13 Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Bigger Than The Bun
Indiana’s breaded pork tenderloin sandwich has become a legendary food icon across the Midwest.
You’ll find this crispy, golden delight hanging way over the edges of its bun at restaurants throughout the state.
The sandwich features a thin, pounded pork cutlet that’s breaded and fried until perfectly crunchy, creating a meal that’s both hilarious in size and incredibly delicious to eat.
1. Nick’s Kitchen – The Original Giant
Back in 1908, something amazing happened at a small restaurant in Huntington.
The address is 506 N Jefferson St, Huntington, IN 46750.
A cook decided to adapt the Austrian Wiener schnitzel into something uniquely American, and the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich was born right here.
Today, you can still taste history with every bite of their famous creation.
The meat stretches far beyond the bun’s edges, creating that iconic look everyone recognizes.
Traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles complete this masterpiece.
Visiting Nick’s Kitchen feels like stepping back in time while enjoying authentic Hoosier cuisine at its finest.
2. One Eyed Jack’s – The Titanic Challenge
Ever wondered what seven pounds of breaded pork looks like on a plate?
Head to 124 N Market St, Winamac, IN 46996, and prepare to be amazed.
The Titanic 2Handed Pork Tenderloin Challenge isn’t meant for one person it’s designed to feed a whole group of hungry friends.
This outrageous creation has become a local legend, drawing curious eaters from neighboring states.
The name fits perfectly because this sandwich truly is unsinkable in terms of size and flavor.
Most people take photos before attempting to eat because it’s just that impressively huge.
Conquering this challenge earns you serious bragging rights among Indiana food lovers everywhere.
3. Big Lug Canteen – The Golden Life Preserver
Imagine a tenderloin so thin and wide it actually resembles a life preserver floating on your plate.
Visit 1435 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240, to see this marvel for yourself.
The secret here involves a special pickle-brining process that adds incredible flavor to the whisper-thin meat.
Unlike thicker versions, this one focuses on maximum crispiness with every single bite you take.
Pairing it with one of their craft beers creates the ultimate Indiana dining experience.
The golden coating crunches perfectly, while the pickles add just the right tangy kick.
This brewpub has mastered the art of making something familiar feel completely new and exciting.
4. Mug’n Bun Drive-In – Cruisin’ for Tenderloin
Rolling up to a classic drive-in for a massive tenderloin brings back memories of simpler times.
Car hops deliver your order right to your window, just like they did decades ago.
The tenderloin here maintains that perfect balance between crispy coating and juicy pork underneath.
Eating in your car while watching other diners creates a nostalgic experience you won’t forget soon.
The meat hangs over the bun edges in that signature Indiana style everyone loves.
Root beer floats pair wonderfully with this classic sandwich for a complete retro meal.
This place proves that traditional drive-in culture and oversized tenderloins are a match made in heaven.
5. Shapiro’s Delicatessen – The Downtown Classic
Downtown Indianapolis has been home to this beloved deli since 1905, serving generations of hungry customers.
The cafeteria-style service lets you watch as they prepare your oversized tenderloin right before your eyes.
Crispy edges contrast beautifully with the tender center, creating textural perfection in every mouthful.
Locals know to arrive early during lunch hours because lines can stretch out the door quickly.
The sandwich comes with classic sides that complement the richness of the fried pork perfectly.
History and flavor combine here in ways that make you appreciate Indiana’s culinary traditions even more.
Grabbing a tenderloin at Shapiro’s has become a rite of passage for true Hoosier food fans.
6. Gnaw Bone Food & Fuel – The Unlikely Roadside Gem
Sometimes the best food hides in the most unexpected places, like a tiny gas station in rural Indiana.
This unassuming spot has earned a reputation for serving tenderloins that rival fancy restaurants anywhere.
The name Gnaw Bone itself sparks curiosity, making the journey there half the fun of the experience.
Travelers often stop for gas and leave with full bellies and huge smiles on their faces.
The tenderloin here doesn’t sacrifice quality despite the casual, no-frills setting you’ll encounter.
Crispy, hot, and hanging way over the bun, it delivers everything you hope for.
Finding incredible food at a fuel stop reminds you that Indiana’s food scene surprises you everywhere.
7. Hollyhock Hill – The Sunday Supper Star
Family-style dining reaches new heights when you add an oversized tenderloin to the experience.
Bowls of sides get passed around the table while everyone marvels at the sandwich’s impressive size.
The atmosphere here feels like visiting your grandmother’s house for a special Sunday dinner celebration.
Fried to golden perfection, the pork cutlet maintains its crunch even as it sits on your plate.
Generations of families have made eating here a tradition, passing down their love for this place.
The tenderloin fits right in with all the other homestyle dishes that make you feel welcome.
Comfort food doesn’t get more comforting than this when you’re surrounded by loved ones and great eats.
8. Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza – The Pizza Joint Surprise
Who says pizza places can’t make an incredible tenderloin that competes with the best in Indiana?
This spot proves that versatility in the kitchen leads to happy customers who keep coming back.
The same attention to quality they put into their pizzas shows up in every breaded cutlet.
Creative topping options give you chances to customize your sandwich beyond the traditional lettuce and tomato.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Watching pizza dough fly through the air while waiting for your tenderloin adds entertainment value too.
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when restaurants dare to expand their menus in unexpected delicious directions.
9. Dawg House – The Sports Fan’s Favorite
Game day gets even better when you’re chomping down on a tenderloin that’s bigger than your hand.
Sports fans gather here to cheer for their teams while enjoying some of Indiana’s finest comfort food.
Multiple televisions ensure you won’t miss a single play while tackling your oversized sandwich challenge.
The crispy breading holds up well even when you’re distracted by an exciting fourth-quarter comeback.
Cold beer and hot tenderloins create the perfect combination for celebrating victories or forgetting defeats.
Friendly competition often breaks out over who can finish their sandwich first during commercial breaks.
This place understands that great sports watching requires equally great food to make memories that last forever.
10. Workingman’s Friend – The Blue-Collar Hero
Honest food for honest people has been the motto here since the doors first opened decades ago.
No fancy decorations or pretentious menus just a massive tenderloin that delivers exactly what you crave.
The neighborhood tavern atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular, even on their very first visit.
Workers stop by after long shifts to refuel with a sandwich that understands the meaning of value.
Simple preparation lets the quality of the pork and the perfect breading technique shine through completely.
The meat-to-bun ratio here might be the most extreme you’ll find anywhere in the state.
Sometimes the best food comes from places that focus on doing one thing exceptionally well every single time.
11. Iozzo’s Garden of Italy – The Italian Twist
Combining Italian cooking techniques with Indiana’s favorite sandwich creates something truly special and unexpected.
The breading might include Italian seasonings that add a subtle flavor twist you won’t find elsewhere.
Topping options could include marinara, mozzarella, or other ingredients that bridge two culinary worlds beautifully.
The tenderloin still maintains its impressive size while gaining sophisticated flavors from Italian influence.
Diners here get to experience familiar comfort food through a completely different and delicious cultural lens.
The restaurant’s Italian heritage shows respect for both traditions by executing each element with care.
Food fusion works brilliantly when done right, and this place proves Indiana tenderloins can travel internationally without leaving home.
12. Lil’ Charlie’s – The Neighborhood Secret
Every town has that one spot locals keep mostly to themselves, hoping it stays their special secret forever.
The tenderloin here tastes like it was made by someone who truly loves feeding people well.
Regulars greet each other by name while newcomers quickly understand why this place inspires such fierce loyalty.
Homemade sides accompany the massive sandwich, showing the same care and attention to detail throughout the menu.
The pork cutlet extends so far beyond the bun that you might need an extra plate.
Recipes passed down through families ensure consistency and flavor that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate ever.
Supporting small neighborhood spots like this helps preserve Indiana’s authentic food culture for future generations to enjoy too.
13. Edinburgh Diner – The Heavyweight Champion
Weighing over a pound, this monster sandwich will make your jaw drop before you even take a bite.
You’ll find it at 413 S Eisenhower Dr, Edinburgh, IN 46124.
The tenderloin here isn’t just big it’s absolutely enormous, making the bun look like a tiny hat on a giant’s head.
Local fans drive from all over Indiana just to tackle this beast of a meal.
The crispy coating stays crunchy even as you work your way through every oversized bite.
Sharing is definitely an option, though many brave souls attempt to finish it solo.
This diner proves that bigger really can be better when it comes to comfort food.
