For those looking for something to do in Topeka, few experiences are as quintessentially local as sampling the city’s vibrant barbecue history. Topeka, Kansas, has long been home to family-owned barbecue joints and classic eateries that have been passed down through generations. Known to many as some of the best places to eat in Topeka, these establishments have served up smoky, saucy flavors that capture the essence of Kansas barbecue.
Among the historic barbecue names Topekans remember fondly are Wolfe’s Barbecue, Grovers, Blenders and of course Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant. [Thank you Topeka History Geeks] Wolfe’s was famous for its tangy ribs and hearty portions, while Blind Tiger made its mark not only as a brewery but as a destination for classic Kansas barbecue. Both of these spots, along with others over the years, helped cement Topeka’s reputation as a place where BBQ lovers could find authentic, time-honored flavors.
Amid these well-loved establishments, one family’s contribution stands out: the Carper family, whose name remains a quiet legend within Topeka’s BBQ scene. Founded in 1942 by Harry Carper Sr., Carper’s Bar-B-Q built a loyal following thanks to a distinct, tangy sauce that has been passed down through four generations. Today, Topeka native Eric Hamm, the great-grandson of Carper’s original founder, is reviving the family’s signature sauce and bringing it back to the city where it all began.
“I always said I wanted to bring it back to Topeka where it originated,” Hamm shared, expressing pride in his family’s legacy and the chance to introduce a new generation to Carper’s famous flavors.
The story of Carper’s Bar-B-Q began in 1920, when Harry Carper Sr., a baker, started barbecuing for neighbors in his backyard. Digging pits and grilling on handmade grills, he crafted a sauce that would become a local favorite. The family opened its first restaurant in 1942 and moved locations multiple times, but always carried the Carper’s name and signature sauce.
By 1985, the restaurant closed its doors, but the recipe remained a family treasure. After inheriting the recipe from his grandmother, Hamm set out to share the flavors of Carper’s sauce once again.
For those searching for the best places to eat in Topeka or hoping to dive into Topeka’s BBQ past, Eric Hamm’s journey to revive Carper’s Bar-B-Q brings a treasured taste of tradition back home. With dreams of expanding the sauce nationally, Hamm is setting his sights on taking Topeka’s barbecue heritage to a larger audience, while honoring the flavors his great-grandfather created over a century ago. So, if you’re looking for something to do in Topeka, why not start with a taste of its history? From the tangy legacy of Carper’s BBQ sauce to Topeka’s beloved barbecue scene, there’s no better way to savor the city’s past—and present.
