11 Iconic Indiana Restaurants We’d Love To See Open Again
Indiana’s dining scene has seen some legendary spots come and go over the decades.
Many of these beloved restaurants hold special memories for families who gathered there for celebrations, comfort food, and community.
Today, we’re taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to remember the iconic eateries that once made Hoosier dining unforgettable.
1. L.S. Ayres Tea Room (Indianapolis)
Shopping downtown used to mean more than just buying clothes – it meant treating yourself to lunch at this elegant destination. Generations of Indianapolis families made it a tradition to enjoy chicken velvet soup and popovers after browsing the aisles.
The atmosphere felt special, almost like stepping into another era where service and presentation mattered. Those famous popovers, served warm with strawberry butter, became the stuff of legend that people still talk about today.
2. Laughner’s Cafeteria (Indianapolis)
Before fast food dominated every corner, cafeteria-style dining represented the height of convenience and variety. Families could pick exactly what they wanted from a dazzling array of home-cooked options without breaking the bank.
Kids loved choosing their own desserts while parents appreciated the no-fuss approach to feeding everyone. The fried chicken and mashed potatoes rivaled anything grandma made, and the pies? Absolutely worth saving room for every single time.
3. Gray Brothers Restaurant (Mooresville)
When hunger struck on road trips, this spot became the answer to every traveler’s prayers. Located conveniently for folks heading through central Indiana, it offered hearty portions that kept you fueled for miles.
Their fried chicken earned a reputation that spread far beyond Mooresville’s borders. Locals knew the secret: arrive early on Sundays before the after-church crowd filled every booth and table in the place.
4. Cafe Pizzaria (Bloomington)
College students and townies alike knew where to find the best slice in Bloomington. This wasn’t just another pizza joint – it was where friendships formed over late-night study sessions and victory celebrations after big games.
The crust hit that perfect balance between crispy and chewy, while the sauce had just enough tang. Everyone had their favorite booth, and the jukebox kept the atmosphere lively until closing time rolled around each night.
5. Darn Good Soup (Bloomington)
Sometimes a name says it all, and this place delivered exactly what it promised. Whether you needed comfort during finals week or warmth on a frigid January afternoon, their rotating menu always satisfied.
Each bowl came packed with fresh ingredients and generous portions that felt like a warm hug. The bread bowls became legendary among locals, and trying every soup variety became a personal challenge for regulars who couldn’t pick just one favorite.
6. Papa Bear’s Pizza (Indianapolis)
Birthday parties reached their peak excitement at this beloved pizza paradise. Kids ran wild between the arcade games while parents actually relaxed knowing their children were entertained and well-fed.
The pizza quality never took a backseat to the fun atmosphere either. Thick, cheesy slices paired perfectly with tokens for games, creating memories that lasted far longer than the food itself did on those plates.
7. Boogie Burger (Indianapolis)
Funky vibes and fantastic burgers made this spot groove to its own beat. The name alone promised something different from typical burger chains, and the food absolutely delivered on that promise.
Each burger came stacked high with fresh toppings and cooked to perfection. The fries deserved their own fan club, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, seasoned just right to keep you reaching for more.
8. Salvatore’s (Indianapolis)
Date nights got serious when someone suggested making reservations here. The ambiance whispered romance while the authentic Italian cuisine spoke volumes about quality and tradition.
Fresh pasta made daily set the foundation for incredible dishes that transported diners straight to Italy. The waitstaff treated everyone like family, remembering your preferences and making recommendations that never disappointed anyone at the table.
9. Netheads (Indianapolis)
Sports fans found their sanctuary at this lively gathering spot. Multiple screens meant you never missed a play, and the menu offered satisfying pub grub that kept you fueled through overtime.
The wings came tossed in sauces ranging from mild to mouth-scorching, challenging brave souls weekly. Game day atmosphere buzzed with energy as strangers became friends through shared victories and heartbreaking defeats experienced together over cold beverages.
10. Don Pablo’s (Indiana locations)
Sizzling fajitas announced their arrival at tables throughout the dining room, creating instant envy. The complimentary sopapillas with honey butter made waiting for your meal feel less like waiting and more like the appetizer course.
Families packed the booths on weeknights while friends gathered for margarita specials on weekends. The portions were generous enough to guarantee leftovers, which somehow tasted even better the next day for lunch.
11. Ayres Economy Basement Tea Room (Indianapolis)
Not everyone could afford the fancy upstairs tea room, but that didn’t mean going without. This basement alternative offered similar quality at prices that stretched Depression-era budgets and beyond.
Shoppers on tight schedules and tighter budgets found refuge here. The food remained tasty and filling even if the atmosphere was more practical than elegant, proving good meals didn’t require fancy surroundings or expensive price tags.
