North

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)

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Avila's Mexican Restaurant

10025 N.W. US-24 Highway, Silver Lake

This small, family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant offers up crowd-pleasing sopaipillas and chili con queso. Located just a few blocks from Silver Lake High School, it can pack a crowd on game nights. (Updated 3.31.10)

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.”

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Buzzard's Pizza

4745 N.W. Hunters Ridge Circle, Topeka

Buzzard’s Pizza flew into Topeka in February 2009 with a new shop featuring a drive-through window and a long list of toppings that create a dizzying amount of pizza possibilities – all on hand-tossed crusts. This family chain – with shops in Holton, Lyndon and Pomona – offers usual toppings like buffalo meat, barbecue beef and shrimp. Plus, it offers salads, subs, buffalo wings, sandwiches and domestic beers. (Updated 4.12.10)

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Dairy Queen/Orange Julius

2026 N.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka

Dairy Queen is an American original, and this Dairy Queen in 2009 married with Orange Julius to expand its icy-cold offerings.

DQ faithful will find the usual array of treats. Plus, workers here will scoop ice cream into fresh-made waffle cones or waffle bowls. Orange Julius fans will find yummy smoothies and, of course, the Orange Julius (although there are plenty more fruity flavors to try).

Customers can use the drive through or hop out of their cars and walk up to the order window. This location is mostly about cold treats, but it also offers hot dogs. (Updated 5.12.10)

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Dickey's Barbecue Pit

609 N.W. Highway 24, Topeka

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is part of a franchise founded in Dallas in 1941. The franchise is known for its “Lip Smackin’, Finger Lickin’, Rib Ticklin’, Knee Slapping’, Foot Stompin’, Great Tastin’” barbecue, paired with speedy service and inexpensive prices.

Specialties include Dickey’s signature beef brisket, which is slow smoked using an overnight cooking process, as well as southern pulled pork, fall off the bone pork ribs and Virginia-style ham. There is an extensive menu of homemade side items, including waffle iron fries, jalapeno beans, fried okra and mac & cheese, as well as a variety of catering options.

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Dillons

801 N.W. 25th Street, Topeka

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

Home-style meals from the deli 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.

In the mood for something else? This store offers a Chinese kitchen with fresh, hot dishes.

Deli hours: Hot bar open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily; meat case from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily

Chinese kitchen hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily (Updated 5/24/10)

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