12 Indiana Restaurants We Miss And Still Wish Were Around
Indiana once buzzed with amazing restaurants that served up incredible food and unforgettable memories. Many of these beloved spots have closed their doors forever, leaving behind empty buildings and hungry hearts.
Food lovers across the state still talk about their favorite meals and special occasions at these lost gems. Here are fifteen restaurants that Hoosiers desperately want to see make a comeback.
1. Brown Derby
Picture walking into a restaurant shaped like a giant hat! Brown Derby brought Hollywood glamour to Indiana with its iconic dome architecture.
Celebrities and regular folks alike gathered here for steaks and cocktails. The walls displayed autographed photos of movie stars who actually visited.
Every meal felt like dining in a piece of entertainment history. Kids pressed their noses against windows just to see the famous hat building.
2. Chi-Chi’s
Nothing beat the sizzling fajita platters that arrived at your table with dramatic flair. Servers would warn everyone about the hot plates before setting them down.
Those complimentary tortilla chips disappeared faster than magic tricks. The salsa bar offered different heat levels for every taste preference.
Birthday celebrations included mariachi music and special desserts with sparklers. Mexican food in Indiana reached new heights at this colorful chain restaurant.
3. Laughner’s Cafeteria
Grandparents knew exactly which day featured their favorite meatloaf special. The cafeteria line moved slowly because choosing between so many delicious options proved nearly impossible.
Fresh pies rotated daily in glass cases that made everyone drool. Workers wore hair nets and served generous portions with genuine smiles.
Sunday dinners after church became family traditions here. Multiple generations gathered around tables sharing comfort food and stories about their week.
4. Tee Pee Restaurant
Drive past this place and you couldn’t miss the enormous concrete teepee rising from the parking lot. Native American decorations covered every wall inside the unique structure.
Families stopped here during road trips for burgers and milkshakes. The novelty architecture made every meal feel like an adventure.
Kids begged parents to eat inside the teepee instead of regular restaurants. Postcards featuring the building became popular souvenirs for tourists visiting Indiana.
5. Scotty’s Brewhouse
College students and sports fans made this their second home during game seasons. Big screen televisions showed every important basketball and football matchup.
The beer selection impressed even the pickiest drinkers in town. Wings came in flavors that ranged from mild to absolutely blazing hot.
Trivia nights packed the place with competitive teams arguing over obscure questions. Late night study sessions fueled by pizza and craft beer happened here regularly.
6. The Sherman House
Elegant dining reached its peak at this historic establishment where politicians and business leaders sealed important deals. Crystal chandeliers cast sparkles across white tablecloths during every dinner service.
The wine list impressed visitors from around the country. Waiters wore formal uniforms and knew exactly how to fold napkins into perfect triangles.
Anniversary dinners and engagement parties happened in private dining rooms. Even the bread basket contained gourmet rolls that regular restaurants couldn’t match.
7. Gerst Haus
German immigrants brought authentic recipes that made this restaurant famous throughout the Midwest. Bratwurst and sauerkraut filled plates alongside massive pretzels fresh from the oven.
Beer steins clinked together during Oktoberfest celebrations that lasted entire weekends. Traditional polka music played while families danced between dinner courses.
The wooden interior felt like stepping inside a Bavarian lodge. Lederhosen and dirndls weren’t required but many customers dressed up anyway for special occasions.
8. The Pie Pan Restaurant & Bakery
Fresh apple pie aroma greeted customers before they even opened the front door. Bakers arrived before sunrise to prepare dozens of different flavors daily.
Meringue peaked perfectly on lemon pies displayed in refrigerated cases. Coffee refills came automatically because everyone needed multiple cups with their dessert.
Thanksgiving orders required advance planning since everyone wanted their holiday pies from here. Slice sizes were generous enough to share, though most people kept theirs completely to themselves.
9. Heady’s Pizza
Cheese stretched for miles when you lifted a slice from their deep dish pizzas. The secret sauce recipe remained locked away like a precious family treasure.
Friday nights meant waiting in line with half the neighborhood for takeout orders. Kids saved allowance money specifically for their personal sized pepperoni pizzas.
Birthday parties filled the back room with excited children and patient parents. The arcade games in the corner kept everyone entertained while waiting for their custom orders.
10. Sir Beef
Roast beef sandwiches piled high with tender meat made every lunch break feel like a celebration. The au jus dipping sauce turned simple sandwiches into gourmet experiences.
Fast food speed combined with restaurant quality ingredients created the perfect combination. Workers on short lunch breaks could get satisfying meals without rushing through their food.
The horseradish sauce cleared sinuses and added serious kick to every bite. Construction crews and office workers formed long lines during peak lunch hours.
11. ShowBiz Pizza
Animatronic characters performed concerts while kids ate pizza and played arcade games. The mechanical band played birthday songs that made every celebration feel magical.
Tickets won from games could be traded for prizes that filled treasure chests at home. Parents endured loud music because their children’s happiness made the noise worthwhile.
Birthday parties included special stage shows featuring the robotic performers. The combination of food, games, and entertainment created memories that lasted entire lifetimes.
12. Spaghetti Shoppe
Meatballs the size of tennis balls rolled around plates of perfectly cooked pasta. The garlic bread came unlimited because everyone needed multiple pieces with their enormous portions.
Red checkered tablecloths and candles in wine bottles created authentic Italian atmosphere. Families shared bowls of salad while waiting for their main courses to arrive.
Date nights often started here before heading to movies or concerts downtown. The romantic lighting and delicious food made every evening feel special and memorable.
