansas Diner Beside A Quiet Lake Has One Dish People Keep Coming Back For," and honestly, we're still grinning about it. They came for our smoked sirloin sandwich and stayed for the lakeside views, the entertainment and the good times that bring this community together. Can't blame them.
"You arrive for the view, but one dish quietly gives you the excuse to return."
From Travel Mag, September 12, 2026
Around the place
What else is new
Lake season doesn't really end around here. It just puts on a hoodie.
Fall plates are coming
Cooler mornings call for heartier food. We're rolling out fall specials over the next few weeks, so ask what's on the board when you come in.
Everything you forgot to pack
The store's stocked for fall: firewood, hand warmers, hot coffee to go, plus the usual bait, ice and snacks. One stop and you're set.
Fall paddles
The water's still open while the weather holds, and fall is the quietest, prettiest time to be out there. Call ahead to check kayak availability.
Halloween weekend
Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, so we're making a weekend of it. Karaoke kicks things off Friday, October 30, then Lonesome Stranger plays live on Halloween, Saturday the 31st.
One more thing
Thanks for making the drive.
Seriously. Places like ours run on regulars, and seeing your trucks pull in the back way this month has meant a lot. Detour or not, we'll have a booth, a cold one and a basket of something good waiting.
The Outpost at Cheney Lake
15541 NE 50 St, Cheney, KS 67025Call for directions or rental availability
Open regular hours during the closure