The Best Restaurants In Kokomo, Indiana

Artie’s Tenderloin is a tiny, family-owned and operated restaurant that has been delighting patrons since 1938. While the owners have changed throughout the years, the friendly service and the tasty, home-style cooking remain the same, along with the unbeatable prices. As the name suggests, they are known for their breaded tenderloin sandwich. Plus they also offer burgers along with daily specials such as pan-fried chicken and meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn, and beef noodles with mashed potatoes and green beans. Artie’s also offers house-made desserts each day.

Cook McDoogal’s Irish Pub is the place to go if you’re looking for a fun night out on the town. The interior is beautiful with a lot of rich woods, warm colors, gorgeous glasswork, plus a bar made out of reclaimed bowling alley lanes, all of which enhance the warm and cozy atmosphere. The pub offers 16 beers on tap, and the menu has an array of Irish and American recipes, with something to suit a variety of tastes. Start with an order of the McDoogal Balls, deep-fried mashed potatoes, bacon, scallions, garlic, and white cheddar sauce, before tucking into plate of bangers and mash or fish and chips.

If you’re looking for a locally brewed drink, then Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery should be on your list of must-visits when in Kokomo. Procuring the best ‘traditional ingredients’ for their craft beer, the brewers create handcrafted goodness such as The Kokomonster, a strong ale; the American-style India Pale Ale known as Moon Beam IPA; and the seasonal K-Town Brown Ale, with notes of chocolate and caramel. They also serve a host of tasty eats to soak up all the beer, from starters to sandwiches and burgers to pasta. For the carnivores, try the Jack Daniels sirloin with a choice of two sides like a baked potato and sweet corn soufflé, while the vegetarians might enjoy the rich and creamy fettuccine Alfredo.

Opened in March 2012, Hawg Heaven is perfect for those guests craving delicious, mouthwatering BBQ. A small, locally owned and operated venue seating only 18 people, Hawg Heaven will delight diners who crave meat smothered in sauce and served with a variety of side dishes. Standouts include the pulled pork, ribs, prime rib sandwich, smoked chicken, and one of the best Cuban sandwiches around. You can pair all the entrées with tasty sides such as cheesy potatoes, baked beans, and potato salad.

While this may not be a restaurant per se, J. Edwards Gourmet has a been voted as being the best dessert shop in Kokomo. For those looking to satisfy a sugar craving, then this place is a no-brainer with its choices of melt-in-your-mouth chocolates and tantalizing cake by the slice. Try the salted chocolate caramels covered in either dark, milk, or white chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt, milk chocolate caramel pecan clusters, and gourmet caramel apples. Don’t miss out on the cakes either, with some options being lemon raspberry, strawberries n’ cream, and almond bliss.

Main Street Cafe is a friendly neighborhood gathering spot in downtown Kokomo. Wanting to provide the area with a welcoming spot where friends and family could meet and enjoy each other’s company while enjoying tasty drinks and eats, Morgan and Sandra Young decided to open this gem. Open Monday to Friday, this café features a menu full of flavorful options from soups and salads to sandwiches and wraps plus drinks like espresso-based beverages, teas, smoothies and more. Try the grilled triple cheese crunch sandwich with Muenster cheese, sun-dried tomato pesto, provolone, basil pesto, and parmesan paired with a cup of house-made soup, with highlights being loaded baked potato, broccoli cheddar and black bean.

Founded in 1987, PASTArrific is another wonderful, locally owned restaurant in Kokomo. Specializing in hearty Italian dishes, this family-friendly restaurant features a large menu, ensuring that just about everyone will find something to whet their appetite. You can expect to find an array of appetizers, pizzas, salads, pasta, chicken, house specialities, seafood, fish, and veal. If you’re ravenous, start out with the baked meatballs, followed by spinach lasagna with a delicious creamy spinach filling and tomato sauce or the Asiago smoked chicken pasta with portabella mushrooms. Be sure to visit the restaurant’s Piano Bar on Friday and Saturday to relax to the lovely tunes of local musicians.

Established in 2012, Taku Japanese Steakhouse is a laid-back restaurant the entire family will enjoy. Creating delicious recipes on their teppanyaki grills, Taku also offers seafood lovers an array of sushi to choose from. Try a delicious teriyaki with steak, chicken, salmon or veggies all served with soup, salad and rice; the nabe yaki udon, which is wheat noodles with chicken, a fish cake, egg, and vegetables all in a savory, flavorful broth; or the ‘Four Season’ roll with spicy tuna, spicy lobster, avocado, and crab with seaweed.

People rave about Tortas Johann and the incredible authentic Mexican fare it serves in a sea of Tex-Mex establishments. So much more than tortas (Mexican sandwiches) the eatery also offers appetizers, combination plates, fajitas, and Mexican burgers. The tortas are served on Mexican bread with cheese, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeños, refried beans, and a choice of meat, with options such as breaded steak, chicken, ham, hot dog and egg. Or try the green enchiladas stuffed with chicken, onions, cilantro, and Mexican cheese and topped with green sauce.