From Trains to Unique Dining

            While I try to avoid places that are always put on a pedestal, Shindigs Bar & Grill is a restaurant that most people are essentially obligated to try when living in Winfield, KS. Whether you are a fan of comfort food or just wanting to go out for drinks, Shindigs provides customers with the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a televised game, converse with friends or family, and to just enjoy good food.

            The thing that really stood out to me upon entering the unique establishment was how clean the staff manages to keep the building. Not only that, but the scenery is unlike any other restaurant in the area. Shindigs was originally a train station but has been converted into a bar and grill. Keeping the upper level, they created an atmosphere that brings a vintage vibe to every meal. The downstairs area is organized to have more room and the tables are positioned around the bar as that is the focal point. Flat screen televisions are hung around the entire place in such a way that anyone can enjoy a broadcasted game. The upstairs dining area has more tables with booths lining the walls. It is a bit quieter upstairs than it is downstairs which makes for a better location to eat with family. Not only that, but the restaurant has converted the front of an old Ford truck into a beer dispenser that fills the cups from the bottom. One can also walk outside from the top or bottom levels in order to dine on the outdoor patio. There are two levels to this as well and this creates a very rustic, yet modern atmosphere to enjoy while dining at Shindigs Bar & Grill.

            While most people go for the atmosphere, they definitely end up staying for the food. On my venture to Shindigs, I chose to try a true staple of the Midwest and tried The Hangover Cure cheeseburger. The burger is cooked to the customer’s preference, mine being medium, and piled high with cheese, a fried egg, and an onion ring with other condiments on the side. Shindigs has recently made the change to Creekstone Farm’s meats and it shows as the burger tasted fresh yet cooked thoroughly. The burger stayed moist yet had a thin layer of crunch to it adding to the satisfaction of each bite. My order also came with the side of sweet potato fries. This was a nice change as many establishments just serve typical French fries or steak fries. They were very sweet yet had a nice texture and a great seasoning that paired perfectly with the breakfast themed burger. Not only was the main course and side dish great, but so was there appetizer of buffalo wings. The chicken was cooked thoroughly and while they were not my most favorite chicken wings that I have ever had, they were still pretty decent. The sauce was not great, so I would recommend that customers try another one of their appetizers.

            In summation, Shindigs Bar & Grill is rightfully one of the most popular restaurants in Winfield. The décor and scenery is wonderful and the food is nothing short of phenomenal. The service was great and the glasses were never left empty as drinks are a necessity when it comes to fine dining. Shindigs being a recommendation to Winfield newcomers is an absolute understatement as it is a necessity for people to dine there in order to get the true experience of the city.