9 Indiana Eateries With Pork Sandwiches That Might Outgrow The Bun

Indiana takes pork sandwiches seriously so seriously that some places serve them bigger than the buns they come on!

These iconic Hoosier sandwiches showcase the state’s deep agricultural roots and love for hearty, satisfying food. From crispy tenderloins to slow-smoked pulled pork, these sandwiches aren’t just meals they’re monuments to Indiana’s pork-loving culture.

1. Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis

Generations of Indianapolis locals have flocked to Shapiro’s for their legendary pork sandwiches since 1905. The towering creations here barely fit between the bakery-fresh bread, with meat piled so high you’ll need both hands just to pick it up.

What makes Shapiro’s special is their commitment to old-world techniques. Each sandwich features slow-roasted pork that’s tender enough to melt in your mouth but substantial enough to satisfy the hungriest customer.

Did you know? Shapiro’s has served their oversized sandwiches to numerous presidents and celebrities over their century-plus history, becoming an Indianapolis institution that locals proudly recommend to visitors seeking authentic Hoosier hospitality.

2. Yats – Multiple Locations, IN

While primarily known for Cajun cuisine, Yats surprises sandwich enthusiasts with their take on pork that merges Louisiana flair with Hoosier heartiness. Their pulled pork sandwich combines slow-cooked meat with signature spices that deliver a flavor punch unlike anything else in Indiana.

The meat is so generously portioned that eating one without making a delightful mess becomes nearly impossible. Locals recommend asking for extra napkins before attempting to tackle this beast.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory pork, tangy sauce, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. With multiple locations throughout Indiana, you’re never too far from experiencing this unique cross-cultural sandwich phenomenon.

3. The Eagle – Indianapolis

If you’re searching for a pork sandwich that combines crunch, tenderness, and flavor in perfect harmony, The Eagle’s creation demands your attention. Located in Indianapolis’ trendy Mass Ave district, this eatery has transformed the humble pork sandwich into an art form.

Their signature sandwich features a hand-breaded pork tenderloin that extends well beyond the boundaries of its bun, creating that iconic Indiana look that makes tourists do a double-take. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, perfectly seasoned meat.

The Eagle elevates their sandwich with house-made accompaniments and artisanal touches that respect tradition while adding contemporary flair. Many customers leave with photos of their meal before even taking the first impossible-to-contain bite.

4. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream – Indianapolis

Though famous for their burger challenges, Bub’s secret weapon might be their extraordinarily generous pork tenderloin sandwich. The friendly staff often chuckle watching first-timers’ eyes widen when this massive creation arrives at their table.

Hand-pounded until thin yet substantial, the tenderloin undergoes a breading process that creates the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. Served on a seemingly miniature bun by comparison, this sandwich requires strategic eating techniques developed by regulars.

Many visitors attempt to fold the overhanging portions or cut the sandwich into more manageable pieces. Either way, finishing a Bub’s tenderloin earns you instant respect among locals who appreciate authentic Indiana food traditions.

5. Smokin’ J’s BBQ – Indianapolis

Hidden among Indianapolis’s growing food scene, Smokin’ J’s BBQ has quietly built a reputation for serving pork sandwiches that demand both appetite and strategy. Their pulled pork sandwich features meat that spends 14 hours in a custom smoker before being hand-pulled to perfection.

The resulting mountain of tender, smoky meat comes piled so high that the bun serves more as a suggestion than a container. Regulars know to grab extra napkins and maybe even a fork before attempting to conquer this delicious challenge.

What separates Smokin’ J’s from competitors is their commitment to authentic smoking techniques and house-made sauces that complement rather than overwhelm the natural pork flavors. Each sandwich tells the story of patience, craftsmanship, and Indiana’s love affair with properly prepared pork.

6. Smokehouse Bar-B-Que – Evansville

Down in Evansville, Smokehouse Bar-B-Que has perfected the art of excessive generosity with their legendary pork creations. When your sandwich arrives, you might wonder if they accidentally gave you a portion meant for two people but no, that’s just how they roll here.

The pork shoulder smokes slowly over hickory wood, developing complex flavors before being either sliced or pulled, depending on your preference. Either way, you’ll receive enough meat to make the bun underneath seem almost decorative rather than functional.

Locals recommend the “loaded” version, which adds house-made coleslaw right on top of the already towering meat pile. This Southern Indiana staple represents the region’s unique barbecue style that bridges Midwestern and Southern traditions.

7. City Barbeque – Carmel

When City Barbeque opened in Carmel, they brought serious barbecue credentials and a commitment to serving pork sandwiches of impressive proportions. Their pulled pork sandwich has become legendary among north-side Indianapolis residents seeking authentic smoked goodness.

The meat undergoes a 14-hour smoking process using cherry and hickory woods, creating deep flavor profiles before being hand-pulled into tender strands. Instead of chopping the meat into tiny pieces, City Barbeque maintains substantial chunks that provide satisfying texture and showcase their smoking expertise.

Many first-timers are caught off-guard by just how much pork comes on each sandwich easily enough for two meals. The sandwich comes with your choice of sauce, though purists often enjoy it with just a light drizzle to let the quality of the meat shine through.

8. Mick’s Kitchen – Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne locals guard the secret of Mick’s Kitchen jealously, but their pork tenderloin sandwich deserves statewide recognition. This unassuming eatery serves what might be the most perfectly executed example of Indiana’s signature sandwich.

Hand-cut, tenderized, and breaded to order, each tenderloin extends dramatically beyond its bun sometimes reaching the edges of the plate itself. The contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy interior creates a textural experience that keeps loyal customers returning weekly.

Unlike some competitors who focus solely on size, Mick’s balances impressive dimensions with culinary craftsmanship. The seasoning in their breading recipe has remained unchanged for decades, creating a distinctive flavor that locals instantly recognize. First-time visitors often become immediate converts to this Fort Wayne institution.

9. Blue Gate Restaurant – Shipshewana

Among Shipshewana’s Amish country charm, Blue Gate Restaurant serves pork sandwiches that honor tradition while satisfying modern appetites. Their hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich represents generations of culinary knowledge passed down through families who understand pork better than most.

The meat receives careful attention hand-cut, tenderized, and breaded using a recipe that predates the restaurant itself. When served, the tenderloin extends well beyond the homemade bun, creating that classic Indiana aesthetic that visitors love to photograph.

What makes Blue Gate’s version special is the quality of ingredients and attention to detail. The pork comes from local farms, the breading includes a secret blend of herbs and spices, and even the pickles and onions are prepared in-house. This sandwich tells the story of Indiana’s agricultural heritage in every oversized bite.