Five Elkhart County area restaurants worthy of a book
Author Carrie Steinweg, co-founder of the Chicago Foodie Sisters blog, recently published her eighth book, “Unique Eats and Eateries of Indiana.”
Among the 83 restaurants mentioned in the book are five from the Elkhart County area. Here are her observations of Elkhart County’s culinary scene.
By Carrie Steinweg
At this time a year ago, I was traveling and eating my way through the state of Indiana. I was doing research for my new book, “Unique Eats and Eateries of Indiana.” My quest took me to little towns and larger cities and everywhere in between in search of unique places, menu items and backstories. It was a tough job that meant narrowing down my initial list of around 250 eateries to 83 to fit within the book’s layout - and making sure each part of the state was represented.
As I made my way in and around Elkhart County, I had a wide array of places to explore, from breweries to fine dining to Amish comfort food to nostalgic diners. With Sip & Savor Elkhart County in full swing, it’s a perfect time to make plans to explore new dining experiences in your own backyard.
A couple of locations included in the book will be participating:
Goshen Brewing Company
315 W. Washington St., Goshen
Goshen Brewing isn’t just a place to go to have a beer. It’s a family-friendly eatery in a repurposed building where you can sample a variety of beer styles, listen to live music and try some Asian specialties all in one place.
In the taproom you can look down through windows at the brewing floor or get a peek in the kitchen at the food elevator that transports meals down from the second-floor kitchen. The brewery opened in 2015 and expanded in 2018 with a beer hall featuring garage doors that open to a quaint patio area, which can be enjoyed even in chilly weather inside a heated igloo.
On the menu you’ll find a creative mix of dishes, including some that are Asian-inspired with a twist. They also have Pad Thai Tuesday where you can nosh on this classic noodle dish.
The majority of the menu items are made from scratch in-house using as many local, organic ingredients as they can get.
Note: Goshen Brewing’s culinary team frequently updates their menu. Dishes mentioned here may be temporarily on hiatus, but most eventually return at some point.
Choose from starters like shishito poppers that are charred with onions and bacon and served over a tangy goat cheese sauce or blackened tofu with caramelized onions, pickled radishes, marinated bean sprouts, mustard seed sauce soy ginger sauce and Bibb lettuce. Among the more traditional dishes is a killer mac and cheese, which is best enjoyed with barbecued pulled pork or brisket.
Popular sandwiches are the Carolina Gold smoked pork shoulder with coleslaw and Carolina gold mustard on brioche, a grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with goat cheese, rosemary, fig jam and Amish cheese and the Thai’d chicken, topped with Thai chili jam, sweet cabbage slaw sriracha and aioli on a brioche bun.
A dozen of their beers are on tap, ranging from pale ales to lagers to stouts and everything in between.
Why it made the list: It offers unique Asian-inspired dishes can be enjoyed with craft beers in this family-friendly brewery.
240 U.S. 20, Middlebury
This campus includes an inn, shops, gardens, a restaurant, a bakery and more, and it’s where you’ll get taste of Amish cuisine in Indiana’s largest family restaurant
In 1970, Bob and Sue Miller bought an old 24-hour truck stop in the heart of Amish Country. The couple decided to give it a makeover, remove the cigarette machine, close on Sundays and provide the public with a meal like one they may find in a nearby Amish home. The 150-seat eatery opened in 1971 and has grown by leaps and bounds to become the largest restaurant in the state with seating for 1,100.
In the early days, Bob would pick up his Amish help in his 1969 Malibu and bring them to work in the kitchen. That tradition continues today with a bus that picks up Amish employees to deliver them to their workplace.
If you are looking for a wholesome, stick-to-your ribs meal, you’re in the right place. Order off the menu, have family-style dishes brought to your table, or fill your plate at the sizable buffet of crisp, broasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes with rich homemade gravy, freshly made noodles and much more.
Don’t leave without trying one of the 30 or so varieties of pie — ranging from classics like Dutch apple to customer favorites like red raspberry cream to seasonal flavors, like pumpkin. You’ll also find less common flavors here, like mincemeat and shoofly.
Stop in the bakery for treats to take home. Some of the musts are apple butter, cinnamon rolls and their famous noodles, which are now distributed throughout the country.
Why it made the list: Traditional Amish comfort food and over 30 pies to choose from in the largest restaurant in the state.
317 N. Main St., Elkhart
The name of this brewery comes from a Welsh toast that translates to “good health.” With an inviting atmosphere of close, cozy tables, a lounge area and relaxing outdoor seating, there’s a vibe of community and connection.
Try their mild English ale and lagers with a pizza of upscale ingredients and surprising flavors.
Why it made the list: Beyond the unusual name, you’ll find a variety of unique pizza concoctions in this fun beer hall environment.
1122 S. Main St., Goshen
The original portion of this building dates back to the early 1900s, but a vintage dining car added on in 1994 is what really completed the vintage vibe. This diner includes several family recipes hinting at the owner’s Philadelphia roots, like the Philly cheesesteak and Philly chili and other specialties that you’ll be surprised to see on a diner menu, like lump meat crab cakes, fried clams and oysters on the half shell. But, of course, if you’re in the mood for a classic burger and fries, they’ll serve it right up, too.
The original soda foundation is still in use and there are 33 flavors of home-baked pies and creamy cheesecakes among the sweet treats.
Why it made the list: This fun nostalgic eatery is a throwback to a different era with a variety of diner staples and a touch of Philly in northern Indiana.
195 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana
This award-winning restaurant features all the Amish-style favorites - chicken and noodles, country roast beef, fried chicken, chicken dressing and much more. You can opt for a selection from the menu, a family-style feast or the unlimited buffet. Hit the bakery before you leave for cookies, pies, breads and more.
Pair your meal with a show at the in-house Blue Gate Theater or the nearby Blue Gate Performing Arts Center.
Why it made the list: If you love dinner and a show, you can enjoy a hearty buffet here and then take in a play or musical performance at one of two theaters operated by Blue Gate.
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