At OLG, we’re passionate about our community, with ferocious appetites for interesting artistic, cultural, musical and culinary experiences. On our own, and as a team, we’ve tasted our way through Northeast Indiana’s restaurants and eateries, and these are the ones that rise to the tops of each of our lists!
Asakusa
6224 Lima Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Website
In a recent article called ‘The Joys of Being a Regular,’ NYT best-selling author Xochitl Gonzalez said, “No matter how exciting the metropolis, it’s routine that weaves you into a city.”
For me and my two sons, we’re regulars at Asakusa, where our routine takes us every Saturday, 2:15PM. (We make it an intentionally late-lunch to avoid the pesky high-noon crowd.) We’ve been doing it so long, we don’t even have to order at this point. No matter who is waiting on us—we’re close with the entire team at this point—they just stop by the table, and it goes like this:
Waiter: {slight nod}
Charley: {smiles and nods}
Waiter: {points finger}
Henry: {slow nod}
Waiter: {double-raised eyebrow, tilted head}
MK: “Mmmmm, I think I’ll switch it up.”
Waiter: “Got it.” {leaves to enter order}
When you’re a regular, even your switch-it-up order is known by heart. (It’s the White Lightning Roll, btw.)
Anyway, all of this to say: best sushi this side of Jiro’s.
– Matt
Bahn Mi Pho Shop
1925 Fairfield Ave
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Website
I just love everything I get at Banh Mi Pho Shop—from the pho to the rice bowls to the sandwiches. Don’t forget a bubble tea, too!
– Jasmine
Chop’s Wine Bar
6421 W Jefferson Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Website
We’ll often wrap our week up with a Friday night visit to Chop’s Wine Bar. You’ve got to get the goat cheese crouton for your chop salad (and the pork belly if you really want to go for it)! We love the cozy décor, the welcoming staff and of course—the drinks!
– Bridget
Italian Connection
2725 Taylor Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Website
Italian food is one of my favorites, so I love the family-owned Italian Connection with their authentic, homemade food and cozy atmosphere.
And I have to mention a recent favorite of mine in Indianapolis, Baby’s, with cocktails on tap and probably the best fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever had. Plus, the adorable retro-style decor just exudes happiness—from the pink neon bar to banana peel wallpaper.
– Chelsea
J K O’Donnell’s
121 W Wayne Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Website
I always have a good time at JK’s. Gotta love their staples of Irish stew or fish n’ chips. And I find it hard to avoid a pint of Bellhaven; JK’s is probably the only place in town with it on tap. Their staff is always great too!
– Jake
Landing Beer Co.
118 W Columbia Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Website
We love to pop into Landing Beer Co. for a fun and vibrant place to get a great brew and a nice bite. My son loves their mac & cheese topped with Cheez-Its, and the Hazy Landing IPA is my go-to order. In the summertime, it’s a party with their First Friday events, featuring a beer tent and bands on the street. It’s a great spot to meet up with, or bump into, your favorite pals.
– Oliva
Mercado
111 W Columbia Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Website
I’m always in the mood for Mexican food, and Mercado is at the top of my list. Is there anything better than the Cali AF taco? Maybe their margaritas.
– Zoe
Papa’s Place Churubusco
112 N Main Street
Churubusco, IN 46723
Website
We love to support local, and we eat out almost every Friday. Papa’s is a Churubusco staple with great breadsticks, sausage rolls and now a salad bar! Even after the torch was passed to a new family to keep the Papa’s Place legacy alive, they have continued to be amazing supporters of our town and I love that!
– Michelle
Spyro’s
6455 W Jefferson Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Website
I personally can’t think of a time when breakfast food doesn’t sound good, so Spyro’s has my heart. With omelettes as big as your head, endless coffee refills and perfectly fluffy pancakes, it’s breakfast done right—with enough for leftovers the next day. No matter if we’re stopping in on a Sunday morning or picking up carryout in our pajamas, the food and the service are always a treat.
– Erin
teds beerhall
12628 Coldwater Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Website
There’s nothing better than having a good pub within walking distance. teds beerhall is our local watering hole, and we love the laid back atmosphere and knowing we’ll always see someone we know. With food trucks on Thursday night in the summer, live music on the weekends, great pizza and a beer list longer than your arm, teds has you covered. If you like it hoppy, I recommend giving teds IPA—by our friends at Landing Beer Co—a try. I’ll probably see you there.
– Jonathan
