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Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back
Indiana has long been a food-loving state.
From drive-ins to fine dining, our local restaurant scene has seen unforgettable places come and go.
Whether you grew up in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, or beyond—chances are you still crave a slice of the past.
Here’s a list of beloved Indiana restaurants that closed their doors but left a lasting legacy.
Some haven’t been gone long, others have been closed for decades, but all hold a special place in Hoosier hearts.
Here are Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back:
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
1. Brown Derby – Various Locations
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Old-school elegance with steaks, French onion soup, and dim lighting.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
2. Ch-Chi’s
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This national Mexican chain had a big presence in Indiana throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Known for fried ice cream, chimichangas, and endless chips and salsa, it was the go-to spot for birthdays and family celebrations before closing after a major recall in the early 2000s.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
3. Sam’s Subway Restaurant Group – Indianapolis
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From black bottom pie to kosher deli sandwiches and even a restaurant built to look like a cave, Sam’s was unforgettable until it went bankrupt in 1978.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
4. Key West Shrimp House – Indianapolis & More
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Steak, seafood, and porthole windows made this southside location feel like a ship at sea.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
5. Roselyn Bakery – Statewide
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Home to Sweetheart Coffee Cakes and Zebra Brownies, this bakery’s signs and sweets are still found in Kroger stores today.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
6. The Tea Room at L.S. Ayres – Indianapolis
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This elegant downtown spot served velvet chicken soup, pot pies, and kids’ “hobo lunches.” The recreated version at the Indiana State Museum still draws crowds during the holidays.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
7. Paramount Music Palace – Indianapolis
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More than dinner—this was a show. Built around a Wurlitzer organ, it served pizza and pasta with a side of Star Wars themes and sing-alongs.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
8. Snooty Fox – Nora Neighborhood, Indy
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A British-style pub revamped by Restaurant: Impossible in 2011, but sadly closed soon after.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
9. Burger Chef – Statewide
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Founded in Indy in 1957, Burger Chef revolutionized fast food with its Big Chef burger and the original Funmeal—pre-dating the Happy Meal.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
10. The Glass Chimney – Carmel
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Fine dining with European flair and a legendary Austrian chef. Opened in 1976, closed after 32 years.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
11. Acapulco Joe’s – Indianapolis
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One of the first Mexican restaurants in Indy, it was a favorite for tacos and patriotism—playing “God Bless America” every day at noon.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
12. Tee Pee Restaurant – Indianapolis
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A true icon with its giant teepee roof, this drive-in was a favorite for burgers, pies, and teenage cruising until it closed in the early 1980s.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
13. The Huddle – Indianapolis
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A 24-hour diner chain known for its massive menus and breakfast anytime. All locations closed by 1976.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
14. Shakey’s Pizza Parlor – Indianapolis
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With live music, silent movies, and family-style pizza, it was a go-to from the ’60s to ’80s.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
15. Don the Beachcomber – South Bend
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A tiki bar and restaurant that brought Polynesian flair and mystery cocktails to northern Indiana.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
16. Hollywood Bar & Filmworks – Indianapolis
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Before luxury dine-in theaters, this downtown gem offered dinner and a movie in one experience.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
17. ShowBiz Pizza – Statewide
Before Chuck E. Cheese took over, ShowBiz had the Rock-afire Explosion band and a slightly chaotic, unpolished charm we’ll never forget.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
18. Gray’s Cafeteria – Mooresville
An Indiana institution for comfort food and pie. Gray’s was the place your grandparents swore had the best fried chicken and coconut cream pie in the state. The line wrapped around the building every Sunday after church. It officially closed in 2020 after 75 years of serving home-style meals with no frills—just heart.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
19. Front Page
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
20. The Ground Round
The Ground Round was famous for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere and fun, interactive dining experience. Kids loved the popcorn machines, arcade games, and table-side balloon animals. Parents loved the relaxed vibe. Its innovative take on casual dining made it the place for birthday parties and family nights out.
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
21. Maggie Moo’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
22. Old Country Buffet
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
23. Roy Rogers
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
24. Shoney’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
25. Boogie Burger
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
26. Don Pablo’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
27. Ponderosa Steakhouse
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
28. Scotty’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
29. Peppy’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
30. G.D. Ritzy’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
31. Steak and Ale
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
32. Big Boy
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
33. Rax Roast Beef
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
34. Bennigan’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
35. Village Inn
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
36. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
37. Zantigo
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
38. Ryan’s Steakhouse
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
39. Sirloin Stockade
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
40. Hot n’ Now
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
41. York Steakhouse
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
42. Red Barn
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
43. Lum’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
44. Sambo’s
Old Restaurants in Indiana We Wish Would Come Back was originally published on b1057.com
