Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a foodie getaway, but after a few weekend trips—Indianapolis, Bloomington, even tiny towns like Nashville—I’ve come to appreciate just how unexpectedly fun the dining scene here can be. It’s a mix of old-school Midwest comfort and creative, sometimes downright quirky spots that you’d never expect to find off a quiet highway or tucked into a college town.
Indy brings the heat with places like Bluebeard and Milktooth, where brunch feels like an art form. Bloomington surprises with globally inspired menus, fueled by the university crowd. And then there are the roadside diners, barnyard bistros, and train car cafés scattered from Fort Wayne to French Lick that somehow steal the show. From gourmet fried chicken to UFO-themed diners, these 20 unique restaurants across Indiana are reason enough to hit the road hungry.
- 👉 Pro Tip: Discover Indy’s flavors on the Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour! Stroll through this trendy neighborhood, sampling local dishes while learning about its history and culture. A must for food lovers!
Indiana’s Most Unusual Restaurants
Planning an Indiana road trip? Whether you’re craving comfort food, global flavors, or a quirky dining experience inside a train car or historic inn, this list has you covered. Here’s a quick-hit guide to the most unique restaurants in the Hoosier State—tap any spot below to jump to its details.
- Best Hands-On Dining Experience: Axum Ethiopian Restaurant
- Spiciest Island Vibes: Jamaican Breeze Sports Bar & Grill
- Most Nostalgic Diner Throwback: Mayberry Cafe
- Top Spot for German Pastries: Heidelberg Haus
- Best BYOB Tailgate Dinner: Bonge’s Tavern
- Most Romantic Historic Hideaway: Story Inn
- Top Classic Carhop Stop: Payne’s Restaurant
- Best Dumpling Fix: Little Tibet Restaurant
- Top Afghan Cuisine Experience: Samira Restaurant
- Best German Beer Hall Energy: Schnitzelbank Restaurant
- Ultimate Milkshake Destination: Ivanhoe’s
- Coolest Steakhouse-Meets-Lebanese Mashup: House of Como in Evansville
Here’s how I’d tackle it: start your trip in Indy for Ethiopian and German eats, hit Bloomington for Tibetan momos and Afghan kebabs, then venture to Brown County or Gas City for that small-town charm. Hungry yet? Scroll on for all the flavor-packed details.
1. Axum Ethiopian Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Indianapolis (Near Downtown/Fletcher Place)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Ethiopian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Ethiopian communal dining, injera bread, vegetarian/meat stews (wots).
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ethiopian food explorers, communal diners, and adventurous eaters.
Journey to the Horn of Africa at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant! This gem offers an authentic taste of Ethiopia, where you ditch utensils and scoop up flavorful stews with spongy injera bread. It’s a hands-on flavor adventure!
Share large platters laden with colourful wots. The spicy chicken doro wat is a must-try. Fantastic lentil and vegetable options like the vegetarian combo (with misir wot, kik alicha, and gomen), or savory beef tibs, are also excellent.
2. Bluebeard
This place is a must for anyone who’s into inventive flavor combos and industrial-chic vibes. Bluebeard is set inside a former warehouse in the historic Holy Rosary neighborhood. The ever-changing menu leans into Midwestern ingredients and is both hyper seasonal and super creative. Their house made breads come from Amelia’s— don’t skip the focaccia or the cheesy biscuits. For dinner, I was floored by their duck confit and the agnolotti, but vegetarians are far from left out either. The cocktail game here is strong, and the giant windows give the whole place a buzzing but cozy energy. Best tip: snag a seat on the patio during sunset. If you want to grab dessert somewhere else, walk a few blocks to Square Cat Vinyl for records and coffee.
3. Jamaican Breeze Sports Bar & Grill
- 📍 Location: Indianapolis (Northwest Side)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Jamaican / Caribbean
- 🔥 Standout Features: Jamaican jerk/curry dishes, island cocktails (rum punch!), reggae/Caribbean music.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Jamaican food lovers, jerk spice enthusiasts, rum cocktails, Caribbean vibes, and sports fans.
Ya mon, get ready for island time at Jamaican Breeze Sports Bar & Grill! This spot brings the irie vibes and fiery flavors of Jamaica right to Indianapolis. Expect bold spices, tropical drinks, and music that makes you want to move!
Feast on authentic Jamaican classics. Tender, spicy jerk chicken is essential. Rich curry goat, or savory oxtail stew slow-cooked to perfection, are also fantastic. Cool down with a potent rum punch or a Red Stripe beer.
4. Milktooth
Milktooth is breakfast and brunch at its boldest. The menu is totally unpredictable, with global twists on comfort food classics— think Dutch baby pancakes, croque madame with smoked ham, or Korean-inspired steak and eggs. Their coffee program is as obsessive as their food, and their hip, sun-drenched dining room in Fletcher Place is an Instagrammer’s dream. There’s often a wait, but it’s worth it. Pro tip: try the sorghum-glazed bacon— it’s legendary. After you eat, stroll to Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company or browse Amelia’s bakery right around the corner.
5. Mayberry Cafe
- 📍 Location: Danville (West of Indianapolis)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Homestyle American / Diner Classics
- 🔥 Standout Features: Andy Griffith Show/Mayberry theme, classic comfort food, Aunt Bee’s fried chicken, nostalgic diner feel.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fans of the Andy Griffith Show, classic TV, homestyle comfort food, and families.
Welllll, doggies! Step into the wholesome world of Mayberry at the Mayberry Cafe in Danville! This charming spot is a loving tribute to The Andy Griffith Show, filled with memorabilia and serving classic American comfort food just like Aunt Bee used to make.
Enjoy hearty helpings of “Aunt Bee’s” fried chicken. Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, or other diner classics like a hot roast beef sandwich, are also popular. The atmosphere is pure small-town nostalgia, making every meal feel like a visit with Andy.
6. The Garage Food Hall
Giant food halls often feel impersonal, but The Garage is lively and seriously cool. Set inside the Bottleworks District, it’s packed with indie food vendors serving everything from Venezuelan arepas to hand-cut ramen. Grab a lobster roll at J’s Lobster, or samosas from Chapati. The vintage gas station vibe, with strings of Edison bulbs and communal high-tops, makes it a fun spot for groups. There’s live music on weekends and craft beer everywhere. My move is to go for lunch and then catch a film at the Living Room Theaters one block away.
7. Heidelberg Haus
- 📍 Location: Indianapolis (Lawrence area)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Cafe/Bakery)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German Cafe / Bakery / Delicatessen
- 🔥 Standout Features: German pastries, traditional German deli, imported German groceries.
- 🎯 Perfect For: German pastries, deli, and treats.
Guten Tag from the Heidelberg Haus! This Indianapolis institution is a delightful German bakery, cafe, and delicatessen that transports you straight to a cozy Bavarian village. Prepare for an onslaught of incredible pastries and Old World charm!
Indulge in authentic German baked goods. Delicate Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) is a must-try. Rich Black Forest Cake, and crusty German breads like rye or pumpernickel, are also fantastic. Grab a traditional German sandwich from the deli.
8. Oakleys Bistro
If you love a chef-driven kitchen, put Oakleys Bistro on your list. Chef Steven Oakley is a Chopped champion, and his playful, artfully plated food proves why. Recently, I tried their truffle popcorn (trust me, yes) and a pan-seared scallop on coconut risotto. The bistro itself is intimate but unpretentious, with soft lighting and a bustling open kitchen that keeps the energy up. This is an excellent pick for a date night or when your parents are in town. I recommend making a reservation. Just down the road, you can peek into the Shops at River Crossing for some boutique browsing.
9. Bonge’s Tavern
- 📍 Location: Perkinsville (Rural, North of Anderson)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Steak & Seafood (Chalkboard Menu)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chalkboard menu changes frequently, quality meats/seafood, unique tailgating/BYOB-while-waiting culture.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Destination dining adventurers, steak and seafood lovers, and patient foodies.
Pack your patience and cooler for Bonge’s Tavern in tiny Perkinsville, an Indiana culinary pilgrimage! This legendary spot is famous for incredible food, a chalkboard menu that changes frequently, and the unique tradition of tailgating while you wait.
Once inside, expect expertly prepared upscale American fare. Fantastic steaks, like a New York strip or ribeye, are always a highlight. Fresh seafood specials, or their renowned Perkinsville Pork (a smoked pork chop), are also excellent.
10. The Exchange Pub + Kitchen
Southern Indiana isn’t just comfort food and barbecue, and The Exchange in New Albany is proof. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the spot mixes exposed brick, a killer cocktail bar, and inventive pub grub— think duck fat fries or the Korean BBQ burger. Their patio is one of my favorite places to relax when the weather is good. Watch out for their rotating craft beer list and live bluegrass nights. It’s a short walk to the Ohio River Greenway if you need a stroll post-burger.
11. Story Inn
- 📍 Location: Story (Brown County – Historic Village)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person (Restaurant Fine Dining)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Farm-to-Table (Often)
- 🔥 Standout Features: 19th-century village setting, romantic ambiance, seasonal/local ingredients.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic getaways, historic inn lovers, farm-to-table enthusiasts, and Brown County visitors.
Step back in time at the Story Inn, in the preserved 19th-century village of Story. The restaurant, in the former general store, offers a unique and romantic dining experience steeped in history and charm. This story has a delicious ending!
Indulge in upscale American cuisine. Expect beautifully crafted dishes like perfectly cooked duck breast with a seasonal fruit reduction. Creative vegetable entrees, or tender local lamb preparations, paired with selections from their thoughtful wine list, are also common.
12. Cerulean Restaurant
Set in the heart of Winona Lake, Cerulean Restaurant is all bright, modern architecture and bold flavors. The interior feels almost Scandinavian, with lots of natural light and sleek wood accents. Standouts on the menu include the ramen bowl (the miso broth is soul-soothing) and the playful bento boxes that change seasonally. The second-floor treehouse seating is a hidden gem for a quiet dinner. This is the sort of place that makes a small-town Indiana evening feel extra special. After dinner, wander down to the lakeshore or hit up the nearby Village at Winona for boutique shopping.
13. Payne’s Restaurant (Payne’s Restaurant & Custard)
- 📍 Location: Gas City
- 💲 Price range: $8 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner / Custard Stand
- 🔥 Standout Features: Carhop service, fried chicken/breaded tenderloins, homemade frozen custard.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Retro diner fans, fried chicken lovers, frozen custard addicts, and classic carhop service.
Roll back the clock at Payne’s Restaurant & Custard in Gas City! This historic diner offers carhop service, making you feel like you’ve stepped into “American Graffiti.” And the food? Pure comfort! Save room for their delicious homemade frozen custard.
Sink your teeth into their famous fried chicken, crispy and juicy. A massive breaded pork tenderloin sandwich (an Indiana staple!), or classic diner burgers with crinkle-cut fries, are also fantastic. Their homemade frozen custard (vanilla or chocolate) is a must.
14. Upland Brewing Wood Shop
For wild ales and wood-fired pizza, Upland’s Wood Shop in Bloomington nails it. It’s the brand’s intimate sour ale bar, where you can sample funky, barrel-aged beers you won’t find anywhere else. The vibe mixes rustic and industrial, with giant barrels and a communal table that encourages conversation. The pizza menu is short but perfect— try the white pie with arugula. The outdoor patio is low-key great if you want to chill post-hike (after a trip to nearby Griffy Lake, maybe). Locals know to check the board for one-off draft releases.
15. Little Tibet Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Bloomington
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tibetan / Himalayan
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Tibetan momos (dumplings)/thukpa (noodle soup), vegetarian-friendly options.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Tibetan food explorers, dumpling fans (momos!), Bloomington locals, and vegetarians.
Journey to the roof of the world at Little Tibet Restaurant in Bloomington! This cozy spot offers an authentic taste of Tibetan and Himalayan cuisine, featuring unique spices and comforting dishes. Get ready for a delicious mountain escape!
The absolute stars are the Momos – delicious steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat (beef or chicken) or vegetables. Warm up with a hearty bowl of Thukpa (noodle soup with vegetables and meat). Explore other traditional Tibetan specialties like shapta (stir-fried beef).
16. BRU Burger Bar Indianapolis
If you’re craving a burger, BRU in downtown Indy is next level. They source local beef and aren’t afraid to get playful – the Bourbon Burger with bacon-onion marmalade is unreal, and their garlic three-cheese fries are borderline addictive. It’s modern and lively, with floor-to-ceiling windows and local art lining the walls. Great spot for friends or a low-key date. If you grab a booth, you’ll catch plenty of people-watching. Afterward, walk a block over to Mass Ave for indie theater, comics, and late-night coffee.
17. Samira Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Bloomington
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Afghan / Middle Eastern
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Afghan cuisine, kebabs/rice dishes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Middle Eastern cuisine fans and intimate dinners.
Experience warm hospitality and rich aromas of Afghanistan at Samira Restaurant in Bloomington. This spot offers authentic Afghan dishes prepared with care, served in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. It’s a journey for your taste buds!
Indulge in succulent kebabs (lamb or chicken) grilled to perfection. Served alongside fragrant basmati rice dishes like Qabuli Palaw (rice with carrots, raisins, and lamb). Flavorful vegetarian options like Badenjan (eggplant stew) are also excellent.
18. Schnitzelbank Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Jasper
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic German / Bavarian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Huge variety of schnitzels, German beer hall ambiance, extensive German menu, imported German beers.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Schnitzel fans, German food lovers, beer garden enthusiasts, and enjoying German heritage in Indiana.
Willkommen to Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper, a true taste of Germany in Southern Indiana! This beloved spot in India is famous for its incredible array of schnitzels and its authentic German beer hall atmosphere. Get your oom-pah-pah on!
Choose from a dizzying variety of perfectly pounded and fried schnitzels – classic Wiener Schnitzel (veal) is a must. Jägerschnitzel (with mushroom gravy), or various sausage platters with sauerkraut, are also fantastic. Wash it all down with a stein of German beer.
19. Ivanhoe’s
- 📍 Location: Upland
- 💲 Price range: $8 – $20 per person (Burgers/Shakes)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Diner / Ice Cream Parlor (100+ Shake Flavors!)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Over 100 shake/sundae flavors, classic diner burgers/sandwiches.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Milkshake lovers, ice cream fans, diner food enthusiasts, retro seekers, and families.
Prepare for shake-induced indecision at Ivanhoe’s in Upland! This legendary local spot is famous for its mind-boggling menu of over 100 different milkshake and sundae flavors. It’s a sweet tooth’s paradise!
While you choose between a Peanut Butter Oreo Shake or a Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae, grab a classic diner meal. Juicy burgers, a satisfying BLT, or their popular breaded tenderloin sandwich are great. The retro vibe and endless sweet treats make Ivanhoe’s a must.
- Read also: Most Livable Destinations in the USA
20. House of Como in Evansville
- 📍 Location: Evansville
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Old-School American Steakhouse / Lebanese-American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Supper club vibe (since 1969), Lebanese-American appetizers (Como Mezza), classic steaks/seafood.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Steakhouse traditionalists, romantic retro dinners, and experiencing Evansville history.
Step into a time capsule of supper club cool at the House of Como in Evansville! This historic spot, serving since 1969, exudes old-school charm with its dim lighting, classic steakhouse fare, and a unique Lebanese-American twist. It’s a taste of vintage Evansville.
The experience starts with the “Como Mezza” – a traditional spread of Lebanese appetizers like hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh. For entrees, a fantastic classic steak (filet or sirloin) or seafood like fried shrimp are popular.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Most Unique Restaurants in Indiana
Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Indiana? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Indiana’s most unique restaurants.
What food is famous in Indiana?
If you’re cruising through Indiana, you’ve got to try the pork tenderloin sandwich. Picture this: a juicy, breaded pork tenderloin, fried to perfection and bigger than the bun it’s served on. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious. And let’s not forget about Indiana’s sweet corn and sugar cream pie, known as the state pie. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is the state dish of Indiana?
While Indiana doesn’t officially have a state dish, if you ask me, the pork tenderloin sandwich would take the crown. It embodies Hoosier hospitality with its generous size and down-to-earth goodness. Another contender? Sugar cream pie. It’s simple, sweet, and screams Indiana. Both are must-tries for anyone wanting a taste of the state’s culinary heart.
Does Guy Fieri have a restaurant in Indiana?
Guy Fieri doesn’t have a restaurant in Indiana. But don’t let that stop you! Indiana is packed with diners, drive-ins, and dives that feel like they’ve jumped straight out of an episode of his show. From mouthwatering BBQ joints to classic American diners serving up those famous pork tenderloin sandwiches, there’s a flavor adventure waiting at every corner.
What are 3 fun facts about Indiana?
- The Racing Capital of the World: Indiana is home to the Indianapolis 500, the world’s oldest major automobile race.
- Popcorn Capital: Did you know Indiana is one of the leading producers of popcorn in the United States? If you love snacking on those buttery kernels while watching a movie, you’ve likely enjoyed some Hoosier popcorn.
- A Musical Note: The iconic song “(Back Home Again in) Indiana” isn’t the state song, but it might as well be. It’s closely associated with the Indy 500 and captures the heartwarming feeling of returning to the Hoosier state.
