Southern Indiana boasts a wide variety of cuisines and dining options. From casual to elegant, Southern Indiana offers the atmosphere and food choices just right for you. Some even offer stunning views you’ll see nowhere else.
With dozens of award-winning eateries to choose from, “Foodies” and casual diners alike will be impressed with all the tempting options. From the southwestern to southeastern portion of the state, here is a list of some local favorites paired with nearby attractions to visit.
Knox County (Eastern Time Zone)
Procopio’s Pizza & Pasta in Vincennes.
Who doesn’t love an authentic Italian restaurant? Procopio’s Pizza & Pasta offers delicious pizza and pasta dishes. We recommend you try the bruschetta with mozzarella or the fried beef ravioli to start. The pasta menu is extensive and can be customized. If pizza is what you are craving, select from their specialty pizzas or create one of your own. For smaller appetites, try the Greek salad loaded with veggie toppings and feta cheese.
Graze 1885 is an aromatic bakehouse, café, and wine bar located in one of Vincennes most historic buildings. Graze is perfect for early risers, offering fresh baked pastries and coffee. This is also an ideal light lunch stop, featuring a select list of specialty sandwiches and salads. Stop by in the afternoon to sample the wine bar and choose from an array of white and red wines.
While dining in Knox County, visit George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.Daviess County (Eastern Time Zone)
Daviess County (Eastern Time Zone)
Stoll’s Lakeview Restaurant in Loogootee provides the best of both worlds: a scenic view and a variety of delicious foods. This authentic Amish buffet will fill you with flavorful comfort food. During breakfast hours, be sure to try the decadent and over-sized cinnamon rolls. The lunch and dinner buffet features homestyle favorites like fried chicken, fried catfish, pasta, and carved meats. To complement, select sides like cooked vegetables, potatoes, gravy, and noodles. The variety of desserts will make it tough to choose just one.
Pizza Express in Washington offers something for everyone in your group, from pizza to steaks and sandwiches. Their signature pizza is The Farouk, which is topped with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green bell peppers. Whatever you choose, save room for the decadent turtle cheesecake. You’ll be glad you did.
Gibson County (Central Time Zone)
Huge selection of pies at The Log Inn.
The Log Inn in Haubstadt is exactly what you might imagine. However, did you know it is the oldest restaurant in Indiana? It was established in 1825 as a trading post, stagecoach stop, and restaurant. Holding on to tradition, the homestyle menu items include mashed potatoes, gravy, and a basket of crackers. It is reminiscent of grandma’s Sunday dinner. Fried Chicken? Of course! You’ll also find roast beef, country ham, and catfish on the menu. Leave room for pie. They have six different pies on the menu, along with German chocolate cake.
R’Z Café houses an eclectic bunch of foodies who get excited about creating new dishes and building relationships with their guests. Casual in nature, yet big on flavor, R’Z Café is located in the Historic Swinney Printing Building in the heart of Fort Branch, Indiana. This unique café serves up locally sourced food and uses only the finest and freshest ingredients. They also love to put their own twist on old favorites!
While dining in Gibson County, visit Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge.
Evansville (Central Time Zone)
The Red and White Plate at Sauced in Evansville.
Sauced in Evansville is a dining experience that will inspire you to savor every bite. A favorite is the Aviator salad comprised of romaine, eggs, parmesan, and croutons, tossed with a Caesar dressing. Worlds collide with the Red & White Plate, which is spaghetti with meat sauce and one meatball coupled with fettuccine alfredo and fried chicken. Delicious wines and specialty drinks make these scrumptious meals complete.
While you’re dining in Evansville, visit the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science.
Warrick County (Central Time Zone)
Nellie’s traditional chicken and waffles.
Open in 2017, Nellie’s Restaurant in Newburgh has quickly become a favorite. The full breakfast menu is served all day. It includes a variety of specialty pancakes, French toast, and waffles, including Banana Foster French toast and fried chicken & waffles. Country breakfast selections, skillets, egg sandwiches, and benedicts all provide a hearty start to the day. With over 30 salads and sandwiches, lunch time might be the best time of the day. For dinner, entrees include comfort food such as chicken dishes, pot roast, meat loaf, and pork chops. Save room for luscious homemade desserts. Find out why so many diners rave about Nellie’s Restaurant.
While dining in Warrick County, visit the Historic Newburgh Museum.
Spencer County (Central Time Zone)
Suculent brisket at S&S BBQ and Pizza.
In addition to a satisfying meal, The Rustic takes you away from it all, alongside a scenic golf course in Rockport. Their full menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices. Tasty entrees include everything from steak, chicken, and seafood to sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. Shady outdoor seating and big screen TVs enhance this dining experience.
Santa Claus Indiana is home to S&S BBQ & Pizzeria. Close to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus sites, and shopping, this is ideal family dining. Pulled pork, baby back ribs and other BBQ delights, plus made-to-order pizzas, make this a hearty and people-pleasing choice.
While dining in Spencer County, visit Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum.
Dubois County (Eastern Time Zone)
Flavorful meals at Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse.
Homemade Italian food, hand cut steaks, and seafood come together in one historic place, Mama T’s Italian Steak House in Huntingburg. Dine in a registered landmark dating back to 1892, and prepare to be treated like family. All entrees are made from scratch, seasoned beautifully for an unforgettable meal. The wine menu gives you plenty of choices for the perfect pairing. Try the meat lasagna for a rich and flavorful dinner, or combine steak with pasta, then dig into palette perfection.
Schnitzelbank Restaurant is an award-winning German restaurant, serving a full menu of authentic German cuisine. The Schnitzelbank Restaurant has gone through several transformations over the years and has evolved into a destination in itself, giving patrons an opportunity to dine in an “Olde World” ambiance. The spacious bar serves up a full line of imported beers, featuring several beers and schnapps from Germany, as well as a variety of German & Indiana wines.
While dining in Dubois County, visit Spirit of Jasper Train.
Lawrence County (Eastern Time Zone)
Pub 15 is Bedford’s newest restaurant with an industrial chic vibe.
Try the newest restaurant in Bedford. Pub 15 offers upscale pub food with a cozy atmosphere. The vibe is somewhat industrial chic with exposed brick and planked wooden tables. The hearty menu doesn’t allow anyone to leave hungry. Loaded burgers, meaty and cheesy appetizers, classic sandwiches, and generous salads are created to be both flavorful and filling. Families are welcome; kids’ meals are right on the menu. Twelve beers are on tap including domestic and imports. Order any cocktail you like, but you might want to try the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Tito’s Mule, which are specialties.
Called one of the most unique breweries in the state of Indiana, you won’t want to miss this Lawrence County novelty. Salt Creek Brewery located in a restored service garage in Bedford. What was once the alignment/oil change pit is now home to the brew vessels. The old paint room houses the keg coolers, and the remaining rooms still have the original walls from the 1940s. When you visit, grab a beer from their wide selection of craft, domestic, and imported labels, and listen to some music.
While dining in Lawrence County, visit Spring Mill State Park.
Orange County (Eastern Time Zone)
This burger lives up to the restaurant’s name, Superburger, in Paoli.
From farm to table, The Superburger in Paoli uses locally grown beef and pork. This is a county-wide favorite known, of course, for their burgers. We suggest you order the tall and juicy Triple Newk Double Bacon Cheeseburger. You’ll definitely need two hands! This burger is huge and flavorful bite after big-wide-bite. If you want to try something authentically “Hoosier,” order The Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. Crunchy, crispy, and savory, you’ll discover why the tenderloin sandwich is a statewide favorite.
Located in beautiful French Lick, Indiana, the Grant Colonnade Family Restaurant offers a bountiful selection of hearty breakfast foods to jump start any morning. Enjoy made-to-order omelets, breakfast pizza, biscuits and gravy, waffles, and French toast and much more.
While dining in Orange County, visit the French Lick West Baden Museum.
Perry County (Central Time Zone)
Juicy steaks and more at The Patio Steak House in Cannelton.
The Patio Steak House in Cannelton has a hearty menu of juicy steaks and a variety of thick burgers. If you are so inclined, we recommend the prime rib. Offering a selection of chicken and fish dishes, the menu is extensive. Order from the menu or visit the buffet for soups, salads, and entrees.
Julie’s Tell Street Café is the perfect spot to grab breakfast before beginning your day of adventure in Southern Indiana. Try the famous “scatter browns,” hash browns loaded with toppings! No matter what you order from the menu, you will be tasting one of the best of breakfasts in Southern Indiana. This café is a local favorite and will leave you feeling ready to start your day!
While dining in Perry County, visit the Hoosier National Forest.
Harrison County (Eastern Time Zone)
The Overlook Restaurant has it all – a breath-taking view and delicious food.
Positioned uniquely on a bluff in Leavenworth, Indiana, the Overlook Restaurant offers a 20-mile panoramic view of the Ohio River. As you enjoy your meal, watch barges churning up and down the river or the sun setting behind the wooded, rolling hills of Southern Indiana. The Overlook Restaurant serves up country classics such as fried chicken, pork chops, chicken pot pie, catfish fillets, and more. The cobbler for dessert is a must!
While dining in Harrison County, visit the O’Bannon Woods State Park.
Clark and Floyd Counties (Eastern Time Zone)
BIG steaks at Brooklyn and the Butcher.
Brooklyn and the Butcher in New Albany is known for “small plates and big steaks.” Get ready for a modern spin on the traditional steakhouse. On their menu you’ll find big, bold cuts of steaks, fresh house-made pasta, and an international variety of wines and spirits. Open for brunch, traditional breakfast items with tasty twists are seemingly endless. Even better – brunchers under the age of 10 eat free.
A popular Southern Indiana Foodie Favorite is The Exchange Pub + Kitchen in a historic downtown New Albany gastropub. This is a lovely evening spot to relax and enjoy chef-driven menu items. Their meats and produce are locally sourced, so their food is fresh and flavorful. Choose from their vast selection of specialty cocktails and craft beers. Inside the atmosphere is industrial/chic; however, sitting outside on their climate-controlled patio provides a view of the Ohio River and spectacular bridges. We recommend you start with Klaus’ pretzel & cheese appetizer.
Sample the exceptional dining options in Downhome Southern Indiana. From homestyle and casual to upscale and elegant, there are several options to fit your appetite and mood. For even more culinary choices, click here.
Did you enjoy reading about our Southern Indiana Foodie Favorites? Click here to read more about planning your Southern Indiana Summer Road Trip.
