Amidst the modern high-rises and the fast-paced energy of the Hoosier capital, a remarkably grounding new dining experience has arrived in Indianapolis. Located just on the edge of the vibrant Broad Ripple neighborhood, a beautifully restored brick building now houses The Shipshewana Table. Trading the clamor of contemporary fusion kitchens for the steady, unhurried rhythm of traditional cooking, this new eatery brings the authentic, scratch-made comfort of Indiana’s Amish country right to the city.
A Backstory Rooted in Elkhart County
The story of The Shipshewana Table begins a couple of hours north in Elkhart County, home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States. For three generations, the Bontrager family ran a highly successful catering business, providing massive, hearty spreads for local community auctions and farm events.
As the younger Bontrager siblings—Sarah, Eli, and Miriam—came of age, they saw an opportunity to share their family’s culinary heritage beyond the rural county lines. Having frequently visited Indianapolis for farmers’ markets, they noticed a longing among city dwellers for authentic, home-cooked comfort food. When a charming, sunlit property became available in Indy, the siblings pooled their resources. They spent months outfitting the space with heavy, hand-hewn maple tables and vintage farm implements, creating a warm, tech-free haven that feels worlds away from the busy city streets outside.
Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship
Stepping into The Shipshewana Table feels like pulling up a chair in a bustling farmhouse kitchen. There are no buzzing televisions or loud background tracks. Instead, the soundtrack is the comforting clatter of heavy ceramic plates and the irresistible aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked yeast rolls. The Bontragers are fiercely committed to their roots; they import their butter, cheeses, and select produce directly from trusted farms back in Northern Indiana, ensuring that every dish remains true to their family’s historic recipes.
Our Favorite Finds at The Shipshewana Table
Whether you are looking for a hearty Sunday dinner or a comforting midweek lunch, the menu is an unapologetic celebration of stick-to-your-ribs Midwestern fare. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely cannot miss:
- Traditional Beef and Noodles: The ultimate Indiana Amish comfort food. Tender, slow-roasted beef is shredded and served over a mountain of thick, hand-rolled egg noodles, all swimming in a rich, savory brown gravy. It is served atop a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes, just the way it should be.
- Hand-Breaded Fried Chicken: The Bontragers use a generations-old buttermilk soak before dredging their chicken in a proprietary blend of seasoned flour. It is pan-fried in cast iron until perfectly golden, resulting in an impossibly crunchy exterior and a juicy, flavorful center.
- Amish Church Spread: A unique and beloved appetizer. This sweet, sticky spread is made from peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and corn syrup, served alongside a basket of warm, freshly baked sourdough bread for dipping.
- Buttermilk Sugar Cream Pie: A true Hoosier classic elevated by Amish baking techniques. The filling is a rich, custardy blend of cream, vanilla, and sugar, baked into a flaky lard crust and dusted generously with fresh nutmeg.
A Worthwhile Meal
Visiting The Shipshewana Table is more than just trying out a new local spot; it is a delightful immersion into a slower, more intentional way of life. In a city that is always moving, this restaurant offers a rare chance to pause, pass a heavy bowl of homemade sides around the table, and savor food made with immense pride. Just remember to bring a healthy appetite—the Bontrager family’s portion sizes are just as generous as their hospitality.