There are many local restaurants here in Topeka, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even many local bars, which serve food. If you want to support a local business with real, genuine food, check out some of these places.
- The Pennant
The first restaurant on our list is The Pennant in Downtown Topeka. The Pennant offers a fun experience, great food, and drinks. The Pennant has many options for food, which include burgers, sandwiches, salads, mac & cheese, fries, and other appetizer options. The drinks on their menu include handcrafted milkshakes and Coke products. Along with the great food, the Pennant offers many fun things to do, like bowling or arcade games.
2. Paisano’s
Paisano’s is located in Fleming Place. Paisano’s serves Italian food. They offer a wide variety of entrees, including some of their most famous dishes, “The Taste of Italy,” which includes a combination of Chicken Parmigiana, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo. Another one of their popular dishes is the 15-layer lasagna. This includes 15 layers of freshly made pasta, a blend of four cheeses, beef, Italian sausage, and tomato sauce baked under a thick layer of mozzarella cheese. The rest of their menu includes Neapolitan pizzas, other pasta dishes, and a list of dessert options. Each table is served garlic breadsticks and a large bowl of salad.
- Blind Tiger.
Blind Tiger is a brewery located on 37th st. Blind Tiger has many different entrees for whatever you would like to eat at that time. Some of their most popular dishes are Chicken Fried steak, The Brewhaus burger, the Classic club sandwich, and the Say Cheese fries which is fires covered in cheese and bacon.. Occasionally Blind Tiger hosts BINGO on Thursday nights.
- Hanover Pancake House
Hanover Pancake House is a great place to eat if you want breakfast. They are located in downtown Topeka, Kansas, across the street from McDonald’s. They are known for their award-winning four-dollar pancakes. They don’t only have pancakes, they also have great biscuits and gravy. But if you’re not in the mood for breakfast, they also have lunch options! Some of their lunch options include the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, and steak. They have gumball machines by the counter, and they even have a selection of candy for sale.
- First Watch
First Watch is located on Wanamaker across the street from Wendy’s. First Watch was opened in Topeka on November 25, 2025. First Watch uses locally sourced ingredients in its dishes. Some dishes on their menu include pancakes, waffles, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and other breakfast items. Some popular dishes include the Belgian waffle, Biscuits, and turkey sausage gravy with eggs. Another dish is “Million Dollar Bacon,” which is bacon glazed with brown sugar and covered in black pepper, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup.
