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Welcome to 785 Kitchen

Welcome to 785 Kitchen, a beloved gem located in Topeka, Kansas. This charming pop-up kitchen, helmed by the talented chef LaVale Jackson, specializes in crafting authentic comfort food. Diners rave about dishes like perfectly crispy fried catfish, flavorful oxtails, and deeply satisfying jerk chicken, all made with a passion that honors culinary heritage. Highlights include rich sides such as southern-style greens and creamy mac & cheese. The inviting atmosphere paired with the chef’s friendly demeanor creates a dining experience reminiscent of home-cooked meals. 785 Kitchen is more than just a meal; it’s a heartfelt culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

LOCATIONS
  • 785 Kitchen
    2028 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604, United States
    2028 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604, United States Hotline: +1 785-408-1440

Welcome to 785 Kitchen, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Topeka, Kansas. Located at 2028 SW Gage Blvd, this charming eatery has captured the hearts of locals with its honest, home-cooked flavors and an inviting atmosphere. Helmed by the talented chef, Mr. LaVale Jackson, 785 Kitchen serves up a menu brimming with Southern-inspired dishes that are both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm smile of Chef Jackson, who masterfully juggles cooking and taking orders with a kindness that's rare in the culinary world. Whether it’s the crispy, tender fried catfish or the indulgent country fried steak doused in rich homemade gravy, each dish reflects the chef’s passion for flavor that dances on your taste buds. Patrons rave about the catfish alfredo and the uniquely crafted jerk chicken—which has been hailed as the best many have ever tasted.

What truly sets 785 Kitchen apart is its atmosphere; it feels like a gathering at a friend’s home. Community members express their admiration not just for the food but for the heart behind it. One delighted customer mentioned, “The tender, hot fried catfish... mercy, we love eating this food.” It’s this genuine appreciation that showcases the household-like spirit of the kitchen—something that undoubtedly has Chef Jackson’s grandmother beaming with pride.

Don't forget to save room for dessert! The gooey cakes, available in original, strawberry, and butter pecan, are a precise balance of sweetness that rounds off your meal perfectly. Each bite is an invitation to indulge, serving as a soft reminder of simpler times.

Whether you're a Topeka local or passing through, *785 Kitchen* promises an authentic culinary experience worth revisiting time and again. With dishes crafted from love and a dedication to excellence, it’s clear—once you try it, you too will understand why this pop-up favorite has become a go-to destination for comfort food lovers.

START YOUR REVIEW OF 785 Kitchen
Terri Sargent
Terri Sargent

I just took a bite of the most tender, crispy, hot fried catfish you will ever put in your mouth. Mercy.. we love eating this food. The chef has great instinct for flavor, and his food is honest. I know his Grandma is proud.

Ash
Ash

This little pop-up kitchen is the ultimate taste of comfort! Mr. LaVale Jackson knows what flavor is, and you can taste the passion he puts into his dishes. He is also incredibly friendly and kind. He did everything by himself from cooking, to taking orders, and answering the phones that were ringing off the hook for his delicious food. Some of the best greens and mashed potatoes with gravy I've ever had, and that's saying something! The Cajun catfish was exactly what I was hoping for as well. If you get a chance, pop in and check this place out, you will not regret it!

Lisa Henshall
Lisa Henshall

This place was amazing. We live in Wichita and we might have to swing through Topeka next time we go to KC. It’s that good. Best Jerk Chicken I’ve ever had. The Mac & cheese was over the top cheesy. Gumbo spiced just right. Hub got the chicken fried steak and loved it. Go! This chef is just starting out and he’s GOOD.

Selena Hubbard
Selena Hubbard

Came in for dinner and left feeling like I ate a home cooked meal. To say the food is fantastic is a short statement! The flavorful oxtails melt in your mouth and fall off the bone with ease, the fried pork chops, gumbo and fried catfish were also very delicious, definitely coming back, and highly recommend trying this place out!

Christina Lewis
Christina Lewis

Can I start off by saying how consistently kind and humble the owner is?? He manages to answer phones, cook, and serve all by himself with a positive attitude. Super awesome! Some of my favorites are salmon alfredo, catfish, yams, and greens/cornbread. He also makes this homemade creamy hot sauce concoction that's the best! Lol bottle and sell, sir.. bottle and sell

Jonathan Broeker
Jonathan Broeker

Mr. Jackson was a very professional chef with awesome food. We had both pork chop types seared. and the fried both were delicious and try the Buffalo oakra. Also the greens were delicious!

Mahria Dillard
Mahria Dillard

Loved loved loved! The chef was so awesome, and apart of the full service, it felt like being with family. My kids said "best food ever". It was a great Mother's day Experience thank you!!

Mitchell Edgett
Mitchell Edgett

I had the fried catfish with baked macaroni and fried cabbage with cornbread. All the food was delicious and the wait was less than 10 minutes and the food came out piping hot and fresh. The catfish was super crispy and very well seasoned not bland in the slightest. The cabbage was tender and seasoned well and the cornbread was some of the best I’ve had, the macaroni was pretty good too but nothing to go crazy over, but it was decent. Overall the food was very good and the service was very friendly and professional. Would come back again.