The greetings and signs that welcome you into the historic S.J. Payne building, built in 1898 should be your first clue you are in for a unique dining experience at the Market Street Grill.  After years of passing through many hands and ideas the current owner William “Wild Bill” Gerding came to have it in 1986.  His business started as a club and bar and then ventured into the catering business.  In 1996, Market Street Grill opened and has become an award winning dining location.  The Market Street Grill has been voted best steak, caterer, and all around restaurant in Wabash County.  Wild Bill’s award-winning recipes include his famous Indiana red “Chili With An Attitude”, placing in national chili cook-offs in Nevada, Louisville, Toledo, Fort Wayne and more!

I happened to stop in to dine on “National Eat Something On A Stick” Day and decided to try the Market Street Grill Steak on a Stick.  Described as ‘All steak, no veggies.  Think of it as a boneless Porterhouse’, I decided to jump right in and was not disappointed.  Made with the trim from filets and strips, then marinated in a combination of spices from the Spice Company located in Indianapolis.  It was tender, delectable and cooked to perfection.  The bite size chunks were tender and seasoned beautifully.

Known for his Chili, Wild Bill is a card-carrying member of the International Chili Society and is real serious about his chili.  The menu lists some of his awards and also recommends that if you are looking for wimpy, order corn flakes!  The Indiana Red Chili With An Attitude and damn near a million gallons served arrives to you in a Black Iron pot.  The chili is spicy but not a burn your mouth spicy heat.  You will find it has a sweet taste at the start and a bit of heat at the finish of each bite.  You will agree it is some of the best dang chili you have had the honor of eating.

The Drunk’in Chicken is what the Market Street Grill is famous for and if there’s a better piece of chicken, only the rooster knows about it sounds about right!  Starting with a plump chicken breast, and soaking in buttermilk, then quickly rolled through a mix of seasoned flour and parmesan cheese before sautéing butter and lavished with sauterne wine till it Drunk’in.  Follow that up with a generous about of mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan and ramono cheeses and viola!  Drunk’in Chicken!

The last item I sampled was the Elephant Ear Tenderloin, aptly named because it is the size of an elephant ear.  Hand cut and Hand breaded with Marci’s own recipe this monster is a meal in itself.  Served with onion and pickle on a soft bun, you will find yourself eating one of the better tenderloins in Indiana.

Take a little extra time and enjoy the signs and décor. Soak up the atmosphere and check out the eclectic array of memorabilia from Wild Bill’s travels.  Heck there is even a train that runs all the way around the bar.  I guarantee you will enjoy your dining and the entire experience that the Market Street Grill has to offer.