Located in the heart of Indiana Amish county, the County of Elkhart has a growing cultural scene with the revitalized downtown area, and a lot of unique local restaurants. The County has a huge range of picturesque cafes, quirky, character-filled pubs, and fine dining restaurants.
When in Elkhart, you can choose to go on a hiking trail or go kayaking on a river, or explore the museums or go bonkers shopping, but some time or the other, you are bound to feel hungry. And there are a lot of amazing options in Elkhart.
Be it a hearty dinner with authentic Amish flavor, or a brunch with your large group of friends, you can find just the right place for you in Elkhart. When choosing your dining option there is something for every taste bud in Elkhart County.
While looking to eat out, you should start with sweets first. You will get the finest dessert experience going around the County. The overwhelming smell of freshly baked pies will automatically pull you towards the restaurants. Be it cream pies, fresh fruit pies, double crusted pies, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, or homemade ice creams, Elkhart offers you all. You can stop at local candy stores too if you want some treat for your sweet tooth later.
Rather than going for chain restaurants you should go authentic in your food choice in Elkhart. The local places and the local people will make your food experience in Elkhart a memorable one. They treat each guest as warmly as if they were a part of their own families. The local restaurants of Elkhart serve recipes that have been handed down to them over decades. The food is a representation of the wonderful Amish culture. The food experience you will get from the authentic meals would satisfy your appetite.
There are numerous bars across the Elkhart County for you to grab a drink to help you wash down your meals.
To help you get an understanding of Elkhart’s best restaurant options, we are profiling some of the best local restaurants in the County.
Tap and Grill
Tap and Grill has a beautifully designed interior with a large decorative bar, dark polished wooden table and chairs, and an array of modern chandeliers, to provide you with a relaxing yet an upscale dining experience. The lavish menu here, starting from their sagnaki to their extensive cocktails, everything matches the opulent restaurant setting.
B on the River
This restaurant is a wonderful place to go for a peaceful time. The place is attractively unusual and comfy. It is located in downtown Elkhart on the banks of its scenic river. The beautiful surroundings provide for a calming ambience. You would get a wide range of delectable breakfast and brunch options like egg bake with sausage and cheese, baked oatmeal with fresh fruit, and then for lunch you can choose from a variety of homemade fresh sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads, etc.
41 Degrees North
This is a place where you will find a variety of American comfort foods, but with a twist. They have a full-service bar that includes primarily craft beers, a wide range of wines, and some pretty unique signature cocktails. 41 Degrees North takes real care with the food, and serves special dishes and soups that are made afresh, while also serving fresh, locally sourced beef. They have a historic 1880s era mural on their east facing wall that they had uncovered during renovations steps up the ambience of this place.
Chubby Trout
This is one of the leading seafood restaurants in Elkhart County. They have a wonderful bar with a sushi table running down in the middle. They serve a wide variety of classic seafood dishes such as grilled salmon with honey mustard glaze, spicy and flavorsome fish tacos. They also serve a wide range of traditional and signature sushi rolls, tempura shrimp and fresh mango topped with a tempura crunch, shrimp and avocado served with a spicy dynamite sauce.
Miles Lab
Miles Lab specializes in classic American cuisine. Be it the burgers, buffalo wings, cheese fries or the steaks, you will get all of it under one roof at Miles Lab. They also offer a diverse set of drinks with a great collection of local and microbrews, available on both tap and bottled options, which makes this restaurant the perfect place for getting a sense of the local culture.
The restaurant that pays tribute to the Miles Laboratories, a medical research center and production company that was founded in 1884 in Elkhart County. The decoration resembles the Miles Laboratories with large black and white photographs and vintage signs and posters lining the wall, that gives an impression of Elkhart’s rich history and heritage.
The Vine
Located in a picturesque historic building in downtown Elkhart, The Vine is a restaurant that exudes elegance. The crisp white tablecloths, atmospheric lighting makes the place a very special and sophisticated restaurant. You can choose from their original recipes or from the classic favorites, The Vine offers a variety of dishes and different cuisines, making your food experience a wholesome one. They have mix of gourmet salads made with the freshest of ingredients, but their signature spiced crab dip served with a fine cheddar sauce and garlic bread is worth dying for. The hefty bar at The Vine is also a pleasure to the eye and to the belly.
Ricky’s Taqueria
Ricky’s Taqueria is a restaurant that specializes in traditional Mexican street foods rather than elaborate meals and dinners. It is a tiny restaurant with a very small seating arrangement available. People usually choose to get take out or sit at the picnic tables outside. You get the best quality tacos, burritos and quesadillas here. The food here is prepared using the original Mexican cooking techniques that gives you delectable dishes that are full of flavor and color. The best part of their menu is the tortas that comes with eight different fillings, and the tostados de ceviche that is served with fish cooked in lime juice.
Volcano Pizza
This pizza joint has become a name in itself in Elkhart. It was first established in 1957 and has opened at two more locations over the next decades. As the name suggests, the place specializes in pizzas. The pizzas are hand-tossed and are prepared with freshly baked dough. You get a large variety topping to choose from along with a generous amount of tomato sauce and mozzarella. You can also choose to go for their freshly baked bread sticks served with a mouthwatering tomato sauce, or their Italian sandwiches that are made with meatballs, sausages or beef.
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