Sometimes, you want to take your dining experience to the next level. A great way to up the ante the next time you go out is by visiting a themed restaurant. Themed restaurants add a little something extra to your experience and you often leave with great stories and memories. If you’re looking to liven up your next evening out, here’s a list of some of the state’s favorites.
1. Repeal - Fletcher Place (Indianapolis)
Do you love the 1920s and 1930s eras? Repeal is a fairly new restaurant housed in the Fletcher Place area of Indianapolis offering a truly unique restaurant theme experience; the Prohibition era. The name of the restaurant comes from the repeal of prohibition and centers on 1930s décor, music, beverages, and food. Repeal also distills their own spirits and allows guests to sample their alcohol. If you’re looking for a great menu (a twist on classic bar foods and brunch) and speakeasy vibe, drop into Repeal for an experience you’ll never forget.
2. The Boathouse Restaurant – Winona Lake
This boathouse themed restaurant brings upscale dining to a relatable level. Outdoor lakeside seating offers a great ambiance and tribute to the restaurant’s nautical name and feel. This restaurant is mostly a steakhouse, but of course offers seafood classics like grilled salmon, fish tacos, and garlic shrimp. Not sure what to try? This place always has great, creative specials that you can’t go wrong with.
3. Schnitzelbank Restaurant & Catering – Jasper
For more than 50 years Schnitzelbank in Jasper has been serving Hoosiers authentic German dishes in their German themed restaurant. Visitors will experience an old world ambiance, complete with German décor, traditional garb, and a glockenspiel, housed in a clock, that plays every half hour.
4. Grains & Grill – Fairmount
This restaurant is nestled within a converted grain and feed building, lending to its name and theme, "Grains & Grill." While the experience alone is worth the trip, it’s the food that will have you coming back for more. I’d recommend trying the peppered steak sirloin or bacon mac and cheese with shrimp. This place has an excellent bar as well, and their bartenders are right on the money when it comes to beer recommendations.
5. Mystery Café (Milano Inn) – Indianapolis
Like a little murder with your dinner? If you’re into murder mysteries and want to experience a fun, slightly comedic, and all around entertaining night, visit the Mystery Café on the second floor of the Milano Inn. Murder, mystery, and great Italian food – what else could you ask for in one night?
6. Zydeco’s – Mooresville
If you think Mardi Gras should be celebrated more regularly, then pop into Zydeco’s in Mooreseville. This hip Cajun restaurant offers Creole favorites like jambalaya, blackened catfish, etouffee, bourbon pecan pie, and bread pudding with rum sauce. Feel free to wear your craziest Mardi Gras attire or purchase a mask or other fun accessories in their gift shop. This is a great place to go for a fun night out, bachelor or bachelorette party, or birthday celebration.
7. Café Arazu – Newburgh
This unique café really stands out in the small town of Newburgh, offering world cuisine with a Mediterranean feel. Enjoy the Middle Eastern décor and fusion of flavors indoors, or sit alongside their lake view balcony outside to experience a blend of nature and culture. The gyros here are superb, as are the shwarma and kebobs.
8. Doc Pierce's – Mishawaka
Eating at Doc Pierce’s is a really neat experience. From the outside, the restaurant looks like an old time doctor’s office or pharmacy and the inside looks like a vintage ale house, with dim lighting and stained glass throughout the building. With a mixture of seafood, burgers, and steaks, you’ll find something in this themed restaurant for everyone.
9. Firehouse BBQ and Blues – Richmond
If you’re looking for great barbecue and the perfect southern experience to top it all off, Firehouse BBQ and Blues in Richmond is the place for you. With delicious brisket, jalapeno sausage, and tender pork, Firehouse has great selections for BBQ lovers. To get the full experience, stick around for some classic blues music and live bands.
10. The Jazz Kitchen – Indianapolis
If you love jazz, big band, or swing music, you’ll love the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. This is a great place to scope out local talent or to enjoy a unique show for a reasonable price. With a classic American menu serving steaks, seafood, and sandwiches, as well as great drink selections, the Jazz Kitchen will offer you a fantastic night out, with a side of soul.
Give these themed restaurants a try if you’re ready to kick your dining up to a whole new level.
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