Fort Wayne’s resurgence is written in its kitchens.
The city serves up comfort, creativity, and a surprisingly diverse culinary mix.
From beloved classics to bold new kitchens, these restaurants represent the heart, generosity, and eclecticism of northeast Indiana.
1. Tolon
Tolon is Fort Wayne’s premier farm-to-table dining room.
Chef Matthew Nolot crafts Midwestern flavors with modern flair: pork belly confit, wagyu burgers, and duck fat fries, all sourced from area farms.
The airy brick-and-wood interior is full of urban buzz matched by small-town warmth—servers who know the menu (and beer list) by heart.
There’s no pretension, just pure pride in every local ingredient, making Tolon the spot for both celebration dinners and Friday night splurges.
2. Coney Island Wiener Stand
Open since 1914, Coney Island is a time capsule as much as a restaurant. The menu is simple: chili dogs, steamed buns, raw onions, mustard, and frosty root beer poured from the tap.
The counter stools are filled with everyone from downtown lawyers to families with three generations in tow.
The nostalgia is baked into the wall tiles and flickering neon.
For a true Fort Wayne experience, order a “six pack” and watch the staff expertly assemble the city’s most beloved meal.
3. Baan Thai
Fort Wayne’s best Thai food is tucked in a strip mall where families crowd in for steaming bowls of tom kha soup, red curry, and pad thai with just the right bite.
The owner greets regulars by name and guides the uninitiated through a menu that balances comfort and heat.
The décor is spare, but the hospitality and flavors are rich—ideal for takeout or cozy gatherings of friends adventuring together through southeast Asian cuisine.
4. The Hoppy Gnome
This downtown staple is where global street food meets locally crafted beer in a lively, industrial-modern room.
The menu is built for sharing—Korean BBQ tacos, poke bowls, brisket sliders, vegan cauliflower “wings,” and nachos that could feed a crowd.
The ever-rotating beer list features regional stars and rare finds. Brunch, dinner, or late-night, The Hoppy Gnome is both fun and a showcase for Fort Wayne’s social, communal spirit.
5. Club Soda
A Fort Wayne institution known for steak, seafood, and classic cocktails, Club Soda is old school in all the right ways.
The exposed-brick lounge dates to the city’s jazz era, and live music still brings a sense of occasion to every meal.
Servers deliver martinis, perfectly charred filet, creamy mashed potatoes, and hearty salads with a smooth mix of efficiency and local charm.
It’s the spot for first dates, business deals, and special anniversaries—a link to Fort Wayne’s history and its appetite for timeless flavor.
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