Asakusa Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
6224 Lima Rd
(260) 490-6888
Yelp: 4 Stars - 49 Reviews Straight-up good sushi. How simple is that? Even coastal folks can’t hate on Asakusa, a cozy Fort Wayne Japanese joint that makes everything fresh and a prepares rolls with care. It might be tempting, but skip out on the fried, Americanized stuff and go right for time-tested raw sushi and sashimi favorites like albacore, salmon, and eel nestled over some perfectly-cooked rice.
BakerStreet Steakhouse
4820 N Clinton St
(260) 484-3300
Yelp: 4 Stars - 52 Reviews If you’re ever in Fort Wayne and craving steak, drive right past Outback and Texas Roadhouse and head right over to BakerStreet (not actually on a “Baker St.” for the record). This steak, seafood and spirits spot is known for complementary soft and warm pretzel bread that rivals even Red Lobster’s delectable cheesy biscuits. Entrees like lobster tails, blackened ahi, and filet mignon are all fairly basic in preparation, but superb in execution.
Shigs in Pit
2008 Fairfield Ave
(260) 387-5903
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 40 Reviews Shigs in Pit: unglamorous name, barbecue so good it will water your mouth and drop your jaw. This multiple award-winning, Memphis-style ribs, meats, and sides joint is roundly understood as one of the best barbecue spot in town. Go for the Big Shigs, a slow-cooked platter that will test your stomach’s capacity, featuring: six ribs, three meats, two sides, and garlic toast.
Taqueria Coahuila
3123 S Clinton St
(260) 456-3206
Yelp: 5 Stars - 13 Reviews Taqueria Coahuila, the definition of “hole-in-the-wall,” is zero frills and all about authentic Mexican flavors. Even though the prices are comparable, Taco Bell-lovers will want to look elsewhere, since tacos here are done true to their Mexican roots: meat with cilantro and onions on top on handmade corn tortillas—everything is designed to let the natural flavors and seasoning of the meat stand out.
Loving Cafe
7605 Coldwater Rd
(260) 489-8686
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 50 Reviews We know, we know, but before you run for the nearest Five Guys, at least sit down and try the faux-meat barbecue sandwich, and tell us it tastes like there’s anything missing from the dish. Loving has received raves from Fort Wayne carnivores, vegans, and everyone in between, because their emphasis is on quality and flavor. On the side, fresh spring rolls and all of the homemade soups are house favorites.
Banh Mi Barista
5320 Coldwater Rd
(260) 387-7222
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 26 Reviews Banh Mi Barista has everyone’s favorite Vietnamese specialty sandwich right in the name, but there’s a lot more to this inconspicuous strip mall spot than tasty, flaky baguettes with meat and veggies (although, they have those too.) Favorites like pho, noodle bowls and spring and egg rolls also get the big-portioned, well-spiced, low-priced treatment. You’ll want to finish the meal off with some bubble tea, which can easily double as dessert.
Paula’s On Main
1732 W Main St
(260) 424-2300
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 30 Reviews The seafood entrees at Paula’s on Main will cost a penny or two, ranging between $20 to $30, but you’re paying for quality—and anyway, do you really want to go cheap on seafood in the Midwest? On the menu, you’ll find inspired spins on everything people love about American seafood, including jambalaya, Maryland crab cakes, and seabass, all elegantly plated with flavors to match the visuals.
Club Soda
235 E Superior St
(260) 426-3442
Yelp: 4 Stars - 60 Reviews Maybe Fort Wayne’s best all-around night-out spot, Club Soda mixes one hell of a martini, is located in a hip, repurposed-industrial building and doubles as one of the best jazz and blues spots in town. For food, think next-level gastropub fare, like juicy chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozz, spinach, prosciutto, and a creamy garlic sauce or a rack of lamb seasoned with mustard and mint.
Catablu Grille
6372 W Jefferson Blvd
(260) 456-6563
Yelp: 4 Stars - 23 Reviews A date spot through and through, Catablu Grille has a hip decor and artsy (but still tasty) dishes to match. Duck flatbread is a house favorite starter, while the entrees, like lobster mac and cheese with sweet peas and black truffles, and specials, like green chile chicken meatloaf over lima beans, take comfort food to new levels. Catablu also prides itself on its thorough wine list, which you’ll notice as soon as you walk through the door and see their towering wall wine display.
Powers Hamburger Shop
1402 S Harrison St
(260) 422-6620
Yelp: 4 Stars - 31 Reviews Love White Castle but find yourself a bit icked out after a late-night nosh? We have just the place. Powers is a family-owned sliders spot, established all the way back in 1940, that will give you the same onion-infused gratification with better, fresher flavor. This tiny outpost has friendly service and aromas that famously leave you with a fresh cooked onion smell for the rest of the day.
Ziffle’s Rib Bar
6340 E State Blvd
(260) 493-1222
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 28 Reviews With Ziffle’s and Shigs in Pit means any time you’re in Fort Wayne, there’s no excuse for tasting below-par BBQ. The divey, down home spot gets basics like ribs and pulled pork tasty and tender, and smothers them in a unique sauce that’s sweet and spicy. While not normally a BBQ standard, the side fries pair perfectly with any sauce that gets left behind. For starters, deep-fried pickles can’t miss.
Cosmos Restaurant
3232 Saint Joe Center Rd
(260) 492-6262
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 19 Reviews Head to Cosmo’s after 3 p.m. and you’ll be out of luck: the rib-sticking comfort food joint is breakfast and lunch only. Everyone raves about the thoroughly-stuffed, baby-sized omelettes. Although the pancakes, waffles and french toast are sweet and fluffy in all the right ways, too. Either be prepared to take some home for later, or stuff your face beyond your wildest dreams.
Salvatori’s
10337 Illinois Rd
(260) 625-5600
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 19 Reviews Salvatori’s is the best all-around Italian experience in town. All of your carbo-loaded favorites, like fettucini alfredo and lasagna are authentic and made from scratch, the service is quick and friendly, and the prices leave (wallet) room for dessert. If you’re looking to go cheaper or simple, you can design a calzone or go with a massive Italian sub. Mangia, kiddos.
JK O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House
121 W Wayne St
(260) 420-5563
Yelp: 4 Stars - 69 Reviews What more could you expect from an Irish pub than a near-ludicrously long beer selection list, Irish classics like bangers & mash, meat pies, stew and corned beef and cabbage, and non-stop “football”? Beer and sports joints don’t usually need to have food this good and soul-soothing, but JKO’s resists run-of-the-mill meals in favor of traditional fare you won’t find at more Americanized places, like the house favorite scotch eggs.
Caliente Cuban Cuisine
1123 E State Boulevard
(260) 471-0700
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 27 Reviews If you’ve never tasted the tasty combo that is ham, pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on pressed Cuban bread that is the Cubano, you should probably book your ticket for Fort Wayne immediately. Caliente, a small, friendly, and colorful Fort Wayne nook, makes their bread fresh and uses high-quality ingredients to deliver the perfect Cubano every time. Plus, the croquettes and fried plantains ain’t bad either. Feature image source: Shigs in Pit via Facebook What’s your go-to for great grub in Fort Wayne? Tell us in the comments below!
