The Hoosier State has absolutely no shortage of intriguing historic places. We've got some amazing history scattered all over the state, so it's no surprise at all that the oldest restaurant in Indiana, a little joint by the name of The Log Inn, is still around, too. It's still around for good reason: the food is great, the atmosphere is cozy and the history is definitely cool to know.
The Log Inn was built way back in 1825.
It was one of the very first stagecoach stops and inns to pop up during a time when stagecoach travel was booming.
During the 1840s, the Log Inn was one of the major players between Evansville and Vincennes, providing a place to stop, rest, and eat.
...and, if we're being honest here, it's still good for exactly those things. You'll definitely want to stop in, relax, and have a bite to eat as soon as you can (but no rush, really - it's been open for 200 years, so it'll probably still be around when you decide to visit).
In 1822, the first state road to run through the area was constructed.
Stagecoaches first began utilizing the road in 1824. They had both southbound and northbound schedules and, considering it was the first stagecoach line in the area, things ran fairly efficiently.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing to happen during the diner's 200-year history was when Abraham Lincoln himself came through in November 1844.
He was on the campaign trail for an associate of his when he visited The Log Inn, and today you can still eat in the same dining room that he did.
Today, it remains mostly unchanged, other than the obvious modern updates necessary to keep any business afloat.
Currently, the restaurant is taking reservations made over the phone. The staff asks that any parties of two or more make a reservation Tuesdays through Thursdays, and parties of 12 or larger need to make one Fridays and Saturdays. Please call (812) 867-3216 to plan your visit.
It's entirely possible that the whole reason they've been around so long is their insanely good, too-legit-to-quit house recipe fried chicken.
The Log Inn serves up loads of comfort food that's been helping us feel better on bad days for longer than any of us have been alive, and they're very, very good at it.
There's something amazingly interesting about a place that has photographs of its establishment dating all the way back to the turn of the century.
It's a testament to the spirit of Indiana itself if you ask us - wise, beautifully aged, and hospitable for hundreds of years.
As of this writing, The Log Inn is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it's open from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., and from Tuesday through Thursday, it's open from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. We recommend that you call ahead of time to ensure you'll have a spot at the table because reservations fill up fast. They can be reached at (812) 867-3216.
Have you ever tried the fried chicken at the oldest restaurant in Indiana? Tell us what your favorite comfort foods are in the comments below!
Craving some more historic Indiana deliciousness? Check this article out for some of the best there are!
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Address: 12491 County Road 200 East, Haubstadt, Indiana, 47639
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