10 Old-School Indiana Buffets That Never Left The ’80s
Steam rises from trays of mashed potatoes, fried chicken crackles golden in the light, and the scent of gravy and fresh-baked rolls fills the room. Forks clink against plates as laughter drifts between tables – familiar, unhurried, and comforting.
Across Indiana, classic buffet restaurants keep this feeling alive. They serve the kind of food that tastes like memory – hearty, homemade, and endlessly satisfying – reminding everyone why some traditions never fade.
1. Back 40 Junction – Decatur
Country cooking meets heartland hospitality at this Decatur gem that celebrates farm-fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Checkered tablecloths and vintage farm tools adorning the walls create an authentic rural atmosphere.
The buffet line stretches with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade pies that could make anyone nostalgic. Locals have been gathering here for decades, sharing stories over generous helpings of comfort food that never goes out of style.
2. Stoll’s Lakeview Restaurant – Loogootee
Perched alongside peaceful waters, this family-run establishment has served the Loogootee community with unwavering dedication since its early days. The dining room windows frame serene lake views that pair perfectly with classic American fare.
Regulars know to arrive hungry for the fried catfish and biscuits with gravy. The unchanged decor and familiar faces behind the counter create a comforting sense of continuity in a fast-changing world.
3. Gasthof Amish Village – Montgomery
Authentic Amish cooking takes center stage at this Montgomery treasure where recipes passed down through generations fill every plate. Handcrafted wooden furniture and quilts hanging on walls reflect the community’s rich heritage.
The buffet showcases slow-cooked roasts, fresh-baked bread, and seasonal vegetables prepared simply but deliciously. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and wholesome meals that remind them of simpler times before modern conveniences took over kitchens.
4. Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery – Shipshewana
Shipshewana’s beloved gathering place combines restaurant and bakery under one roof, filling the air with cinnamon and fresh bread aromas. Blue gingham accents and wooden booths create an inviting environment that encourages lingering over coffee.
The buffet rotates daily specials alongside reliable favorites like broasted chicken and creamy coleslaw. Finishing with a slice of homemade pie from the bakery case feels almost mandatory after experiencing the generous main course selections.
5. Stone’s Family Restaurant – Millhousen
Tucked in tiny Millhousen, this unassuming spot has fed neighbors and travelers with honest home cooking for generations. The modest exterior gives way to warm dining rooms where everyone seems to know each other’s names.
Roast beef, green beans cooked with bacon, and homemade desserts anchor the daily offerings. The unchanged recipes and familiar surroundings provide comfort food in every sense, making visitors feel like part of the family immediately.
6. Schwartz Family Restaurant – Eckerty
Hidden in southern Indiana’s rolling hills, this family operation serves meals that taste exactly like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. The casual atmosphere encourages second helpings and unhurried conversations with fellow diners.
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and fresh vegetables appear alongside rotating specials that follow the seasons. The restaurant’s longevity speaks to consistent quality and the kind of warm welcome that keeps customers returning year after year.
7. Ponderosa Steakhouse – Vincennes
One of the few surviving Ponderosa locations keeps the chain’s glory days alive with its signature salad bar and grill-your-own steak concept. The familiar logo and interior transport diners back to when steakhouse buffets dominated American dining.
Beyond steaks, the buffet features chicken wings, baked potatoes, and soft-serve ice cream for dessert. Families appreciate the affordable prices and casual vibe that made Ponderosa a household name during the Reagan era.
8. Ponderosa Steakhouse – Scottsburg
Another treasured Ponderosa outpost continues serving southern Indiana with the same formula that made the brand famous decades ago. The buffet’s unlimited trips policy encourages sampling everything from the salad fixings to hot entrees.
Grilled steaks come sizzling to the table while diners help themselves to sides and desserts. The nostalgic experience appeals to those who remember childhood birthday celebrations here and want to share that memory with their own kids.
9. Knepp’s Amish Kountry Korner – Washington
Washington’s answer to Amish cooking offers authentic dishes prepared with care and served in generous quantities. The dining room’s simple decorations reflect the Amish preference for functionality over flash.
Roasted chicken, buttered noodles, and fresh-baked rolls appear daily alongside seasonal vegetables from local farms. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional preparation methods ensures flavors remain true to their Pennsylvania Dutch roots, satisfying both tourists and regulars.
10. Das Dutchman Essenhaus – Middlebury
Northern Indiana’s most famous Amish dining destination continues drawing crowds with its legendary spreads and bakery counter overflowing with pies. The sprawling complex includes shops and lodging, making it a complete destination experience.
Fried chicken, noodles, and mashed potatoes anchor the buffet alongside seasonal specialties. The bustling dining rooms maintain their original charm while accommodating tour buses and families seeking genuine Amish-inspired hospitality and hearty portions.
