March 7, 2024
I rarely go out to eat with Kevin (my best friend and former Hollywood Agent). It’s because he is the pickiest person I know. True story. But I had heard that Forge ICT in Old Town Wichita (near Douglas and Washington where the old District Taqueria used to be) had lost a step and was also struggling.
So I figured Kevin would be the perfect person to bring either because he’d tell me it was great or it wasn’t. Sort of a second opinion.
We ordered three dishes. The Glazed Lollipop Chicken Wings from their “regular” menu and the Pepito and Forge Smash Burger from their “lunch” menu.
The Lollipop Chicken Wings were pretty large and I definitely recommend. The cilantro lime aioli sauce that you dip the wings in was very good, but not even necessary because the glaze on the wings already give them great flavor.
As to the Smash Burger and the Pepito — I thought the Smash Burger was good and I thought the Pepito was EXCELLENT. I’d order the burger again if I were craving a burger, but didn’t feel like it was anything special. But I thought the Pepito, which comes with sliced ribeye steak was really great. The meat itself had good flavor and no fat. But the chimichurri on the sandwich just added that flavor kick.
Kevin went to town on the Pepito as well.
I want to also point out that there was literally NOBODY else at the restaurant when we were there for lunch. The whole time.
So…if you haven’t been in awhile, consider putting this spot on the list. They did get a lot of love when they first opened, but appear to me to be struggling. I can’t speak for everything on the menu. But if you like sliced ribeye I think you’ll really like the Pepito. And if you like wings, you’ll like the Lollipop Chicken Wings.
— TKG
