Indiana is one of those states that are literally filled top to bottom with excellent restaurants, bakeries, and eateries - and from about every country and culture imaginable. Our favorites, though, tend to be the little guys - the mom-and-pop restaurants that bring communities together and provide some of the best meals you'll ever indulge in. Let's take a look at six rural mom-and-pop restaurants in Indiana that are totally worth a journey out to - trust us, these folks go above and beyond in the "wonderful" department (in no particular order). Bring your appetite; you're going to need it:
1. Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Loogootee
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant is an amazing place that plenty of locals have already made their weekly must-do. One bite of just about anything on the menu and you'll want to be a regular, too. It's not always easy to find flavorful, authentic Mexican food in the Midwest, but Los Amigos is one of the places that does it right. It's so small it doesn't even have a website, but you can keep an eye on the official Los Amigos Restaurant Facebook page for the latest hours and specials.
2. Mama T’s Italian Steak House, Huntingburg
Another much-beloved community staple, this time in Huntingburg, Mama T's is everything you could ever ask for in a delicious place for dinner. It not only serves up some of the downright best Italian food in Indiana; nope - it's also got some truly to-die-for steaks, chops, and more. So, be sure to bring your eating A-game (and a loose-fitting pair of pants). You're sure to leave Mama T's stuffed.
3. Hirosaki Japanese Restaurant, Avon
Our next pick is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Indiana you can go to, hands down. If you ever find yourself craving deliciously fresh and flavorful sushi, teppanyaki, and even steaks, you might want to consider a drive out to Avon for this place. The place has rave reviews for a reason, and they are well-deserved.
4. Jefferson Street BBQ, Converse
Lovers of soul food, barbecue and all things comfort are going to love this one. This amazing bbq place in Indiana is one of those places that you realize your mouth is watering before you even come in thanks to the incredible aroma of smoking, cooking, braising, and all the other fun stuff going on in the kitchen. For the best brisket you've ever eaten and fall-off-the-bone ribs from heaven, you're going to want to hit Jefferson Street.
5. Jay's Thai Food, Marion
Jay's Thai Food has a couple of locations around the Hoosier State, but the one in Marion is our favorite. It's got amazing reviews, amazing food, amazing staff, and just an overall ultra-amazing experience. Even folks who don't normally like Thai are sure to find something to love at Jay's. You'll love the deliciously customizable menu and the giant dinner portions, too.
6. Christo’s Family Dining, Knox
Finally, head out to Knox and give Christo's Family Dining a try. It's home to numerous choices for the ultimate dining experience; you can have some of the best gyros in Indiana, or opt for steak or chicken instead. The menu's one of those that seems to have a little of everything, and we are here for it. Make sure to leave room for dessert.
So, what do you think? How many of these amazing mom-and-pop restaurants in rural Indiana did you already know about? Which ones would you love to see added to a future list? Let us know by filling out this form and you just might!
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