Dine At These 12 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In Indiana That Are Actually Amazing
Sometimes big things come in small packages, especially when it comes to restaurants. Most Hoosiers know by now not to judge a restaurant by its exterior, but sometimes petite establishments just look too small to deliver amazing food. Of course, these 12 tiny restaurants in Indiana prove this stereotype wrong by offering superb service, excellent food, and a fantastic atmosphere. Prepare your taste buds for total indulgence, because you’ll feel right at home with the comfort food on the following menus.
Winter in Indiana can be bitterly cold. As a result, locals often experience cabin fever... and they find themselves craving the irresistable flavors of summertime grillin'. Bravas is famous in Fort Wayne for their fresh burgers (whether beef or veggie). You can't go wrong with their patatas bravas or mac n' cheese as a side choice. You can find them at 3412 Fairfield Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46807.
Converse is a historic and charming community with all sorts of surprising culture. In this small community, you'll also find some of the most mouthwatering farm-to-table barbecue anywhere in the area. Jefferson Street BBQ is easily one of the best little smokehouses in Indiana. Sure, you might wait a bit on Fridays or Saturdays, but you'll be so glad you did. Try their famous pulled pork nachos, jalapeno corn bread, brisket, or any number of their famous sandwiches (...and don't forget the napkins). Check them out at 101 N Jefferson St, Converse, IN 46919.
For such a vast state, Indiana lacks the cultural diversity that you'd typically find in places like New York, which feature all sorts of ginormous communities. Nonetheless, people from all over the world have fallen in love with the local landscape... and they've introduced locals to indulgent comfort food. For great Indian food, Spice Box is worth the squeeze. This space was opened after the success of the Spice Box food truck took off (with another tiny location in the City Market). You have to try their tikka masala, Indian tacos, and paneer. Think you can handle the heat? Visit them at 222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
What is it about nostalgia that tastes so good? In some indescribable way, an old-fashioned approach to dining seems to add its own particular flavor to indulgent and familiar dishes. This dive in Washington, Indiana definitely doesn't look like much from the outside, but anyone who's ever been here can tell you that The New White Steamer is the real deal. Their simple yet tasty burgers have been satisfying residents for decades. Their tenderloin and fish sandwiches are also top notch. Try them out at 21 E Main St, Washington, IN 47501.
Food and service alike often factor into a restaurant's overall quality, and you'll find that both are excellent at Tony Impellizzeri's Pizza. Tony's in New Albany has what is arguably some of the best deep dish pizza you'll find in all of Indiana. Though they can only seat around 30 people at a time, you'll be impressed with their huge portions and high quality ingredients. Seriously, the proof is in the pizza! Test them out at 5170 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, IN 47150.
Traditionally, the word Nashville would invoke visions of spicy southern-style fried chicken and all sorts of traditional American comfort food. Here in Indiana, well... it conjures up visions of mouthwatering sandwiches. Whether you stop in for breakfast or lunch, you'll fall in love with the charm and quaintness of Our Sandwich Place. From their biscuits and gravy to their hot ham and cheese, this cozy restaurant aims to please with their simple selections. Taste them at 15 S Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448.
All of these mouthwatering pictures of food are probably making you hungry, and we don't at all blame you. It's important to remember, however, to save room for a bit of dessert. Ben and Penny's is a tiny place that's well known for their ice cream. Their flavors are inventive and delicious, and their location is gorgeously located right by the river. Next time you're in southern Indiana, visit them at 20 Water St, Newburgh, IN 47630.
Modest yet delicious, there's something for everyone at Lumpy's. With hand breaded Hoosier tenderloins and an attention to detail that most large restaurants lack, Lumpy's Cafe in Cambridge City is a true gem. With hours ranging from breakfast to lunch time, be sure to double check before heading over. You can try this tasty tenderloin at 20 N Foote St, Cambridge City, IN 47327.
Just getting over that weekend drag? Treat yourself to Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday meals! This dive in Elkhart has some of the best authentic, fast Mexican food around. Expect to cozy up to strangers to get a seat, but trust me, once you try their tacos, you won't mind. Hurry up and visit them at 57995 County Rd 9, Elkhart, IN 46517.
Can't get enough of Tex-Mex cuisine? For great burritos, tacos, and more, everyone near La Porte knows to go to Tacos My Fren. Even their guac and salsa is a step above most other Mexican restaurants. Try for yourself at 1031 E Lincolnway, La Porte, IN 46350.
The Brick in Joneseville's name stems from the structure's brick-like shape. This tiny restaurant is known for its fantastic burgers and chili. Make sure you bring cash when you visit them at 309 Walnut St, Jonesville, IN 47247.
With an owner from Chicago, you know this food is bound to be good. South of Chicago is well known in central Indiana for their Italian beef sandwiches, deep dish Chicago-style pizza, and garlic bread. With locations now in Fishers and Noblesville, you need to give one of these tiny places a try.
Have you ever eaten at any of these delicious tiny restaurants? What other tiny restaurants in Indiana did we miss? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Indiana is a diverse state when it comes to dining, and your taste buds are sure to enjoy touring The Hoosier State. Check out some of these authentically Hoosier restaurants for a unique approach to local restaurants in Indiana.
Address: 3412 Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807, USA
Address: 101 N Jefferson St, Converse, IN 46919, USA
Address: 222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
Address: 21 E Main St, Washington, IN 47501, USA
Address: 5170 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, IN 47150, USA
Address: 20 W Water St, Newburgh, IN 47630, USA
Address: 20 N Foote St, Cambridge City, IN 47327, USA
Address: 57995 Co Rd 9, Elkhart, IN 46517, USA
Address: 1031 E Lincolnway, La Porte, IN 46350, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tiny Restaurants In Indiana
January 26, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there other small restaurants in Indiana worth trying?
There sure are! Once you’ve visited the mouthwatering small restaurants in Indiana from the road trip list above, check out some other local favorites.
What are the best restaurants in Indiana?
The best restaurants in Indiana, you’ll find, are often the most unsuspecting. Carolyn’s Country Pizza-Ria has some of the best pizza in the U.S., and that’s just one of many locally coveted eateries.
What are the favorite local restaurants in Indiana?
The best local restaurants in Indiana are hiding in plain sight. Don’t be afraid to explore your community… and don’t be afraid to ask around for suggestions! And for countless suggestions, just do a quick search on our Only In Indiana page.
Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.
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