In Nappanee, Indiana, a small remote town of 6,800 people, something special has grown out of the ashes of history. Some might call it just another upscale bistro that could just as easily be in downtown New York or Chicago, but at its heart, it's much more than that. And its chicken wings are the best you'll find in all of Indiana.
From the ashes of multiple fires, Ruhe152 has risen and is now an ultra-modern bistro, brewery, and distillery all rolled into one delicious bite.
This historic building dates back to 1891 when it was a livery barn.
In 1932 it became Pletcher’s furniture company until Wolfberg’s Department Store took over the building in 1962.
In 2018 Ruhe152 owners Gary Nephew and Scott Tuttle saw this historic gem for what it was - a crucial element of Nappanee history that had the potential to grow wings and transform into something new. The building was completely gutted and renovated preserving its historic bones and infusing it with a beautiful modern style.
But about those wings of another kind...
Fill your plate with the most delightfully delicious wings you can imagine with their crispy caramelized edges and six different flavors to choose from.
Of course, nothing goes better with a plate of wings than a flight of craft beer.
Head Brewer David Michael is a hop-flinging maestro celebrated all across the Midwest for his craft. If you'd rather try a flight of Ruhe152's in-house rum, spiced rum, tequila, and vodka, you can certainly do that too.
Even though Wednesday is all about those wings, be sure to save room for a dessert sent down from heaven.
Speaking of heavenly combinations, Elkhart County is a diverse landscape for the arts. Ruhe152 is honored by the presence of the world-famous Seward Johnson’s brass statue "Dining Out" in its outdoor dining area.
And perhaps you noticed those wings rising up in the background...
One of Ruhe152's signature attractions is its double set of angel wings painted on the back wall of its outdoor seating area - a beautiful nod to Nappanee and its local culture.
Nappanee has a rich heritage of Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish ancestry, both of which have their roots in Swiss-German lineage. Ruhe is a German word that means calm, relaxed, or serene. Like an angel looking over this small remote part of Indiana with a big heart.
If you know of other hidden gems in Indiana that deserve some foodie love, please share them with a comment.
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