Sweet Spots in Hamilton County
Hamilton County is one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. It has a lot to offer: authentic downtowns, wineries, one-of-a-kind restaurants and havens for the sweet-toothed. Between nature walks, ...
In Partnership with Visit Hamilton County
10 Top Spots on Hamilton County’s Tenderloin Trail
Legend has it that the famed Hoosier pork tenderloin sandwich got its humble beginnings in the early 1900s in a small restaurant in northern Indiana, near Ft. Wayne. Similar to the wienerschnitzel—only deep fried rather than pan fried like the schnitzel—the owner created the masterpiece and before long the tenderized, thin slice of breaded pork stuffed into an undersized bun, unofficially, became the official Indiana-state sandwich.
Nowadays, more than a century later, you can find versions of the pork tenderloin sandwich in just about every restaurant, pub, roadside café and hole-in-the-wall eatery across the state. To celebrate the pork Tenderloin Trail's™ 10th anniversary here are a few of our favorite spots in Hamilton County to enjoy a pork tenderloin sandwich and all its celebrated goodness.
COURTNEY’S KITCHEN Noblesville
Brother and sister duo, Cass and Carrie Courtney, opened their restaurant at the American Legion in 2010 but locals love their shared family recipes so much—think meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, hearty lasagna and sugar cream pie—they’ve since moved to a larger spot on the square in downtown Noblesville.
The sandwich—Cass’s Tenderloin Sandwich: Breaded or grilled, served on a toasted bun, dressed to order $8.95
What makes it tenderloin trail worthy—“Carved from the whole pork loin, hand pounded, dipped in a homemade buttermilk and pressed into the secret breading … the grilled is phenomenal as well, seasoned in a three-way sauce and grilled over open flame to perfection!” ~ Co-owner, Carrie Courtney
654 Logan St. | Noblesville | CourtneyKitchen.com
C.R. HEROES FAMILY PUB Fishers
A neighborhood favorite for close to 17 years, this heroes-themed eatery makes most of their menu items from scratch and they hand-bread every pork tenderloin (and chicken tender) to order. Bonus, kids even have their own specialty drink menu including ogre punch and a bee sting.
The sandwiches—Hoosier Daddy: Hand-breaded pork tenderloin $11; Hoosier Mama: gluten-free, grilled pork tenderloin $10.50
What makes them tenderloin trail worthy—“Our pork tenderloin is fresh, never frozen and prepared to order. It is served on a toasted bun and with whatever condiments you want … we have a housemade garlic mayo that is fantastic with it!” ~ Owner, Stephanie Boehm
10570 E 96th St. | Fishers | CRHeros.com
DOOLEY O’ TOOLES Carmel
In their original location since 1985, this family-friendly, relaxed restaurant makes some of the best comfort food in town. Often called “Carmel’s best kept secret,” people flock here for scratch-made soups, chili and their famous chicken velvet soup
The sandwich—Pork Tenderloin, cut daily by a local butcher Joe’s Butcher Shop, lightly hand-breaded and fried, or spiced and charbroiled $10.95
What makes it tenderloin trail worthy— “The light breading or light spice lets you enjoy the great flavor of the quality meat from our local butcher.” ~ Co-owner, Doug Kemp
160 E Carmel Dr. | Carmel | DooleyOTooles.com
DIVVY Carmel
A sharing-plates restaurant, divvy encourages guests to try new dishes without a big commitment. The menu features contemporary American small plates, taster tours, daily drink specials and more. And what’s super awesome about this place is the way the menu is organized with easy to understand symbols designating vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options.
The sandwich—Hoosier Pork Minis: Panko-crusted pork tenderloins on petite buns with, lettuce, roasted tomato aioli and house pickles, made gluten free on request $11
What makes them special—“Divvy offers a unique dining atmosphere for guests 21 and over and if you can’t get a table inside, no worries the patio is perfect for enjoying Indiana summer nights with friends and family.” ~ Co-owner, Kevin “Woody” Rider
71 W City Center Dr. | Carmel | DivvyCarmel.com
FOUR DAY RAY BREWING Fishers
A local gastropub with a food and beverage philosophy influenced by world cultures, this hot spot boasts a wide selection of beers that constantly rotate in their 24-tap tasting room. With a fun and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, this three-year old restaurant is kid-friendly and their beer garden is dog-friendly—water only, of course, for the four-legged visitors.
The sandwich—Indiana Tenderloin: Fischer Farms hand-breaded pork loin, deep fried served with house chips $11
What makes it tenderloin trail worthy—“Our enormous tenderloin is made using pork loin locally sourced from Fischer Farms … which we recommend pairing with our Air Raid Pale Ale or Warring Factions Brown.” ~ Marketing and Events Director, Brooke Killey
11671 Lantern Road | Fishers | FourDayRay.com
GRAND JUNCTION BREWING COMPANY Westfield
Celebrating their fifth year in business, GJBC offers a full-service menu and plenty of what they call true-to-style beers. Located in an 1800s-era building, the pub’s name is a nod to both the Monon and Midland railroads that once crisscrossed the city as well as the Underground Railroad.
The sandwich—Tenderloin Sandwich: Locally-sourced and hand tenderized, served breaded with lettuce, tomato and onion on a freshly-toasted brioche bun $10.95
What makes it tenderloin trail worthy—”Our tenderloin is a crispy and tender, hand-pounded, 6 ounce center cut from local butcher, Burlington Meats.” ~ General Manager, Melissa Uhte
110 S Union St. | Westfield | GrandJunctionBrewing.com
THE PINT ROOM Carmel
Located in Carmel’s Arts District, they offer 124 draft beers and signature food dishes with bold flavors—and everything you order is made daily in their scratch kitchen. Whether you crave traditional bar food like wings and cheese curds or something healthy like Brussels sprouts or a beet salad, this place has something for you.
The sandwich—Pork Tenderloin: Breaded tenderloin with American cheese, iceberg lettuce, vine-ripe tomato, red onion, pickle and dijon mayo on brioche $10
What makes it tenderloin trail worthy—“Our tenderloin is simple. You can't over complicate simple.” ~ Director of Operations, Shelly Post
110 W Main St. | Carmel | PintRoom.com
ROSIE’S PLACE Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville
Family-owned and operated, this local breakfast and lunch restaurant serves just about anything and everything from baked goods and breads, to soups, sandwiches and delicious salad dressings all made from scratch. Serving the Noblesville community since 2010, they have since opened two other locations in both Carmel and Zionsville.
The sandwiches—For breakfast, the Pork Tenderloin Benny: Served on a split biscuit with poached eggs, cheese and sausage gravy $10.95; or for lunch, the Pork Tenderloin on a homemade bun topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo $9.95
What makes them tenderloin trail worthy—“Our pork tenderloins are produced locally and tenderized to our specifications. Our breakfast Pork Benny is unlike anything you’ve had before, and our sandwich isn’t an oversized thin piece of breading but instead, a thick, juicy tenderloin, more like a pork chop.” ~ Owner, Debbi Bourgerie
1111 W. Main St. | Carmel | 68th N 9th St, Noblesville | 10 S Main St. | Zionsville | RosiesPlace.net
UPLAND BREWING CO. CARMEL TAP HOUSE Carmel
Want a quaint, personal atmosphere with a neighborhood feel? This is your place! With a plethora of outstanding brews, Upland is known for its “sour game” and the team of chefs love to create food pairings that continually surprise and delight regulars and newbies alike.
The sandwich—Hoosier Classic Pork Tenderloin: House-breaded pork tenderloin, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a toasted Cornerstone Bakery Famous Bun $9.99
What makes them special—“The concept of sitting down and getting a good Indiana tenderloin should be universal. No one is out here trying to reinvent the wheel and nor should you be. It’s about tradition, it’s about taking that first crispy warm bite and feeling at home.” ~ GM Carmel, Eric Huse
820 E 116th St. | Carmel | UplandBeer.com
WOODYS LIBRARY RESTAURANT Carmel
Locally owned by husband and wife team, Richelle and Kevin “Woody” Rider, Woody’s first opened its doors in 1998, in the historic Carnegie Library building, built in 1913. This neighborhood staple offers daily drink and food specials that can be enjoyed in a family-friendly setting on an all-seasons patio or in the downstairs pub.
The sandwich—Pork Tenderloin: Served kettle chip crusted, blackened or grilled with your choice of garden on a brioche bun; gluten-free on request $13
What makes them special—“The neighborhood pub atmosphere is a favorite gathering spot and the dining area is ideal for a true local experience.” ~ Co-owner, Kevin “Woody” Rider
40 E. Main St. | Carmel | WoodysCarmel.com
Sweet Spots in Hamilton County
Hamilton County is one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. It has a lot to offer: authentic downtowns, wineries,...
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