Really great place for homemade food. Have tried many items on their menu and everything has been…read moreamazing. Great staff with real from-scratch cooking in proper sized portions at great prices, especially when you consider the quality. Last trip we had a pork tenderloin sandwich with veg beef soup. Other one had a pork loin dinner with mashed potatoes with white gravy, green beans and a roll. Highly recommended.

I had occasion to visit the VA hospital this week for an 8am appt, and wanted breakfast once the…read moreappt was done. My husband asked about a chicken friend steak, so I Yelp'd and low-and-behold, Cook's is really close to where we were. I was raised in a small midwestern town, and this, folks, is a quintessential midwestern diner! I didn't snap a pic of the menu, but ordering is done at the register and all the prices are very reasonable. I ordered a coffee & western omelette, which came with a side of hash-browns and biscuit. The coffee, very standard diner percolator brewed stuff, was fresh and the perfect consistency. The food was served quickly by a cheerful waitress who came by a few times to continue to check on us. My husband was very pleased with his chicken fried steak, hash-browns, eggs and toast. My breakfast was well-portioned; not a huge plate but definitely ample, fresh and tasty! The best part of the experience for me what the cleanliness of the dining room. Not fancy- utilitarian carpet, linoleum table tops- but so clean, fresh and well-tended. It seemed busy for a Thursday morning; more than half the dining room was occupied, and the low storefront of the building is easy to miss, but I was confident these customers were regulars. We don't live in Topeka, but this is now my fav restaurant there, so I plan to return!

Always enjoyed coming here during my time studying at Kansas State…read more This breakfast joint is very cozy, with some of the best eggs and dishes I've ever had for a breakfast place. The decor, and aesthetic are well thought out, with indoor and outdoor spaces to eat, and the staff is very welcoming and don't mind talking. Jacob was my server at the Chef and he was on top of everything, helped with ordering and answered any questions I had. I chose the special for the day, the Cuban Bennie, and I'm glad he talked me into it. I will say if you can get there before it opens and can make it in at opening time, do it, because by the time we had ordered and finished the line was starting. Time to order, and receive food was ~ 20 min, coffee remained filled as was water. If you're visiting or a local, highly recommend this cozy breakfast place.

Great day in the morning beautiful people of Yelpsville. Thank you for sharing a moment of this…read morefine life we're living, together. The 250th anniversary of being the new kids on the blue marble is upon us. My fam decided to make a pilgrimage back to the wifes stomping grounds. The heartland, Kansas. We're staying in the "Little Apple", Manhattan, Ks. Home of K-State University. Well also home of The Chef, which should be just as famous and endeared. The Chef is this gorgeous, chic, yet not so that it's kitschy diner in the heart of the main district of Manhattan. A classic diner, from the hospitality of the service staff, to the lunch counter with cute doodads for salt and pepper shakers. You've been here, because you've been home, or so it feels. Yes, be prepared to snuggle in for a teensy wait, because everyone loves home cooking, especially when someone else is doing the dishes afterwards. The portions are truly well beyong the prices. I ordered a CFS, smothered in sausage gravy. Was plated a Texas sized portion, thick steak, lightly crispily breaded, with a savory southern styled country gravy that honestly looked a bit intimidating in quantity, but I'm no fraidy cat. I came to conquer. Two perfectly running over medium eggs, whites done, yolks on the run, my style. A mountain of softly crunchy, better-than-homestyle fried potatoes, and a slice of thick cut wheat toast. This was a ton O' grub Bubba dub. Each component treated and seasoned well enough, to eat stand alone. Our meal partner kept checking on the family to see if we needed any more of that rich Arabica bean juice, or water, with the care of your fav Auntee from Mississippi, but right here, in the Land of Ahhhhs. She was winning us, even as much as The Chef that prepared the feast itself, and the food. Whew. The belly beat down was in effect, but I didn't tap out. I took that esophageal excitement with relish. Well not relish, with a sweet house made strawberry compote on toast. I wiped the plate clean. $15. You read that right... just $15. Oh I understand $15 is real money in this economy, but in relationship to the level of service, quality of service, epic portion sizes, and the finesse with which this small diner beat most anywhere we've been, and we share 39 years of worldwide travel as an old married couple, this was a bargain at $15, in the 90s. For sure back home in Texas this was honestly a $21 - $26 plate, and we're a beef producing state. Still with me? You're the real hero for hanging in here, and I truly appreciate you. If ever you want to taste Americas 250 years, in one sitting, visit The Chef in Manhattan, Ks. It's families feeding the community. No political spin, no feeling unwelcomed. An open door, to open hearts, feeding hungry bellies, without crushing your purses and wallets. They leave room in your account to make you want to reciprocate with generosity in returning, but also, tipping heartfully, without pressure. I miss when a meal was worth tipping huge without feeling it wasn't worth it. Here at the Chef, the earn it the old way. Be well, be loved, we're in this life past this page no matter what social media tells you. Hugs to you from me and mine. Go out and smile like ya mean it. Laugh like you're cray cray, and love like tomorrow isn't coming. Want pics? Nope. This place is worth you seeing for yourself. My pictures wouldn't do them justice. Peace y'all.

I want to go back and try this but the last time was a bust. The only other two guys there were…read morevery very loud and made no effort to reduce their obnoxious activity. The lady who was working there took my order at first and then went back to the kitchen to prepare it. In the face of the disturbing noise by the two, I decided not to stay and wait for my food. I did not want to stiff the waitress/cook so I put a $20 bill on the table to pay for probably 4 chips and 2 drinks out of my diet cola and left. I never did see the waitress/cook again. Topeka is blessed with several good mexican food places so I would think this place would be more accommodating. I urge you to try this place only if the many others are closed.

First time I have been to this location. It's not much to look at. Table was very wonky. I don't…read morethink the customers cared. It seems like a lot of regulars. The service was quick and attentive. The food was ok. I had a steak burrito and rice. The steak was a little on the dry side. Not terrible in my opinion. My partner had tamales with rice and beans. They definitely were not impressed and stated on leaving that they would never go back. They get decent reviews and had a good crowd for a Wednesday night. But Mexican is Mexican is Mexican in Topeka. There really is no one restaurant that has separated themselves by doing it different or better.

Tonight we had the best service we have ever had here. Thanks to Ivy for taking great care of our…read moretable and making sure our cocktails were made correctly even if they were new to them.

Great service, food and atmosphere. Reasonable prices Quiet. Service is quick !!!!!!!read more

Wine Dive Kitchen is a lovely restaurant in downtown Manhattan…read more I found them on OpenTable and booked a reservation for dinner on a Friday night. We were able to get in at 8:15. It was a little late, but they were super busy with a large party in a private room. Once we got in and got seated, the delightful server took excellent care of us. My wife wasn't really hungry so she just nibbled off my plate. I started with a half of a wedge salad, which was delicious. They had a special on a piece of paper that night, which was a smoked pastrami, burnt ends sandwich with homemade rye bread. It was glorious! Very creative and fun. Since I don't love fries, they were kind enough to substitute deviled eggs as my side dish. I didn't know there would be an up charge for that but it's okay because they were delicious. We each had two drinks from the bar and they were made very well. They have a huge wine, seller and a great selection as one would expect by the name of the place. This restaurant has other locations in Lawrence and Wichita and I would eat at any of the three. Very cool menu and an amazing wine selection. This is really good food.

Heard great things about this place and it did not disappoint!…read moreStarted with the Ahi Nachos and I could have a whole plate of those! Great balance, flavor and presentation. I was feeling something lighter, so ordered the Fattoush Salad and added salmon for a dinner meal and it was very good, though didn't wow me like my guy was raving about his burger! They had their wine menu on an iPad (wide selection + easily updated) that had everything from fancy bottles to affordable glasses. Don't skip the cheesecake if they have it either!

Service was great! food was delicious, margaritas a little "weak" but still delicious. They had a…read moregame board on the table so my husband and I played checkers while we sat and drank. Overall great experience and would definitely go back.

Get the enchiladas verdes I implore you. So good. Chips were fresh. Music and the staff were fun…read moreand exciting.

Woooow! Jorge & his team really put together a fantastic catering spread for my family for our…read moregrandma's 90th surprise party. I love supporting local & Jorge really went above & beyond to provide a wonderful meal for our family! Joey & I picked it up right when we arrived in Topeka after an 8hr drive from Denver, and Jorge was just the sweetest, thanking us for choosing his business & sharing his excitement for our upcoming meal. Soooo sweet!! We had 25 people & still had so many leftovers, and it was all packaged perfectly. We had a crunchy taco & burrito bar with 4 huge pans with chicken/veggies, ground beef taco meat, rice & beans. It came with 2 huge pans of chips, as well as half pans of queso, salsa, cilantro, onions, smoked jalapeños, shredded cheese, lettuce & sour cream. The chicken & veggies were phenomenal, the taco meat was perfectly seasoned, and everything was piping hot! And most importantly, none of it was too salty. Too bad i didn't get any pics, everyone just dug right in! Just wow.. many thanks Jorge & team for the most incredible meal for my family. From mine to yours, gracias! We can't wait to come back- you're now our fav Mexican spot in KS :)

I compared the shrimp burritos to Rene's in Wichita, and Rene's definitely wins that category for…read moreme. That said, this was only a one-time visit and based on a single menu item. The menu is extensive, so there may be other dishes that are far more worthy of an exceptional review. I'm willing to come back and give a few more items a try before making a final judgment. You pay per packet for packets of sauce. The guacamole was good.

Debating on going? Do It!! You will absolutely not regret it. Stopped in after church. Little bit…read moreof a wait (20 min), but they were hoppin! Waiter was excellent at his job. Kept drinks partially filled even though super busy. Food was superb. Strawberry tres leches French toast is a must! A bit on the loud side. Having all the natural light lifted the spirits.

I placed an order on the First Watch App, i was craving their Avocado Toast-which is delicious. I…read morechose to have my eggs basted and added on bacon. I've usually order the Morning Meditation but want to try the Lavender Haze-it did not disappoint!!! I like to order my pup a little something when I get take out, I ordered him a scrambled egg which he devoured. The restaurant didn't look too busy but there was still a good crowd. I wish they did have a couple to-go Parking Spots so that you could park and run in to pick up order. I grabbed my bag/drink that was up front by the hostess stand. The meal was packaged great and the food was fantastic.