A Map to Guide You

Below is a Google Map I have created to help you explore and try for yourself the places I've discussed in my posts. Everything I've talked about is starred on the map! Have fun expanding your pallete!



map created using Google Maps

Kiku Japanese Steak House

Located in Fairlawn Shopping Center, Kiku's is one of the best Japanese steakhouses in Topeka. This place is my families favorite for birthday dinners and holidays. I usually get the filet and shrimp combo and it is delicious. All entrees come with veggies and fried rice that they make infront of you on a habachi grill. One thing I love about Kiku's is their Japanese Princess drink. My little sister and I usually get this non-alcoholic drink on special occasions when we eat there. Kiku's also has a birthday celebration if you tell them it's your day, they bang a big gong to announce you, take your picture, and give you dessert. It doesn't get better than that!

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kiku-japanese-steak-house-topeka?select=7HmEa8j1y4na4jtCdRBcEA

Yuki Steakhouse of Japan

So about a year ago my friend made me try sushi for the first time. She took me to Yuki's and since then I have been obsessed! I absolutley love sushi so much now and Yuki! My go-to rolls here are the Spider Roll and the JJ Roll. Yuki is also a great place because they are divided up into a sushi side and a steakhouse side. This is perfect for those people who don't like raw fish and prefer a cooked meal. Whichever eater you are Yuki is delicious in both areas! This place is tucked away in the shopping center off 29th and Arrowhead and completes your meal by offering a Japanese style seating arrangment. Yuki is an excellent restaurant!

Lincoln Hall Dining

Last but not least in this Washburn series, is Lincoln Dining. This is the newest dining hall located next to Lincoln Hall. Lincoln is great because it's an all you can eat buffet style dining! They charge a flat rate of $8 or $9 depending on what meal plan you have. After this fee, you have no limit on the food you can eat! My favorite part of Lincoln (aside from the buffet style) is the soft-serve icecream machine. This is literally the best icecream on campus. the choices include vanilla, chocolate, or swirl! I can say I would pay $9 just to eat the icecream. Overall though, if you live in the LLC like me, Lincoln is quite a distance away and paying almost $10 every meal can burn through your meal plan. Regardless, Lincoln is another great option for anyone wanting to eat on campus!

Stauffer Commons- LLC

So let's talk about Stauffer Commons. This is the main cafeteria for the Living Learning Center at WU. I live in the LLC so you can always find me here getting their signature chicken strips and fries! I love Stauffer because they have many different options and choices. Chinese, Mexican, deli sandwich, salad bar, and all American, whatever you're craving that day they have it. One of my favorite parts of Stauffer is the salad and fruit bar. If I want a smoothie one day, they use fresh fruit and other add ins like yogurt, granola, or chocolate. This is a great way to customize your meals so you don't get tired of eating the same thing! The only downside to Stauffer is how they charge you for every individual item you want. Other than that, it is very conviently located and offers lots of tables and seating! Below is a slideshow to give you all an idea of the atmosphere at Stauffer.

 

all content courtesy of http://www.treanorarchitects.com/treanor-student-life/washburn-memorial-university/ and Steve Swalwell- Architectural Fotographics

Cornerstore @ Memorial Union

For the first post in my Washburn series, I will focus on the cornerstore in the Union. This place literally has everything. They have premade lunches, frozen foods, tiolet paper, and Starbucks! I love that they have hot cheetos because I'm obsessed with them. I also like that I can run in and get a fountain drink or a blueberry muffin on my way to class. Run out of tiolet paper? Go to the cornerstore. Need a caffiene fix after a long night studying? Cornerstore has it. The only downside to this place is that it is kind of pricey (like many things on campus). It is very conveniently located and can be used by anyone. I won't rate this series because I simply want to inform other students and staff of helpful on-campus resources!

Washburn U Eats- All Around Campus!

So for my next installment much like the donut segment I did earlier, I will be focusing these next few post on all the place to eat on Washburn campus. This will be not only for students looking to grab lunch before they head home after class, but also for students living on-campus looking to try something new! I will feature reviews on the cornerstore in Memorial Union, Lincoln Dining, and Stauffer Commons. Stay tuned students!

http://www.d2baseballnews.com/regions/central/mid-america-intercollegiate-athletic-association/washburn-university-ichabods-baseball/

Asian Cafe

In Topeka, you find a numerous amoount of Chinese buffets. These are good options when you want to pig out on Asian food (we've all done it), but for those times when you want a nicer sit-down Chinese cuisine, Asian Cafe is perfect! Orginally called Jade Garden, it is still owned by the same family but after they relocated it became Asian Cafe. The restaurant is located near 21st and Gage across from the VA. I love coming here with my grandmother for lunch; I always get a cup of Egg Drop soup and the Sweet and Sour chicken entree. The Asian Cafe has such a friendly atmosphere and a great sit down Chinese establishment. I give Asian Cafe a 4.75/5 star rating!

Monsoon Grill

Monsoon Grill is a Indian eating establish located next door the Chipotle on Wanamaker. This is one of the only Indian restuarants in Topeka, they have many different vegetarian options as well as vegan friendly dishes. Their list of curries is almost never ending but my favorite entree has to be the lamb seekh kebab. It's grilled in the tandoor oven and served with rice. This place offer delicious Indian cuisine but it is a little pricey. I like visiting here on special occasions as a treat. I would rate Monsoon a 5/5 star rating because it is the only Indian eatery I enjoy in Topeka!

Natural Grocers- For All You Health Nuts!

This post will be more informative about a produce store in Topeka versus rating it on my overall experience. The place I'm talking about is called Natural Grocers and it is located on 21st Street across from Petsmart and Party America. This store is a great place to shop for those wanting to find more organic, healthy, and natural produce. This place also offers many vegetarian and vegan options not found in other grocery stores. The prices here can be kind of high especially if you're on a tight budget or a student, but that the price for fresh, natural produce. I would rate this store 4.5/5 star rating because it is one of the only organic grocers in Topeka!

                                                     
                                                       https://www.naturalgrocers.com/

Donuts Part 3: Dunkin Donuts

Ugh where do I begin? I love everything about Dunkin Donuts! Although a chain establishment, they have some of the best donuts in town. Their iced coffee is to die for (when it's on special), and they have some of the friendliest employees. You can probably guess what donut I order but as for beverage I am hooked on their French Vanilla iced coffee with cream and sugar. It's so super sweet and almost doesn't taste like coffee at all, but it's alright to indulge sometimes!  I give Dunkin a 5/5 star rating just because I love it so much. I tried not to be biased during this experience but sometimes you just have to stick with what you know!

http://www.wibwnewsnow.com/dunkin-donuts-returns-topeka-20-years/

Donuts Part 2: Daylight Donuts

Daylight Donuts is a chain restuarant like Dunkin but not quite as popular. I like visiting late at night because they are open 24 hours. If you make a visit between 10 pm and midnight, many of the workers give you double what you order because they need to get rid of the donuts from earlier in the day. You basically get them for free! I also love Daylight's 99 cent iced coffee. I pair this with my chocolate frosted sprinkle donut and I'm set for the day! I give Daylight a 4.5/5 star rating because you can't beat free food!

Donuts Part 1: Baker's Dozen

Baker's Dozen is a native Topeka donut shop where donuts are baked fresh daily in the mornings by a family owned and operated staff. Since I'm comparing these different donut shops, I figured I would get the same thing at each place. My favorite donuts has to be chocolate frosted with sprinkles. I will also be comparing various beverages at each location. Here I got my signature donut and a small cappuccino. The donut was kind of cold since I went in the afternoon but it was still enjoyable. The cappuccino was not as sweet as I would have liked mostly because its main purpose is to give you a caffiene boost. Overall I would give this place a 4 out of 5 star rating and I recommend going in the morning when they bake everything fresh.

Go Nuts for Donuts

So I'm going to be doing something different this week. I will be comparing donut bakeries in Topeka and deciding which one i think is the best. Each place will have its own post not including this one. Think of it as a Donut Series! I will be comparing Dunkin Donuts, Bakers Dozen, and Daylight Donuts. Stay tuned!!

                                                    http://erinream.com/dunkin-donuts/

Taco Villa

Ah, where do I begin? Taco Villa is one of my all time favorite places to eat in Topeka. It is located under the Toy Store off of 21st & Fairlawn and is very close to Topeka West High School. This restuarant is very well known to native Topekans and has been here for over 40 years. My mom used to eat here everyday when she was in hgih school and college! Now, my friends and I make weekly trips to this delicious place. My normal order consists of "the Thing" (fried tostado with meat, cheese, and special sauce), one beef burrito, chips and queso, and a gooey cookie. This place is great if you are in a hurry because they offer takout and dine in. I would give Taco Villa a 5 out of 5 star rating.. That's how much I love it!

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-villa-topeka?select=w4RjuiKJXFTW4-1rvjmQFQ

The Classic Bean

There's nothing better than a local coffe shop. That's exactly what The Classic Bean is! My favorite drink to get here is called the Polar Ice Cap. This drink is a house specialty and combines coffee and milk blended into a smoothie. I prefer the mocha flavor but it also comes in vanilla or caramel. I pair this drink with a blueberry muffin to complete my trip. The Bean is great because it has a very relaxed atmosphere and features live music every Friday and Saturday. I would give it a 4.5 out of a 5 star rating. Here's a video of a live set played at Classic Bean not to long ago!

The Burger Stand @ College Hill

The Burger Stand is located in College HIll very close to Washburn campus. I love their burgers and have fond memories of coming her with my family on St. Patrick's Day last year.
When here, I usually go for the Greek Burger. I love greek and mediterranean food so this burger was an obvious choice for me. The Classic Burger is also a great option for those who like more traditional burgers.
Overall I would rate Burger Stand 3.5 out of a 5 star rating. This is because it can be a little pricey for college students who are on a budget. Good news is that they have half-price everything on Mondays for Washburn students.

Tortilla Jack's

Tortilla Jack's is a mexican restuarant with a take-out vibe to it. It is located very close to Washburn right across the street from the water fountain. This place is native to Topeka only and produces delicious burritos.
My go to meal when eating here is the El Presidente burrito. Inside is ground beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and beans. All this wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in queso and your choice of sauce (I opt for hot of course).
I give Tortilla Jack's a 3.75/5 star rating. While i love their burritos and convenient location, I honestly prefer Taco Villa, which is will be reviewing in a late post. But, this place is great for college students or professors to get their spicy fix!

www.yelp.com

College Hill Pizza Pub

This particular restaurant resides in College Hill very close to campus. Pizza Pub is one of my favorite pizzarias in Topeka. It is set up so that you build your own pizza and they bake it in front of you. This place is open til 3 am every weekend and midnight on weekdays. It is the perfect late night study snack.
You start with the type of crust, then add your meat(s), then add toppings like veggies and whatever else you're craving, and finally you pick your desired cheese. After all this they bake it and box it up on the spot.
Overall I would give Pizza Pub a 4.5/5 star rating. It has a great college atmosphere and is conveniently located. Bonus points for being build your own!

Bobo's Drive-In

One of the most known diners in Topeka is Bobo's Drive-In. Guy Fieri visited with his show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and Bobo's was featured on the show on Food Network.
Whenever I make a trip there, I usually get a steakburger with cheese, tator tots, and a chocolate shake. I would give Bobo's a 4/5 star rating; it is one of the best burger places in Topeka because of its history and atmosphere.
Overall their icecream and pie is better than their burgers but the character of the diner makes it a good experience.

www.nopatternrequired.com

Hello!

Welcome to my blog, Top City Nibs! I'm going to be taking my blog to all the delicious restaurants and eateries in Topeka and tell you what I think of them. Then maybe you can try them for yourself! Whether you're from out of town or a native Topekan, my blog will give you all the inside scoop on what's good eats and what's not! Below is an introduction from me explaining my blog further!