The
Flavor of
Fort Wayne
2024 DINING GUIDE
Explore
new dining destinations, unique flavors, and
Fort Wayne classics.
Dining at Mercado, on The Landing : Danielle Doepke
INDIANA
What’s for…
Breakfast, Lunch,
&
Dinner
in Fort Wayne
Whether you plan your day around your meals, or wait until you’re hangry to decide where to eat, we’ve outlined the best places to eat – no matter the time of day!
Breakfast Settle in for the most important meal of the day – or choose a quick grab-and-go – at some of our favorite breakfast spots and coffee shops in Fort Wayne.
Savor your morning with some of our favorite brunch spots!
Brunch VisitFortWayne.com/Brunch
Cindy’s Diner A historic diner that feeds the world – 15 at a time. Take a seat at the counter for the classic garbage plate or authentic Murphy’s donuts.
Klemm’s Candlelight Café Home to another one of Fort Wayne’s famous garbage plates, Klemm’s distinguishes their dish by adding ladles of sausage gravy over top.
Sara’s Family Restaurant
Lunch
Sun Rise Café
Make the most of your day exploring with some of our favorite lunchtime spots – perfect when you need something quickly.
Start your day with Sun Rise’s creative omelettes and widelypraised pancakes.
Coney Island
Known for its historically-named dishes and vast menu, at Sara’s you’ll find a variety of eggs Benedict options, jalapeño pancakes, and a menu with items that will challenge your definition of what breakfast can be!
United Coffee Make a pit stop to enjoy their unique coffees and authentic Belgian street pastries.
Fortezza Take a quick break from downtown exploration with a stop at Fortezza for a latte or pastry. If you’re in town on Sunday, be sure to stop by for their extended pastry menu.
GK Cafe & Provisions GK offers handmade pastries, artisanal loaves of bread, groceries, and more at their downtown café.
One of the oldest coney stands in America, Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island has been serving coney dogs and Coca Colas in a glass bottle since 1914.
Hoppy Gnome A great spot for families with kids, Hoppy Gnome’s menu offers creative tacos and tortas, and its Little Gnomies menu offer “fish taco” snacks of tortillas, filled with fish crackers.
Dash-In Known for its soup and sandwich options, Dash-In also serves breakfast all day.
Burger Bar Serving smash burgers and handspun milkshakes, you can dine in or order at the walk-up window to enjoy your meal al fresco at Parkview Field or another nearby park.
816 Pint & Slice Featuring N.Y. style pizza (whole or by the slice), Pint & Slice is a great spot to grab a quick meal for lunch or dinner.
Don Hall’s Many of the Don Hall family restaurants are perfect lunchtime spots. Some favorites include The Deck (summer only), Hall’s Hollywood Drive-In, and Tavern at Coventry.
Dinner Where to begin? Known as the City of Restaurants, Fort Wayne’s dinner options are seemingly endless for your last meal of the day. Find flavors from around the world at scratch kitchens, authentic eateries, and local dives. Union Street Market Head to Union Street Market at Electric Works to choose from tacos, pad thai, pizza, bbq, falafel, bulgogi, and sweet treat options. Order at a restaurant booth or settle down at a table for mobile ordering (you’ll get a text when your food is ready).
Find more at VisitFortWayne.com/DessertTrail
Dessert Wrap up your day with a sweet treat. From a simple truffle to a mile-high milkshake, find just the right morsel to hit the spot. Black Canyon Find wood-fired dishes seared to perfection, craft cocktails, and an outdoor patio and fireplace for unmatched ambiance.
Paula’s On Main This casual fine dining restaurant (and adjacent fish market) offers some of the freshest – and best prepared – seafood in town. And be sure to try the mile-high key lime pie!
Proofº A new kid on the block, Proofº boasts fresh ingredients, handmade tinctures, and a comfortable dining experience.
The Landing Stroll through The Landing to experience the revitalization of the most historic street in Fort Wayne. Where canals once landed in the 1800s, you can now find varied restaurants featuring Asian Fusion, pizza, Cali-Mex, upscale American, specialty burgers, and more in the historic, preserved architecture.
Cookie Cottage Looking for a sweet treat that makes the perfect souvenir for those at home? This Fort Wayne staple promises the “best cookies in town!” Try their signature frosted, classic chocolate chip, or the delicious “Georgie Pie.”
Poptique Perfect for a grab-and-go treat, Poptique offers dozens of unique flavors of popcorn - from sweet to spicy! Grab a few bags to enjoy on your adventure.
Chimney Cakes Try something new at Chimney Cakes with their authentic Transylvanian pastries. A soft dough wrapped around a wooden cone creates a hollow center perfect for adding fillings. Soft on the inside, but caramelized and crispy on the outside!
Sweets on Main With flavors like Amaretto Cherry, Cool Mint Cookie, and Pomegranate Raspberry Sorbet, you don’t want to limit yourself to a couple of choices – get an ice cream flight to try up to 6 of their unique flavors.
Rise’n Roll Donuts Known as the most addictive donuts in town, you’ll want to grab extra napkins for these pastries covered in powdered sugar goodness.
Fort Wayne Restaurant Listings 816 Pint & Slice Featuring N.Y. style pizza, calzones, grinders, and fresh salads! Family-friendly dining room, beer, and wine! 816 Calhoun St., (260) 423-6600, pintandslice.com BakerStreet Steakhouse A fine-dining atmosphere. Taste the best steaks in Fort Wayne, and exquisite seafood options. 4820 N. Clinton St., (260) 484-3300, bakerstreetfortwayne.com Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano A casual Italian restaurant offering an extensive selection of house made pastas, soups & salads, pizza, seafood, and steaks. 4010 W. Jefferson Blvd., (260) 459-6700, biaggis.com CASA Ristoranti Italiano Voted Fort Wayne’s #1 Italian Restaurant. Family owned & operated since 1977. Casa Grille 411 E. Dupont Rd. • (260) 490-4745 Casa Grille Italiano 6340 Stellhorn Rd. • (260) 969-4700 Casa Ristorante Italiano 4111 Parnell Ave. • (260) 483-0202 Casa! Ristorante 7545 W. Jefferson Blvd. (260) 436-2272 casarestaurants.com Chapman’s Taproom With 24 taplines, a full kitchen, and an on-site brewery, we’re your destination for craft beer excellence. 1660 Broadway - Electric Works, (855) 594-7624, chapmansbrewing.com Cindy’s Diner Authentic ‘50s diner. Home of the worldfamous “Garbage” breakfast & traditional diner lunch served anytime. 230 W. Berry St., (260) 422-1957 Club Soda Sizzling steaks, cool jazz and commodious cocktails. Voted Best Martini Bar, Best Place for Jazz and Favorite Place for a Night Out. 235 E. Superior St., (260) 426-3442, clubsodafortwayne.com Conner’s Kitchen + Bar Across from the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Our Chef-driven culture highlights the best of local/regional ingredients. Offering wines, craft beers, and cocktails. 1150 S. Harrison St., (260) 467-1638, connerskitchenandbarfw.com Conner’s Rooftop Boasting unparalleled views overlooking Parkview Field. Offering craft cocktails and small plates – all from the top floor of the Hampton Inn. 223 W. Jefferson Blvd., (260) 702-0348, connersrooftop.com Cookie Cottage A family business specializing in original recipe and customized cookies. 620 W. Washington Center Rd., (260) 471-6678, CookieCottage.com
VisitFortWayne.com/restaurants
Copper Spoon We use sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and offer 600 unique spirits & wines. The Sidecar Tiki bar open in summer. Across from the Grand Wayne Center. 301 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 100, (260) 755-1019, copperspoonfw.com
Junk Ditch Brewing/GK Baked Goods With an “everything from scratch” philosophy, you’re sure to find something for everyone! 1825 W. Main St. & 202 W. Berry St., (260) 203-4045, (260) 424-2600, junkditchbrewingco.com, gkbakedgoods.com
Dana’s Neighborhood bar serving cocktails and French brasserie-style food in an elevated atmosphere. 135 W. Columbia St., drinkatdanas.com
Kanela Blended Drinks, Coffee, and Bites All-natural smoothies, açaí bowls, juices, delectable coffee and lattes, all served in our cozy and inviting ambiance. 618 S. Harrison St., 359 Lincoln Hwy. W. (Drive Thru), (260) 755-1838, kanelafw.com
Dash-In A local favorite with modern classics, and vegan and gluten-free options. We serve local craft beer during breakfast and lunch. 21+. 814 S. Calhoun St., (260) 423-3595, TheDash-In.com Don Hall’s Restaurants Fort Wayne’s local favorite for 78 years. Offering casual dining at these locations: Takaoka of Japan 305 E. Superior St., (260) 424-3183 The Factory 5811 Coldwater Rd., (260) 484-8693 The Old Gas House 305 E. Superior St., (260) 426-3411 The Tavern at Coventry 5745 Coventry Ln, (260) 459-2893 Hall’s Hollywood Drive-In 4416 Lima Rd., (260) 482-1113 Hall’s Prime Rib 2005 E. State Blvd., (260) 483-0597 Hall’s Commissary 216 IN-930, New Haven, IN (260) 493-6622 Canal Tap Haus 216 IN-930, New Haven, IN, (260) 749-5556 donhalls.com Giordano’s - Famous Pizza • Fresh Italian Famous for our deep pizza. Critics call us the best pizza in town. 10180 Diebold Rd., (260) 366-4787, giordanos.com Gnometown Brewing OTL Burgers and beer are our specialty, hospitality is our passion! 118 West Columbia St., (260) 265-2022, gnometownbrewing.com Henry’s A Fort Wayne favorite offering outstanding atmosphere, friendly service, and a popular late-night menu! 21+ 536 W. Main St., (260) 426-0531, henrysftwayne.com Hop River Brewing Company Locally owned production brewery serving a diverse selection of craft beers alongside a seasonal food menu. Family-friendly taproom. 1515 N. Harrison St., (260) 739-3931, hopriverbrewing.com Hoppy Gnome/GnomeTown Brewing Enjoy our scratch menu offering tacos, sandwiches, and other chef-driven dishes. A great selection of wine, cocktails, and 48 lines of craft brews! 203 E. Berry St., (260) 422-0070, hoppygnome.com JK O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House A wee bit of Ireland in downtown. 90+ beers, hard ciders, whiskeys, bourbons and scotches. Traditional pub and housemade fare. 121 W. Wayne St., (260) 420-5563, jkodonnells.com
Mad Anthony Brewing Company With nationally awarded MadBrew, craft cocktails, live music and a family friendly menu. 2002 Broadway, (260) 426-2537, madbrew.com Marquee at the Landing An upscale urban bar and restaurant with scratch kitchen using locally sourced products. 123 W. Columbia St., (260) 255-3717, marqueeatthelanding.com Mercado Find fun casual fare during lunch hour, using our counter service. We slow things down at dinner for a fun Cali-Mex-inspired menu. 111 W. Columbia St., Suite 103, (260) 387-6160, mercadofw.com Mitchell’s Venue / Knockin’ Boots Great food, drinks in a family-friendly atmosphere. Watch sports on 100 TV’s. Axe throwing, bull riding, golf simulator, arcade center, and live entertainment! 6179 W. Jefferson Blvd., (260) 387-5063, mitchellsfw.com, knockinbootsfw.com Nawa Restaurant Our distinctive small and large plates feature culinary influences from Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and elsewhere in Asia. Cocktails showcase herbal and fruit flavors of the Far East. 126 W. Columbia St., (260) 399-7501, nawa.live Night Train Experience late-night in our underground, playful environment. We offer specialty and classic cocktails, beer, shots, and the best bar food around. 135 W. Columbia St., nighttrainbar.com Nori Asian Fusion Cuisine Casual dining offering Sushi, Thai and Asian foods. Classics featuring an extensive Sushi menu and Hibachi choices. 2882 E. Dupont Rd., (260) 739-5387, noriasiancuisine.com Oh Five Scoop Shop A friendly neighborhood ice cream shop. Vegan/non-dairy gelato options. Outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome. 1937 E. State Blvd., (260) 494-6069, ohfivescoopshop.com Paula’s on Main Enjoy Alaskan king crab legs, lobsters, oysters, fresh and saltwater fish, hand-cut steaks, chowder, salads, and desserts. Try the fresh fish market and full bar. 1732 W. Main St., (260) 424-2300, paulasonmain.com
Pikoso Burrito Co. We craft each dish with care, fusing the classic flavors you love with contemporary culinary trends. 1622 Broadway, Electric Works/ Union Street Market, pikosofw.com Proofº Our team of experienced chefs and friendly staff are dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience for all our guests. 1915 S. Calhoun St., (260) 744-0333, prooffortwayne.com Proximo The place to experience Latin cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner! Enjoy sipping a craft cocktail inside or outside on our full patio. 898 S. Harrison St., (260) 4596150, proximofw.com Shigs in Pit Barbeque We offer everything from St. Louis style ribs to flavorful chopped chicken and more, all served with our own competition-quality BBQ sauce and rub. 2008 Fairfield Ave., (260) 387-5903 6250 Maplecrest Rd., (260) 222-8802 8506 Illinois Rd., (260) 338-4888 shigsinpit.com Steady Eddy’s Station Offering flavorful sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads along with a great selection of local beer and wine. 14436 Leo Rd., (260) 376-1195, steadyeddysstation.com teds beerhall The area’s largest selection of craft beer, plus delicious scratch-made food, and offer live music every weekend! 12628 Coldwater Rd., (888) 260-0351, tedsbeerhall.com The Brass Rail Downtown’s spot for live music, craft beer and cocktails. 1121 Broadway, (260) 267-5303, brassrailfw.com The Oyster Bar USA Today called us a “Locals’ favorite, an innovator in the culinary arts, as well as personal service.” 1830 S. Calhoun St., (260) 744-9490, fwoysterbar.com Union Street Market A food hall and public market offering fare from food and beverage merchants. Visit them inside the historic Electric Works campus. 1620 Broadway, unionstreetmarket.org UNIQ BBQ & SHABU First and only go-to Korean BBQ and Hot Pot restaurant in Ft. Wayne. Unique and interactive Asian dining adventure. 6045 Stellhorn Rd.,(260) 255-6869, facebook.com/uniqbbqshabu Wu’s Fine Chinese Cuisine The finest in Chinese cuisine. Serving lunch, vegetarian and gluten free items every day. 4411 Coldwater Rd., (260) 483-0899, wuschinese.com
Meet
culinary entrepreneurs diversifying From food trucks to farmers markets to restaurants and booths inside Union Street Market at Electric Works, Fort Wayne’s food scene is expanding and evolving.
Fort Wayne’s food scene
By Kara Hackett
: Jared Christiansen
“You can come here just to experience food at a fraction of the cost of Chicago. Fort Wayne is family-friendly, too.” “We are seeing a huge influx of international cuisines and a diverse range of food offerings coming to our area,” says culinary entrepreneur Flora Barrón. “This can be attributed, in part, to the significant presence of immigrants residing in Fort Wayne, coupled with a growing sense of cultural pride and openness among individuals from varied backgrounds, who are increasingly eager to showcase the culinary treasures of their heritage.”
Across the city, food entrepreneurs are carrying on rich family traditions, expanding the palates of Midwest consumers and providing memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences.
These are a few of their stories.
Thao Nguyen Born in South Vietnam, Thao Nguyen immigrated to Fort Wayne with her family at age three. But she had trouble finding food like her mother’s sweet and salty South Vietnamese cooking at local restaurants. Specifically, she longed for banh mi sandwiches, made with a crispy crusted bread with a soft interior stuffed with meat, tofu, pickled veggies, soy sauce, mayo, and cilantro. “Every single alley or street has vendors who make these sandwiches in Vietnam,” Nguyen says. After college, she teamed up with her brother, Will Le, and niece, Hien Le, to open what they assumed would be a small Vietnamese street food joint called Banh Mi Barista, mainly serving Vietnamese coffees, sandwiches, and noodle bowls. Since then, they’ve expanded their menu and opened a larger second location on the South side, as well as a food truck. Along with their banh mi and pho, Nguyen suggests their avocado smoothies or Vietnamese coffees. You might also catch one of their Korean corn dog days on the food truck, where they make sandwiches using corndog bread topped with Oreos, Hot Cheetos, cotton candy, or Pop Rocks. (And typically sell out!) “What’s special about the culinary arts is they’re limitless,” Nguyen says.
Johnny & Esli Barrón Perez Johnny Perez always wanted to be head chef of a restaurant. He met his wife, Esli Barrón Perez (daughter of Flora Barrón), in high school. But they didn’t marry until he graduated culinary school and realized his dream as Head Chef at Proximo, owned by local restaurateur James Khan. Thanks to mentorship from Khan and others, the Perezes were inspired to launch Mercado, paying homage to their Mexican-American heritage and Johnny’s family cooking on the West Coast. It started as a food truck and quickly became a Cali-Mex spot on The Landing. Recently, the Perezes have been busy opening two more restaurants as Te Gustó Hospitality: Papi’s Pizza, a nostalgic, 90s-themed pizza joint next door to Mercado, and Spoke & Ivy, a New American cafe on the up-andcoming West Main Street corridor. At Mercado, Johnny recommends tacos, like the ChoriQueso, using house-made queso, or the popular Cali AF. Occasionally, he also makes a traditional Mexican birria, or meat stew. He and Esli also pride themselves in authentic fusions, like their Chinese-Mexican Night Market Noodles, inspired by the Mexicali region of Northwestern Mexico. They suggest exploring more authentic local eats, like West Coast Grille and Haru Sushi & Izakaya’s Japanese.
As the half-Indian son of a single mother who grew up in a trailer park, James Khan didn’t consider himself a “foodie” when he started working fine dining in his teens. But as he worked his way up to restaurant management to put himself through college for engineering and provide for his family, he came to appreciate the subtleties of wellprepared meals. He realized he could apply his engineer’s mind to problem-solving for guests, too. This knack for hospitality and a series of fortuitous events led him to help salvage Fort Wayne’s beloved BakerStreet Steakhouse during the Great Recession, turning it into one of the city’s premier fine-dining establishments (known for its ribeye, which he still recommends, particularly the Bacon & Egg).
James Khan
Over the years, Khan’s ObiCai Restaurant Management Group has expanded into an eclectic family of restaurants, starting with The Hoppy Gnome (2015) and Gnometown Brewing (2016), bringing a taste of a Chicago sports pub to Downtown. He’s gotten in on some of the city’s most transformative projects, too, opening Proximo Latin fare at Skyline Plaza (2018) and a second location for Gnometown on The Landing (2023). At Proximo, he recommends the Breakfast Skillet or Shrimp and Grits. For something casual, grab a sweet and spicy “No Ragrets” burger at Gnometown or tacos named for Khan at the Hoppy Gnome, the spicy “Wrath of Khan.” He suggests exploring the breadth of Fort Wayne’s food scene – from classics, like Coney Island and Taj Mahal, to a new generation in Junk Ditch, Tolon, Mercado, Hideout 125, and Laz’s Cuban Cafe. “You can come here just to experience food at a fraction of the cost of Chicago,” Khan says. “Fort Wayne is family-friendly, too.”
In Mexico, Flora Barrón’s family owned a popular chain of fresh-fruit juiceries. But she didn’t continue their legacy until about two decades after immigrating to Fort Wayne with her husband and young daughter. Once her family was raised, she launched Flora & Lily’s Mexican Kitchen food truck with her sister, Lilia Horta, selling madeto-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls with authentic Mexican Chihuahua cheese and family recipes. This gave her the confidence to open a second truck and cafe with her husband in 2020 called Kanela, selling fresh juices and smoothies alongside grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items and coffee. Barrón recommends her Energy Elixir smoothie with green tea, pineapple, kale, avocado, and chia seeds and her signature Flora’s Latte with lavender and vanilla. (She sources regional coffees and pastries, too.) Recently, she and her husband have opened a Kanela II drive-thru in New Haven and launched a burrito stand inside Union Street Market called Pikoso Burrito Co. (Try the Pollo al Pastor with made-from-scratch grilled pineapple salsa that’s fresh, sweet and spicy!) Barrón recommends exploring nearby local restaurants and shops, too. She sees Fort Wayne’s culture growing thanks to a new, diverse generation of patrons and entrepreneurs, like her daughter, Esli Barrón Perez, who owns a restaurant on The Landing, too.
Flora Barrón
Cameron Brooks is a fourth-generation BBQ chef who flipped his first ribs when he was six years old. But growing up, he didn’t plan to take over the family business. Instead, he assumed he would be a singer and made it all the way to ABC’s “American Idol,” where he got a chance to audition – and cook his family’s ribs – for the show’s all-star cast: Ryan Seacrest, Luke Bryant, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. “Ryan Seacrest is an avid vegetarian, but I got him to eat my ribs on camera, and he liked them,” Brooks says. “That’s one of my proudest accomplishments.” He returned to Fort Wayne with a passion to fire up the grill and reopen Brooks BBQ. With the guidance of local entrepreneurs, Charles and Audi Law, he started a food truck and became one of the first vendors at Union Street Market. He recommends visitors come to the market on a Sunday for his special soul food menu, or any day of the week for rib tips smothered in his grandmother’s special sauce: A vinegar-based BBQ (hot or mild). He also offers a sweet and sour (traditional BBQ) and a combo Brooks 2.0 sauce (his favorite). For entertainment in Fort Wayne, catch dance parties by Music Lovers Lounge, trivia with AM2Funny and comedy by Who Got Snacks.
Cameron Brooks
Pair the savory Birria Tacos with a signature margarita from Tequila Mexican Restaurant & Cantina’s extensive Cali-Mex offerings!
@igocrazyfor
Delicious steamed bagel sandwiches await at Davey’s Delicious Bagels. Start the morning with a breakfast sandwich and a coffee or go all out with a crafty lunch sandwich.
@abiteofindy
What’s on the menu? Fort Wayne’s food truck scene offers flavors for every palate. Drop It Like It’s Tot, a local favorite, serves up delightful, tater tot-based creations. Totchos, anyone?
@brettgauger
Soft on the inside with a crunchy, caramelized outer crust, Chimney Cakes are authentic Hungarian pastries! Satisfy your sweet tooth or try a savory chimney with herbs and spices.
@chimneycakesbakery
Check out local foodie @eat.with.bella on Instagram for more great dining spots!
Banh Mi Pho
Bravas
Sweets on Main
Home to amazing foodie favorites, Fort Wayne offers an unlimited selection of dishes and drinks that look as delicious as they taste!
Discover photo-worthy dishes in a sweet, photogenic setting at Ophelia’s! The brunch menu features sweet potato pancakes topped with roasted apple butter and bourbon maple syrup alongside fried chicken. It just works.
@sierrainthecity
With a farm-to-fork focus, Tolon partners with area farms to bring their exquisite dishes to life. Treat yourself to locally-sourced ribeye and duck fat frites!
Joy K.
International
Flavors In Fort Wayne, culinary creatives are mixing Midwestern hospitality (and generations-old recipes) with flavors from around the world. On your next food tour of Fort Wayne, dig into these restaurants that may become a few of your new favorite flavors!
: Kelly Benton
Wayne’s food scene is continually evolving and offers a cornucopia of Asian Influences Fort culinary influences, including many from Asian countries. What started as a booth at the farmers market, True Kimchi, a Korean womanowned company, has blossomed into a storefront where you can enjoy handcrafted kimchi made in small batches from sacred family recipes as well as some of the owner’s favorite Korean dishes like Kimchi Jeon and Bibimbap. A Fort Wayne favorite, Nori Asian Fusion offers a unique mix of cultural classics including an extensive sushi menu and
Hibachi choices in vegetarian, crab, shrimp, tofu, steak, salmon, and scallops. And for the finest in Chinese cuisine, diners appreciate Wu’s and their extensive and authentic menu. Taking culinary influence from Thailand and around Asia, Nawa features a diverse selection of small and large plates and focuses on fresh, distinct flavors. After the owner’s first restaurant venture in Bangkok, they decided to bring that authentic
experience to a fine dining atmosphere on The Landing in the heart of Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne is home to a large Burmese population and one of the best ways to connect with the culture is through food. Enjoy sour, salty, bitter, spice, and umami flavor profiles at some of Fort Wayne’s Burmese-owned restaurants, including Amay Kitchen, NineHouse, and Yummy Thai.
Mexican and Spanish Influences Fort Wayne is home to more than 35 Hispanic and Latin-owned restaurants – and counting! Take a seat at the table of some of our favorites around the city that are serving up a taste of Cali-Mex, authentic Spanish American dishes, and creative burritos! Union Street Market – a food hall located at Electric Works – brings a variety of flavors to Fort Wayne including Pikoso, which offers authentic and creative burritos, tacos, and other Mexican specialties. Plus, Union Street Market features other favorites like Seoul Garden, O-Cha Thai, and Johnny OX Pizzeria. Finding their start as a food truck, Mercadito, the owners of Mercado are bringing Cali-Mex flavors to Fort Wayne. Bite into the West Coast lifestyle with a menu featuring Chicano-inspired flavors. And don’t forget their cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks – a great addition to any meal! A Fort Wayne classic, el Azteca has been serving up Mexican classics since 1973, including nine varieties of enchiladas and burritos, eight chimichangas, and so many other favorites.
Italian Influences
Ask any local for a recommendation for great Italian, and they will likely say “Casa!” With four locations around the city, the Casa family of restaurants have been serving authentic – and delicious – Italian favorites since 1977. Another Fort Wayne favorite is Biaggi’s, where unique monthly specials combine with classic dishes to create a lovely evening. And for the family, nothing says “vacation” like a delicious pizza! Stop by Giordano’s for an authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza, served with our famous Hoosier Hospitality. Of course, there are many other cultures represented in Fort Wayne’s food scene including Turkish, Salvadoran, and Caribbean. Dig into Fort Wayne’s food scene and discover international flavors at VisitFortWayne.com/InternationalDining.
Food Hall Fare Union Street Market at Electric Works is the region’s only food hall, and is set on the 39-acre campus overflowing with stories and history. Electric Works is a revitalized General Electric campus originally built in 1883 as a center of industrial innovation. In its prime in the 1940’s, the single powerhouse employed a third of Fort Wayne’s workforce. Now the eighteen buildings, and more than 1.2 million square feet of space are home to innovations of a new kind. Enter the food hall through the Union Street Tunnel where public art lines the walls depicting the location’s evolution through time by local artist Theoplis Smith III, aka Phresh Laundry. Step into the Arcade where you have the option of restaurants on your right and the market on your left.
Insider Tip: The murals in the Arcade represent each of the initial vendors within the market, such as the owner of Brooks BBQ standing on tiptoes to help his grandmother with the original BBQ recipe.
Food Truck Central If you’re out and about exploring Fort Wayne in the summer, chances are there’s a food truck nearby just waiting to serve up hot and fresh street fare. Street tacos, pulled pork mac n’ cheese, totchos, and the longest cheese pull on a grilled cheese you’ve ever seen? Find a list of Fort Wayne’s trucks at VisitFortWayne.com/ FoodTrucks. Or, count on these weekly events, where food trucks gather, to take your pick from rotating options:
Lunch on the Square
Thursdays 11:30AM - 1:30PM, June - August Come to beautiful Freimann Square in downtown Fort Wayne for lunch every Thursday throughout the summer for food truck fare and live music.
Brunch on Barr at the Barr Street Farmers Market
Saturdays 9AM - 1PM, May - September Browse the huge farmers market at Barr Street Market, then grab brunch, mimosas, lattes, pastries, and more from the wide lineup of food trucks.
Junk Ditch Brewing Company’s Food Truck Rally Inside the food hall, browse the many unique restaurants or take a seat and scroll through each menu on your phone where you can place your order and be notified when it’s ready for you to enjoy. Make it a progressive dinner and try a little bit of everything! Grab apps, entrees, dessert, and an after-dinner cocktail or latte – all within Union Street Market. Browse the east side market for local honey, boutique flowers, Amish pastries, a wine bar, local produce, and more. Learn more at
VisitFortWayne.com/ElectricWorks
Tuesdays 5PM - 9PM, May - September On Tuesday nights, Junk Ditch doesn’t just have great food inside their restaurant – they invite local food trucks to park on their lot to share the love and have a great time.
teds beerhall
Thursdays 5PM - 9PM, May – September Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy food trucks and the outdoor bar at teds beerhall (& beercade!) on the northside of Fort Wayne.
Allergy From plant-based meals to
&
gluten-free delights, Fort Wayne
Dietary Friendly
restaurants continue to spice up their
Restaurants
menus with offerings to accommodate dietary needs and food sensitivities. Loving Café As a fully vegan restaurant, every item on the menu at Loving Café is crafted with a focus on affordable, healthy, vegan cuisine for all. Over half of the menu is also gluten-free. Favorites include the Yaki Soba with vegan protein slices, Vegan BBQ Wings, Asparagus Steak with plant-based steak, and the Pistachio and Mushroom Soup.
Copper Spoon Browse the menu packed with gluten-free and vegetarian culinary creations – from starters to desserts. And be sure to add a cocktail or mocktail from their drink menu!
Umi An upscale sushi restaurant with vegan-made options including Vegan Pad Thai and Vegetable Lo Mein – and plenty more upon request. The menu also offers great gluten-free options.
Banh Mi Pho Shop All about pho? Head to Banh Mi Pho Shop for Veggie Pho served in vegan broth!
Brooklyn Pints Microcreamery Indulge in a variety of vegan and gluten-free flavors at this small batch shop. Try an ice cream flight or order a scoop or two in a vegan waffle cone.
Vegan Vegetarian Gluten-Free
Many additional Fort Wayne restaurants offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and are happy to accommodate food allergy needs.
Pizza Lovers Unite Three Fires Pizza Find yourself in pizza heaven with vegan/vegan-optional wood-fired pizzas, kids’ vegan dishes, and many vegan and/or gluten-freeoptional appetizers. Plus, all pizzas can be made on gluten-free crust or keto-friendly cauliflower crust.
Farmers Market Finds 3 Rivers Food Co-op Natural Grocery & Deli Discover a grocery full of natural, organic, and local food, alongside packaged salads, made-to-order sandwiches, hot bar & salad bar, soups, and more!
Good Riddance Yummy baked goods – completely gluten-free! We recommend the blueberry Danish, lemon cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Find them at Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings.
Sassy Vegan Find plant-based and gluten-sensitive sweet treats, from cheesecake cups to creative donuts and more. Visit them at the YLNI Farmers Market on Saturdays.
At the Ballpark Heading to a TinCaps Game at Parkview Field? Gluten-free food and drink options are available at each game. Plus, they offer several Peanut Free Nights throughout the season to create a safe environment for anyone with severe peanut allergies! See the schedule at TinCaps.com.
Rack ‘Em Up Barbeque is a great family option, and Fort Wayne has plenty of it. Shigs In Pit has multiple locations, with affordable options, and was awarded the best barbeque in Indiana. Combination plates start at $15 and the Kids menu starts at $5.99. Fairfield Avenue, Maplecrest Road, and Illinois Road.
Budget Friendly
Bites
Traveling with family can be tough on your budget, but we’ve got the triedand-true favorites that won’t break the bank.
Sizzling Smash Burgers
Classics
Bagger Dave’s Tavern on Dupont Road features a wide array of pizza, salads, and burgers. And their kids menu starts at $7.95.
Ask a local where to eat, and they’ll undoubtedly say Coney Island. World class dogs served up on Main Street for over 100 years. Try a traditional coney with all the toppings, for under $2!
Burger Bar, located downtown at the Hampton Inn & Suites, is a specialty smash burger shop, serving unique selections. Burgers are served on a potato bun, starting under $10. With the money you save, check out their shakes and soft serve ice cream. Hall’s family of restaurants features both fine dining and classic family style. The epic Big Buster is a unique double decker burger with a tangy twist. Entrees can be found for under $15. Find their locations in New Haven, East State Blvd, Lima Road, and Village at Coventry.
World Class Fort Wayne’s international dining options are growing. Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, and Burmese are all available, with affordable menu options. VisitFortWayne.com/ InternationalDining.
Cindy’s Diner serves the whole world – 15 at time. Pull up a seat at the counter and order the garbage, or one of their other classic diner dishes. The kids will love it!
If wings are your thing, we’ve got that too. Buffalo Wings & Ribs is a locally-based chain offering traditional and boneless wings, perfect for kids. Entrees vary, but wing prices start under $15. Coldwater Road and West Jefferson Boulevard. Ziffles Rib Bar on East State Boulevard is a classic local eatery with a bit of everything, from barbeque to pizza. Sandwiches start under $15 and barbeque platter selections start under $20. For a delicious take on BBQ, try Korean BBQ at Uniq BBQ and Shabu. Fun for the whole family, Shabu is served in a Japanese hot pot, featuring paper-thin slices of tender meat and fresh vegetables cooked together in a large open pot during the meal, similar to fondue.
Menu prices current as of October 2023.
: John McGauley
The TinCaps have welcomed over 5,000,000 fans to the ballpark since opening in 2009. Tickets to experience the family fun start at only $7.00 and can be found at TinCaps.com.
Named as an homage to American folk hero Johnny Appleseed, the TinCaps have a dedicated food cart just for apple items. Fans enjoy over 2,000 servings of apple crisp each season! Dippin Dots are dubbed the “Ice Cream of the Future” – each season TinCaps fans enjoy over 30,000 servings of these delicious frozen treats! Hot dogs are a traditional meal at Parkview Field. If you laid every hot dog eaten at the ballpark each season end to end you would have a line of hot dogs 4 miles long!
Photo: @native_living_
“Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack!” is a famous line in the 7th inning stretch. TinCaps fans enjoy over 6,000 bags of peanuts each season. The TinCaps occasionally play as their alternate identity, the Hoosier State Tenderloins. During the 2023 season, fans enjoyed 2,004 breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches during their 4-game series. We all know that fans love cracking open a cold one at a game – but TinCaps fans can also enjoy hard cider from local brewer, Kekionga Craft Company.
Photo: @kekiongacraftcompany
An Apple A Day
Dig into a bushel of apple treats and celebrate Fort Wayne’s connection to John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed.) A real-life historical figure, John Chapman is buried along the St. Joseph riverbank and is celebrated each September with the Johnny Appleseed Festival. • The “Johnny Loves Apple” at Churro Loco features cinnamon crispy apple chips with a signature glazed sauce. • For a luxurious treat, bite into a classic Fort Wayne favorite – the decadent DeBrand Fine Chocolates Caramel Apple. • GK Baked Goods makes a mean seasonal hand pie. Plan accordingly when apple season hits. • Do-nut mess around with the Rise’n Roll apple-filled donuts or an apple fritter for a morning treat. • Sip on local ciders at Kekionga Craft Company or Ambrosia Orchard, Cidery, and Meadery. Sour fans should pucker up and check out Mad Anthony Brewing’s classic Apple Tart Kettle Sour. • Find the Local Apple Cart at Union Street Market for numerous sweet options. • April to September, grab a ticket to a TinCaps baseball game, and be sure to check out the Apple Cart concession for treats ranging from caramel apples to the Big Apple – a dessert that comes in a baseball helmet! • Pick up a bag of Poptique’s Karmapple popcorn for a crunchy treat. • Enjoy a nice helping of Apple Pie Baked Beans from Shigs in Pit – they won’t disappoint. • Warm up with a Caramel Apple Latte at Firefly Coffee House. • You’ll love the insta-worthy caramel apple ice cream or shake at Just Cream – Ice Cream Boutique. • Keep it fresh and pick your own apple from one of Fort Wayne’s many apple orchards.
For more apple-related exploration, grab your family and friends and discover the Fort Wayne Apple Trail at VisitFortWayne.com/AppleTrail.
Cool Cocktails &Mocktails
While you’re enjoying the world-class and walletfriendly restaurants in Fort Wayne, don’t forget the very spirited tradition of great Fort Wayne watering holes. Here are some of the top drinks you’ll want to sip and savor.
Charlie’s Place
A fun spot to gather, Charlie’s Place offers unique concoctions like the Pineapple Habanero Margarita, served with lime juice, citrus liqueur, pineapple, and of course, habanero-infused tequila.
Club Soda
Offering a sophisticated vibe, try the Sinatra, a martini featuring gin, vodka, and orange liqueur. Just like Old Blue Eyes would have wanted.
Copper Spoon
This quiet, relaxing restaurant and bar is known for its creative mixologists. Choose from hundreds of options from their drink menu or let the bartender surprise you. In the summer, try the patio bar The Sidecar.
Chop’s Steaks and Seafood
A favorite for upscale dining service. Experience their Blackberry Gimlet. The standard vodka and lime include blackberry syrup to open up your taste buds to summer.
Nawa
This Asian-fusion restaurant on The Landing also offers tasty drinks to make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise. The Spirited Away boasts two kinds of rum, peach liqueur, cocchi, lime juice, pineapple juice, and tiki bitters. This spot on The Landing features the Jackalope, a tasty mix of rum, green tea vodka, strawberry, orange, and honey. They also serve the Transatlantic, a nonalcoholic mix of orange liqueur, agave, lime, soda, and celery sugar.
Mercado
One of the highlights of The Landing is this Mexican eatery with a spotlight on margaritas. The Mando Amargo features Blanco tequila, lime, pomegranate, grenadine, and bitters.
Penny Drip
A longtime Fort Wayne spot known for steak and seafood, be sure to try the Pomajito, a mix of rum pomegranate syrup, simple syrup, lime juice, mint, and lemon-lime soda.
The Deck at Hall’s Gas House
Proximo
A summertime favorite, this outdoor bar is perched on the bank of the St. Marys River and features the Purple Haze – a mix of grape vodka, grenadine, blue curacao, sour mix, and a dash of lemon-lime soda.
The tasty fare at this Fort Wayne restaurant will fill you up. Try a light cocktail to even things out. The signature Trolley Refresher features vodka, elderflower liqueur, basil, sour mix, and soda.
Marquee
Penny Drip won the 2023 Best New Cocktail Bar in the central United States region, and it’s easy to see why. They offer unique sips like the Roman Holiday, which includes Amaro Meletti, cold brew coffee, pineapple, lime, bitters, and turbinado sugar. They also offer alcohol-free refresher drinks for the designated driver.
Cork’ N Cleaver
Trolley Steaks and Seafood
This Latin American restaurant features tasty flavors of drinks in unexpected combinations. The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a mix of mezcal, tequila, rose liqueur, tamarind syrup, and bitters.
Fort Wayne On Tap For beer aficionados, check out brew spots like Chapman’s, GnomeTown On The Landing, and Hop River Brewing. Each features locally crafted brews for a variety of tastes and fantastic bites. For the stout-hearted, be sure to grab a Guinness at J.K. O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House in downtown. A fun night spot with sports and games, Mitchell’s offers a full bar and a boot scootin’ saloon. Finish off your tour with a sophisticated nightcap at Rudy’s. Pair some wine or a craft beer with fine sweets and cigars.
Of course, we want you to enjoy responsibly, so be sure to designate a driver or make use of rideshare apps and local taxis. And just like the seasons, featured cocktails are subject to change, so if something’s not available, go ahead and ask for what they recommend – it may just become your new favorite!
Published by:
The Official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana : @sierrainthecity
260-424-3700 | VisitFortWayne.com