About this spot

SOCIAL TAP DRINKERY - WICHITA STATE: Exceptional Craft Brews and Warm Campus Hospitality in Wichita

If you are hunting for a dining experience where the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional taproom cooking meet the relaxed, welcoming energy of a tight-knit community, Social Tap Drinkery - Wichita State is your essential stop. Located at 4510 E 19th St N Suite #101, Wichita, KS 67208, right in the bustling heart of the neighborhood inside the vibrant WSU Braeburn Square development, this beloved local landmark is much more than just a typical neighborhood eatery. It is an inviting, high-energy sanctuary housed in a cozy, welcoming space where the true spirit of Kansan hospitality is celebrated daily. Whether you are a traveler exploring the scenic campus sights of Sedgwick County or a local resident gathering your favorite comfort food for a weekend feast, Social Tap Drinkery offers a high-quality, friendly atmosphere that captures the authentic, flavor-loving soul of a classic American gastropub.

Traditional Flavors

Social Tap Drinkery is deeply committed to the rich heritage of classic, scratch-made American pub culinary arts, with a distinct emphasis on authentic, time-honored preparation. The kitchen specializes in the timeless art of flat-top grilling and perfect seasoning—think premium, hand-smashed burgers, crispy wings, and fresh ingredients tossed in fragrant, house-made zesty sauces, spicy rubs, sea salt, and local regional spices, served steaming hot. While the cooking techniques honor regional traditions, the flavor profiles seamlessly balance the classic savory, juicy, and robust elements of traditional family tailgating recipes. The focus here is on culinary integrity, ensuring that every platter delivers nostalgic, comforting satisfaction using the freshest ingredients to bring a true taste of old-school taproom crafting straight to Wichita.

Atmosphere & Experience

The experience at Social Tap Drinkery is defined by its warm, intimate, and incredibly lively charm. The decor is a masterclass in neighborhood comfort, featuring an inviting modern industrial dining room, expansive glass windows, and a historic multi-tap bar counter that instantly sets a relaxed yet vibrant mood on the WSU campus. It is an immersive and joyful environment that easily accommodates casual evening unwinding, game-day watch parties, or a satisfying weekend feast after a busy day on 19th Street. The service is famously warm, attentive, and down-to-earth, ensuring that every guest—whether an out-of-state university explorer or a Wichita regular—feels completely relaxed and genuinely welcome, just like family.

Signature Tastes

The Famous Smash Burgers: The definitive house favorite, featuring spectacular, melt-in-your-mouth tender patties seared masterfully over a flat top, topped with melted cheese, and finished with signature seasoned sauces on a toasted bun.
Hearty Gourmet Flatbreads: A comforting, deeply satisfying masterpiece featuring remarkably crisp, bubbly crusts packed with robust meats, fresh cheeses, and savory garlic glazes.
Crispy Taproom Wings: A spectacular, high-energy classic showcasing perfectly cooked, juicy chicken wings tossed in a delicate balance of fiery buffalo or sweet local barbecue sauce.
Artisanal Soft Pretzels: A decadent house specialty boasting premium baked twists served alongside a rich, velvety, zesty craft beer cheese dipping sauce.
Loaded Garlic Fries & Onion Rings: The essential comforting companion to any meal, featuring your choice of traditional, scratch-made sides to perfectly balance out the bold, savory beer flavors.

Pro Tips for Visitors

Plan Around Peak Hours: The kitchen takes its food and extensive draft list seriously, making it a major hotspot! Because it is an intimate space that fills up quickly during Shockers game days and peak weekend dinner hours, arriving early or keeping an eye on the schedule is highly recommended to beat the rush.
Explore the Self-Pour Wall: If you want to experience incredible value for your money and a touch of fun, this is the place. Their innovative tap system allows you to pay by the ounce, letting you sample premium regional craft beers, ciders, and sours at your own pace.
Perfect for an Outdoor Sit-Down: If you are commemorating a beautiful sunny afternoon or simply want a quiet evening relaxing back at your local hotel, take advantage of their exceptionally spacious outdoor patio facing the Braeburn Square lake, complete with cozy fire pits.
Don't Skip the Daily Specials: Make sure to look through their excellent drink and food calendars; they frequently offer fantastic local trivia nights, student discounts, and happy hour promotions that perfectly complement their grilled meats.

Practical Information

Address: 4510 E 19th St N Suite #101, Wichita, KS 67208.
Best For: Premium hand-smashed craft burgers, a state-of-the-art self-pour regional beer wall, scenic lakeside patio ambiance, and a relaxed, family-friendly campus dining experience.
Service: Offers a vibrant, casual-chic sit-down or walk-up bar experience with an unpretentious, high-energy campus neighborhood vibe, alongside efficient accommodations for local diners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to be a Wichita State University student or faculty member to visit?

Not at all! While Social Tap Drinkery is proudly located on the WSU campus in Braeburn Square, it is fully open to the public and warmly welcomes traveling tourists, local Wichita residents, families, and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

2. How does the taproom's beer ordering system work?

Social Tap features a highly interactive self-serve beer system alongside standard bar service. Guests receive a digital tap card upon checking in, allowing you to walk up to the self-pour wall and sample a diverse, rotating array of local Kansas craft beers, ciders, and wines by the ounce.

3. Is there parking available near the Braeburn Square location?

To make things easy for both passing tourists and local commuters, there is ample, dedicated free parking available in the main plaza lot directly surrounding Braeburn Square, letting you park quickly and walk right into the aroma of fresh flame-grilled cooking.