Nick's Kitchen

American restaurant · Huntington

Nick's Kitchen

American restaurant · Huntington

1

506 N Jefferson St, Huntington, IN 46750

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Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null
Nick's Kitchen by null

Highlights

Breaded tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pies  

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506 N Jefferson St, Huntington, IN 46750 Get directions

nicksdowntown.com
@NicksKitchenHU

$10–20 · Menu

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506 N Jefferson St, Huntington, IN 46750 Get directions

+1 260 356 6618
nicksdowntown.com
@NicksKitchenHU
𝕏
@nickskitchenhu

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@eater

The History of Indiana’s Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Eater

"Claimed originator of the Hoosier pork tenderloin sandwich, this long-running diner traces its roots to 1904 when its namesake, Nick Freienstein, sold a weiner-schnitzel–inspired sandwich from a cart; with little veal available locally he switched to pork and added pickles and onions, then opened a storefront in 1908 on West Jefferson Street in Huntington that has never moved. The preparation remains largely unchanged: pork loins are sliced, tenderized and marinated overnight, dipped in an egg-and-milk mix, dredged in flour, breaded with saltine cracker crumbs, and deep-fried; about 60–80 tenderloins are produced daily and unsold portions are frozen and sold for home cooking." - Samantha Weiss Hills

https://www.eater.com/2018/3/21/17128954/pork-tenderloin-sandwich-indiana-history-nicks-kitchen
View Postcard for Nick's Kitchen

Matthew Konkol

Google
What can you say about the original. Lives up to reputation. Was worried when the tenderloin was thin it would be dry but it was far from it. Super moist. We also had the tenderloin biscuit which has gravy and that was amazing as well.

Jason Gierman

Google
First taste of a pork tenderloin sandwich and after that I definitely don’t think I’ve had my last. Sugar cream pie was fantastic as well

A. J.

Google
We were passing through Huntington and randomly decided to stop at Nick’s Kitchen. It looked like a cute local spot, but the experience was really disappointing. The only seating was at the counter, which was fine. We sat down, and a couple sat down right next to us. A waitress immediately took their order and brought their drinks, but never even looked at us. Then another waitress talked to a guy with his kids on the other side — and again, nothing. Then another waitress stood right in front of us rolling silverware and still didn’t say a word. We waited patiently to order, and were completely ignored. I strongly believe the treatment was due to my partner is African American. We ended up just walking out. We didn’t expect anything fancy, just basic decency. Sadly, we didn’t get it.

Tasha Elle

Google
We took a trip up to Shipshewana, IN, to see their town lighting for Christmas and discovered Nick's Kitchen. We love food, and we love history, so to find out this place is where the original breaded pork tenderloin was born, we had to eat here. The pork tenderloin sandwich was juicy and seasoned well. I like that it was crispy and not overdone. We also got the tenderloin biscuit with gravy. It was delicious and hearty. The pies were fantastic. We loved the sugar cream pie and got a piece to go. Well worth the trip for some early Christmas lights and good ol' American food the Hoosier way.

Anna Chang

Google
Came here for the famous pork tenderloin and it was great! I loved the mashed potatoes here too. Nice for a unique Indiana experience

Allan Robison

Google
Average dinner. The food was less than average, nothing great. Nick's Kitchen claims to be the originator of the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich so that is what I ordered. Other restaurants make better but it was still nostalgic to get one from Nick's Kitchen. Person who went with me said that their kitchen sink omelet was the best he ever had.

Pam Hefner

Google
They truly do have a great tenderloin. Not overcooked. Not over breaded. Tender yet crispy and tasty. And the pie is wonderful and I am a pie baker who doesn't like many restaurants "home baked" but not home made pies.

Alex Riggers

Google
I've been to Nick's Kitchen many times before as a Huntington Native. But this time felt a little different since I've moved away and was visiting. We had almost no wait to be seated, which was nice because they were busy. We did wait a little while to have our drink orders and food orders taken, but our waiter apologized and was vocal about the delay, and we could tell they were busy. Our food came out after another long wait, and our waiter apologized again, this time obviously on behalf of the cooks. The food was good, waffle for my son, gravy and potatoes for myself, and the famous pork tenderloin for my fiancé. We ordered a slice of pie at the end of the meal, Suger cream. It was pretty good as well. I think the thing that really brought Nick's to a 5 star rating today wasn't the food, but the staff for being professional and caring.
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Mike D.

Yelp
Awesome little dinner. Best pork tenderloin I have ever had! Great service. Must stop and try!

Kirk L.

Yelp
Showed up @ 1:45pm & myself & another group of shoppers were disappointed to find the place closed. Clocks are cheap.
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Elder Lemmie S.

Yelp
Good food and excellent service and the price is right Love the hospitality and the place is nice and clean.
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Tim S.

Yelp
Worth diverting off US24 for breakfast. Best biscuits and gravy I have had in a long, long time. The pork sausage is off the hook good. This is the quintessential all American diner experience. I am profoundly grateful that we left West Lafayette and decided this was the are we were hungry for breakfast
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Nelson M.

Yelp
After hearing about the pork tenderloin, becoming our state sandwich, I decided to give nicks kitchen a try. It did not disappoint. The pork tenderloin sandwich, which is the highlight of the meal is larger than your head. The tenderloin itself is quite juicy and the batter around it Has just the right consistency, not too hard or too soft. After our meal, we had two slices of the pie. There's quite a selection as you will see from my menu pictures. I know it may sound blasphemous, but I thought that the pies were only OK. unlike other fruit pies that I've tried before that have a lot of filling the filling has some fruit however, the consistency of that pie filling leaves much to be desired. I don't know how to describe it, but the texture was off and it seemed like it could be sweeter. Nevertheless this is a unique stop for anyone craving pork, tenderloin, sandwich! The service was top-notch. They are very quick to get the order and also get the food to the table. The overall ambience was a classic retro diner, feel.
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Christine B.

Yelp
We were in town for a wedding and had Nick's recommended. Once our party figured out which of the THREE places called Nick's in the area was the right one, our large-ish party was accommodated as we trickled in. We enjoyed the diner ambiance and the food was acceptable.

Dennis T.

Yelp
Great tenderloin sandwich and corn nuggets, finished with peanut butter pie. Staff is awesome, food comes out quickly and hot. Cute little place, worth the hour detour on our day
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Nunions B.

Yelp
Breaded tenderloin was awesome! I really liked the Cole slaw. I really wish I had room for pie. So many options

Herbert K.

Yelp
If you like breaded tenderloin sandwiches this is the place, nick was the inventor and it's still made the same way
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Jarrod M.

Yelp
It's Nick's, downtown Huntington. We've been here a couple time for breakfast. The food is good, not great. Sometimes it can be a little much. We had to sit at the counter and we were fully immersed in the waitstaff. I don't know how they do it, it's so narrow back there and they are on top of each other the whole time. That said, the service was really good. They handled it professionally, even when they ran out of singles and fives. The scram I had was different. It was like a potato, egg and cheese pancake.
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Gene W.

Yelp
Nick's Kitchen never disappoints. I had the mini breaded tenderloin and it was delicious. If you're really hungry, go for the full size tenderloin. Either way, you won't be disappointed. For desert I ordered the flight of pie. This is three half slices of whatever flavors you choose. I had chocolate, coconut creme and blackberry. Nick's is an incredible breakfast joint too. I also have to mention how great the service is at Nick's Kitchen. If you are anywhere near Huntington, Indiana it's definitely worth your time to go to Nick's.
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James P.

Yelp
Hometown original with good food . The atmosphere is really nice and classic. The service is fast with things like keeping your drinks filled etc.

John R.

Yelp
Great food and great above Service. Really nice hometown atmosphere, I highly recommend this place.
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Nikki K.

Yelp
Omg they have the best food, I visit quite often from Kentucky and was introduced to the pork tenderloin wow it's amazing!

Mindi L.

Yelp
Tried Nick's on Father's Day. We hit it at just the right time! Walked right in and sat ourselves. Dad of course had the fried tenderloin sandwich, the regular. I had the Turkey Panini. We shared fries, onion rings and the pie flight. Total meal was just over 50 with a tip. Dad loved the tenderloin. It was the perfect size and cooked perfectly. My panini with house salad and homemade ranch hit the spot! Onion rings and fries were not greasy and tasty. The pie flight was good too, but my grandma and I would agree a butterscotch pie always needs whipped topping, LOL. Service was perfect for a full house. It looked family run! A tiny little princess brought my pie and was perfect! Location is so cozy in Downtown Huntington. We will return with the whole family next time I am in town!
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Rory G.

Yelp
I drove an hour and a half to check this place out based on a recommendation. The restaurant has been in this location since 1908, and rumor says it's the birthplace of the Hoosier tenderloin. It was worth the drive. I had the breaded tenderloin with onion rings, and both were very good. It was worth the drive. I don't have a sweet tooth, but their flight of pies looked very tempting. There isn't a lot to do in Huntington, but there are some places worth visiting. Be sure to check out the Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center. It is about a block away from Nick's, and it is the only museum dedicated to vice presidents in the nation. Go for the tenderloin, and stay for the nice people.
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Tom W.

Yelp
Best sugar cream pie around. Family atmosphere fun place to go eat and visit. Beautiful downtown.
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Kerry M.

Yelp
Unfortunately after a long drive to get there, they had just closed. The hours are shortened due to staff issues. After explaining about our long drive they recommended another local restaurant and provided us with slices of pie to take home and try. We will definitely call next time but if their food was as good as the pie and their staff I am sure it will be worth another drive up.
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Karen V.

Yelp
Excellent service, speedy kitchen, quaint eclectic dining. The fried pork tenderloin sandwich was delicious. I would drive out of my way to come here again!

Janet M.

Yelp
Traveling from Maine to Pasco Washington we decided to find local favorites or the foods the states were known for. Hoosier Pie was on my list to find! Got a good recommendation from the girls at Rise and Roll bakery in Fort Wayne. They didn't have sugar cream pie but told us the best is Nicks and get it warmed just a bit. We didn't even have to ask our waitress said I will warm it a bit it is so good that way. We also had buckeye pie but the Hoosier was my favorite!! Definitely worth the trip!! Too bad we were there right after breakfast maybe on the way home we can time it right to try the tenderloin sandwich.
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Rhett B.

Yelp
I looked up destination restaurants before I moved up to Indiana and noticed this curious place known for a delicacy in Indiana. That delicacy being pork tenderloin sandwich. I looked at photos of the sandwich on Yelp and noticed how huge the sandwich was. It sounded like the kind of place I needed to investigate. Nick's is located in downtown Huntington. Inside looks like an old-time dinner remodeled. I love the sign that says Pig Out. When we sit down at our table, the menu is clearly visible with the Pork Tenderloin sandwich having its own box. The menu states it has been made there since 1908. I cannot get over how huge this sandwich is. It makes me wonder what is the point of the bread. The tenderloin hangs halfway off each side. The tenderloin is fried but not greasy. And the pork is tenderized. The sandwich comes with mayo, onion, pickles, tomato, and lettuce. I added spicy ketchil to mine and it made an exquisite sandwich that I would eat again in a heartbeat. It comes with freshmade home cut fries, which I wish was a little thicker. But having spicy ketchup makes up for it. After my sandwich, I had to have a flight of pie. I went with chocolate, peanut butter, and blueberry sour cream. The chocolate was like a rich, chocolate pudding. The peanut butter is what you would expect. The blueberry sour cream is similar to a cheesecake. But what really sent this to a 5-star for me was the excellent flavor of the fresh-brewed sweet tea. It's hard to find in Indiana and the tea had just enough sweetness to it. I drank 6 glasses. If you are in Huntington or nearby, Nick's Kitchen is a destination you have to visit for the pork tenderloin sandwich, pie, and sweet tea.

T H.

Yelp
Tenderloin and the service was great. The pies were very underwhelming. The apple pie had an applesauce texture and the crust for the cherry pie crust was very moist.
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Kathy M.

Yelp
Good food at a decent price. We go about once a month. It's a casual atmosphere and has good service.
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Jamie W.

Yelp
We went for the tenderloin and stayed for the pie. The original breaded pork tenderloin was invented here at Nicks, so I knew I had to visit and check it out. I believe it was under $8 for the original tenderloin, and they still make it exactly like they did when Nicks first opened in 1908. It's huge too, takes up an entire plate. But for only $0.99, you can add a side of fries. The tenderloin: perfectly tender, not dry, breaded evenly, not overly fried or greasy - just right. Two thumbs up. The pie is worth staying for. They have a huge variety of options, so go for something unique and opt for the Pie Flight. I mean, where else can you get a pie flight? Choose three half-slices of pie (it's around $7 for a flight). Big enough to share (or don't). Nick's is a diner, it's been in operation for over 100 years - go expecting a dive but great customer service. You'll pick a table or booth when you walk in, lots of regulars frequent this place - it's a small town classic and famous Indiana destination.
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Kim B.

Yelp
Nice local diner that has been around forever. We enjoyed the sausage and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes. We tried the pea salad for something different. It was ok. The butterscotch pie was Delicious

Samantha F.

Yelp
I really want this guys. It looks really good and see all those pies in there. I'm gonna get on this so good and it looks
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Becky B.

Yelp
All the hype was TOTALLY TRUE!! These were THE BEST tenderloins we've ever had! The breading had a nice crunch, the meat was tender, and the buns were super fresh. We paired them with the hand cut fries, onion rings, and topped off our meal with the pie flight. Speaking of, our fabulously friendly waitress also gave us a 1/2 slice of the new Blue-Barb pie. It was my fav of the pies we sampled! I would highly recommend! We will definitely make the drive to come back again!
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Tom N.

Yelp
Great service, good food. Sorry, I can't give if a 5 star rating. I save those for something EXTRA special.
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Joe C.

Yelp
Always good. Get the tenderloin if you haven't yet. The chicken pasta salad is a must try when they have it as a special.
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Jessica W.

Yelp
Old school diner with nostalgic vibe. Must try the pork tenderloin and our flight! Very friendly wait staff.
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Randa T.

Yelp
Unpopular review coming so be prepared. We drove in from Chicago because of the reviews for the tenderloin. Its seriously a huge sandwich on a fresh bun. It was slathered with mayo and had a thin tomato slice and piece of lettuce. It was a good looking piece of meat, however it had no taste except fried. No taste. The onion rings were very good--thick and crispy with a special thousand island type dipping sauce. Sweet tea was A+. We ended the meal with sugar cream pie. Again, not my fave. It had a crunchy cinnamon and sugar toast topping. I dont know--we were just disappointed in the whole meal. Sorry, it just wasnt for us. Husband gave two stars but Im giving it three since I wrote the review.
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Aaron K.

Yelp
Your typical, homestyle diner. Great food, pies, atmosphere, and service! Even on Labor Day with a ton of extra customers, they keep the service great!

Deborah W.

Yelp
I had ordered a sugar cream pie. We are out of state and have ordered various food items native to our home state Indiana on several occasions that were delivered by Goldbelly. When we received the pie it was not what was expected. I contacted Nick's and they were wonderful. They sent another perfect pie and a t-shirt! The pie is perfect and the immediate resolution is exactly the kind of service Nick's is famous for! Kudos to the management and staff. We will order again!!! Someday I hope to visit Nick's and try one of their breaded tenderloins. Nothing beats Hoosier specialties.

Dara H.

Yelp
Very good, the service is nice and their food is immaculate better than homemade. Also they never get your order wrong.
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Jamie H.

Yelp
Grrr, just drove 2 hours to eat here. Looked on multiple pages before driving here and it says they are open. It's closed. Very frustrating! How do you keep a business open by randomly closing?

Angela M.

Yelp
This place has the best sugar cream pie I've ever had in my life! Granted, I had never tried any others first. I've tried 2 other sugar cream pies from other places and I wanted to puke. I can go to nicks and get my pie..... that I hide so I can have it all to myself . They have great breakfast and I love the coffee. It's something about the small town diner coffee that makes it better than anywhere else.
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Justin C.

Yelp
Loved it! I'm not a big breakfast person. It this was amazing. Had the breakfast quesadilla. Service was comfortable and welcoming. The restaurant itself was really cool. Great place. Would love to try dinner sometime! See
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Phyllis O.

Yelp
We heard about this place in one of those "only in your state" articles and decided to make the drive to try it for lunch to see if it lived up to the hype. It did. My son and husband both ordered the tenderloin sandwich and they loved it. I ordered the patty melt and it was also delicious. Food was hot and served quickly despite it being super busy. Service was quick and friendly. We ended the meal by sharing the pie sampler. The restaurant was cute and it was a fun experience.
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Mary P.

Yelp
We had a delightful evening. Tenderloins we're great and tender. The grilled macaroni was really good. Onion rings were yummy. The huge cinnamon roll had maple in the icing that melted in your mouth.
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Mitch A.

Yelp
Okay. Somewhat out of the way but food was good. Got there just before it became packed. Fried mushrooms were the best I ever had. Fried green beans were also good. Fried tenderloin was good. Not exactly the best I've ever had. Maybe it was an off day or I just got short changed. Everyone in the restaurant were ordering the tenderloin s. That's why I didn't give a 5 star.

Tim C.

Yelp
Good food, friendly staff! Just be careful when you order the All you can eat fish! If you order a second helping of Coleslaw, they charge you for that! It's only the Fish that is all you can eat!! It is a nice place to go with a small town feel! No big hype to bare with, just good food and friendly staff! Thanks again!
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Joe H.

Yelp
Nick's Kitchen is the birthplace of the original Hoosier Tenderloin Sandwich, going back to 1908. It does not disappoint! Awesome service too.

Joseph H.

Yelp
Got the full size tenderloin and fries. Wife got the mini. They were great tenderloins, fries were super fresh. The shake machine was down at the time but everything was so good it didn't matter$10 for a huge tenderloin and a plate of fries is a steal.
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Megan H.

Yelp
We drove an hour and a half to take my cousin (who is visiting from Florida) here so that he could get a tenderloin sandwich. We arrived on a Saturday at 5:30pm to a hand written sign on the door saying they were closed. The wait staff was still inside and saw us looking in the windows. One of the waitresses opened the door and told us that they decided to close for the evening. No reasoning or explanation behind it. Excuse me?!? Who runs a business this way? We don't ever plan on trying to make that drive again. What a waste of our time.

Joseph H.

Yelp
That was the best tenderloin I've ever had. I've been eating them at the magic wand since I was a little person. Doesn't even hold a candle to these. Break-neck service..very fast. Quaint, small, personal. Support this business; times are tough and we can't lose this place.
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Shar M.

Yelp
Wow! That's about all I can say for Nick's breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and pies! I'm sure there are lots of other delicious items on the menu...but when you are a girl from Ft Wayne who grew up on these sandwiches...and you have moved away? Well there are no other choices! Absolutely perfectly cooked, tender and juicy! The regular is big enough to share! The key lime pie and Black raspberry pies were delicious as well! As I exited the restaurant I also noticed some amazing Onion Rings being served...so maybe that's on the list for next time! Thank you to Nick's for such a nostalgic experience!
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Ellen Grace F.

Yelp
Tenderloin is great! Fries??? Hmmm...i was expecting for better one, but it wasn't. The rest of their food looks great but not sure coz it is all fried. I am for baked or grilled.
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Kim B.

Yelp
Go for the tenderloins, stay for the pie! I've never had anything I didn't like at Nick's, so do with that info what you will. They offer two sizes of their famous tenderloins - the mini is perfect if you want to save room for pie. And trust me....you definitely want to. They have THE BEST sugar cream pie "Hoosier" pie. All their pies are great, but I will go out of my way to get a slice of this - either to eat there or take home. Service is always friendly, restaurant is always clean. During these crazy COVID times, they've done a nice job sanitizing and keeping things safe for their loyal customers.
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Yangshin P.

Yelp
I've heard about the famous tenderloins/pies and I was not disappointed. I know, everywhere you go in Indiana has the best tenderloins. I liked this tenderloin sandwich because the tenderloin was thinner but still almost as big as the plate. It was cooked just right and didn't have any chewy spots. The bun was pretty tasty and all the veggies were fresh too. It was worth the trip and I would go again.