8 Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Bigger Than The Bun
Indiana’s signature dish isn’t fancy, but it sure is mighty – the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich that refuses to be contained by mere bread. Hoosiers have perfected the art of pounding pork until it’s wider than a dinner plate, then frying it to golden perfection. Ready your appetite as we tour eight legendary spots where the meat dramatically eclipses the bun in a delicious display of Midwest excess.
1. C.R. Heroes Family Pub’s Monster Medallion
Fishers’ favorite family hangout serves a tenderloin that could double as a frisbee. Golden-brown with a satisfying crunch, this beauty requires strategic eating – start from the edges and work inward!
The seasoned breading carries subtle hints of garlic while maintaining that classic pork flavor. Locals recommend the “fold and hold” technique to tackle this beast without wearing half of it home.
2. The Aristocrat’s Noble Tenderloin
Since 1933, this Indianapolis institution has perfected pork perfection. Their tenderloin boasts a delicate, crispy exterior hiding juicy meat that’s pounded thin but maintains surprising tenderness.
Weekend warriors line up for this sandwich served on a toasted kaiser roll with just enough tang from housemade mayo. The contrast between the massive meat and modest bun creates an endearing presentation worthy of photos.
3. Blind Owl Brewery’s Craft Beer Companion
Nothing pairs better with handcrafted beer than an enormous tenderloin. Blind Owl’s version arrives with a perfectly seasoned crust that shatters satisfyingly with each bite.
The meat-to-bun ratio here is laughably disproportionate – at least 4:1! What makes this sandwich special is the subtle smokiness in the breading, rumored to include a dash of their house IPA for extra flavor complexity.
4. Dooley O’Toole’s Irish-Inspired Giant
Carmel’s beloved Irish pub puts a Celtic twist on this Hoosier classic. Their tenderloin spans nearly 10 inches across, with a unique breading that incorporates Irish whiskey into the batter!
Served alongside hand-cut fries, this magnificent creation requires serious strategy to consume. The slight sweetness in the coating balances perfectly with their signature spicy mustard sauce that adds welcome heat.
5. Big Lug Canteen’s Plate-Eclipsing Wonder
True to its name, Big Lug doesn’t mess around with portion size. Their tenderloin arrives looking like a crispy golden life preserver with a tiny bun island in the center.
The meat is pounded whisper-thin yet remains miraculously juicy. Regulars rave about their special pickle-brining process that infuses the pork with tangy undertones before it’s breaded with a secret spice blend containing 13 different seasonings.
6. That Place Bar & Grill’s Conversation Starter
When your restaurant is called “That Place,” your food better be memorable enough for people to remember where they ate it. Their tenderloin delivers spectacularly!
Hand-pounded daily and double-dipped in buttermilk before breading, this monster requires its own zip code. The outer edges maintain perfect crispiness while the center stays tender, creating textural magic that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
7. Billy O’Neal’s Pub’s Legendary Lunch Behemoth
Lunchtime crowds flock to Billy O’Neal’s for their hand-breaded masterpiece that’s become Instagram famous. The tenderloin undergoes a 24-hour marinade before being pounded until it’s nearly translucent.
After frying to golden perfection, it’s served with their signature garlic aioli that elevates every bite. The contrasting textures, crunchy exterior, tender meat, soft bun, create a symphony of satisfaction that justifies the inevitable food coma afterward.
8. Muldoon’s Carmel Classic
Saving perhaps the most photogenic for last, Muldoon’s tenderloin practically requires its own table. The meat is pounded so thin you could read a newspaper through it, yet maintains incredible juiciness.
What sets this beauty apart is the extra-crunchy cornmeal-infused breading with a hint of cayenne for subtle heat. The contrast between the massive golden disc and tiny sesame bun creates the perfect Indiana food photo op that tastes even better than it looks.
