Kokomo, Indiana, is a city with a history of innovation which earned the nickname the, ‘City of Firsts.’ With a beautiful historic downtown area full of fun art studios and unique dining establishments, this central-Indiana city is sure to impress. Visit one of Kokomo’s top 10 restaurants from the list below.
Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery is a much-loved establishment in Kokomo and the city’s first brewpub. Half Moon makes hand-crafted beer using the finest ingredients, and their lunch and dinner menus include tasty selections like fresh-cut steaks, house-smoked barbecue, and fresh seafood. Grab a Half Moon brew to pair with your meal, and then try one of the restaurant’s homemade desserts, like the chocolate porter cake or Kentucky bourbon cake.
Taku Japanese Steakhouse has two locations in Indiana. Their Kokomo location is an upscale but casual steakhouse that serves delicious hibachi food as well as sushi options and noodle dishes. The chefs love to entertain. They cook your food right in front of you on teppanyaki grills — a style of Japanese cooking that uses an iron griddle to cook steak, shrimp, chicken, and other dishes. The restaurant also has several vegetarian options.
This full-service Italian restaurant opened its doors in 1987 in the Maple Crest Mall before moving to its present day location. Pastarrific is a fantastic restaurant for a fun time and delightful food. A piano bar features local musicians, and live music is guaranteed every Friday and Saturday. The menu is packed with options, like tasty artisanal pizzas, meat entrées, and authentic specialty dishes. Enjoy the large portions in this spacious, festive environment.
Find fantastic barbecue and more at this local favorite. Hawg Heaven has been serving excellent brisket, pulled pork, prime rib, and more for around four years. The restaurant has a biker vibe and a curated menu with only high-quality options. Try one of the immense entrées and grab side dishes of refried beans and the family recipe, special potato salad. Every meat dish is made with care to bring out the tastiest flavors, and a selection of sweet and spicy sauces are available to add an extra kick.
Main Street Café boasts ‘snob-worthy’ coffee and espresso as well as daily soup specials and more. The quirky establishment is run by a husband and wife who together have more than a couple decades of experience in the restaurant industry. The cafe serves excellent, fresh food for breakfast and lunch. Try the breakfast burrito or steel-cut oats when you visit in the morning, but in the afternoon, you should try the grilled triple cheese sandwich or any of the homemade soups.
Cook McDoogal’s is a traditional Irish pub that serves Irish and American cuisine. The interior is cozy with dark wood furniture and features a playlist of Irish music. Grab a beer and order a traditional pub dish like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or bangers and mash. This restaurant serves up delectable food in a fun and lively environment located in historic downtown Kokomo.
A Michael’s is a fine dining restaurant that was established in 2013. Located in the Forest Park Shopping Plaza, the upscale locale is filled with lavish decor like antique mirrors, stained glass pieces from the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory, and other elegant touches. The ambiance is calm and intimate with candlelit tables and a beautiful courtyard area. Try an entrée like the duck bacon burger topped with Tillamook cheddar, caramelized onions, Roma tomatoes, and strawberry-jalapeño barbecue and served with fries. The shrimp linguine and hoisin glazed salmon are other fantastic options.
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Grindstone Charley’s opened in 1982 and now has multiple locations across Indiana and Ohio. The restaurant serves high-quality steaks made with a special blend of seasoning as well as fresh seafood dishes, salads, gourmet burgers, signature sandwiches, and more. This restaurant is an ideal place to bring the whole family for a casual meal in a friendly environment. Try the garlic-parmesan shrimp or a salmon filet topped with lemon pepper spice and garlic butter.
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist at Tortas Johann. Not only does the restaurant serve dishes like crispy taquitos, enchiladas, tortas, and nachos, but it also offers some unique creations. Try the Hawaiian fajita, a platter of sizzling pork with pineapple, bell pepper, and onion served with rice, beans, and salad. The Mexican-style hamburgers and hot dogs are delicious alternatives for anyone who doesn’t love Mexican cuisine. For dessert, order a fresh fruit salad or a Napolitano flan.
Named for Indiana’s landscape staple, this casual American dining establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a diner-like atmosphere. The friendly servers know their regulars, but they welcome everyone in like an old friend. Try some of the reasonably priced dishes like a tenderloin sandwich, country fried steak, or porkfest ribs. The menu is extensive and gives guests all of the comforts of familiar food while getting them away from the boring chain restaurants.
