10 Indiana Restaurants That Could Make This Year’s Dinner One To Remember
Indianapolis has a restaurant that slowly spins while you eat your prime rib. Your dinner view changes before your dessert even shows up.
That rooftop is just one stop on this list. Another spot has served family-style fried chicken since 1928, and dessert comes as a scoop of ice cream with your choice of topping.
A third claims the title of the largest restaurant in Indiana.
The rest of the lineup covers a lot of ground. You’ll find Amish buffets, lake perch boned and buttered, a working farm with its own dining room, and a historic inn with a traveling board of specials.
I love that a great dinner here can mean a skyline, a barn, or a bowl of noodles. So which kind of memory are you hungry for this year?
1. HollyHock Hill
Some recipes stick around because they work, and this one has been working since 1928. That’s a long time to keep a fried chicken dinner on the table.
The star is the Hollyhock Fried Chicken Dinner, served family-style. You pass the bowls around just like you would at home.
Sides arrive in a parade you’ll want to cheer for. Expect salad, biscuits, beets, cottage cheese, corn, green beans, and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Not everyone at your table may want fried chicken, and that’s fine. The menu also lists a Chicken Tenders Dinner and Cedar-Plank Salmon.
The room feels historic and quiet, with a fireplace adding to the mood. It’s the kind of place where a holiday meal tastes like grandma cooked it.
Kids are welcome here too. High chairs and a kids’ menu make it easy to bring the whole crew.
Planning matters if you want a good spot. Dinner reservations are recommended, and Sundays and Saturday afternoons tend to get busy.
Keep the schedule in mind before you head out. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so aim for Wednesday through Sunday.
If your family loves passing bowls and arguing over the last biscuit, you’ve found your Indiana tradition.
Address: 8110 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46240
2. Old Richmond Inn
A traveling board of specials sounds like something out of a storybook. At this old-world landmark in Richmond, it’s just how dinner rolls.
The building itself is a big part of the charm. It’s a beautiful, historic space that feels romantic and a little upscale without being stuffy.
Hungry for something hearty? Prime rib with a twice baked potato is a favorite pairing here.
The menu leans international in spirit, too. You’ll spot Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Valentino alongside the classic steakhouse picks.
Breadsticks come up on the menu highlights, and they make a fine opening act. Portions are known for being generous, so pace yourself.
Holiday meals are a thing here. The inn has served Thanksgiving dinners with family-style sweet potatoes and NY strip steak on the table.
Want to sit outside on a nice evening? Outdoor seating is available, and a fireplace helps on chilly nights indoors.
Hours run seven days a week, starting at 11 AM. Saturday afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for a special occasion. Bring someone you want to impress and let the building do half the work.
Address: 138 S 5th St, Richmond, IN 47374
3. FARMbloomington
Calling your sandwich the World’s Greatest BLT takes serious confidence. This Bloomington cafe puts that bold claim right on the menu.
You’ll find it on Kirkwood Avenue, close to the Indiana University crowd. The vibe is funky and vintage, with modern farmhouse cooking leading the way.
Meat lovers have plenty to chew on. The Bison Burger and prime rib both get attention, and the garlic fries make a strong sidekick.
Brunch fans should look for The Indiana Benedict. It’s a fun local twist on a breakfast classic.
Pizza shows up too, including the vegetarian Wild Bianca. Roasted Brussels sprouts and well-cooked chicken round out a menu that keeps you guessing.
Planning a holiday meal here? Dining in is the smarter move over takeout for the full experience.
Dogs are allowed on the outdoor seating, which is great news for pup parents. Parking can be tricky downtown, so give yourself extra time.
Friday and Saturday nights get busy. Reservations are recommended for both dinner and brunch.
The place is closed Mondays. Every other day, you can show up hungry and leave arguing about whether that BLT really is the greatest.
Address: 108 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
4. Teibel’s Family Restaurant
Lake perch, boned and buttered, has kept this family business busy since 1929. Nearly a century later, that dish is still the headliner.
Teibel’s sits right on US-41 in Schererville, in the northwest corner of Indiana. It’s family-owned and built around homestyle fish and chicken plates.
The perch gets most of the praise, and for good reason. Fried chicken and frog legs are also on the lineup if you’re feeling adventurous.
Want to start small? The Relish Trio and Stuffed Mushroom Caps make easy table snacks.
Onion rings are a classic choice too.
Chicken livers appear on the menu for anyone chasing an old-school favorite. A baked potato with sour cream rounds out the plate nicely.
The dining room has a vintage feel with a slightly fancy touch. It still works for families, with high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu.
Holiday meals come into play here as well. Turkey dinners have been part of the offerings, though popular items can sell out.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons tend to fill up fast. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for a group.
Parking is usually plentiful, which makes the trip simple. The restaurant is closed Mondays, so plan your perch craving accordingly.
Address: 1775 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375
5. The Putnam Inn
Homemade cinnamon rolls and an ice cream bar on the same buffet? Greencastle clearly understands what people want.
The Putnam Inn is a relaxed family restaurant built around home-style cooking. Its big draw is an expansive buffet anchored by fried chicken.
The spread goes way beyond chicken, though. Turkey, ribs, fish, meatloaf, tenderloins, and pulled pork can all show up.
Vegetable lovers get a real lineup here. Think cheesy hash brown potatoes, a broccoli and rice dish, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.
Crab legs are among the menu highlights, which feels like a fun bonus. A fresh garden salad bar gives you a lighter way to start.
Then comes the sweet part of the evening. Bread pudding, the dessert bar, and that ice cream bar are hard to skip.
The setting is casual and quiet, perfect for a family dinner with no fuss. Kids’ menus, high chairs, and changing tables help with little ones.
Watch the calendar before you go. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sundays and Mondays.
Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Reservations are accepted, so call ahead for a larger party.
Bring stretchy pants and a game plan. This is a buffet that rewards patience and a second lap.
Address: 400 N Jackson St, Greencastle, IN 46135
6. Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery
Pie for dessert is nice, but pie as a reason to drive to Shipshewana is even better. Blue Gate bakes its way into plenty of travel plans.
This family-owned country kitchen and bakery sits beside an Amish crafts marketplace. You can shop, eat, and then shop some more.
The buffet reads like a holiday dinner menu. Chicken and beef noodles, Amish noodles, stuffing, fried chicken, meatloaf, and fried shrimp all make appearances.
Sides keep the comfort coming. Corn, green beans, mac and cheese, and a pair of soups help fill your plate.
Then the bakery steps up. Blueberry pie, lemon meringue pie, and seasonal pumpkin are among the sweet highlights.
Apple butter and cookies are also worth a look. Grabbing a treat to take home seems like a smart move.
Pot roast shows up on the menu for anyone who wants a slower, heartier meal. Vegetarian and vegan menus are available too.
Want to make an evening of it? Dinner and a show is a popular combo in this cute little town.
Menu dining runs Monday through Thursday until 7 PM and Friday and Saturday until 8 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Expect a wait during busy times, especially Saturday afternoons. Honestly, a little line just gives you time to pick which pie wins.
Address: 195 N Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565
7. Das Dutchman Essenhaus
Indiana’s largest restaurant is a title that comes with big expectations. Luckily, the pies here seem ready for the job.
Das Dutchman Essenhaus sits along US-20 in Middlebury. It serves homestyle American food in a folksy, Amish-inspired setting.
You get choices, which is great for picky groups. Go family-style, hit the hot buffet, or order off the menu.
The fried chicken gets plenty of love. Amish-style baked steak and Meatloaf Manhattan bring more old-fashioned comfort.
Chicken noodle soup is a menu highlight, perfect for a chilly Indiana evening. A salad bar offers a lighter path.
Don’t skip the dessert talk. Custard pie and Amish peanut butter spread are local treats worth trying.
Early birds will like this one. Doors open at 6:30 AM, so breakfast is on the table too.
A fireplace adds charm to the historic feel. Free Wi-Fi is there if someone needs to check the game score.
Families will find high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu. Parking is usually plentiful, which helps with big groups.
Plan around Sundays, when the restaurant is closed. Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest.
With that much space and that many pies, the only hard part is choosing. Maybe just order two slices.
Address: 240 US-20, Middlebury, IN 46540
8. Gasthof Amish Village
Fried sweet potatoes are the kind of side dish that makes you rethink your whole plate. Down in southern Indiana, they’re part of the buffet here.
Gasthof sits on Amish farmland near Montgomery. The kitchen serves homemade comfort food and baked goods buffet-style.
Fresh bread is a big deal at this spot. It’s homemade, and it pairs well with almost anything you pile on.
The entrees cover the classics. Fried chicken, fried fish, meatloaf, beef and noodles, and pot roast all appear.
Corn and green beans fill out the sides. A salad bar gives you a fresh, crunchy start.
Dessert lovers should aim straight for the cobbler. Other sweets join the spread, so you’ll have options.
The atmosphere stays calm and clean, which is a nice change from busy city dining. It’s a relaxing place to linger over seconds.
There’s also a gift shop on site. It’s a fun stop while everyone waits for their food to settle.
Sunday hours are shorter, running from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. Other days run later, with Friday and Saturday open until 9 PM.
Reservations are accepted, which helps for groups. Friday evenings and Saturdays bring the biggest crowds.
Come for the chicken, stay for the bread, and leave with cobbler regrets only if you skipped it.
Address: 6659 Gasthof Vlg Rd, Montgomery, IN 47558
9. Farmhouse Restaurant
A 32-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye is less of a meal and more of a dare. Fair Oaks makes it sound like a fun one.
Farmhouse Restaurant is a massive, barn-like space at Fair Oaks Farms. Many dishes use produce grown right on site.
The menu stays rooted in comfort food. Chicken Pot Pie and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf are two hearty picks.
Got a mac and cheese fan in your group? Fair Oaks Farms’ Mac & Cheese is a menu highlight, and cornbread muffins make a sweet side.
The Artisan Cheese Board is a natural choice at a farm famous for dairy. Charred Brussels sprouts offer a lighter bite.
Bacon lovers can go big with the bacon sampler plate. A 14-ounce hand-cut ribeye is there for steak fans who want something smaller than the cowboy cut.
The see-through kitchen lets you watch the action. A patio with live music adds to the fun on nice days.
Holiday decorations in the main dining room make this a festive pick. It’s a solid choice for big gatherings.
Weekday hours run from 4 to 9 PM. Friday through Sunday adds a 10 AM to 3 PM window too.
Dogs are allowed outside, and kids get their own menu. Leave room for dessert, unless that cowboy ribeye wins the battle.
Address: 754 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943
10. The Eagle’s Nest
Here’s a dinner where the view keeps changing while you sit still. The Eagle’s Nest slowly revolves high above downtown Indianapolis.
It sits on top of the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Avenue. The skyline becomes your backdrop as the room turns.
The Signature Herb-Crusted Prime Rib is the big star. It’s the kind of plate that fits a holiday or anniversary perfectly.
Starters are worth your attention too. The shrimp appetizer gets high marks, and hummus offers a lighter start.
Mac N Cheese makes a comforting side for the table. There’s also a full vegan menu, which is great for mixed groups.
Dessert might be the best part of the spin. Creme Brulee and Pineapple Cake are two sweet ways to finish.
The mood is romantic, upscale, and quiet. Service here is known for being attentive without hovering.
Yes, this is a splurge. Still, for a memorable night out in Indy, the experience feels worth it.
Dinner runs every day from 5 to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Parking options include valet and nearby garages. Time your reservation near sunset, and let the city show off one slow turn at a time.
Address: 1 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204