PHILLIPS — Winchesters Saloon in Phillips made it to the ‘Final Fork’ in the third annual Tournament of State, hosted by Central Nebraska Today.com.
The Tournament of Taste featured 64 different central Nebraska restaurants and eateries that had been nominated by residents through a vote.
A bracket was set up and those businesses with the higher number of votes moved ahead. In the end, the tournament came down to Gold Nugget of Boelus versus The Corn Krib of Belgrade, with The Corn Krib being named the 2026 “Chompion.
During the Tournament of Taste, Winchesters went up Double V, 37 Smokehouse, Balz Sports Bar, and Kitty’s Roadhouse.
This was the second year in a row that Winchesters had made it to the ‘Final Fork’ of the Tournament of Taste, having made it this far in 2025.
A full bracket and trophy was presented to Jaeden Lobdell, Winchesters Kitchen Manager and Marcos Aguilar, assistant manager on Tuesday, May 12.
Winchesters is located at 511 West Street in Phillips.
Phillips is a community located on the western edge of Hamilton County and has a population of around 287.
The history of Winchesters dates back to the original Phillips Café that was located on the corner of West and 5th St. A fire would break out in 1975 and destroy the entire building.
By June of the same year, a new steel building was constructed, and the original Winchesters got its start. That restaurant operated for 29 years through two different owners, but closed its doors in 2004, leaving a void in the community, according to Reed and Bartunek.
Bartunek said he is a 26-year resident of Phillips and said he and Reed were acquainted through building homes together in the area.
They noted they spent many “think tank” sessions during late evening and the plan they dreamed up would come to fruition when the former Phillips Grocery and Café, located near the old Winchesters was demolished and the new Winchesters Saloon was built.
The new location opened its doors to the public in the spring of 2023. “We’re just a small-town bar and grill doing our best to serve fast and delicious food and drinks,” according to Winchester’s website.
The menu features many offerings, including appetizers like pickle chips, pretzel bites or Gouda Macaroni bites.
According to Reed and Bartunek, their entrees feature smash burgers, melts, chicken sandwiches, chicken baskets, wings, wraps of various kinds and salads.
When asked about signature items on the menu, Lobdell and Aguilar said the Cajun Steak Sandwich and the Jalapeno Melt are ones they suggest to customers who are unsure. It was noted that the Winchesters Burger is a staple on the menu that many people try.
The hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m., the location is closed on Sunday and Monday.
In addition to their regulars from the area, Reed and Bartunek noted they also see a good number of people who travel from outside of the Hamilton County area for a chance to try the food at Winchesters.
They noted people have been more willing to travel to try new restaurants in the area and they often entertain car clubs or bike clubs that are passing through the area.
Lobdell and Aguilar said that their customers and regulars were often mentioning the Tournament of Taste and asking how to vote and when.
Winchesters prides themselves on their food and fast service. The staff encouraged everyone to make the trip and it out for themselves.
Dining and Cooking