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
Lisa's Pie Shop Exit 10
5995 U.S. Highway 31 317-758-6944
Atlanta, IN 46031
Lisa bakes her award-winning handmade pies daily in the little tan shop beside the highway. She makes a great sugar creme pie from a secret recipe, but her rhubarb and fruit pies are favorites, too. Pick up a "Pie in a Jar" for gift-giving, or for opening after your fresh pie has been gobbled up. You'll need to take these pies home, since there is no dining area at Lisa's, and you may want to visit early in the day for best selection. Open Tues.10 am-6 pm, Wed.-Fri. 8 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am- 5 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. $$
Cicero Coffee Company Exit 10
150 S. Peru St. 317-984-2739
Cicero, IN 46034
The owner of this cozy coffee shop is a renowned Native American flute maker who displays his art on the shop's walls and is a wealth of information on Native American music. Specialty coffees, teas and local baked treats are served amid the unique art displays. $
The Red Onion Exit 10
3901 W. State Route 47 317-758-0424
Sheridan, IN 46069
The story is all about the local Hoosier food at the Red Onion, which is located in a non-descript strip mall. The giant breaded pork tenderloins on delicious handmade 7" buns are incredibly tender and flavorful – so is the Reuben, on its own locally baked marble rye. Kielbasa corn soup, flavorful salad dressings and all kinds of sandwiches and entrees are made in the scratch kitchen behind the pleasant open dining rooms and bar. The Banks family usually has a crowd for dinner, so there may be a wait, but foodies make this a stop on their way to Chicago and other cities, and find it is worth the wait. Open Mon.-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun. 11 am-9 pm. $$
Barley Island Brewing Company Exit 10
639 Conner St. 317-770-5280
Noblesville, IN 46060
Located in a renovated warehouse just off the Square, this owner-operated pub features a wide array of international brews, as well as lagers and ales brewed on site. Jeff Eaton''s award-winning Majic Java Stout, along with Blind Tiger Pale Ale, Sheet Metal Blonde and Brass Knuckles Oatmeal Stout are offered at the traditional bar. The family dining room offers fish and chips, a Cuban pork sandwich and a fair number of vegetarian items. Live entertainment on weekends.
Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-1 am, Fri.-Sat. noon-midnight. $$
Matteo's Ristorante Italiano Exit 10
40 N. 9th St. 317-774-9771
Noblesville, IN 46060
A restored historic storefront on Noblesville Square houses Matteo's, where traditional Northern Italian fare is made with fresh ingredients and a passion for serving authentic food in a warm atmosphere. Crusty breads, fresh sauces with pastas, lasagna and anything chocolate are the local's recommendations. Or try a more adventurous entrée like mostaccioli Bolognese or beef scallopine sautéed in gorgonzola cream. Owned and operated by Emily Herner and Matteo DiRosa, who grew up in Salerno, Italy. Open Mon.-Fri. 5-10:30 pm Sunday 4-9 pm. $$
The Ruby Pear $$ Reservations accepted Exit 10
1095 East Conner St. 317-770-8322
Noblesville, IN 46060 http://www.therubypear.com
The Ruby Pear is a vintage Tea Parlor on the first floor of a grand Victorian house – this particular "painted lady" is teal blue with a turret. Tea sandwiches, scones, jelly cream hearts, and fat rascal cookies are a few of the homemade offerings, served with fresh fruit and a very good lemon curd. If you still need dessert, chocolate covered strawberries, cream puffs and petit fours will fill the bill.
Open Wed.-Sat. 10:30 am-5:30 pm.
Kelties $$ Exit 10
110 S. Union St. 317-867-3525
Westfield, IN 46074 http://www.Kelties.com
Named as one of central Indiana's finest restaurants, Keltie's is known for its fresh, beautifully presented traditional food with a contemporary nuance. Owner Keltie Domina's homemade dressings make salads sparkle, and a comforting chicken pot pie is a menu regular. Favorites include the pecan-crusted chicken salad and crab-stuffed salmon. The seasonal lunch menu is also renowned for its soups and beggar's purse puff pastry. Open Tues.-Fri. 11 am-2 pm Sunday brunch 9 am-2 pm.
Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream $ Exit 10
210 W. Main St.
Carmel, IN 46033 317-706-2827
http://bubsburgersandicecream.com
The burgers may be called Big Uglies, but the milkshakes are handsome at Bub’s.
The little yellow house next to the Monon Trail in downtown Carmel is a busy place with friendly service, and the walls are covered with photos of every patron who has conquered the 1 pound burger. The well-seasoned quarter pounder works too, with a side of sloppy fries, maybe with one of the wide selection of bottled beers or iced tea, but you really should try a chocolate milkshake. It has just the right blend of quality ingredients to bring back that soda shop feel from the '60s.
The burgers are cooked to order and served on grilled buttered bakery buns. The grilled red onions served on the side retained their crunch, as did the waffle fries served with cheese sauce, sour cream and really good bacon. Portions of other sandwiches and sides are big enough for most people to split, as is the shake.
Open seasonal hours. Winter: Sun.-Thu. 11 am-8 pm Fri.-Sat. 11 am-9 pm.
Helios Gifts and Tea Room $$ Reservations accepted Exit 10
220 E. Main St.
Carmel, IN 46032 317-844-4606
A charming small tea room on Main Street, Helios is known for its homemade soups and croissants. Ashby of London teas are served in fat little teapots, and signature chicken, tuna and seafood salads are menu staples. An extensive dessert menu includes seasonal favorites like pumpkin crunch in the fall and lemon cake in the spring. Owner, Kathy Kraft has filled the little white house near the high school with a unique selection of gifts as well as tea treasures, and the view of the rock garden outside the tea room pleasing. Open for lunch only, Mon.-Sat. 11 am to 2 pm.
Nickle Plate Bar & Grill $$ Exit 5
8654 E. 116th St.
Fishers, IN 46038 317-841-2888
Located along the Nickle Plate railroad tracks in an historic house with train memorabilia and a lively local atmosphere, the Nickel Plate is a Fishers landmark just a few blocks from I-69. Friendly staff members offer comfort food and sandwiches on a glass porch or a warm wood paneled dining room and bar. The pork tenderloin, big burgers and fish sandwiches are favorites, along with homemade soups and salads. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-11 pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-midnight, Sun. 11 am-10 pm.
Sahm's $$ Exit 5
11590 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038 317-842-1577
Family owned and operated since 1986, Sahm's is a warm and inviting casual restaurant with a big stone fireplace in the entryway. The extensive menu offers a variety of sandwiches and salads along with traditional Hoosier entrees, including steaks, chops, stir fry, ribs and seafood as well as their signature fried chicken. Sahm's is famous for their homemade breads and coffeecake, and has a well-balanced children's menu. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-10:30 pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-11:30 pm, Sun. 11 am-9 pm.
Gelato Da Vinci
14390 Clay Terrace 317-816-9100
Carmel, IN 46032
The Colvin family traveled to Italy to learn the art of making the authentic gelato they serve at their Clay Terrace eatery in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Stop by and sample the wonderful flavors like refreshing green apple, intense chocolate, cake spectacular or decadent Irish cream gelato, best enjoyed in the pleasant dining area dominated by a Tuscan mural, or at the umbrella tables out front under the blue awnings. Ben Colvin says the secret to premium gelato comes from the art of folding, not whipping, so no air is incorporated into the carefully frozen confection. Gelato Da Vinci also prepares real fruit sorbets, such as fresh strawberry, and serves Brilliant Ice Cream. They serve fresh pastries and desserts as well as European and Asian inspired sandwiches, soups and salads. Open Mon. - Thurs. 7 am - 10 pm, Fri. 7 am - 11 pm, Sat. 8 am - 11 pm, Sun. 10 am - 11 pm. $$
