The Steam Engine — Restaurant in Topeka

We stopped in today for some iced coffee and got their ‘freeze’ blended coffee drinks. These are on the menu for $5 for a large and we got two. I put a $20 on the counter and the guy takes the money and as he starts to give me change says the total was $15.30. I look at the menu, look at the flavor menu as we both added vanilla, and asked my partner if there was something I was missing. Meanwhile he had started making the drinks. When they came up I asked him how the total came to $15.30 when they are listed as $5. He said ‘that’s not the right price anymore’, so I asked what the price is, and he said ‘a dollar more’, and I asked again how that adds to $15 and asked how much the flavor shots cost, and he said $.75. So even at $6.75 that comes to $13.50 plus tax. So there’s $2 in tax I asked and he looked like a deer in the headlights. I said that they can’t charge more than is advertised on the price list, and him and the other worker just stood there. So if you want to pay and extra $5 for your coffees go here- but seriously don’t trust what you think you will pay ask...

Coming from a Denver foodie, this place is fantastic.

The Golden Plains sandwich is to die for. Fresh crunchy tomatoes and crispy lettuce. My eyes rolled back in my head on the first bite. The pesto is delicious without being overpowering, and when mixed with the cream cheese it's heavenly. Might I give your sandwich magician a hug?

PT's coffee is A+++. Robust but not too acidic. I swear the coffee has a character of it's own. You can tell it isn't from just any roaster.

The decor is simplistic and cozy. However I did feel a little crowded with a tall shelf right in the middle of the room. Perhaps try displaying just one or two products on each shelf to allow for a more open feel. The framed burlap sacks and the high contrast pictures on the wall give it a laid back feel. Love it.

Employees are very personable. Didn't catch her name but the woman with the freckles who took my order was a sweetheart.

Overall experience was fantastic. I love to see customers enjoying each other in a public atmosphere.

I will definitely be...

I have had two poor experiences with service in the last month at The Steam Engine. The staffs attitude has been less than ideal. My first bad experience, I gave them the benefit of the doubt & thought maybe they were having a bad day, so I tipped. The second time, I didn’t tip - I called ahead for take out and the worker was extremely rude on the phone. I showed up 10 minutes later, I ate my sandwich outside with my kids & the sandwich was barely warm.

I tried reaching out via email but after 24+ hours with no response, I’m leaving this review.

I love supporting local but I will not support rude. We used to love The Steam Engine, but after two bad experiences, we will support other local coffee shops with staff that...