Fort Wayne

Coney Island

A wiener stand that likes their buns steamed since 1924. huge during the three rivers festival and the lighting of the santa claus the night before thanksgiving.

Don Hall's Old Gas House Restaurant

Paula's on West Main

Great seafood and a very cool music bar called the mangy moose. it's in an old house. very cool. not cheap, but the food is great.

Mad Anthony Brewing Company

Mabc is an old staple in fort wayne. the original is located downtown on the corner of broadway and taylor. this particular location is the most nostalgic, decorated with political paraphernalia dating back to the early 1930s. they have a very eclectic menu, ranging from their plethora of delicious sandwiches to salmon to homemade pizza. their beer, made on location, is some of the best in fort wayne. their beer is alos sold at several other locations, including parkview field and in bottles at local stores. it is fairly cheap and always a good meal!

Ziffle's Rib Bar

Northeast side - 6340 e state blvd - phone:260.493.1222 - a fantastic rib joint located in georgetown square.

Cindy's Diner

Downtown - cindy's is a traditional 1950's-style diner loaded with charm. it's one of those stainless steel prefab buildings that used to be all over but disappeared with the onslaught of the chains. those in the mood for breakfast can find it here any time of the day. it seat about 15 people. you sit at the counter and chew the fat with the staff. they have those little juke boxes every few seats with old 50's and 60's hits. they make their own donuts with an antique donut machine that came from old downtown murphy's store. 830 s. harrison street. cheap and a great value for breakfast or lunch. closed in evenings.

Power's Hamburgers

South downtown - 1402 s. harrison across from lincoln green. this place was built in the 1940 and hasn't changed. it is the prototype for white castle but the burgers are bigger and everything is fresh. the chili is also great. a picture of it is at (http://www.hollyeats.com/...). real cheap and real fun!

The Oyster Bar

South downtown - 1830 south calhoun street, fort wayne, indiana 46802-5258 ph: 219.744.9490. there are two oyster bars in fort wayne. the original oyster bar downtown used to be a honest to goodness speakeasy: tradition has it that soda was served in front and cards & booze were the staple of the back room during prohibition. the original ob is just south of downtown in a 100+ year old brick building. you almost sit in the kitchen and have to walk through the kitchen to reach part of the seating. small and very cool. you can see your dinner made and talk to the cooks. the food is really good too. you might think, oyster bar = sea food in fort wayne, indiana = huh? but this is the age of flash frozen sashimi grade tuna air fedexed via 747-400's. ergo, the fish you eat in chicago is the same stuff. in the summer you can eat outside. the north-side oyster bar is now closed. steve gard is the owner of both and a cool dude. foodie to the max.

Higher Grounds Coffee House

(http://www.highergroundso...) - downtown corner of calhoun and wayne st., many other locations phone: 485-0100.

Firefly

(http://www.fireflycoffeeh...) - 3523 north anthony blvd. - the firefly is perennially voted the best coffee house in town. it's just a block or two south of ipfw, the largest university in the city. the drink theme is insects, and they have many good smoothies and other offerings with bug-like names. there is free wireless internet access, and usually exhibits of local art on the walls. in the evenings, there is often live music.

Don Hall's Prime Rib Restaurant

A family-friendly place to dine out!

The Italian Connection

West side - 2725 taylor st - phone:260.432.9702 - this is one of the best kept secrets in fort wayne, most of the locals don't even know about it. it is a quaint italian restaurant located in a small two story house. there is a large factory across the street, and a plain looking neighborhood surrounding. if it weren't for the small neon sign in the window you'd never look twice. it seats less than 50 and i've never seen more than three employees working: a host, a server, and the cook. the food is simple home-cooked italian, and it's definitely worth the trip. be sure to call ahead to make sure they're open.

Casa! Ristorante

7545 w. jefferson blvd., ph. 436-2272 - many locals laude this italian restaurant's signature salad as the best salad in fort wayne. menu includes veal marsala, quattro formaggio pasta, lasange, chef's salad with genoan salami and parm, tilapia and other fish, pizza, and a host of other italian favorites. full bar. reservations are recommended, as the place can get pretty busy. a three-course meal here will cost around $30 per person.

Buffalo Wings & Ribs

4636 coldwater rd. 260-482-9464 and 6439 w. jefferson blvd 260-436-9464. a favorite wing restaurant among the locals since the '80s. as the name implies, the specialties are buffalo wings available in 16 signature sauces and baby back ribs. also serves french fries, poppers, chicken sandwiches, pitas, wraps, burgers, and other american classics. a popular hang-out among area high schoolers especially athletes and for families. dine-in and take-out.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

5828 west jefferson boulevard, fort wayne, in 46804; ph. 260-459-2022 - serving fresh sushi and sashimi. also available are various bento, tempura, meat dishes and more, along with a japanese beer and sake selection. be sure to check out the lunch specials! a bar and tatami room are also available.