By: Kathryn Fenstermacher

The foodie scene in Blackford County doesn’t toot its own horn – you may need to stay here a while in order to see past the fast-food chains and discover our unique culinary gems. While there may be only a handful of resident restaurants, each one is a staple of the community, serving up delicious, home-cooked fare for the locals without much pretense, but with a whole lot of love. 

Here, we offer a restaurant roundup to celebrate our local cuisine and, hopefully, get your mouth watering so that you’ll try them for yourself!

Carrie’s

Dining at Carrie’s restaurant in Montpelier is like sitting down to dinner with a dear friend. This casual family restaurant on W Huntington St, just around the bend from Airplane Park, serves up homemade comfort food in a cozy atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. Popular homestyle specials include beef and noodles, “broasted” chicken with biscuits, and an all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry. And don’t forget about their famous breakfast buffet! Carrie’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options nearly every day of the week for dine in or carryout, you can find their menu and specials on their Facebook page.

Hong Kong 1 Chinese Restaurant

“Pearl of the Orient” used to be a nickname for the city-state of Hong Kong – and just like its namesake, Hong Kong 1 Chinese Restaurant is a hidden gem, tucked away in plain sight on E Washington St in Hartford City. Hong Kong 1 boasts an extensive menu of authentic Asian dishes, from Kung Pao chicken to egg drop soup. They are open for lunch and dinner every day of the week except Sunday, and often stay open during mainstream holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, in case you and your house guests get a hankering for takeout. Hong Kong 1 currently offers carryout only, no delivery or dining in, but they’ll have your food ready in the nick of time when you order online through their website.

La Palma/Mel’s Keg

Choose from two delicious dining options in one place when you stop at La Palma/Mel’s Keg located at 1226 N Walnut St in Hartford City. Step inside door number one to take your “Taco Tuesday” to the next level at La Palma, a Mexican eatery serving up authentic Latin cuisine. The salsa and guac are always fresh, and specials like The Four Amigos let you sample several of their deliciously seasoned meats. Behind door number two, we have good old American comfort food from Mel’s Keg. Burgers, tenderloins, and Mel’s BBQ are some of the favorites that keep the locals happy, especially when paired with a sampling from the “keg.” Both spaces share a patio where you can dine al fresco when the weather is fine. La Palma/Mel’s Keg offers dine in and carry out every day but Sunday, you can visit their Facebook page to view their full hours and menu.

Pizza King

Pizza King may be a chain restaurant, but this local favorite happens to be exclusive to the Hoosier State. Per their famous slogan, “It’s an Indiana thing,” so we’ll consider that local enough to make the cut! This beloved pizzeria offers takeout any day of the week, but you can’t beat the dining room experience, with decor straight out of the ‘50s. You can even “ring the king” from the vintage red phone at your table to place your order directly with the kitchen. Pizza King’s supply-and-license contract means that no two locations are the same – so nearby Hartford City and Montpelier locations can truly take on the character of the neighborhood. Order online or stop in at either location for a delicious slice of nostalgia!

Richard’s

Richard’s Restaurant has been a staple of Hartford City since it opened in 1981. A “ nice family restaurant with good food, and good service,” its proximity to AMVETS Post #23 makes it a regular canteen. Richard’s is a full-service diner serving breakfast all day, harkening back to a time when family and friends would share warm conversations and laughter over pancakes, coffee, or a tasty slice of pie – traditions that today’s patrons can still enjoy. Richard’s opens at 7 am Wednesday through Sunday to catch the early morning crowd, and at 11 am Monday and Tuesday for brunch and beyond. Their menu and weekly specials can be found on Richard’s Facebook page.

Besides these full-service restaurants, here are a host of other local spots worth sampling:

Common Grounds: Classic cafe fare is available for breakfast and lunch at this cozy hangout in historic downtown Hartford City.

Deja Brew Espresso Bar: It’s easy to sit and stay awhile here, with breakfast and lunch specials available to satisfy your cravings in between cups of their award-winning coffee.

The Depot Bar and Grill: A snug watering hole serving up pub-style apps and entrees to go with your beverage of choice.

Frosty’s: Whether you prefer to eat your dessert before or after, Frosty’s offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and such to round out your dining experience.

High Street Bar and Grille: Breakfast samplers and bacon-wrapped meatloaf are just some of the hearty fare available leading up to beer-o-clock at this Montpelier establishment.

The Pickle Lounge: Come for the bowling at Northside Lanes – stick around for some good American grub at The Pickle Lounge.

The Pit Stop: An old-timey drive-through convenience shop offering daily lunch specials like walking taco bowls.

The Sweeet Spot: This ice cream shop also offers diner-style breakfast and an abbreviated lunch and dinner menu. Locals can’t get enough of their deli specials, like chicken salad.

The Tasty Spoon: A seasonal shop specializing in warm-weather treats like Coney dogs and soft serve.

Who’s Your Coffee Roastery: This charming cafe offers gourmet lunch specials daily M-F, including scratch-baked soft pretzels and biscuits.