Boss Hawgs

In a city full of cookie cutter chain restaurants—mostly strung along Wanamaker Road—Boss Hawg’s is a Topeka classic that defies definition. Well, let’s try:

Boss Hawg’s (bŏs hǒgs): Topeka’s award winning barbecue joint tucked away in a place you’d never find unless you knew it was there, represented by a pink pig iconic character who, oddly enough, is licking his chops as if he is craving a hot plate of smoked pork.

While other restaurants succeed, in part, by placing themselves on high-visibility lots, Boss Hawg’s is hidden in the terrace of Brookwood Shopping Center, yet thrives nonetheless. To make it in the competitive restaurant business, especially when you don’t have location going for you, you need to offer a great experience and, obviously, tasty food that will keep the customers coming back for more. And Boss Hawg’s offers that in spades. Certainly in the top tier of local barbecue, Boss Hawg’s is famous for their slow roasted meats. While the ribs rock (they have been ranked 3rd Place Ribs in North America by the Kansas City Barbeque Society), we keep going back for the lunch sandwiches—in particular the Southern Pig-n-Slaw featuring pulled pork served southern style with a heaping helping of slaw piled high on the sandwich.

The atmosphere of Boss Hawg’s is homey and makes a great place for lunch meetings. For a fun escape with your friends, don’t forget their companion sports bar Pigskins, located adjacent to the restaurant. There are plenty of TVs so you won’t miss the action, no matter where you are seated. Speaking of seats, they recently expanded their seating area by adding an upstairs balcony that overlooks the bar below.

Boss Hawg’s also caters, and if you have the budget can deliver a quality meal for your business or personal event.