River City Brewing

Ho Ho... Hmm: A Tale of Festive Flair and Fair FoodRiver City's holiday popup is like that one neighbor who wins every Christmas decoration contest - absolutely crushing it in the sparkle department, but serving cookies that are just... okay.The main floor is a winter wonderland fever dream in the best way possible. Santa clearly emptied his entire workshop here, creating themed sections that would make even the Grinch crack a smile. Pro tip: Make reservations unless you enjoy waiting longer than it takes Santa to visit every house on Christmas Eve.We lucked out and got seated in the "Tipsy Penguin" upstairs - which apparently now serves food, despite what every sign, menu, and probably some ancient prophecy says. Our server was running around like an elf on December 23rd, bless her heart.The food? It's the Christmas gift that makes you say "...oh, thanks" while trying to look excited. The mac and cheese variations were basically fraternal twins - one just wearing buffalo sauce and blue cheese. The chicken pot pie had a crust worthy of Mrs. Claus but filling thinner than a budget Christmas bonus. Our cheese curds played hide-and-seek, finally appearing after our meal like a late Christmas card in January (though they did comp them, props for that).Cocktails come pre-batched, so forget about mocktails - it's all-in or nothing, like Christmas with distant relatives. Beer selection was... present.Bottom line: Come for the decorations that'll blow up your Instagram, stay for... well, just the decorations. We'll be back when it's not holiday season and the kitchen isn't trying to feed the North Pole.P.S. Those 90-minute table limits are enforced like Santa's naughty list deadlines.

I always stop by a brewery if stopping in a new town. River City brewery was the Wichita stop. We came in for dinner on a Saturday night during the holidays. It was slammed! The wait for a table went quickly, quoted 45 mins got us sat in less than 30. Holiday decorations were obnoxious, which is what they were going for. The service was pissy. Slamming down drinks and barware. It was busy but don't take out on the guest who just sat down. Food was adequate for a brewery in a college town. The waiter helped decided between two meals and it turned out as a good choice. Chicken pot pie was more like soup than a cream sauce, but had decent flavors.They had a lot of holidays cocktails, I should have tried, but it was a brewery so had to have the beer. The holiday IPA was better than all year IPA. I gave three stars for the decorations effort and the variety and good food on the menu. I would like to go back and try outside the holiday time.

Large restaurant in a charming historic building. It was very busy at lunchtime on a Sunday. Decorated to the max for the holidays . I ordered the pork belly lettuce wraps. I loved it. The pork belly was crispy and had a flavorful (not too sweet and not too spicy) sauce. The carrot slaw had pineapple and jalapeños. It was also served with sliced radishes and jalapeños. It was all fresh and crisp. My dining partner let me snag a few French fries that were hot and crispy and well seasoned, service was spot on.

Had the Buffalo Mac and cheese with bacon and fried chicken. The noddles are shells and it was very tasty. The service was ok, not amazing, not bad, but they appeared to be pretty busy so I'm guessing that's why. Recommend though, delicious food.

We ate at River City in January and the Christmas pop up was still going. It was so beautiful inside and out! All of the food we ordered was delicious. The only complaint would be the holiday cocktail with vodka that had rosemary in just tasted like a vodka cran but it was still good. Our waiter was also the bartender so he was very busy and a little slow. But we enjoyed sitting and admiring the decorations. Highly recommend visiting during the Christmas pop up!

The true star of this brewery is Brooke at the bar! She was phenomenal and made a lot of very amazing drink recommendations! She was attentive and was very good company! They also have various infused spirits they use for cocktails and they were quite delicious! This place is a vibe even when it's not busy! Highly recommend!

The Christmasness is outrageous! Lights! Penguins?! We had a great time feeling festive, being festive, posing for pics in the Winter Wonderland and taking others festive pics. Food was good, service was terrific. The Cottage Pie and Fish & Chips were tasty. We had a super time.

Great food. Atmosphere was very authentic brewery. Cameron did a great job with menu selections and service. That's my Jam smash burger was good, however the jalapeño jam is deceiving, it is very sweet. Not my jam! Sweetness on a burger is something I am not crazy about. Cooked very well. Very nice experience. The appetizers we had were great. Get the sausage plate. It comes with sausage, cheese and the Bavarian pretzel. Conveniently located to the Marriott hotel within a short safe walk.

Great atmosphere. Good food, great salads, good service. They have good burgers there too. You really can't go wrong with any of their selections.

Miss this place from when I lived in Wichita! Their buffalo chicken Mac & Cheese IS TO DIE FOR!!! Many other great things on the menu but that is my fav. When the had the beef tips on the menu that was another great option but they removed them (please bring them back for if I ever come back to Wichita).Staff was always very kind and helpful!