Go to the grocery store for lunch or dinner, and let someone else do the cooking. The kitchen at this newly-remodeled Dillons churns out meals you can eat at one of their dine-in tables or take home to the family.

Home-style meals include hand-breaded fried chicken and roasted rotisserie chicken. Other offerings vary by day but may include enchiladas, barbecue ribs, lasagna and barbecue chicken — all available with a variety of sides. If you're looking for something simple, try a made-to-order deli sandwich.

For casual, family dining with a touch of the Irish, try Frances O'Dooley's Irish Pub & Grille, which opened in southwest Topeka in 2004. The atmosphere of Frances O'Dooley's will remind you of an Irish pub with a touch of classy American dining. Enjoy a family-friendly dining environment all day or a fun bar experience after dinner at Lucky Dog's Sports Bar. (Updated 3.2.09)

Golden Dragon has become a mealtime destination for many Topekans who are hungry for good Chinese food in the downtown area. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. Battered shrimp, and chicken with onions are two popular choices from the buffet. Check out the buffet, when available, for dining in or to go.(Updated 3.3.09)

The search for Wiener Schnitzel and other great German dishes ends at the Hawks Tower -- a restaurant on the first floor of the Jayhawk Tower that helps Topekans reconnect with their German roots. Jennifer McNulty came to America from Germany in the 1980s and hasn’t lost her passion for German food. She makes many of the dishes the same way she remembers her mother cooking them.
Hawks Tower serves breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. and lunch from 11 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Eventually, Hawks Tower may add some evenings to the schedule.