8 You-Have-Got-to-Try Restaurants in Topeka

A Flavorful Tour Through Kansas’ Capital City. These Topeka restaurants are local favorites that you won't want to miss.

From elevated fine dining to casual bites that hit the spot, Topeka’s food scene offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Whether you're road-tripping through Kansas or rediscovering your hometown, these eight restaurants are essential stops—each offering a flavor of Topeka you won’t forget.

The Pennant

DOWNTOWN | GOURMET BURGERS & AMERICAN CUISINE | CASUAL DINING

At The Pennant, nostalgia meets new-school comfort food in a three-story restaurant packed with retro arcade games, craft shakes, and house-made burgers. Located just a block from the Kansas State Capitol, this downtown hotspot buzzes with families, date nights, and visiting foodies. Start with the mac and cheese bites, but save room for a signature burger, like “The Elote" (a personal favorite of mine), or an over-the-top shake that doubles as both dessert and Instagram bait. It’s where food and fun come together.

Intereting Tidbit: The Pennant gets its name from the Pennant Cafeteira that once occupied the site.

ADDRESS

915 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66612

HOURS

Open every day for lunch and dinner. For specific times, visit the website.

BEST FOR

The Pennant is a lively, all-ages hangout where fun and food go hand-in-hand. Perfect for families, birthday outings, or casual nights when you want burgers, beer, and a game of Pac-Man.

INSIDER TIP

The Pennant has become known for its "pop-up bars." Several times a year, they choose a theme and deck out the top level with decorations. Plus, offering signature drinks and menu items that fit the theme. Past examples include Harry Potter, Star Wars, Wonderland, and quirky December holidays.

The Tee Box

DOWNTOWN | FLATBREAD PIZZA & AMERICAN CUISINE | CASUAL DINING

The Tee Box blends sports bar energy with contemporary casual dining. Indoor golf simulators draw players year-round. But the real unexpected treat is the menu. Choose from many options like flatbread pizza (try The Eagle), wings, salads, and four tasty mac & cheese varieties. Tee Box also serves up a delicious brunch. Don't forget the drinks. The bar is well-stocked and hosts a rotating list of craft beers from around the region. I'm all about the cocktail menu, though. A go-to for something light and refreshing is the Birdie Lemonade.

ADDRESS

906 S Kansas Ave Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612

HOURS

Open Tuesdays through Sundays, brunch is available Saturdays & Sundays. For specific hours, see its website.

BEST FOR

The Tee Box hits the sweet spot between sports bar and elevated grill. Great for enjoying a round of virtual golf or relaxing with friends over a drink.

INSIDER TIP

If you're a first-time visitor, around the dining space are active golf simulator bays, where players hit actual golf balls with real golf clubs at a wall-sized screen. Hearing the loud thwack of a golf ball can be surprising. Recently, I brought friends here for lunch. I didn't think to prepare them; they jumped a few times when they heard the golf ball hit the screens. Still, they raved about the food.

Iron Rail Brewing

DOWNTOWN | BARBECUE & BREWERY | CASUAL DINING

A sister restaurant to The Pennant, and only a few blocks away from each other, is Iron Rail Brewing. An establishment that pays homage to Topeka's railroad history. It serves up house-crafted beers, Kansas-style BBQ, and comfort food Midwesterners love. A foodie favorite is "The Engineer," a BBQ sandwich piled high with turkey, pork, and burnt ends, topped with an onion ring and coleslaw. The atmosphere of Iron Rail is as abundant as the food. Around the restaurant are six murals, each depicting a scene from our railroad industry and Cyrus Holliday. A man who not only founded the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad - but was also one of Topeka's founders. At the bar, you'll find several guest craft beers on tap - in addition to Iron Rail's home brews. Many appropriately named, like Iron Rail Pale Ale, 3 Sunken Engines (now, that's a story, and Great Overland Station Kolsch.

ADDRESS

705 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603

HOURS

Open every day, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm, and brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9 am. For more details, visit the website.

BEST FOR

Iron Rail is where beer lovers and BBQ fans unite. Ideal for weekend meetups, group dinners, or taking out-of-towners for a taste of Topeka hospitality and history.

INSIDER TIP

If you're planning a meeting, conference, or reunion in Topeka, Iron Rail Brewing can provide catering and/or boxed lunches.

The White Linen

DOWNTOWN | CONTEMPORARY FRENCH-AMERICAN CUISINE | FINE DINING

Chef Adam VanDonge is putting The White Linen and Topeka on the map as a culinary destination. In 2023, his talents were recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a semifinalist for Best Chef in the Midwest. Monthly, Chef Adam curates a one-of-a-kind multi-course dining experience. Using seasonal ingredients, Chef Adam and his team continue to elevate what fine dining in Topeak is. The Linen is a contemporary, intimate dining space on the garden level of the historic Columbian Building. Right across the hall from The White Linen is The Knox Cocktail Lounge, also established by VanDonge. Arrive early for your reservation at The White Linen and stop by The Knox for an alcohol-forward cocktail.

ADDRESS

112 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603

HOURS

Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 - 8:30 pm. For more details, visit the website.

BEST FOR

The White Linen is the kind of place you dress up for. Ideal for anniversaries, date nights, or treating yourself to fine dining in a refined yet unpretentious setting.

INSIDER TIP

Reservations are required, and since the dining space is intimate, they should be made well in advance. To take your evening at The White Linen to the next level, book the Chef's Table. What's that? You'll be the personal guest of Chef Adam and dine within the old 1888 bank vault.

Salut Wine and Cocktail Lounge

WESTBORO | FRENCH-INSPIRED BISTRO & WINE LOUNGE | MID-SCALE DINING

Salut is where Topeka’s after-work crowd and weekend date-nighters converge. This chic cocktail lounge in the Westboro area serves a curated menu of small plates. The signature dish here is the Tartines. An over-simplified explanation of tartine would be a French version of an open-face sandwich - or extravagant toast. No matter how you describe it, Salut's tartines are delicious. They range from tomato with goat cheese to smoked salmon. If you visit on the weekend for brunch, a must-try is the crème brûlée French toast. Yes, it is as decadent as it sounds.

ADDRESS

3119 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604

HOURS

Open on Wednesdays through Sundays. Brunch is on Saturday and Sunday. For more specific details, visit their website.

BEST FOR

Salut is that neighborhood hub where friends gather. It's a comfortable, modern, laid-back spot. Suitable for date nights, catching up, or a solo evening out.

INSIDER TIP

Historically speaking, people have hidden speakeasies where the spirits flow. Salut has a speakeasy, "The Principal's Office," that may not be hidden (look for a door with a wooden paddle), but the libations do flow.

Jong's Thai Kitchen

HOLLIDAY PARK | AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE | CASUAL DINING

Step inside Jong’s Thai Kitchen, and you’re instantly part of the family. Located within the historic Holliday Park neighborhood, Jong's is a short five-minute drive from downtown. The pad Thai is flawless, the curries rich and fragrant, and the basil chicken will leave you craving more. The owners often greet diners personally, and they also remember special notes about dishes. For example, they know that my yellow curry order has extra coconut milk and no carrots, without me saying a word. The warmth at Jong's extends beyond the spice level.

ADDRESS

800 Southwest 12th Street, Topeka, KS 66612

HOURS

Closed on Sundays and Mondays, open for lunch (11 am - 2 pm) and dinner (5 pm - 8 pm) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and carry-out dinner only on Fridays and Saturdays (4 - 8 pm). For more specific details, visit their website.

BEST FOR

Jong’s feels like a local "secret" you’ll want to tell everyone about. Best for comforting meals, casual dinners, or introducing a friend to truly authentic Thai flavors.

INSIDER TIP

For dining within the restaurant, reservations are strongly recommended. If you need a specific time and day, book the reservation well in advance.

The Wheel Barrel

NOTO ART DISTRICT | GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE | CASUAL DINING

The Wheel Barrel is a grilled cheese lover’s dream. With a menu built on melty nostalgia and craft beer pairings, it’s a favorite among creatives and college students alike. Try one of the signature sandwiches like the Mafia (mozzarella & salami) or How Now Bleu Cow (bleu cheese & roast beef), or one of their seasonal specials. The interior is all wood, brick, and warm lighting—perfect for a relaxed evening.

ADDRESS

925 N Kansas Ave Topeka, KS 66608

HOURS

Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, see their website for hours.

BEST FOR

The Wheel Barrel is your laid-back, grilled cheese paradise. Great for lunch with friends, an easy-going night out, or wandering through NOTO.

INSIDER TIP

If it's a nice day, head to their courtyard in the back and dine outside.

Indian Bistro

WEST TOPEKA | TRADITIONAL INDIAN CUISINE | CASUAL DINING

For Indian cuisine lovers, Indian Bistro is a must-visit. This family-operated restaurant provides a tour of traditional Indian flavors. Chef Lattie Singh is highly regarded and has been a well-known figure in Topeka’s Indian community for over 20 years. Favorites like chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and garlic naan are crowd-pleasers, and the kitchen doesn't shy away from authentic spice. All dishes are made to order and to your requested spice level. With plenty of vegetarian options, this is a go-to for diverse diets and anyone craving bold flavor.

ADDRESS

2919 SW Wanamaker Rd # A, Topeka, KS 66614

HOURS

Closed on Mondays, open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. For more specific details, visit their website.

BEST FOR

Indian Bistro is that cozy go-to for bold flavors and a friendly welcome. Excellent for a quick lunch, vegetarian-friendly dining, or when you're craving something hearty and full of spice.

INSIDER TIP

If you're like me and don't handle spice well, then you can ask for "baby mild."