Culinary Trails
I-69's Long Horizons Culinary Trail
The Indiana Foodways Alliance recommends the following restaurants for visitors who wish to sample the local fare in the counties contiguous to I-69 in Northeastern Indiana. Call to verify hours.
Suggested I-69 exit numbers are included, but we recommend that you use an Internet mapping service for the detailed directions you might need to find the recommended restaurants and businesses.
Click here to download a PDF file of the trail information.
Pricing is averaged and may be subject to change.
$ = Sandwiches are under $5, entrees under $10
$$ = Sandwiches are under $9, entrees under $18
$$$ = Lunches $10 and up, dinners $18 and up
Aunt Sue's Tea Room $ Exit 64
225 W. Spencer Ave.
Marion, IN 46952 765-651-9832
http://www.auntsuestearoom.com
Sue and Randy Wagaman returned from California to renovate a gracious 1906 Craftsman bungalow along the Mississinewa River and start their business with a heart in downtown Marion in 2005. An assortment of soups, sandwiches and salads are on the menu along with 33 teas served hot or iced amid antiques, teapot and hat collections. The Queen's tea is the house specialty – tea, warm scones and homemade lemon curd, almond cream and fresh fruit, assorted finger sandwiches and delectable sweets are served on a tiered plate and complimented with soup or salad for $9.95. Aunt Sue's red bush tea and cranberry scones are new classics. Open Wed.-Sat. 11 am-3 pm.
The Cove $$ Exit 64
102 S. Main St.
Sweetser, IN 46987 765-384-7820 http://beststeakaround.com
David Ailstock returned to Grant County from North Carolina to open a true hometown restaurant on Main Street in Sweetser, next to the railroad park.
The Cove features a fully stocked bar, allows smoking, and frequently hosts Saturday night vocalists, giving it a little of the sophistication of the Rat Pack, but with a friendly small town feel. The tender steaks and exceptional prime rib add to the good life ambiance, and the friendly staff and customers put visitors at ease in the small dining room that is usually full. We did not find the atmosphere overly smoky, and loved the perfect fresh French fries, seasoned green beans, smothered chicken and homemade seasonal desserts. Open Mon.-Thu. 3-11 pm, Fri.-Sat. 3 pm-midnight, food served 4:30 pm-10 pm Closed Sunday.
Folkies Tavern $ Exit 64
117 S. Branson
Marion, IN 46952 765-668-8240
Bernard Folk built Folkies downtown near the river in 1942, and the cozy little pub became the place that attorneys, shopkeepers and glass workers gathered to discuss news of the war. Townspeople still discuss world news here, listen to the jukebox and participate in the Wednesday night crab races for local charities. Marion native Steve Schrader owns the tavern now, and knows everyone in town. He serves up traditional tavern sandwiches and pub fare along with drinks from the bar. Open Monday-Thursday, 10 am-midnight, Friday-Saturday, 10 am-1 am.
The Ice House $$ Exit 64
1412 W. Kem Road
Marion, IN 46952 765-664-6646
http://theicehousebarandgrill.com
Since 1988 Steve Roesly, or "The Ice Man" as he is famously known in Marion, has presided over this comfortable local gathering place in a strip mall. Family chili and batter recipes are fiercely guarded, but the atmosphere is friendly and open, with intimate booths or tables for a crowd. The Ice House is known for prime rib, filets, chicken livers and Lori Salad on an extensive menu. The drunken fish sandwich is another favorite – the cod is dense, dipped twice in a light spicy beer batter. Or try a half pound burger or the chicken salad plate for lunch. Hot fudge sundaes and cheesecake are signature desserts. Located near the corner of State Roads 9 & 37. Open Mon.-Sat. 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-10 pm.
The Mill $$ Exit 64
1001 N. Washington St.
Marion, IN 46952 765-664-4637 http://themillrestaurant.net
Jeff Elzroth's eclectic restaurant and bar are housed in Marion's re-habbed 1850 historic landmark mill overlooking the Charles Mill Dam on the river. A massive limestone wall and original beams and pulleys join spare décor and local artist J.D. Wyant's pencil artwork in the soaring structure. Jeff is part of a local legend as well – he played basketball for the fabled Marion Giants. His menu is seasonal and runs the gamut from sesame crusted tuna and crème brûlée to fried green tomato BLTs, pork tenderloins and pizza. The half-pound hand-pattied hamburgers are char-broiled to order for $7, and the chocolate donut bread pudding was just one of the creative seasonal desserts we just had to try. Children's menu, extensive wine list. Open Tues.-Thu. 11 am-9 pm, Fri. 11 am-10 pm, Sat., 4-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-1:30 pm.
The Hostess House $$ Exit 64
723 W. Fourth St.
Marion, IN 46952 765-664-3755
This 1912 Georgian Revival mansion is the historic treasure of downtown Marion. Designed by a talented local architect who was the son of a slave, the pillared mansion is a mini-mall of shops, museum displays and beautiful dining rooms. The food is as renowned as the history, with poppy-seed bread, an outstanding fruited chicken salad, and butterscotch and lemon meringue pies taking pride of place. Homemade soups, salads, steamed vegetables and sandwiches are always available, and specials such as roast pork loin make the most of local seasonal foods. Open weekdays 11 am to 1:30 pm for lunch only. Shops are open Mon. -Fri. 10 am-4 pm.
Ivanhoe's Drive Inn $ Exit 59
979 S. Main St.
Upland, IN 46989 765-998-7261
Ivan Slain purchased a local drive-in back in 1965 and became the king of ice cream in Grant County. Although new flavors of shakes and sundaes are created yearly, the menu always sports 100 choices in each category, along with a full compliment of sandwiches and salads. Current favorites include the Mint Chocolate Chip milkshake and the Turtle sundae, and you can become a member of the 100 Club, which earns you a T-shirt and your name engraved on a plaque in the restaurant for eating 100 different sundaes or shakes. Peach melba, grasshopper, s'mores, cashew crunch, and chocolate peanut butter pretzel are just a few of your delicious choices. Open Mon.-Thu. 10 am-10 pm, Fri. & Sat., 10 am-11 pm, Sun., 2-10 pm.
Payne's Custard and Coffee Roasting $ Exit 59
4925 Kaybee Drive
Gas City, IN 46933 765-998-0668
At the bottom of the I-69 exit ramp to Gas City, you can travel a mere 100 yards to the east of the highway, turn in at a hand-lettered sign that says EATS, and visit Payne's. You can get drive through, but it’s so much more fun to walk through the little porch festooned with wind chimes and take a deep breath in the coffee scented green and teak living room before ordering premium coffee and treats from owner Stephen Payne at the counter. Caramel frappes, milkshakes, and espresso or classic sundaes are made with old-fashioned frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate. Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy head up a full breakfast menu that includes healthy choices such as oatmeal with strawberries, and feta, spinach, tomato and onion on a toasted bagel. Homemade soups served in bread bowls and daily specials such as Grilled Chicken Lasagna with Spinach Salad are less than $7. Grilled sandwiches are served on artisan bread and fresh salads on the menu are packed with fresh spinach, vegetables, herbs and Indiana corn. Open Mon.-Fri. 7 am-11 pm, Sat. 7 am-1 am, Sundays 11 am-midnight.
