Want to experience the best local flavor at Topeka eateries, but you're not sure where to start? Let us help you find just the right dining spot for your taste. No matter what you're looking for, you can dine like a local with the recommendations below.
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Upscale
For classic French cuisine in an elegant setting, Chez Yasu offers a delicious menu for lunch and dinner. Try the boeuf bourguignon or a seafood special like Chilean sea bass. The White Linen is a unique restaurant based on contemporary French and American cuisine. Chef Adam takes locally grown, bred, and produced products and re-imagines them into a modern, unique treat with the familiar structures and textures known to be a staple of the Kansas plains.
Bakeries & Cafes
Discover world-renowned coffee, which earned PT's Coffee Roasting Co. honorable mention in Extra Crispy's list of 7 Most Influential Coffee Roasters in American and Roast Magazine's 2009 Roaster of the Year designation. Locals recommend the caffe latte and black forest mocha. Locally known for its friendly baristas, Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro not only serves coffee but also beer and a vegan-friendly menu.
Pizza
Don't miss the soft, buttery garlic rolls and full-service bar at LaRocca's Pizza. Create your own winning combination with your choice of sauce, meat, veggies and cheese on a 10-inch pizza at College Hill Pizza Pub. With gluten-free crust options and a long list of fresh ingredients, everyone can get exactly what they want. Locally voted the best pizza year after year, Glory Days has both traditional and unique flavors, such as the baked potato pizza.
BBQ
The Iron Rail in Downtown Topeka offers fantastic craft beer and BBQ, as well as tasty American and southern dishes. Featuring amazing lunches and Saturday morning breakfasts, the locals advise that you arrive early at Henry's Grill at Topeka Harley Davidson because "when it's gone, it's gone!" And speaking of rave reviews, Lonnie Q's has a fiercely loyal local following, and Lonnie's famous cheesy taters are worth the trip alone.
Burgers
Burger aficionados unite at The Burger Stand, where gourmet burgers - including vegetarian - and fries reign supreme. Try the smoke burger with truffle or sweet potato fries. The Pennant is the perfect place for a killer burger and a great time! After you're done with your burger, you can get your game on with over 50 vintage arcade games or bowling with friends. Bobo's Drive-In, another Topeka burger tradition, is equally famous for its onion rings, apple pie and its appearance on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
Bar & Grills
From their Red Miso-Glazed Salmon to their Blue Moose Burger or their Beef Empanadas you'll find plenty to enjoy with an eclectic array of American comfort food for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late nights at the Blue Moose Bar & Grill. For excellent eats while enjoying the big game, 
Jeremiah Bullfrog's has great food and more TVs than Best Buy. Try the tiger wings while you watch the big game. Find traditional Irish meals and specialty drinks in a "Cheers" like atmosphere at The Celtic Fox. Locals recommend the shepherd's pie, Reuben sandwich and the Irish stew.
Mexican
To start the day, try the Oakland Bakery! Nestled in a small building off Seward Avenue, the bakery offers authentic Mexican baked goods, along with some pastry favorites like homemade muffins and donuts. Locals rave about the authenticity of the dishes, such as the molcajete and borrego and the stellar service at Casa Ramos. A bright, cheerful atmosphere awaits at Tacos El Mexicano, where el pastor tacos are recommended.
International
Locals say this is the best place for sushi is Yuki Restaurant of Japan. Find authentic North Indian cuisine, including grilled bread, lentils, vegetables and spiced marinated meats at Monsoon Indian Grill. Try something new at Tuptim Thai, where any dish can be customized to your spice level: mild, medium hot or Thai hot. Don't miss the money bags appetizer! Explore more global dining options HERE.
Breakfast
There's good reason to get out of bed with the ample menu, unbeatable food and friendly service at Hanover Pancake House. Try the cinnamon roll French toast. Banjo's Cafe serves generous portions of home-style cooking and offers an all-day breakfast menu. Treat yourself to Sunday brunch at Blue Moose Bar and Grill, where an upscale breakfast buffet pairs with signature dishes from their evening menu.
Steak
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, known for its award-winning microbrewery, also serves a mean steak, promising fresh, never frozen, cuts ranging in size from 6 to 16 oz. Not only are the steaks amazing at North Star Steakhouse, but you'll get yours free (up to $14.99) on the day of your birthday, with proper ID. If your birthday falls on Sunday or Monday - when the restaurant is closed - it will be honored on Tuesday. North Star also makes a mean gravy that many locals like to use as dip for their fries.
Sweet Treats
Marvel at handmade chocolate, caramel and confections at Hazel Hill Chocolate Traditions, and watch them while they work. Step back in time with an old-fashioned soda fountain treat from Old Prairie Town's Potwin Drug Store. Try the Green River drink and the Brown Bread ice cream. Get your Brown Bread flavor fix in custard form at G's Frozen Custard and Yogurt. G's may be one of the best-kept secrets in town. Shana Cake offers allergy-friendly breads and treats.
