Want options? Try The Burger Stand in Topeka
By Jill Lira
Gourmet burgers, ping pong tables and a fully equipped bar? The Burger Stand in Topeka has Topekans talking. 
The Burger Stand, 1601 SW Lane, is co-owned by Robert Krause, who started New City Café and owns several eateries in Lawrence. The Burger Stand offers gourmet burgers and beers to the late night crowd but everyone benefits from this restaurant.
Known for the fresh veggies, creative vegetarian options and trendy style restaurant décor, The Burger Stand has options for everyone.
As I was staring at the handwritten menu above the cash register, all I can think is that EVERYTHING sounds good. With a variety of items from a classic burger to a lentil patty to an “Ichabod Dog”, in honor of the Washburn University Ichabods, a choice must be made.
After I was reading, I couldn’t help but notice the diverse crowd. There’s a mix of college students, couples, older folks and families. Some Washburn students are chatting with friends, while couples are laughing amongst themselves.
The atmosphere is inviting due to the modernly designed space. You can sit at the bar area and feel like you are hanging out at just another local tavern or you can sit in a booth and get a view of the entire restaurant. If you turn the corner to the “Pong Bar,” you see a foosball table, ping pong table and the master of it all, a pin-ball machine.
After pondering over the menu, I make my choice and wait for my name to be called over the intercom microphone. Immediately after I take my first bite, I can’t wait for my next.
What all have you tried from The Burger Stand?
Other Topekan’s have tried The Burger Stand and have loved it. Here are two reviews from CurlyGRRRL from Topeka’s Food + Flicks who said, “The clouds parted….the angels sang….and the BURGER STAND opened!!” and Grant English’s The G Side blog who thought “Folks were friendly, food was great. I have a feeling that this will become one of our favorite ‘splurge’ places to eat.”
Business hours are Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
For more food related blog posts, check out these blogs: College Hill Tavern and The Office Too!
This post has 4 comments
December 21st, 2011
This restaurant is an amazing breath of fresh air in Topeka. Ok – sure – it is a burger joint. But it is surely one of the best burger joints in the Midwest.
Their origins are from Lawrence and from the gourmet world. But Robert and Molly Krause have opened up a gourmet version of a restaurant in Topeka. And everyone should be going.
This was my second visit to The Burger Stand. And each and every time I come back to Kansas, I will be sure to visit.
This visit, we had the Black and Blue Burger – an thick medium are burger, loaded with creamy blue cheese. We tried the Smoke burger – with great smoked bacon and all the fixing.
While the burgers are good – they also have taken the time to master French fries. You can try the regular or the duck fat fries, but my suggestions are the sweet potato fries – and the truffle fries. They have learned either a double or triple cooking method – and so you get fluffy – yet crunch and perfectly done fries. You can order a “side” for only $2 or a basket for slightly more. Your body tells you that you should not each them all – but trust me, you won’t be able to help yourself.
They have a great selection of local and national beers. They are branching out to hot dogs and more pub style food. It is a great place, and one of the best places in Topeka for quality food.
December 28th, 2011
Thank you so much Rick for the comment! We really appreciate such great insight and hope you enjoy future visits to The Burger Stand as much as past ones!
December 29th, 2011
Shalyn, I have been to T.B.S. twice, and the second time was just as good as the first. Will be going many times more!!!!!
December 29th, 2011
That’s great Jonathan! It is definitely a new Topeka favorite! Thank you for the comment!