Vagabond Cafe — Restaurant in Wichita

My experience with this cafe is limited, so take what I write with a grain of salt, but I did not have a good experience the first time I went and it was enough for me to not go back.

When I first went in I liked the vibe, and thought it was cute, but when my roommate and I went to look for a seat, all the booths seemed like it had been a while since they were cleaned.

As for the service, the man working was nice and he made us feel welcomed, but the real issue is with the things they serve. I would like to note that the man working did NOT wear gloves or a hairnet. This is important for later details.

For this cafe being listed as a “coffee shop”, they did not have very many options, or at least not what I was expecting. My roommate got a chai latte which he just poured out of a box into a glass, and then I ordered a cappuccino, which was really just black coffee with some whipped, flavorless foam on top. We also got a piece of cheesecake.

When we sat down to eat our food and drink our drinks while we studied, we realized that the cheesecake was half frozen because it had just come out of the freezer, and was not given time to thaw. It still tasted okay, just wasn’t prepared well. I’m not a coffee expert, so I guess I can’t speak much to our drinks, but I was not a fan of mine, as cappuccinos that I’ve had in the past from other places were much better.

The biggest issue was with my roommates chai latte. About halfway through her drink, she took her mouth off the glass and realized there was a hair in her straw. She thought it might be hers (like an eyelash or something), but she proceeded to pull a 6-7 inch blonde hair (she has black hair) out of her mouth. She immediately became nauseous. We did not want to hurt everyone’s feelings so we did not inform the man who made her drink, but we quickly got up, threw our trash away, and left our drinks on our table with the hair. After quickly leaving, my friend had to stop and stand over a trashcan on the sidewalk, as her nausea had not gone away and we were there for about 10 minutes so she could “take care of” what was inside herself.

I do not mean any harm by this business, I just want to leave an honest review because I don’t feel like we had an accurate interpretation of the experience when we were looking at the ratings of this place. Again, it was our first time, so interpret it how you will, but it was a bad enough experience that we will not be inclined to ever...

I never really understood bars or coffee shops, but over the last several months, I've found that I really enjoy the Vagabond. When it gets cold, I head over there and warm up with coffee and cigarettes over a book. I've already made my way through two books, entirely at the Vagabond, something difficult to do in the office with all the distractions.

The reviewer before me didn't like the staff, but I mostly love them (there's one or two that are a little cold), they know what coffee I like, and have it ready when they see me walking in. And they host local art in there. One of the girls who works there had hers on display, and when I saw her taking them down, talked with her for a bit and was able to buy one.

The patrons are mostly nice, I've made several friends there, and struck up some great conversations (it gets livelier in the evening, though, so I try to go in the mornings when the crowd is lighter and the people are more laid back) You also see a lot of local business owners in there, Hat Man Jack tipped me off to a sale on the driver's caps I like, and I was able to go pick up two that I really like, for a great price.

Anyway, it's warm, mellow, and the first place like this that I've found where I can say "I get it", and enjoy it enough to miss if I stay away for...

When I was a major night-dweller, I viewed the V as home away from home. I have had more than a few life-altering interactions at this place and for years it had a certain pull about it.

Come here with your guitar, sketch book, or reading glasses. Keep a smile on your face and you'll certainly find some company.

Sometimes the customer service is questionable depending who's on shift. I learned to appreciate the workers for their individual differences and it made my experience more pleasant, regardless of wait time or attention to detail. Still, other folks may rate them low in this area. The facility isn't usually expectionally well-kempt, either, but if you're not a fussy type you'll likely have a good time regardless.

There is a strong sense of community at this place; it is my advice to choose your clique wisely or not at all.

The back patio is legendary for impromptu song and dance and chess; the interior booths are known for artisans and gamers; and the front patio seems to be the spot for existential, philosophic conversation.

Of course...if you see it as just a dive bar, then that's all it...