785 Beer Company — Restaurant in Topeka

Traveling back to KS from AZ to see family for the holidays, I wanted everyone to get together at a fun pizza joint that could seat 13, plus a baby. With all my family on the west side near Wanamaker Rd, I scoured this area first and could find nothing but tiny pizza parlors. After expanding my search out a bit, I came across 785 Beer Company and could see from the pics, this place had some elbow room and the reviews were pretty good. As I was with my mom at her eye doctor appointment nearby, we decided to stop in to check it out. It was around noon on a Tuesday, so we figured there would be no problem getting a reservation. We were met by the hostess, Kay, who was very friendly and tried her best to squeeze us in somewhere, but she couldn't seem to make it happen, as the place was booked solid for the evening. We were about to give up on it, as my mom told Kay that I had come all the way from AZ to try their pizza. Technically, I had come all the way from AZ and did want to try their pizza, so she wasn't lying. Lol. At this point, by the grace of God, something special happened....a woman showed up to help Kay with working us in. Her name was Ashley, and she said she was the owner. All I know is....she got us set up at a table right next to the spot where Santa was going to be sitting! Seriously, could it get any better than that?! We did have several kids in our group that were thrilled to sit with Santa and get pics taken. Even my mom/Grandma took the opportunity to sit with Santa!

The bottom line is....we had a special night, as a family, and were very grateful to all the staff, who served us and made the evening happen. I can't recall the name of the waitress, who did seem to have a lot on her plate, but she did her best to take good care of us. The Christmas decorations were over the top, so I think they may have taken a page out of the movie Christmas Vacation....a cardboard cutout of Clark Griswold, even greeted us at the door. Oh, watch out for the giant nutcrackers in the lobby, as their eyes are moving around and watching you!

Lastly, they had most of the TV's set to virtual fireplaces, which, I'm sure, during a big game are broadcasting sports. There is separate pickle ball area, and they have a large room that can be reserved for a very big group. The food was good quality and most everyone seemed pretty happy with it. Having said that, it's bar food and not going to win any awards....yet. From what I understand, the place used to be an ice skating rink, and they haven't been operating there for very long. They have a lot of good things happening here, and it all made for a special family holiday evening. I'd, certainly, return to grab a drink with friends and watch a game, as well as, bring my family here again.

If Kay has any trouble getting you a spot to sit, just threaten her with a comment like, "I know Ashley....don't make me have to get her out here!" Lol. Hope Ashley, Kay and the entire staff at 785 Beer Company have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thank you all so much for making room for may family and for helping us have such a special...

Saturday, December 2:

We invited our daughter and her family to join us for a first visit to the new 785 Brewpub. My wife called more than an hour ahead, spoke to Ashley. She told Ashley that we would be a group of 4 adults, 2 children. Ashley told her our group could be seated at 4:45. We arrived on time, met by Ashley, and she had us taken to a very small, 4 seat table. Our daughter pointed out that the seating was insufficient for our group of 4 adults with 2 children. The hostess relayed this to Ashley. Ashley came to the table, glared at our daughter, and said “We talked about this on the phone! You said 4 people!” My wife, who has an unmistakeable English accent, stepped in, told her “You spoke to me. I told you we were 4 adults and 2 children”. Ashley said “I’ll get you some high chairs”. The children are 4 and 8, too big for high chairs. Walking away, Ashley shrugged and said “I guess we will try to find more chairs”, however, she walked straight back to her perch behind the bar, not making any visible effort to locate more chairs for us. We were left standing next to the table, hoping that she had perhaps delegated the task. After a few minutes, a waitress stopped by, asked if we wanted drinks. We told her that we were still waiting to be seated, that Ashley said she was looking for more chairs for us. She shrugged, went to serve another table. After standing next to the table for more than 10 minutes, it became obvious Ashley had no intention of seating us. We gathered up and walked to the door. From her seat behind the bar, Ashley yelled sarcastically “Oh, now you’re leaving? Still looking for those chairs!”

Awful experience. Incredibly, Ashley is listed as one of the owners. On our way out, we noticed there was an empty room closed off from the main floor, and it was full of chairs.

12/5/23. Per your response:

Pretty much what I suspected- you confused us with someone else that had previously contacted you, and you treated us badly, believing we were that other party. My wife only spoke to Ashley, was not put on speaker, never heard a masculine voice. We never checked online for seating. Our call to you was made at nearly 4pm, not noon. I was nearby when my wife called, and I heard her say "4 adults, 2 children." We weren't given 4:30, Ashley gave her 4:45. STILL NO EXCUSE! YOU DO NOT TREAT ANY CUSTOMER THE WAY...

I see the appeal of the place. There are few places for people to play pickleball in Topeka. That said my first trip was not great. I ordered simple chicken strips and kettle chip, can't screw that up. Oh how I was wrong. First, who doesn't remove the tendon from chicken strips? That is just wrong. Second, these were not traditionally battered in any way. They were beer battered. The beer flavor over powered every other possible flavor including the ranch I tried dipping them in. Second it was thick batter, like eating bad chicken in beer flavored cake. I will give them credit for the fried pickles, they were close to perfect.

The wait staff was very lacking. Our waitress was more worried about talking to one table to worry about our table. Second, EVERY waitress in the building had to weave past my chair to walk anywhere, even though they didn't. And everyone bumped into my chair. I'm a skinny chick and my chair was not out by any means. Not a single one ever acknowledged bumping into me or apologized. Where has everyone's manners gone?

The atmosphere... I was expecting some kind of theme. But it just felt like a big empty room that had tables and a bar. The decor had no flavor or life, very boring. They would be well suited to find some kind of theme and go with it completely.

I want to add I was in no way trying to discourage anyone from trying this establishment. As stated, they are new and it takes time to establish an identity. I appreciate the quick genuine response. As I do not live too far away, I will try again. I give an honest review, but I will try multiple times to find my level of satisfaction with any place that does not meet...