The River City Brewing Co. - Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

In the heart of Wichita's "Old Town" district is a gem of a place called The River City Brewing Co. (often called by locals, simply, the River City Brewery). After its initial opening in 1993, it has been a popular place to eat, drink, and unwind. The River City Brewing Co. is one of my favorite places in Wichita, Kansas and I am about to tell you why. So, grab your favorite brew and read on.

The Brews:

This Brewing Co. Offers six kinds of microbrews, including lagers, ales, and stouts. They also offer various seasonal brews which are usually fantastic. If you enjoy dark beers, I recommend the Old Town Brown. Robust and smooth, Old Town Brown goes very well with most foods you will find on the menu. If you aren't into beer, there are also mixed drinks and sodas.

The Food:

In addition to the wonderful selection of fresh brews, The River City Brewing Co. is a diner's delight. They serve a wide variety of sandwiches and comfort food as well as pasta courses and delicious pizza. My favorite is a Greek style pizza with kalamata olives. One pizza can, in theory, feed two people. However, I prefer to have one all to myself. My top two favorite foods to order here are the pizza or one of the large delicious salads.

A favorite lunch combo is the soup and salad. Soups are made fresh and have a wonderful home style flavor.

The Décor:

According to the Brewery's website, the old red brick building was originally built by a paint company and was later owned by a company selling hides, pelts and furs. Later, the building changed hands again and was home to the Southwest Paper Company. When the River City Brewing company chose the building, extensive remodeling was undertaken. Historical features include woodwork from old houses that were demolished, and real pews ( used for the booths ) from a church in a small town nearby.

High ceilings and rich woodwork lend a feeling of both spaciousness and coziness. Seating is available at the bar, at round tables near the bar, and at regular tables or large booths. Lunchtime is typically quiet. Televisions are mounted in view of most tables and the channel is typically on a sports channel.

The building is two stories and on the second floor you will find "Loft 150." Loft 150 is the perfect place to unwind with friends, shoot a game of pool, or relax at a table on the open-air balcony. There is live music every weekend and a dance floor, in case you want to work off some stress. You can order the same fantastic foods and bold beers as the restaurant down below, but the atmosphere in the Loft is extra casual.

The Service:

The service is prompt and very friendly. In the many years I've been a patron, I have rarely been disappointed with the service. Servers check frequently to make sure the food is okay and to ask if you need another beer ( or other beverage). They are very courteous.

For casual dining, The River City Brewing Company is one of the best places to visit in Wichita, Kansas. On a scale of one to five, with five being the highest rating, I give The River City Brewing Company a five.