Location: Topeka
Top Restaurants in Topeka
Topeka Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Topeka
Get a blast of the past in this western Kansas state capital, which was founded in 1854 by a group of anti-slavery activists and later played a key role in the civil rights movement. Visit the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, which celebrates those involved in the 1954 Supreme Court decision that deemed segregated schools unconstitutional. Continue your back-in-time travel at Ward Meade Park, which features an early 1900s town, Victorian mansion, one-room schoolhouse and log cabins. View aircraft dating from World War I at the Combat Air Museum, and visit Cedar Crest, the historic Governor's home, overlooking the Kansas River. Aside from historical attractions, Topeka is also known for its world-class motor sports racing site, Heartland Park Topeka, with its record-breaking quarter-mile drag strip. Topeka has its share of cultural attractions as well in the form of numerous art galleries, live theater and local symphony and opera companies. For a great family outing, head over to the Topeka Zoological Park for a visit to the tropical rain forest, naturalistic bear dwelling and the children's petting zoo, featuring llamas and sheep.
Things to do in Topeka
1. Lonnie Q's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By Jerry M
Awesome bbq. Stopped by for lunch to try out bbq. As a Texas native, I'm always on the lookout for good bbq. This place did not disappoint. Had the brisket sandwich. Was skeptical because it was chopped,. But don't let that she you away. The portion was generous. Tried the cheesy potatoes which are awesome. They had bbq sauce, but as any true Texan will say, if you need it, there's something wrong with the brisket- none was necessary. Highly recommend if your in the area.
2. Rowhouse Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By b4osage - Osage City, Kansas
Today was the official opening for lunch and it did not disappoint! The menu is as creative for lunch as it is for dinner! Fine dining! The winter lake salad is to die for! I also had the citrus brined chicken breast—delicious! My husband had the tomato soup and orange chicken salad sandwich! We both had French pressed coffee and shared a brownie and shortbread cookies for dessert! Every bite is delicious! The service is always and attentive! A great lunch addition for Topeka!
3. Tuptim Thai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By Mildred E
This restaurant is very consistent and always gets my meal correct. While everything is tasty I enjoy the Thai noodles and never leave without my money bags. It is a great place eat weekly.
4. Monsoon Indian Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Lee M - Wichita, Kansas
Was very surprised to find this gem of a restaurant. Seems dark at first but when host arrived everything just changed. Food and service was outstanding. Just perfect choice for the nice and great flavor.
5. Pad Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By papertrail2014 - Topeka, Kansas
The Pad is a community favorite here in Topeka. It has a long history in North Topeka and has been involved with many community organizations. A lot of people like to meet here, especially earlier in the day.
Those are all great reasons to visit. But the food and environment are both poor. I came by and tried a burger and cheese curds. The burger was very oily, almost soggy. The cheese curds were made with hard cheeses that don't melt, so instead of gooey cheese you end up with solid blocks of cheese encased in breading. Poor choices.
On the plus side, the salad bar appeared decent, but I didn't try it out.
6. Texas Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Legendary Food, Legendary Service
Reviewed By Sharon S
We rarely patronize chain restaurants, but this is one of our favorites. The dinner rolls with honey butter are divine! The food is always good. Steaks are tender, Chicken fry is yummy. If you don't mind people dancing during your meal, this is a fun place to eat.
7. The Wheel Barrel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Eric C - Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States
As i was traveling around Topeka, I kept hearing about this place and decided to eat here. This place was amazing. The gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are exceptional. This place offers games for people to play while they wait, and these are not just the peg jump games, they are legit games. This place is definitely worth stopping in to.
8. The Burger Stand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
The Burger Stand opened on Sept. 8, 2011 in Topeka's College Hill district. The Burger Stand features 2 bars with pool and ping pong tables. Seating for 270 inside with room for another 40-50 on the out-door patio. Specialty burgers with regular and sweet potato french fries.
Reviewed By nickgood - Topeka, Kansas
A great place to get a special burger, and a good selection of beers, too.
Close to Washburn University. This is an independent restaurant, not a chain, (there is a sister restaurant in Lawrence, KS) and it still feels fresh and innovative. My favorite is the Black and Blue Burger - a blue cheese based sauce.
9. Blind Tiger
Overall Ratings
4 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By NevelsPost - Fort Worth, Texas
Interestingly enough, it was a recommendations from another local brewery that brought us here.
The food was... good, the portions were plentiful, and the beer was tasty.
Not sure if we'd make an effort to return, it was an overall 'average' experience for us - but the locals might think otherwise.
10. Paisano's Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By Halieee95 - Kansas City, Kansas
This food is AMAZING and authentic Italian unlike Olive Garden. Fantastic bread sticks, always take some extra home. Great salad to start with. Huge portions that last us days! Literally my favorite restaurant in town. Open late is also a huge plus!! The lasagna is definitely our favorite.
