It had been far too long since my last visit to this legendary Topeka establishment tucked away in…read morewhat used to be the "outskirts of town". So a couple Friday nights ago our large party of family and friends visited the reincarnated old school steakhouse (former speakeasy) to celebrate my wife's birthday. We could not have been more satisfied with the level of personal attention and service from both our hard worker server and Amy one of the new owners herself. They truly made us feel like welcomed and like long time regulars. I highly recommend reservations using their website system during daytime non-business hours. They were able to add a late addition of 4 extra guests to our party due to another cancellation, but trust me and get a reservation particularly on weekends. On to the table. Their fresh dinner rolls were to die for. Soft and deliciously doughy. We loved the family style french fries and hash browns served with wonderful bowls of brown country gravy on the side for dipping or smothering. The bacon wrapped filets were perfectly prepared and had that classic steakhouse smoked flavor from the bacon. And lastly, the North Star bread pudding was world class if you're an aficionado of the homestyle treat. We can't wait for our soon to come next visit!

A group of us recently attended a unique dinner theatre experience here. The production was a joy…read moreto watch but the steak I had stole the show!!! Our servers were also actors in the play and were so much fun to interact with. If you ever get the chance to attend one of these productions it is well worth it!! Dinner is definitely worth a try!!!

We went out to dinner last Friday as an early Valentine's Day dinner as we don't like to deal with…read morethe crowds that pile out on February 14. We've dined at The White Linen now at least eight or nine times, including the private chef's table in the old safe (the restaurant is in an old building where a bank once was). The food is always delicious, exciting, thoughtful, and nicely plated. We appreciate the fact there's a fine dining restaurant option in Topeka (it's a lot closer than Kansas City!). But every time we go we are always struck by the service. As good as the food is (and it's very good) the service is always lacking. It feels like the servers (often high school or college age) are play acting at fine dining service. Everything is always just a little off. For example, the silverware: it stays out through the whole meal. Normally, you finish a starter and they take away the used knife and fork and bring new, clean ones. (This could just be easier on the servers but perhaps the restaurant doesn't have enough silverware to do this.) Then, there's usually on every visit one mess up or another. If this happened once on one meal I'd say it was an anomaly, but when there's something every time we dine there you start to question what kind of training goes on with the front of house staff. Here's a list (not an exhaustive one) of things we've experienced: * Entrees for another table being set down in front of us. This by itself is no big deal, but when the problem is pointed out and those entrees are then picked up and set in front of other diners, I wince. * When asking for salt and pepper a small bowl with salt and pepper mixed is provided. I don't know if this is a chef's choice or the server's, but I'd like to dose any salt and pepper myself, thank you. * My wife is allergic to cilantro (not a dislike as in "it tastes like dirt" but an actual EpiPen-carrying allergy) and it was noted both on our reservation on Tock and described verbally to the server when we ordered. A starter arrived with microgreens as a garnish. When my wife asked what the greens were, the server took them back to the chef and another one was sent out because the microgreens had cilantro in them. I worry the server did not communicate the allergy in the first place. * Cleaning equipment left out on a dining table next to ours (see photo). For all the care and attention to the food and the menu, I wish Adam VanDonge paid as much attention to the training of the front of house staff. Certainly, they must be working on the tightest of margins running a fine dining establishment in Topeka. Staff is at an appropriate minimum, but the lack of a Front of House manager shows. When asked what a certain item was on a menu, a server replied, "I don't know. I don't eat this kind of stuff." I wrote such a long review because I have a hunch none of these issues get back to the kitchen. They are kept in the dining room. I think most diners coming to The White Linen are thrilled to have a great night out--and they should. I applaud Mr. VanDonge for the fortitude to keep TWL alive with a vision of great American cuisine. The front of house staff are eager and enthusiastic, don't get me wrong. I just wish the service reflected the quality of the food.

It's situated inside the Cyrus hotel. The staff is always so nice and efficient, had breakfast and…read moredinner here a lot during my stay and never had an issue with staff. During my stay, I have had the burger (perfectly booked), chicken Cajun pasta (really delicious, not spicy but it's huge!), and the steak tips (tender and good). Breakfast buffet is always a good choice too.

I was back to the 7.8.5 last week and I gave them a 5 star review. I di d not try the gumbo again…read morebut will sample next time. All the sauces etc were available and the special of a fish fillet and excellent spaghetti and sauce and a side were great.

Best SOUL food I've ever had. A little bit of love from the heart in each bite. Sooo good. Will def…read moreeat here again. I will hope for a bigger location for them and to actually be like a real restaurant with servers, real plates and utensils and drinks. I could see this being a chain one day.

No complaints! Good food. Large portions. Crunchy chicken strips and chicken fried steak. The…read morehamburger was good too! NOTE: Be sure to bring cash, they only accept cash or there's an ATM in the restaurant.

Dined here with 8 other friends & family. We had everything from appetizers to the steak dinner…read morespecial and everything was amazing! My husband said it was the best restaurant bull fries he's ever eaten! Steak were all cooked perfectly. I don't know anywhere else around for $12.99 you get steak, baked potato, salad & Texas toast. And the steak was huge! Also drinks are spot on...especially the Rum Runner! Great selection of beer, too. Definitely will be back

New favorite place in Topeka The menu when we were there…read moreincluded two kinds of smash burgers with tots, plantains, and many cocktails. Service was friendly and efficient, smash burgers were TASTY, tots perfectly crisped and the cocktails were crafted with care. Patio is open when the weather is warm.

First time in and it was very good. With what appeared to be grilled pickles it was good. I left…read morethe grilled onions and Thursday sauce off. Tot was crispy and not over cooked. I did have the Thursday sauce with them and it was good. The latte was great and done with care. The gentleman who waited on me took the time and explained what the sauce was and how it was made. This is a combination restaurant/coffee shop and seating is limited during the winter and bad weather as it is geared to enjoying the outdoors. I will say it's great for couples or a small meeting between coworkers. I'll definitely try the coffee shop out

We stopped in on a Saturday at noon after reading reviews on yelp, and were surprised that the…read moreplace was empty, except for one other couple, standing and waiting for a takeout order. My husband ordered the ribs and okra, and I got a shrimp po boy sandwich with collard greens. The young man at the register was very helpful & efficient, and we quickly found a table. I needed to use the restroom while I waited for our order, but a sign on a door in the corner said 'out of order' so sadly, no bathroom. The young man from the register soon brought out our order, and we were happy! I grew up with peppery collards on the south side of Chicago, and man! I was surprised to have such a good cup in KS! They were hot, so tender & peppered, and the meat in them was lean & juicy. My po boy had 5 shrimp- almost too many to fit into the roll, but they were breaded & fried, hot & crispy. The roll was fresh & well- stocked with tomato, lettuce & mayo. There is a free 'sample' of coleslaw given on each order it seems, but I did not care for mine. My husband really enjoyed his ribs; they weee smoky & tender and the portion was good. The okra was kind of a bummer; clearly an out-of-the-frozen bag kind, but he said it was clear the kitchen had prioritized the ribs, which were awesome. We were sad to see a lack of variety in sauce, but what we did have was delightful. I highly recommend this place, and will likely be back soon, just for the collards!

Was downtown Topeka working and had seen reviews on JRock so wanted to try them out. I had 2 meat…read morecombo pulled pork and hot links with baked beans. They throw in a small sample of their coleslaw (teaser lol) the food was great all though I'd preferred the hot links to have more of a bite. Their house sauce had a great flavor again for me I like heat and they only had a bottle of Texas Pete hot sausage to spice it up. Now the baked beans had bacon and was not too sweet and definitely not bland I actually enjoyed them as normally beans can overpower one way or the other. For someone who normally will not eat coleslaw I tried it and polished the teaser off. Very good. Do wished they did brisket but they do have burnt ends. Staff were friendly and had suggestions which were helpful. They put their efforts into the food which I'll be back for but the facility could use a refresh but for me if it means shorting on the love n care they give the food they cook I'm good with the facility

Nice local restaurant clean and well light. Food is top notch with a good variety to choose from…read more Friendly staff and quick service

Made a little detour off of 75N and found this little bar in Hoyt, Ks. Well, actually, it looked…read morelittle on the outside, but it was pretty big on the inside! Long bar top, pool tables, and lots of seating. Our server was a sweetheart and took great care of us! We ordered onion strings as an appetizer and we got a chicken strip dinner 4 huge strips!) with crinkle fries, and a BLT wrap with beer battered fries. Everything was fantastic and very reasonable prices.

I've stopped in here a few times but only for a beer. Yesterday a large group of us stopped in…read moreafter a funeral service. The staff was amazing. Busy the entire time we were there and they didn't miss a beat. The young girl working the bar did a great job with a smile on her face. The lady (maybe owner), working the dining room was busting her tail getting food to tables, pushing tables together and making sure all the customers were taken care of. I had a cheeseburger with all the veggies etc and it was well seared, great cheese and a good bun. Side of fries hit the spot. Great experience and we'll definitely be back.

Great sized burgers, garlic cheese curds were very good, old saloon feel bar and grill. Service was…read moregreat.