A Foodie's Guide to Topeka, KS: Best Local Restaurants

Lonnie Q’s BBQ is, as its name would suggest, a restaurant specialising in all things barbecue-related and is run by chef and owner Lonnie Weaver, a local Topekan. Lonnie, who had previously spent 10 years as a chef at a different BBQ joint, had always dreamed of owning his restaurant, and achieved his goal when he established Lonnie’s BBQ in 2011. All of the restaurant’s meat is smoked and tenderised for 18 hours in a smoker to ensure maximum taste is achieved, and dishes such as brisket and pulled pork are available. The interior of the restaurants also shows the fruits of Lonnie’s labour with the walls adorned with music-themed artworks by the man himself.

Located not far from Washburn University, The Burger Stand at College Hill is a popular eatery with Topeka’s young and fun-loving crowd, and boasts a vibrant, friendly ambience that matches its clientele. Offering all-American style unique and gourmet burgers and hot dogs made with the finest ingredients, guests can chow down on varieties such as the smoke burger topped with Applewood bacon, smoked gouda cheese and chipotle-cocoa ketchup, and the Ichabod dog, a hot dog smothered with baked beans and cheddar cheese – perfect when paired with sides that include sweet potato fries, beer-battered onion rings and fried pickles. The restaurant also features an outdoor patio and extra fun in the form of ping-pong and tables and a pinball machine.

Located above Topeka Historic Harley Davidson, a dealership and museum showcasing the legendary iconic American motorcycles, Black Dog BBQ is an ideal venue for any fans of motorbikes and hearty BBQ food. The restaurant’s interior evokes a classic diner feel with comfy booth, a retro kitchen and green and white tiled floors, providing nostalgic surroundings in which to enjoy classic barbecue fare like pulled pork, brisket and turkey with sides such as cheese ‘n’ tators, slaw and bacon and beer beans. Go on Fridays or Saturdays to sample Henry’s famous ‘fall off the bone delicious’ baby back ribs, or try a Saturday morning breakfast with options like home-cooked biscuits and gravy, waffles and bacon and cheese omelettes.

Walking past Chez Yasu, you’d be forgiven for not noticing that beyond the doors of its wooden storefront-style exterior is a quaint, beautiful restaurant with all the charm of a French country cottage. The elegant, yet welcoming French restaurant is owned by head chef Yasushi Hatasawa, who uses only the finest of ingredients to create his menu brimming with authentic cuisine. Guests can dine on appetisers such as the escargot with mushrooms in a parsley and garlic butter sauce or the soup du jour, followed by a hearty entrée like the roasted duck breast served with a peppercorn sauce.

The Blind Tiger is a brewery and restaurant that, when it first opened its doors in 1995, became Topeka’s first ever microbrewery and the biggest brewery in Kansas. The venue gets its name from an old Prohibition Era term for a speakeasy and produces its own handcrafted beers with various brewery equipment located throughout the restaurant; the actual brew house is enclosed in glass so that diners can watch the brew masters at work. Blind Tiger’s menu features appetisers like beer-battered onion rings with spicy BBQ sauce and mains like chicken fried steak with country-style gravy – perfect washed down with one of its flagship beers like the Holy Grail Pale Ale.

For visitors dining out in Topeka who are craving some exotic and fiery fare, the Monsoon Indian Grill is a must-visit. Located in southwest Topeka, the restaurant opened in early 2014 and boasts a warm and vibrant interior complete with sleek hardwood floors offset by striking red walls and colourful contemporary art. Monsoon Indian Grill offers a buffet lunch each day until 2:30 pm giving those not familiar with Indian fare a chance to sample many different dishes, while its dinner menu features starters like the northern Indian delicacy amritsari fish, marinated in herbs and spices and deep fried, and entrees like tandoori shrimp.

The perfect destination for anyone with a sweet tooth, Mad Eliza’s is a bakery and confectioners that serves a range of gourmet cupcakes, cookies and cakes amongst many other sugary treats in a quaintly retro space complete with bright pink walls, a large deli counter and black and white checkered floors. Established in late 2009 by Peggy Murnahan and her husband Mark, who are both Mad Eliza’s chefs, the bakery is named after the couple’s daughter Madeline Elizabeth and is a popular destination for anyone in Topeka in need of a sugar fix. Past Mad Eliza’s creations include its pumpkin pie cheesecake and cream cheese filled chocolate chip cookies.

The Blue Moose Bar and Grill is a successful group of Kansas-based restaurants with four locations across the state including its branch in southwest Topeka – a spacious, airy restaurant typified by sleek wooden floors and exposed brick with a pretty outdoor patio dining area perfect for warmer evenings. The restaurant serves a range of hearty American dishes, with appetisers like fried pickles in a signature beer batter with roasted garlic dipping sauce, and entrees including the 12 ounce grilled strip steak with mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans and a rich mushroom Madeira sauce. Alternatively, go for brunch and enjoy dishes like biscuits and gravy and made-to-order omelettes.

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