The list of most popular places to eat in Pulaski County begins with One-Eyed Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Winamac. They are known for their entrees, such as prime rib with onions, green peppers and mushrooms. But they also serve up such fish dishes as grilled bass, whitefish and fried smelt — a treat not found on most restaurant menus.
For the brave or super hungry there’s the “Titanic 2-Handed Tenderloin Challenge.” The requirements are simple but arduous. Within an hour’s time the winner must totally consume a 5-pound fried tenderloin sandwich and a 2-pound bowl of fried tater tots. Winners get their meal free, a One-Eyed Jack’s T-shirt and the dubious honor of having their picture posted on the restaurant’s “wall of fame.”
Tippy’s Pizza and Beer, also located in Winamac, is known for their specialty pizzas, such as the Fire Out in the Hole — jalapeno-infused with Louisiana hot sauce and pepper cheese — or their signature pie on a crisp crust with house-made pizza sauce and a great blend of mozzarella cheese.
Another top choice of places to eat while you’re here is Pablanos Mexican Grill. Create your own nacho platter and then move on fajitas, a seafood chimichange, or steak and seafood quesadilla. But save room for a dessert of flan, cheesecake wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep-fried, or sopapillas — Mexican flatbreads covered with cinnamon and sugar and served with ice cream. There’s a full bar here, but the whole family is welcome. Locals say all of the food is delicious, but the homemade salsa is the high point of the meal.
For comfort food made in a healthy way, visit Farmhouse Kitchen. Here you’ll find soups, salads and sandwiches, all made from fresh ingredients, along with specialties such as beef and noodles. Mina’s Café and Nutrition Hub will tune you up with drinks such as a pineapple macha, a passion-fruit lemonade or a dragon-berry milk tea to sip alongside your sandwich or wrap.
A favorite place to eat in Pulaski County among seafood-lovers who are at least 21 years old is Bill and Babes Bar and Grill on the banks of the Tippecanoe River. They fly in fresh seafood from Boston weekly and serve it fresh, so you can look forward to lobster, haddock, oysters, shrimp and cod along with such standard fare as hamburgers, broasted chicken and the Indiana favorite — tenderloins.
Loren’s Old Corral is also a spot where you can enjoy pizza, fish, burgers and adult beverages, as is Denton’s Corner Tavern. Diamond Lill’s offers all this plus live music, dancing and karaoke, and the Peak Honky-Tonk Saloon caters to motorcycle enthusiasts.
If the whole family is along, head for Cruizers, where you can start with such Midwestern favorites as biscuits and gravy or pancakes for breakfast and then enjoy chicken, pizza and submarine sandwiches for lunch or dinner. Other family-oriented options are Kostas for their stir-fries and Greek specialty menu items, the Oak Grove Restaurant in Star City and Warriors Cafe. Medaryville Pizza King is a local favorite place to eat, and if you’re not in the mood for a pie they have salads and sandwiches, as well. And whatever else you decide to have, finish the day off at Sallie’s family-owned small-batch ice cream store before you say goodnight.