Great Burgers. Great Corndogs. Also order the 1/2 nacho plate.
(4)
Alice B.
They have the coldest beer in Topeka that I have found, plus their hamburgers, onion rings, and fries are delicious!
(5)
Reed N.
Nice, tender and tasty diner burgers in an old school roadhouse-like environment. Straight forward service from super friendly girls working the tables and bar that have been there long enough to know what they are doing. The lady behind the bar set me up with half fries and half o-rings. That was a nice choice. Lots of regulars and even some day-drinkers... those guys make me jealous!
(4)
Martin B.
I was not too excited about coming to Topeka for work. All I really know about it is that it isn't KC or Lawrence or Manhattan, and it is home to a rather unsavory group of psychos. My expectations were set even lower as I drove around and saw the various unkempt lawns and the ghost town of a downtown. My coworker's nicknames for the city he calls his location of employment didn't help. The Shack is a little fortress against the doldrums of this plain Plains city. Nestled away from the road behind some trees, it really lives up to its name. Inside you are greeted by a dark, divey atmosphere that is also clean. I'm no neat freak but it's nice to walk into a place that seems grungy but isn't actually dirty. Our waitress was very sweet and took our orders promptly. I was told the burgers here were the thing to get, and so I ordered one cheeseburger, no lettuce, with a small side of fries. As we waited for our meals, I took in the scenery. Local elders catching up over lunch. A group of construction folks chewing the fat while, well, chewing fat. This was no McDonald's off of I-70. People don't come here because of a big sign on the road telling them to. When our meal arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the bun. Looked like a kaiser roll if I'm not mistaken. The burger itself is a testament to the no-bull burger. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a creative and daring sandwich as much as any guy, but sometimes it's nice to get back to basics and take 'er easy. All this sandwich carried was tomato, onions, pickles, gooey cheese, and a greasy, well-seasoned patty. I admit to adding a bit of mustard because hey, it's good stuff. While the burger was truly tasty in its simplicity, the french fries were nothing to write home about. If I come back again, I'll probably opt for another side that's a bit more inspiring. That said, for the price of a McDonald's meal, I got a real made-with-love burger and some alright coffee on the side. You can't beat that when you're on the road.
(4)
Jackson H.
Kids these days tend to say their favorite burger is from Five Guys or Culver's or In-N-Out; boring chain choice for boring people. I've been living less than 5 minutes from the shack my whole life, and yet I shamefully didn't discover it until a few years ago. It doesn't matter how long it's been since I last was in there, the wonderful waitress always brings me and my dad our regular drinks, and we always order the same thing, a burger and fries. The burger is thick, but not too thick. The ketchup and mustard are normal. The veggies are exactly what you'd want - onion, pickles and a piece of lettuce. It's always cooked perfectly, and it's always juicy and tasty. I don't want to overhype it for anyone who wishes to challenge my claim, but the Shack has my favorite burger of any restaurant, and I don't see that changing. They also have good bar food too, and a pool table. A great place to meet childhood friends or a family member or two.
(5)
Deanna J.
Had lunch today at The Shack a family beer joint & sandwich place across from Lake Shawnee. We always hit this place when we are in Topeka. When I was a kid it used to be way out in the country, and it is still nestled in some trees next to an old dance hall. Nobody comes here accidentally. You have to know where to find it. But it's always busy. My husband had the pork tenderloin sandwich, which is about as good as the ones back home in TX. I had a cheeseburger--they don't even ask--it is automatically well done. We weren't hungry enough to order the onion rings but we recommend them, if you like yours good & greasy. This place is a winner & family friendly.
(4)
Shannon S.
The 4 stars are for the wait staff and the for the food. First time at this place because Yelp gave it 5 stars. The temperature outside was very hot and it was hot inside but they had fans going. We sat in a booth towards the back and in the corner and there was a fan blowing right by our booth. We were extremely hot so we pointed the fan towards our booth. The owner of the establishment sat down by us with her party and abruptly turned the fan towards her party. I would have been okay if she said hi do you mind if we turn the fan towards us we are hot but she did not she turned the fan as if to taunt me to say anything to her. I found the owner to be a pompous ass. The wait staff was awesome however it took for ever to get our food and shocker the owner got her food before we did. Word to the owner you should value your customer. You Ma'am were arrogant, rude and unprofessional. The staff gets the 4 stars because I am thinking that if I was treated like this as a customer you probably treat your staff the same.
(4)
Agent Luke T.
I like to start my Saturdays here. I can get a short stack and bacon for just 450! Then I play some pinball!
(4)
Dezeree H.
I like dive bars and this is a dive bar. Good atmosphere and fun people.
(3)
Joshua F.
The fries were what you expect, the onion rings were very good, but this review is all about the burger. This hidden little gem with a dive bar atmosphere, was exceptionally clean and extremely friendly. That being said the burger was outstanding, I have sampled all but one of the proclaimed "best burgers" in Topeka, and this one ranks near the very top of my list. The excellence of savory goodness coupled with a great price tag, makes this a personal favorite that I would recommend to any fellow carnivore.
(5)
Dan L.
Middle of the road food, and poor booze options for affordable prices. Nothing to complain about as long as you check expectations at the door.
(3)
Tom C.
Really solid greasy cheeseburgers. This place definitely has that dive bar feeling about it but I mean that in a good way. Always busy over the lunch hour with people from all walks of life enjoying a cheeseburger.
(4)
Carol G.
Love the burgers. Love the prices. The service is always great. It's a noisy bar, so don't expect anything fancy-pants here, just good, real, food. And, it's kinda in a hidden little place off of 29th, out by Lake Shawnee. I keep wanting to try something else on the menu, but the burgers are so good, my best intentions are always swayed. My family and friends have ventured out of the "burger realm" and claimed "delicious" on the Pork Tender and the Chili too. And, I did once order some of the IWIG ice cream. Pretty good stuff. Oh, and the fries are always soft and steamy on the inside and crisp and crunchy on the outside. This is a great little place to relax with a friend over some good grub and beer - or cokes, if you'd rather.
(5)
Thad J.
The atmosphere is full of beer signs and neon lights. The tables wobble and the bar stools are occupied by regulars. The staff is very friendly and the TVs always have the big game on. The food is great and the beer is cold. The menu has plenty of good bar food including fried goodies as well as sandwiches and hot dogs. But the burgers are the real draw. When you place your order, you can get the works: lettuce, onion, pickle, tomato. Sides are a la carte but the fries are worth it. This is a great place to meet friends, have a burger, get a beer, watch the game, play some pool and just have fun. The Shack has an outside patio area that is perfect for those warm Kansas summer nights. I havent had the pleasure yet but I'm looking forward to it. A few years ago, The Shack was sold to new owners. There was a lot of concern that the tradition would be changed, thus ruined. Fortunately, the new management understood was brings people to The Shack. They added a few menu items and a couple of beers (they also added the patio) but best things about this place are still the same. So when you're on the east side passing by the lake dam, take a turn down the dirt road and stop in the unpaved parking lot. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
John Y.
I've been going to the Shack since I was a little boy and I love this place. The cheeseburger and fries is as good as you will find in this area. Beer is always cold, and now they serve Boulevard Wheat which is fantastic. This place is always filled with good friends and good people. Get here.
(5)
Erin B.
Our family stops at The Shack often to have an awesome meal. It's right across from the dam at Lake Shawnee. There are plenty of options to choose from at The Shack. It's right across from all the activities that go on at the lake (softball games, golf course, boating, etc.). It's a great place to grab a meal and a drink. It's always busy! They have corn nuggets and jalepeno poppers to get your meal started off right. They have some the best burgers I've ever eaten. Plus, they have corn dogs, phillies, and wraps. Full bar choices as well. This places should definitely be on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
(5)
Kim E.
Food is always fresh and the beer is super cold! Best burgers in town but also really good sandwiches and dogs. Try the bottlecaps! The staff is extremely friendly, there's a reason this place has been around so long!
(5)
Team Asphalt W.
Service and hamburger excellent but the fries were just frozen fries altho they were hot when served. Not that good. It's a little tricky to find because the sign is on a high pole and the access is down a dirt road. It's not obvious from the road but worth finding for the burger.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kansas J.
Great Burgers. Great Corndogs. Also order the 1/2 nacho plate.
(4)Alice B.
They have the coldest beer in Topeka that I have found, plus their hamburgers, onion rings, and fries are delicious!
(5)Reed N.
Nice, tender and tasty diner burgers in an old school roadhouse-like environment. Straight forward service from super friendly girls working the tables and bar that have been there long enough to know what they are doing. The lady behind the bar set me up with half fries and half o-rings. That was a nice choice. Lots of regulars and even some day-drinkers... those guys make me jealous!
(4)Martin B.
I was not too excited about coming to Topeka for work. All I really know about it is that it isn't KC or Lawrence or Manhattan, and it is home to a rather unsavory group of psychos. My expectations were set even lower as I drove around and saw the various unkempt lawns and the ghost town of a downtown. My coworker's nicknames for the city he calls his location of employment didn't help. The Shack is a little fortress against the doldrums of this plain Plains city. Nestled away from the road behind some trees, it really lives up to its name. Inside you are greeted by a dark, divey atmosphere that is also clean. I'm no neat freak but it's nice to walk into a place that seems grungy but isn't actually dirty. Our waitress was very sweet and took our orders promptly. I was told the burgers here were the thing to get, and so I ordered one cheeseburger, no lettuce, with a small side of fries. As we waited for our meals, I took in the scenery. Local elders catching up over lunch. A group of construction folks chewing the fat while, well, chewing fat. This was no McDonald's off of I-70. People don't come here because of a big sign on the road telling them to. When our meal arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the bun. Looked like a kaiser roll if I'm not mistaken. The burger itself is a testament to the no-bull burger. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a creative and daring sandwich as much as any guy, but sometimes it's nice to get back to basics and take 'er easy. All this sandwich carried was tomato, onions, pickles, gooey cheese, and a greasy, well-seasoned patty. I admit to adding a bit of mustard because hey, it's good stuff. While the burger was truly tasty in its simplicity, the french fries were nothing to write home about. If I come back again, I'll probably opt for another side that's a bit more inspiring. That said, for the price of a McDonald's meal, I got a real made-with-love burger and some alright coffee on the side. You can't beat that when you're on the road.
(4)Jackson H.
Kids these days tend to say their favorite burger is from Five Guys or Culver's or In-N-Out; boring chain choice for boring people. I've been living less than 5 minutes from the shack my whole life, and yet I shamefully didn't discover it until a few years ago. It doesn't matter how long it's been since I last was in there, the wonderful waitress always brings me and my dad our regular drinks, and we always order the same thing, a burger and fries. The burger is thick, but not too thick. The ketchup and mustard are normal. The veggies are exactly what you'd want - onion, pickles and a piece of lettuce. It's always cooked perfectly, and it's always juicy and tasty. I don't want to overhype it for anyone who wishes to challenge my claim, but the Shack has my favorite burger of any restaurant, and I don't see that changing. They also have good bar food too, and a pool table. A great place to meet childhood friends or a family member or two.
(5)Deanna J.
Had lunch today at The Shack a family beer joint & sandwich place across from Lake Shawnee. We always hit this place when we are in Topeka. When I was a kid it used to be way out in the country, and it is still nestled in some trees next to an old dance hall. Nobody comes here accidentally. You have to know where to find it. But it's always busy. My husband had the pork tenderloin sandwich, which is about as good as the ones back home in TX. I had a cheeseburger--they don't even ask--it is automatically well done. We weren't hungry enough to order the onion rings but we recommend them, if you like yours good & greasy. This place is a winner & family friendly.
(4)Shannon S.
The 4 stars are for the wait staff and the for the food. First time at this place because Yelp gave it 5 stars. The temperature outside was very hot and it was hot inside but they had fans going. We sat in a booth towards the back and in the corner and there was a fan blowing right by our booth. We were extremely hot so we pointed the fan towards our booth. The owner of the establishment sat down by us with her party and abruptly turned the fan towards her party. I would have been okay if she said hi do you mind if we turn the fan towards us we are hot but she did not she turned the fan as if to taunt me to say anything to her. I found the owner to be a pompous ass. The wait staff was awesome however it took for ever to get our food and shocker the owner got her food before we did. Word to the owner you should value your customer. You Ma'am were arrogant, rude and unprofessional. The staff gets the 4 stars because I am thinking that if I was treated like this as a customer you probably treat your staff the same.
(4)Agent Luke T.
I like to start my Saturdays here. I can get a short stack and bacon for just 450! Then I play some pinball!
(4)Dezeree H.
I like dive bars and this is a dive bar. Good atmosphere and fun people.
(3)Joshua F.
The fries were what you expect, the onion rings were very good, but this review is all about the burger. This hidden little gem with a dive bar atmosphere, was exceptionally clean and extremely friendly. That being said the burger was outstanding, I have sampled all but one of the proclaimed "best burgers" in Topeka, and this one ranks near the very top of my list. The excellence of savory goodness coupled with a great price tag, makes this a personal favorite that I would recommend to any fellow carnivore.
(5)Dan L.
Middle of the road food, and poor booze options for affordable prices. Nothing to complain about as long as you check expectations at the door.
(3)Tom C.
Really solid greasy cheeseburgers. This place definitely has that dive bar feeling about it but I mean that in a good way. Always busy over the lunch hour with people from all walks of life enjoying a cheeseburger.
(4)Carol G.
Love the burgers. Love the prices. The service is always great. It's a noisy bar, so don't expect anything fancy-pants here, just good, real, food. And, it's kinda in a hidden little place off of 29th, out by Lake Shawnee. I keep wanting to try something else on the menu, but the burgers are so good, my best intentions are always swayed. My family and friends have ventured out of the "burger realm" and claimed "delicious" on the Pork Tender and the Chili too. And, I did once order some of the IWIG ice cream. Pretty good stuff. Oh, and the fries are always soft and steamy on the inside and crisp and crunchy on the outside. This is a great little place to relax with a friend over some good grub and beer - or cokes, if you'd rather.
(5)Thad J.
The atmosphere is full of beer signs and neon lights. The tables wobble and the bar stools are occupied by regulars. The staff is very friendly and the TVs always have the big game on. The food is great and the beer is cold. The menu has plenty of good bar food including fried goodies as well as sandwiches and hot dogs. But the burgers are the real draw. When you place your order, you can get the works: lettuce, onion, pickle, tomato. Sides are a la carte but the fries are worth it. This is a great place to meet friends, have a burger, get a beer, watch the game, play some pool and just have fun. The Shack has an outside patio area that is perfect for those warm Kansas summer nights. I havent had the pleasure yet but I'm looking forward to it. A few years ago, The Shack was sold to new owners. There was a lot of concern that the tradition would be changed, thus ruined. Fortunately, the new management understood was brings people to The Shack. They added a few menu items and a couple of beers (they also added the patio) but best things about this place are still the same. So when you're on the east side passing by the lake dam, take a turn down the dirt road and stop in the unpaved parking lot. You'll be glad you did.
(5)John Y.
I've been going to the Shack since I was a little boy and I love this place. The cheeseburger and fries is as good as you will find in this area. Beer is always cold, and now they serve Boulevard Wheat which is fantastic. This place is always filled with good friends and good people. Get here.
(5)Erin B.
Our family stops at The Shack often to have an awesome meal. It's right across from the dam at Lake Shawnee. There are plenty of options to choose from at The Shack. It's right across from all the activities that go on at the lake (softball games, golf course, boating, etc.). It's a great place to grab a meal and a drink. It's always busy! They have corn nuggets and jalepeno poppers to get your meal started off right. They have some the best burgers I've ever eaten. Plus, they have corn dogs, phillies, and wraps. Full bar choices as well. This places should definitely be on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
(5)Kim E.
Food is always fresh and the beer is super cold! Best burgers in town but also really good sandwiches and dogs. Try the bottlecaps! The staff is extremely friendly, there's a reason this place has been around so long!
(5)Team Asphalt W.
Service and hamburger excellent but the fries were just frozen fries altho they were hot when served. Not that good. It's a little tricky to find because the sign is on a high pole and the access is down a dirt road. It's not obvious from the road but worth finding for the burger.
(4)