Indiana restaurant history in photos: From tenderloins to fried brains

Dawn Mitchell
dawn.mitchell@indystar.com
Photograph taken in 1947 shows the original smorgasbord at Welliver ' s. Guy " Willie " Welliver bought the former Hagerstown Grill and re-opened it as Welliver ' s Smorgasbord in 1946. Want to see more fabulous photos of the 1940s ?
Photograph taken in 1947 shows the original smorgasbord at Welliver's. Guy "Willie" Welliver bought the former Hagerstown Grill and re-opened it as Welliver's Smorgasbord in 1946. Want to see more fabulous photos of the 1940s?
File, INDIANAPOLIS STAR
Skillet fried chicken served with an order of mash potatoes, green beans  corn and biscuits entice those looking for family-style service at the Iron Skillet Restaurant in Indianapolis.

GENERAL INFORMATION: REST19  7/11/02  Nikki Kahn / staff photo (w/story) File#72285
Skillet fried chicken served with an order of mash potatoes, green beans corn and biscuits entice those looking for family-style service at the Iron Skillet Restaurant in Indianapolis. GENERAL INFORMATION: REST19 7/11/02 Nikki Kahn / staff photo (w/story) File#72285
NIKKI KAHN, INI STAR
The Hoosier Tenderloin served with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a toasted bun along with freshly made chip Saturday, July 7, 2017, at Turkey Run State Park Inn. Unlike this tenderloin, a subscription will last so much longer.
The Hoosier Tenderloin served with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a toasted bun along with freshly made chip Saturday, July 7, 2017, at Turkey Run State Park Inn. Unlike this tenderloin, a subscription will last so much longer.
John Terhune/Journal & Courier, John Terhune/Journal & Courier
The Hook Drug Company opened a new drugstore at the corner of 22nd and Meridian Streets on Feb. 17, 1940 to serve the Northside of Indianapolis. A news article described the new stainless steel soda fountain as "the last word in efficiency and beauty. The floor behind the fountain is depressed to a level so that the customer is sitting in the same comfortable position as at his own dining table. The fountain is provided with a system of sterilization which makes it sanitary for refreshments and luncheons. The cooking equipment is electrical." Another great feature of the drugstore, the story reported, was that it had year-round air conditioning. Photo by unknown Indianapolis Star photographer.
The Hook Drug Company opened a new drugstore at the corner of 22nd and Meridian Streets on Feb. 17, 1940 to serve the Northside of Indianapolis. A news article described the new stainless steel soda fountain as "the last word in efficiency and beauty. The floor behind the fountain is depressed to a level so that the customer is sitting in the same comfortable position as at his own dining table. The fountain is provided with a system of sterilization which makes it sanitary for refreshments and luncheons. The cooking equipment is electrical." Another great feature of the drugstore, the story reported, was that it had year-round air conditioning. Photo by unknown Indianapolis Star photographer.
STAR/UNKNOWN
1979 file photo of Tee Pee drive-in restaurant a popular destination for diners and cruisers alike.
1979 file photo of Tee Pee drive-in restaurant a popular destination for diners and cruisers alike.
FILE
The Hill Top Restaurant in Evansville is famous for their brain sandwich.
The Hill Top Restaurant in Evansville is famous for their brain sandwich.
Bob Gwaltney/Evansville Courier & Press
Cecelia Coan of Evansville, Ind., looks over her deep-fried cow brain sandwich she ordered to go at the Hilltop Inn in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004. The brains, battered with egg, seasoning and flour, puff up when cooked. They are served hot, heaping outside the bun. They are traced back to a time when southern Indiana newcomers from Germany and Holland wasted little.
Cecelia Coan of Evansville, Ind., looks over her deep-fried cow brain sandwich she ordered to go at the Hilltop Inn in Evansville, Ind., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004. The brains, battered with egg, seasoning and flour, puff up when cooked. They are served hot, heaping outside the bun. They are traced back to a time when southern Indiana newcomers from Germany and Holland wasted little.
AP Photo
The Das Dutchman Essenhaus appears out of nowhere on US 20 just east of South Bend, in Middlebury in 2000.
The Das Dutchman Essenhaus appears out of nowhere on US 20 just east of South Bend, in Middlebury in 2000.
ROB MATTSON Photo
Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury is famous for their Fried Chicken and sides served family style. The restaurant is in the middle of Amish country.
Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury is famous for their Fried Chicken and sides served family style. The restaurant is in the middle of Amish country.
Provided By Essenhaus
Betty Teer, of Wick's Pies in Winchester, cuts and serves a slice of sugar cream pie in 2009. Sugar cream pie is the state’s unofficial state pie.
Betty Teer, of Wick's Pies in Winchester, cuts and serves a slice of sugar cream pie in 2009. Sugar cream pie is the state’s unofficial state pie.
Danese Kenon
Pictured here is the first of two restaurants in Evansville that were called The Tennessean. The name was inspired by the roots of the original owners, who opened the first diner at 313 Locust Street in 1949; six years later, they launched a second diner, also called The Tennessean, at 101 NW Fifth Street. The Ô50s-style diners featured long counters and glazed tile walls, and in the early days, a cup of coffee cost only a nickel.  After 1987, the Locust Street diner became the only downtown restaurant to remain open around the clock; both closed by the late 1990s.

(Photographer: William F. Brown)
Pictured here is the first of two restaurants in Evansville that were called The Tennessean. The name was inspired by the roots of the original owners, who opened the first diner at 313 Locust Street in 1949; six years later, they launched a second diner, also called The Tennessean, at 101 NW Fifth Street. The Ô50s-style diners featured long counters and glazed tile walls, and in the early days, a cup of coffee cost only a nickel. After 1987, the Locust Street diner became the only downtown restaurant to remain open around the clock; both closed by the late 1990s. (Photographer: William F. Brown)
File Photo
The Hornville Tavern serves a one-pound smoked bone-in chop that is a must-try. The meat is uncured and tastes like fresh pork, not ham, and the sauce is light and tangy.
The Hornville Tavern serves a one-pound smoked bone-in chop that is a must-try. The meat is uncured and tastes like fresh pork, not ham, and the sauce is light and tangy.
Aimee Blume/Special To The Courier
A steady stream of customers arrive to place orders during the the noon hour Monday, March 5, 2018, at Budges Drive In, 1102 N. 14th Street in Lafayette. The drive-in has been a popular spot since 1942.
A steady stream of customers arrive to place orders during the the noon hour Monday, March 5, 2018, at Budges Drive In, 1102 N. 14th Street in Lafayette. The drive-in has been a popular spot since 1942.
John Terhune/Journal & Courier
The famous Frozen Custard stand at 2319 Wallace Avenue in Lafayette
The famous Frozen Custard stand at 2319 Wallace Avenue in Lafayette
By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Couri, Journal & Courier
Jean Ann Bailey shows off the original Indiana tenderloin at Nick's Kitchen - the birthplace of the tenderloin - in Huntington Indiana. Nick Freienstein perfected his recipe and it hasn't changed since 1904.
Jean Ann Bailey shows off the original Indiana tenderloin at Nick's Kitchen - the birthplace of the tenderloin - in Huntington Indiana. Nick Freienstein perfected his recipe and it hasn't changed since 1904.
IndyStar File
Once the town of Lamasco's hardware store, the Gerst Haus now serves up German food in a fun and historic atmosphere. (Try the sauerkraut balls)
Once the town of Lamasco's hardware store, the Gerst Haus now serves up German food in a fun and historic atmosphere. (Try the sauerkraut balls)
Aimee Blume / Special To The Cou, Aimee Blume / Special To The Cou
This 1974 photo shows the exterior of one of the Burger Chef fast food hamburger restaurants which were common in Indianapolis at that time.  Specific location of this image is unknown.  Burger Chef was an Indianapolis-based chain that later went out of business.
This 1974 photo shows the exterior of one of the Burger Chef fast food hamburger restaurants which were common in Indianapolis at that time. Specific location of this image is unknown. Burger Chef was an Indianapolis-based chain that later went out of business.
Indianapolis Star File Photo
Gray Brothers Cafeteria in Mooresville at the intersection of Ind. 67 and Indiana Street. Famous for their fried chicken and pies.
Gray Brothers Cafeteria in Mooresville at the intersection of Ind. 67 and Indiana Street. Famous for their fried chicken and pies.
JOE VITTI, INDIANAPOLIS STAR
Dawn breaks over SherrillÕs Cafe along U.S. 31 in Tipton County. For 26 years the eye-catching sign  reading ÒEat Here and Get GasÓ has lured travelers and welcomed locals to the small family-owned restaurant. WITH STORY(STEVE HEALEY/STAFF PHOTO)10/27/99
Dawn breaks over SherrillÕs Cafe along U.S. 31 in Tipton County. For 26 years the eye-catching sign reading ÒEat Here and Get GasÓ has lured travelers and welcomed locals to the small family-owned restaurant. WITH STORY(STEVE HEALEY/STAFF PHOTO)10/27/99
STEVE HEALEY
Fifi's Lunch Box in Terre Haute is a quirky eatery of mis-matched tables and chairs - but don't let that fool you - the food is on point.  This is the Mighty Fifi Cheeseburger topped with fried egg, bacon, frizzled onions, Fifi's Monster Sauce, on Fifi's own pretzel bun served with HBC Balls (that's hash brown casserole balls)
Fifi's Lunch Box in Terre Haute is a quirky eatery of mis-matched tables and chairs - but don't let that fool you - the food is on point. This is the Mighty Fifi Cheeseburger topped with fried egg, bacon, frizzled onions, Fifi's Monster Sauce, on Fifi's own pretzel bun served with HBC Balls (that's hash brown casserole balls)
Dawn Mitchell/IndyStar
Betty Teer, of Wick's Pies in Winchester, is reflected in the mirror as she heats up a slice of sugar cream pie Friday, January 2, 2009.  There has been a proposal to designate the Sugar Cream Pie as the official state pie of Indiana and Winchester the Sugar Cream Pie Capital.  Danese Kenon/The Star
Betty Teer, of Wick's Pies in Winchester, is reflected in the mirror as she heats up a slice of sugar cream pie Friday, January 2, 2009. There has been a proposal to designate the Sugar Cream Pie as the official state pie of Indiana and Winchester the Sugar Cream Pie Capital. Danese Kenon/The Star
Danese Kenon
Mrs. Gene Chinn served as the hostess for the Chinese Palace at 225 N. Pennsylvania
Mrs. Gene Chinn served as the hostess for the Chinese Palace at 225 N. Pennsylvania
Star File
The Gerst Haus always offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, scores of great beers, and kraut balls... the perfect fortification of a long night of partying.
The Gerst Haus always offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, scores of great beers, and kraut balls... the perfect fortification of a long night of partying.
Aimee Blume / Courier & Press
Iron Skillet server Cindy Zook arranges the tables in preparation for serving customers on Thursday, July 11, 2002.

GENERAL INFORMATION: REST19  7/11/02  Nikki Kahn / staff photo (w/story) File#72285
Iron Skillet server Cindy Zook arranges the tables in preparation for serving customers on Thursday, July 11, 2002. GENERAL INFORMATION: REST19 7/11/02 Nikki Kahn / staff photo (w/story) File#72285
NIKKI KAHN, INI STAR
Key West Shrimp House on S. East Street on the near southside was a popular destination for steak and seafood 1968
Key West Shrimp House on S. East Street on the near southside was a popular destination for steak and seafood 1968
Star File
Waitress Bettejane Stroud made history by drawing the first glass of milk when Wheeler's opened a new buffet restaurant at 15 N. Pennsylvania St. on January 28, 1953. The restaurant was the first in Indianapolis to serve milk from a bulk dispenser, which kept the temperature at 36 degrees.
Waitress Bettejane Stroud made history by drawing the first glass of milk when Wheeler's opened a new buffet restaurant at 15 N. Pennsylvania St. on January 28, 1953. The restaurant was the first in Indianapolis to serve milk from a bulk dispenser, which kept the temperature at 36 degrees.
GEORGE TILFORD
Built in South Bend in 1933, this barrel-shaped restaurant attracted root beer lovers. It is one of the original 171 stands erected by the thirst-quenching folks at A&W.
Built in South Bend in 1933, this barrel-shaped restaurant attracted root beer lovers. It is one of the original 171 stands erected by the thirst-quenching folks at A&W.
Indiana Historical Society
The original log structure from 1824 still serves as a dining room at the Log Inn in Warrenton.  Indiana's oldest restaurant is  also the state's best according the book Indiana's Hometown Restaurant.
The original log structure from 1824 still serves as a dining room at the Log Inn in Warrenton. Indiana's oldest restaurant is also the state's best according the book Indiana's Hometown Restaurant.
STEVE HEALEY INI
Katherine Jones moved to Indianapolis in 1966 from Clarksville, Tenn. after having cooked at a hotel owned by Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff for 20 years. She decided to open a soul food restaurant in a building at 146 W. 30th St. in 1973, Jones named the restaurant Big Mama's.
Katherine Jones moved to Indianapolis in 1966 from Clarksville, Tenn. after having cooked at a hotel owned by Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff for 20 years. She decided to open a soul food restaurant in a building at 146 W. 30th St. in 1973, Jones named the restaurant Big Mama's.
MIKE FENDER INDIANAPOLIS NEWS
Andrea Zehr, of Jasper, cleans a table at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant, in Jasper.  Zehr, who claims German ancestry, is a waitress in the town's restaurant that displays, in full view, the area's Germanic heritage.
Andrea Zehr, of Jasper, cleans a table at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant, in Jasper. Zehr, who claims German ancestry, is a waitress in the town's restaurant that displays, in full view, the area's Germanic heritage.
ROBERT SCHEER INI STAR
Dan Bailey (left), Ron Graphman and Willie Chaney in front of Al Green's famous food restaurant on March 29, 1983.
Dan Bailey (left), Ron Graphman and Willie Chaney in front of Al Green's famous food restaurant on March 29, 1983.
Jeff Atteberry / The Indianapoli
D.C. Blacker's Chile Parlors had four locations open all night 55 Mass. Ave, 139 S. Illinois St, 16 W. Ohio St and 320 E. Washington St. Blacker's served different variations of chili and hot tamales.
D.C. Blacker's Chile Parlors had four locations open all night 55 Mass. Ave, 139 S. Illinois St, 16 W. Ohio St and 320 E. Washington St. Blacker's served different variations of chili and hot tamales.
George Tilford/The News 1952
Family-style dinner in the Nashville House across the street from the Brown County Playhouse in 1952 and still the same today.
Family-style dinner in the Nashville House across the street from the Brown County Playhouse in 1952 and still the same today.
File
The Indianapolis Traction Terminal became the Greyhound Bus terminal and was a busy spot during WWII.   The Terminal Lunch counter was to the west of the terminal and served to hungry travelers and business folks alike.
The Indianapolis Traction Terminal became the Greyhound Bus terminal and was a busy spot during WWII. The Terminal Lunch counter was to the west of the terminal and served to hungry travelers and business folks alike.
Esther Bubley/U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office Of War Information
A twilight dinner" at La Tour (at the time at the top of the Indiana National Bank Building - now One Indiana Square) offered good food and a skyline view in this 1987 photo.  Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck served as chef from 1973-75.
A twilight dinner" at La Tour (at the time at the top of the Indiana National Bank Building - now One Indiana Square) offered good food and a skyline view in this 1987 photo. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck served as chef from 1973-75.
Frank Fisse/The Star
Frisch's Big Boy on East Washington in Irvington in 1966.
Frisch's Big Boy on East Washington in Irvington in 1966.
William Palmer/The News
The King Fish was a popular seafood spot in the 70s.  Located on west Lafayette Rd.
The King Fish was a popular seafood spot in the 70s. Located on west Lafayette Rd.
Bob Doeppers
The Canary Cottage Restaurant was located on Monument Circle next to Wasson's department store.  1948 file photo
The Canary Cottage Restaurant was located on Monument Circle next to Wasson's department store. 1948 file photo
Robert Lavelle/The News
In this photo that was cropped from a larger photo - you can see the Bamboo Inn located next to the Circle Theatre.  Located next door was the quaint Pastry Shop Deluxe and Tea Room.  Date unknown, yet the Harold Lloyd movie on the marquee was first show in 1930.
In this photo that was cropped from a larger photo - you can see the Bamboo Inn located next to the Circle Theatre. Located next door was the quaint Pastry Shop Deluxe and Tea Room. Date unknown, yet the Harold Lloyd movie on the marquee was first show in 1930.
File
Jerry's Restaurants were a staple in Indiana for years and featured drive-in service as well.  Famous for their J-Boy sandwich.
Jerry's Restaurants were a staple in Indiana for years and featured drive-in service as well. Famous for their J-Boy sandwich.
File
Jong Mea on N. Meridian St. was a sister restaurant to the Jong Mea restaurants in Mansfield and Columbus, Ohio.
Jong Mea on N. Meridian St. was a sister restaurant to the Jong Mea restaurants in Mansfield and Columbus, Ohio.
Tim Halcomb/The News
The King Cole Restaurant at 7 N. Meridian St. was a Downtown institution since it opened its doors in 1929. It survived the Great Depression, World War II and a bout with Legionnaires' disease. The Comisar family, which ran restaurant closed it in 1994. The departure of major Downtown department stores hurt the business, wives no longer came to town for a day of shopping and having lunch with their husbands.
The King Cole Restaurant at 7 N. Meridian St. was a Downtown institution since it opened its doors in 1929. It survived the Great Depression, World War II and a bout with Legionnaires' disease. The Comisar family, which ran restaurant closed it in 1994. The departure of major Downtown department stores hurt the business, wives no longer came to town for a day of shopping and having lunch with their husbands.
Jerry Clark/The Star
Sherrill's Cafe along U.S. 31 in Tipton County looked much different in this 1954 postcard when it was Brigg's Drive-in. For many years the eye-catching sign has read "Eat Here and Get Gas" has lured travelers and welcomed locals to the small family-owned restaurant.
Sherrill's Cafe along U.S. 31 in Tipton County looked much different in this 1954 postcard when it was Brigg's Drive-in. For many years the eye-catching sign has read "Eat Here and Get Gas" has lured travelers and welcomed locals to the small family-owned restaurant.
STEVE HEALEY
In 1909 Jonathon and George Laughner opened Laughner Bros. Lunch at 310 West Washington Street. The two were part of a larger family unit that opened lunch counters and cafeterias throughout the Indianapolis area and later throughout the state. 1929 file photo
In 1909 Jonathon and George Laughner opened Laughner Bros. Lunch at 310 West Washington Street. The two were part of a larger family unit that opened lunch counters and cafeterias throughout the Indianapolis area and later throughout the state. 1929 file photo
File
Car hop Rebecca Handlon, 29, Indianapolis, delivers a tray with onion rings, tenderloin and root beer at the Mug n' Bun drive in restaurant, 211 West 10th in 2009.
Car hop Rebecca Handlon, 29, Indianapolis, delivers a tray with onion rings, tenderloin and root beer at the Mug n' Bun drive in restaurant, 211 West 10th in 2009.
Rob Goebel
Miller's Restaurant in Colfax served world famous catfish. The restaurant was closed in 2000 after a fire. Indianapolis Star file photo 1986
Miller's Restaurant in Colfax served world famous catfish. The restaurant was closed in 2000 after a fire. Indianapolis Star file photo 1986
File
The landmark Kopper Kettle Inn on Main Street in Morristown, Ind., September 3, 2013.
The landmark Kopper Kettle Inn on Main Street in Morristown, Ind., September 3, 2013.
Joe Vitti / The Star
Rustic Inn Restaurant in Nashville, IN in 1935.  Proprieter was Joshua Bond
Rustic Inn Restaurant in Nashville, IN in 1935. Proprieter was Joshua Bond
Library Of Congress
Enjoy a nostalgic look at some of Indiana's classic restaurants from the quirky to the classic. While some restaurants have withstood the test of time, others have been wiped from the landscape like a knife cleaning off a plate. A truck driver in a diner in Clinton, Indiana enjoys a meal before heading out on the road. Feb. 1940
Enjoy a nostalgic look at some of Indiana's classic restaurants from the quirky to the classic. While some restaurants have withstood the test of time, others have been wiped from the landscape like a knife cleaning off a plate. A truck driver in a diner in Clinton, Indiana enjoys a meal before heading out on the road. Feb. 1940
Library Of Congress
In the spring of 1942, the North Pole Drive-In, also known as Spencer's, employed more than 35 workers. Merle Agner (sixth from bottom left) started as a soda fountain and grill operator and later managed the popular teenage hangout.
In the spring of 1942, the North Pole Drive-In, also known as Spencer's, employed more than 35 workers. Merle Agner (sixth from bottom left) started as a soda fountain and grill operator and later managed the popular teenage hangout.
Courtesy Of Bill Agner
Hulman & co. looms near Hill's Snappy Service hamburgers in Terre Haute.  Hill's started in the 1920s and ceased opration in the 1970s.
Hulman & co. looms near Hill's Snappy Service hamburgers in Terre Haute. Hill's started in the 1920s and ceased opration in the 1970s.
Indianapolis Star File Photo
The Ayres Tea Room, circa 1905. Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum. Ladies in their starched white aprons and caps served scores of chicken salad, chicken velvet soup and hobo meals for the kids.
The Ayres Tea Room, circa 1905. Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum. Ladies in their starched white aprons and caps served scores of chicken salad, chicken velvet soup and hobo meals for the kids.
File Photo
Customers come to the Woolworths at 7150 E. Wash St for a final meal at its lunch counter in Oct 1993. Some Woolworth's age going to close, like the one at 7150 east washington street.
Customers come to the Woolworths at 7150 E. Wash St for a final meal at its lunch counter in Oct 1993. Some Woolworth's age going to close, like the one at 7150 east washington street.
Tim Halcomb The Indianapolis News
Waitress Sunny Jordan delivers an order at Columbus' Becker's Drive-In. Becker's was the first of its kind in the city when it opened in 1949.
Waitress Sunny Jordan delivers an order at Columbus' Becker's Drive-In. Becker's was the first of its kind in the city when it opened in 1949.
STAR/NEWS
Harolds Steer-IN began in the 1950s as Laughner's Steer-In. They sold the business to Harold Phillips in 1964. Curb service ceased in the late 80s due to expansion, but the restaurant closed in 2001. The restaurant reopened a few week later under the ownership of Charlie and Barbara Kehrer under the name Historic Steer-In
Harolds Steer-IN began in the 1950s as Laughner's Steer-In. They sold the business to Harold Phillips in 1964. Curb service ceased in the late 80s due to expansion, but the restaurant closed in 2001. The restaurant reopened a few week later under the ownership of Charlie and Barbara Kehrer under the name Historic Steer-In
Michelle Pemberton
This Steak n Shake restaurant at Lafayette Road and Tibbs Ave. was built in 1954 and featured curb service. An era came to an end on Tuesday, May 9, 1989, when this picture was taken, as the company closed its last 1950s-era diner.
This Steak n Shake restaurant at Lafayette Road and Tibbs Ave. was built in 1954 and featured curb service. An era came to an end on Tuesday, May 9, 1989, when this picture was taken, as the company closed its last 1950s-era diner.
STAR/NEWS
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant at 2301 Conner St., Noblesville, opened as Jim Dandy Drive-In April 23, 1964. Curb service opened first, then the dining room opened a few days later.
Jim Dandy Family Restaurant at 2301 Conner St., Noblesville, opened as Jim Dandy Drive-In April 23, 1964. Curb service opened first, then the dining room opened a few days later.
File
The Coffee Pot Restaurant, US Route 40 in Pennville in Wayne County. The restaurant was destroyed by fire in 1991.
The Coffee Pot Restaurant, US Route 40 in Pennville in Wayne County. The restaurant was destroyed by fire in 1991.
Library Of Congress
People enjoy breakfast at the Triple XXX diner Sunday, September 14, 2008, in West Lafayette.
People enjoy breakfast at the Triple XXX diner Sunday, September 14, 2008, in West Lafayette.
Michael Heinz Journal & Courier
Jesse Rogers  (first waiter) and Shawn Vinson (right, second waiter) speed lunch to customers  at Ft. Wayne's Famous Coney Island, a restaurant famous for its coney dogs.
Jesse Rogers (first waiter) and Shawn Vinson (right, second waiter) speed lunch to customers at Ft. Wayne's Famous Coney Island, a restaurant famous for its coney dogs.
KELLY WILKINSON STAFF PHOTO
WEINERS ... MAY 3, 2000   -- A neon sign glows at Ft. WayneÕs Famous Coney Island, a restaurant famous for its coney dogs.  FOR USE WITH STORY.  FILE #47727.  DIGITAL PHOTO BY KELLY WILKINSON
WEINERS ... MAY 3, 2000 -- A neon sign glows at Ft. WayneÕs Famous Coney Island, a restaurant famous for its coney dogs. FOR USE WITH STORY. FILE #47727. DIGITAL PHOTO BY KELLY WILKINSON
KELLY WILKINSON STAFF PHOTO
Unidentified customers look over the many choices of ice cream available at Ivanhoe's. Chow Hound visited the famous Ivanhoe's in Upland Monday, October 17, 2011. Photo by Kurt Hostetler
Unidentified customers look over the many choices of ice cream available at Ivanhoe's. Chow Hound visited the famous Ivanhoe's in Upland Monday, October 17, 2011. Photo by Kurt Hostetler
The Star Press/Kurt Hostetler The Star Press/Kurt Hostetler
Kunkel's Drive-In, a Connersville staple since 1957.
Kunkel's Drive-In, a Connersville staple since 1957.
File
Dinner guests at Shambarger's restaurant take in the sights of quiet Redkey before returning for the flambayed prime rib. John Shambarger, known as "The Mad Chef of Redkey" served up more than a seven-course meal - it was an experience.
Dinner guests at Shambarger's restaurant take in the sights of quiet Redkey before returning for the flambayed prime rib. John Shambarger, known as "The Mad Chef of Redkey" served up more than a seven-course meal - it was an experience.
Jeff Atteberry
Max Shapiro at the take-out counter at Shapiro's Delicatessen in Indianapolis in the late 1970s. Shapiro's began as a grocery-deli in 1905 at McCarty and Meridian Sts.
Max Shapiro at the take-out counter at Shapiro's Delicatessen in Indianapolis in the late 1970s. Shapiro's began as a grocery-deli in 1905 at McCarty and Meridian Sts.
Indianapolis Star File Photo
Pete Iaria's Restaurant began in 1933 on Noble St. which is now College Ave.
Pete Iaria's Restaurant began in 1933 on Noble St. which is now College Ave.
File
Acapulco Joe's original restaurant on the west side of Vermont and Illinois before it moved across the street.
Acapulco Joe's original restaurant on the west side of Vermont and Illinois before it moved across the street.
Jim Young
The Lotus Garden in Greenwood has been open since the 1960s. The Carmel location closed many years ago.
The Lotus Garden in Greenwood has been open since the 1960s. The Carmel location closed many years ago.
Michelle Pemberton, INtake