If you've never been there the Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery is fun. It's on the south side of Topeka.
http://www.blindtiger.com/
The better hotels and most accessible are all pretty much on Wannamaker. The ones downtown IMHO are grossly over rated, but that's just me I suppose. I like to stay at the Hyatt Place on the North side of I70 on Wannamaker, but I have perks to stay in the Hyatt chain so it makes it very reasonable (although I don't think it's outrageous normally either). It's out of the way and discreet but can be hard to figure out how to get there the first time.
KsJack
heading north...mmmm what to do
Headed north going through Topeka possibly staying the night... if so where is a upscale hotel accessable and safe/ and great food/ restaurant PS updated my showcase 
