Breakfast

A & J's Soul Food

1221 SW Huntoon, Topeka

CLOSED: A & J's Soul Food has closed. The location is now EZ Take Out.

The restaurant serves greens, fish, chicken, hot wings, chili dogs, chili, in Southern Soul Food. Janet Elrod is owner of the restraurant. The place used to be the House of Barbeque.



Almost Home Cafe

3536 N.E. US-24 Highway, Topeka

As the name implies, Almost Home Cafe features downhome cooking -- "Good ol' trucker food." But don't be fooled by the menu and think only truckers enjoy the homecooked meals for which Almost Home Cafe has become known. A visit to the Highway 24 favorite, near Grantville, proves that locals and truckers alike appreciate the friendly atmosphere and delicious food prepared by the owners who opened the location in 2007. (Updated 3.29.10)



Baker's Dozen Donuts

4310 S.W. 21st St., Topeka

Baker's Dozen, which began in 2004 as a mom-and-pop style doughnut store, is now a 24-hour-a-day operation. The S.W. 21st St. store recently moved a few blocks west into an 11,000-square-foot building that offers a 24-hour drive-through window seven days a week. The spacious dining room hours on 21st St., where all of the store's baking is done, are now 3 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Regulars will still find the popular Peanut Butter and Jelly Donut and the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Donut, with fresh batches now made twice a day. And you still get more for your money at Baker's Dozen, which stays true to its name by adding an extra doughnut to every dozen you purchase. Diabetic? No problem! Baker's Dozen offers several doughnuts made with Splenda. (Updated 4.5.10)



Banjo's Cafe

5824 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka

Banjo's, a staple of South Topeka-Pauline dining since the mid-1980s, offers a casual breakfast and lunch menu that features homemade meals, including the popular biscuits and sausage gravy. The diner serves breakfast all day. Under the same ownership since 2001, Banjo's continues to feature many of the original wait staff, keeping a high rapport with the people of Pauline. (Updated 4.2.10)



Bill's Diner

2134 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka

Owners Bill Brading and Lee Browning strive to make Bill's Diner a quick, affordable and, of course, delicious destination for diners of all walks of life.

The restaurant specializes in unfussy American favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken fried steak and pulled pork sandwiches. The service is speedy, the help friendly and the food can't be beat. Be sure to try the weekly meatloaf special, made from a recipe Bill's wife has been using for 30+ years.

Look for Bill in the kitchen, grilling your burger to perfection and chatting up customers in the dining room.



Billard Airport Restaurant

3600 N.E. Sardou, Topeka

For a good time in a casual atmosphere, try Billard Airport Restaurant, which has been serving good ol' hot American food for more than half a century. Leased from Phillip Billard Airport, the restaurant welcomes all Topekans and visitors for breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. (Updated 4.2.10)



Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro

4025 S.W. 10th Avenue, Topeka

At Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro in the Fleming Place shopping center, your favorite coffees and teas are served by talented and friendly baristas. Plenty of soups, sandwiches, salads and wraps are available for a quick lunch or dinner, including a delicious array of options for vegetarians. A variety of baked goods are prepared regularly throughout the week, and a bar serving beer, wine and cocktails was recently added. (Updated 3.1.10)



Bradley's Corner Cafe

844 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka

Bradley's, which opened in North Topeka in February 2006, features popular, made-from-scratch rolls, buns, fries and 25 different kinds of pies. Its turkey and dressing meals, meatloaf, and biscuits and gravy are popular with diners. (Updated 4.12.10)



Brickyard Barn Inn

4020 N.W. 25th, Topeka

The Brickyard Barn Inn offers a romantic spot for a wedding, a cozy spot to get-away or a quiet space for a corporate lunch. This charming dairy barn was designed by Kansas State architecture students and built in 1927 with unusual large red, glazed brick on the exterior.

It has survived floods – in 1951 and again in 2005 when it came back from substantial damage. Efforts to remodel the barn into a home began in 1976, and it got its start as a bed and breakfast in the 1990s.

Owners Scott and Truanna Nickel will do what it takes to please guests and catering customers.

“Nobody in town is as full service as we are,” Scott says confidently. “If someone wants a mariachi band, we’ll find it.”



Burger King

2817 S.E. California, Topeka

Burger King, the home of the Whopper, offers a casual, fast-food dining experience. The first Burger King opened in Miami in 1954, and its menu is constantly evolving. This restaurant has a drive-thru for customer convenience. (Updated 4.12.10)