No need to leave a plate of cookies for Santa later this month. He already has his pick of delectable sweets at Santa’s Candy Castle in the Spencer County town named after him. Since the jolly old soul is also hospitable, he invites you to visit and indulge in an overwhelming variety of candy and… Continue reading.

No political campaign was ever won on an empty stomach. Between photo ops of chowing down with the voting public to simply needing the energy to sustain a long campaign, folks running for office just naturally gravitate to down-home restaurants serving up stick-to-your ribs kind of meals. In Huntington, such a place is Nick’s Kitchen,… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever A year ago, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the future of the fertile u-pick fields and home-style meals of Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant. The iconic agritourism destination atop the rolling knobs of Starlight was brought to a very public auction by a division in the family-run business. But… Continue reading.

It isn’t every day that a steak place gets rave reviews for its salad bar. But Cork ‘n Cleaver, an institution in Fort Wayne (it opened in 1974), is renowned for its 52-item salad bar which State Rep. Bob Morris calls “the best salad bar in the state.” The recommendation comes with good reason. Besides… Continue reading.

Creativity reigns on Voodoo Public House’s menu. And foodie fans of this popular Peru eatery couldn’t be happier with the culinary magic Rose Ryan, chef and co-owner, performs in the kitchen. For example, with the inspired addition of bacon and truffle oil, deviled eggs are elevated beyond your standard summer picnic fare. Sure, the restaurant’s… Continue reading.

Family-owned restaurants are a rarity in these days of chain eatery domination. But The Saratoga in downtown Terre Haute has been lovingly run by the Malooley family since 1942.  Back then, Joe Malooley purchased the restaurant from local attorney George Nasser. Nasser was the brother-in-law of Joe’s brother, Abe. When Abe returned home from serving… Continue reading.

You’ll literally need to travel off the beaten path down a few winding roads to find Bonge’s Tavern. Located 30 minutes from Indianapolis, Bonge’s is the claim-to-fame of the small unincorporated area known as Perkinsville. And, it’s one of those must-visit destinations for Hoosier foodies. Opened as a tavern in 1934, the building sat empty… Continue reading.

For 51 years, Chaperral Café owner Shirley Bailey has manned the kitchen at her downtown Shelbyville eatery. She gets there at 3:30 a.m. each morning to open the doors and start cooking breakfast for regulars who stop in for their coffee, bacon and eggs, or biscuits and gravy. And she doesn’t stop cooking — or… Continue reading.

The aptly named Scenic View Restaurant in Bloomington has an ample and varied menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, pastas, brunch items, drinks and desserts. But that’s not the only reason folks flock there. A major draw for this eatery just 10 minutes from the Indiana University campus is its location overlooking Lake Monroe which… Continue reading.

In small cities and towns all around America, the town square is the heart of the community. It’s a gathering place for area residents and offers an opportunity for locally owned stores and restaurants to conveniently serve customers and thrive. Columbia City’s town square features the aptly named eatery, The Square. Located in a historic… Continue reading.

Vincennes, Indiana, is the site of our state’s first university, first newspaper and first bank. It’s also home to a charming lunch spot where you’ll be tempted to eat your dessert, you guessed it, first.  Pea-fections, located in Vincennes’ downtown, just steps from the George Rogers Clark Memorial, is a culinary mecca for foodies with… Continue reading.

Locally-owned, one-of-a-kind restaurants are a foodie’s dream — and as Indiana Eats has discovered, our state is blessed with many unique dining options. For those who enjoy a tasty smoked meat meal, Holy Smoke Hog Roast in downtown Martinsville is a must-visit destination. Owners Roger and Mary Lawrence describe their fare as safe, wholesome, simple,… Continue reading.