Sippin’ and Snackin’ in Style at Tallgrass Taphouse in Downtown Manhattan, KS
One of my favorite places to grab a bite (and a brew) in Downtown Manhattan, KS is Tallgrass Taphouse—and once you’ve been, it’s easy to see why. Between the scratch-made food, creative beer selection brewed on-site, and that rooftop patio with sweeping views of the Flint Hills, Tallgrass Taphouse is the kind of place that turns casual outings into local adventures.
Whether you’re meeting up with friends, grabbing dinner before a show, or just looking for an excuse to enjoy a rooftop sunset, this spot needs to be on your local go-to list.
A Manhattan Staple with a Tallgrass Twist
You might recognize the Tallgrass name from its original roots as a beloved Kansas brewery. Tallgrass Brewing Company made a name for itself with bold, flavorful beers that locals couldn’t get enough of. After growing a loyal following and testing out some food pairings (because what’s a great beer without a great bite?), Tallgrass Taphouse was born.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Manhattan, KS, this two-story restaurant and brewery offers a laid-back yet elevated dining experience, with three different seating levels to choose from. There’s the main level, complete with full view of the brewing tanks (talk about dinner and a show), the cozy mezzanine perfect for groups or events, and, of course, the crown jewel: the rooftop.
Rooftop Goals: Views, Vibes, and Good Eats
Let’s talk about that rooftop. If you’ve never sipped a pint while watching the sun dip behind the Flint Hills, you’re missing out. The rooftop patio at Tallgrass is one of the best places in Manhattan, KS to relax and take it all in. From here, you can see the Downtown skyline, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, and even catch a breeze that makes any beer taste better.
Pro tip: If the weather’s nice, request rooftop seating. It’s perfect for date nights, group hangs, or simply soaking up some Kansas sunshine with a cold drink in hand.
The Menu: Comfort Food, but Make it Creative
Now, let’s dive into the real reason you’re here—the food. Tallgrass Taphouse offers a modern take on classic pub fare, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s hard to choose just one thing from the menu. Lucky for you (and me), that just means repeat visits are basically mandatory.
🐔 Korean Wings & 🥨 Soft Pretzels: Our Go-To Appetizers
Start with an appetizer—trust me. We went with our tried-and-true favorites: the Korean wings and the soft pretzels. These wings bring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy heat, and the pretzels? Let’s just say they didn’t last long enough for me to snap a pic. (I had every intention, but hunger won.)
The pretzels come with bar cheese and honey mustard, but I always lean heavy into the mustard. It’s tangy, just a little sweet, and pairs perfectly with the warm, salty pretzels.
🍔 The Tallgrass Burger & 🍟 Sweet Potato Fries: A Classic Done Right
For our main course, we ordered the Tallgrass Burger and Fish & Chips, both with a side of sweet potato fries—because honestly, they’re impossible to resist.
The burger was juicy, loaded with flavor, and piled high with all the good stuff. The sweet potato fries were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and made excellent leftovers (or, let’s be honest, a midnight snack). Meanwhile, the fish was golden, flaky, and came with a side of house-made tartar sauce that could convert even the pickiest eater.
Brewed On-Site: A Local Beer Lover’s Dream
As a working brewery, Tallgrass Taphouse always has 10 beers brewing on-site, with a rotating selection that keeps things fresh. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and refreshing wheat beers, there’s something for every beer lover here.
Not sure what to order? Ask the staff for a beer flight. You’ll get a sampling of several brews, perfect for discovering a new favorite or simply enjoying the variety.
And if one pint just isn’t enough, grab a growler to go! That way, the Tallgrass experience doesn’t have to end when your meal does.
Hosting a Party or Event? The Mezzanine’s Got You Covered
Planning a birthday dinner, office party, or family get-together? The mezzanine at Tallgrass Taphouse offers the perfect private space for larger groups. I’ve personally used it for our office Christmas party, and it was absolutely seamless.
We had about 40 people, and the staff handled everything like pros—from drink orders to dietary needs and everything in between. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something fun, functional, and delicious.
Why Tallgrass Taphouse Should Be Your Next Stop in Manhattan, KS
So, why do I keep going back to Tallgrass Taphouse? Well, besides the food and beer (which, hello, are fantastic), it’s the atmosphere. It’s casual enough for a laid-back dinner but still special enough for a celebration. Whether I’m enjoying a solo lunch, catching up with friends, or showing visitors what makes Manhattan such a gem, Tallgrass always delivers.
Plus, supporting local businesses like Tallgrass helps keep our Downtown vibrant and full of personality. It’s places like this that make Manhattan, KS, such a fun and flavorful place to call home.
Planning Your Visit
📍 Location: 320 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS
🕒 Hours: Open daily, lunch through late-night—check their website for current hours and rooftop availability.
🍺 Tip: Don’t forget to grab a growler or two on your way out!
Let’s Keep the Conversation Brewing
If you’ve been to Tallgrass Taphouse, let me know your favorite menu item (or beer)! I’m always on the hunt for recommendations and new things to try.
📸 Tag me in your rooftop photos or dinner shots—I love seeing your favorites too!
👇 And if this post gave you a serious craving, go ahead and follow for more local eats, adventures, and hidden gems around Manhattan, KS.
Cheers to good food, great brews, and the best little city in the Flint Hills! 🍻
