If there's anything we Midwesterners love, it's sitting down for a good, hearty meal made up of the best comfort food you could ever think of. One restaurant in Hagerstown, Indiana, is a champion of that mindset; their food is timeless and delicious, and you're bound to come back again for more. When it comes to comfort food in Indiana, Willie & Red's is everything and then some.
The restaurant that stood here before was known as Welliver's Smorgasbord, but when Mike and Penny Wickes took over, it got a name change and some renovations.
Nowadays, Willie and Red's has this excellent old-school vibe that is both warm and welcoming.
Even the doorman is a jolly fellow:
...okay, but seriously, though. You're going to want to come inside as soon as possible.
Willie and Red's takes the whole "smorgasbord" thing very seriously.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the smorgasbord at Willie and Red's comes to life. You have infinite possibilities and combinations, and you're going to need every ounce of your appetite to try it all. The smorgasbord (also known as a buffet) is open on Sundays for lunch and dinner as well.
Take your pick from a huge selection of salad fixings, meats, starches, veggies, and dessert, of course. Everything is fresh and just as warm or cold as you'd hope it was, with lots of delicious hot soups and warm breads, too!
The rest of the time, however, the restaurant has a large menu filled end to end with incredible comfort food.
It's a Midwesterner's dream; comfort foods like mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, warm, fresh biscuits, collard greens, and even prime rib are all up for grabs. The prime ribs, steaks, and pork ribs are all to die for; you have to leave enough room to try everything - take our word on that one!
The entire atmosphere of Willie & Red's is one of old-school Midwestern comfort.
It's got that same vibe you would have felt upon entering an all-you-can-eat buffet during the 1990s: laid back, casual, and oh so delicious.
Both the regular menu and the smorgasbord are super-affordable and well worth every dime. People come from outside of Hagerstown to experience the deliciousness that is the local legend of Willie and Red's.
If you're hoping to come on down to Willie and Red's, make sure to check out their website for the most up-to-date hours and reservation information. It's one of the most highly-rated restaurants in the Hagerstown area, and you'll see why from the very first bite. Need your fill of more delicious Indiana spots you need to try ASAP? Check out this article for our favorite picks of 2021.
What do you think? Have you ever tried the prime rib at Willie and Red's? Does this comfort food in Indiana strike your fancy? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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