New west Topeka wine bar in the works for summer of 2025

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A new fine dining experience and wine bar is set to open in the Capital City this summer.

27 News spoke with Nathan Mikoleit, a co-owner of Board & Barrel Wine Bar, about the new business taking shape in west Topeka. He said the restaurant and wine bar is in its construction phase in January with an expected opening date coming in the summer months of 2025.

"Obviously, there will be a huge focus on wine," Mikoleit said. "I am in sommelier training myself."

Mikoleit said plans for this new business have been in motion for around two years. He said his parents, the owners of Custenborder Florist near Southwest 17th Street and Southwest Gage Boulevard, are in the process of remodeling their business. This created the opportunity for Mikoleit to pitch an idea for a wine bar inside the same building to give Topekans a taste of the finer things in life.

"The whole thing started because we wanted to move a bathroom upstairs," Mikoleit said. "It just kind of bloomed into this."

Board & Barrel Wine Bar will offer guests the chance to try wines from around the world while also giving people the option of trying out some beer, champagne and whiskey options as well. The business will be open every day of the week to serve the lunch crowds while also offering a fine dining experience on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the evening.

Mikoleit said food options will include homemade pasta alongside steak, chicken and seafood entrees. People can also expect to find a well-rounded sides and appetizer menu. Lunch options will focus on a gourmet salad and sandwiches.

Co-owner Trejor Hopkins, who has been running the Flavor Wagon food truck for the past five years, will be helping craft the menu for Board & Barrel Wine Bar. Staff will place emphasis on putting together charcuterie boards for people to enjoy in-house or via delivery.

"It's gonna be kind of a steakhouse menu with a southern background," Hopkins said. "We'll have Mediterranean-style dishes as well. Light seasoning, oils, fresh herbs, all those good things."

Mikoleit said he hopes this new business will take off with Topekans and prove to be a new hotspot for people who want to have a memorable time with friends and family. He believes Board & Barrel Wine Bar will give locals a new option when looking for something new to do and enjoy a glass of wine they may not have had before.

"This will be his [Hopkins'] take in the kitchen," Mikoleit said. "We have the utmost confidence in him."

Hopkins, Mikoleit and fellow co-owner Dalton Burchett will keep locals up-to-date on the progress of the business and do some special giveaways through the Board & Barrel Wine Bar Facebook page. Board & Barrel Wine Bar will be located at 1709 Southwest Gage Boulevard in Topeka.

"We're very excited," Hopkins said. "Just trying to bring something new to the city."

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