The Shipshewana Auction Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country, offers visitors a taste of authentic local cuisine and a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage. Located at 345 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, this full-service sit-down restaurant has been serving hungry patrons since 1930, evolving alongside the famous Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market[2].
The restaurant’s menu is a delightful blend of hearty Midwest fare and traditional Amish cooking. Signature dishes include the beloved chicken and noodles, a comforting plate that embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness[1][2]. Another crowd-pleaser is the meatloaf, prepared with time-honored recipes that have satisfied generations of diners[2].
For those seeking lighter options, the restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches and salads. The tenderloin sandwich, a Midwest classic, is a popular choice among regulars[5]. Burger enthusiasts can indulge in options like the bacon double cheeseburger or the classic hamburger[5]. The menu also features specialties such as the Reuben and grilled chicken sandwich, catering to diverse palates[5].
One cannot discuss the Shipshewana Auction Restaurant without mentioning its legendary homemade pies[1][2]. These delectable desserts, crafted with care and tradition, provide the perfect sweet ending to any meal. The pies harken back to the restaurant’s early days when Mrs. Miller baked them in her home oven[2].
Breakfast at the restaurant is a treat in itself, with service until 11 am. A unique offering is the breakfast haystack, a hearty morning meal that fuels visitors for a day of auction excitement or flea market exploration[1].
The homemade pies at the Shipshewana Auction Restaurant are a standout feature that holds a special place in the establishment’s history and menu. Here’s what makes them so special:
- Historical significance: The tradition of homemade pies dates back to the restaurant’s early days in the 1940s when Mrs. Miller baked them in her home oven[2]. This long-standing tradition has been maintained over the decades, preserving an authentic taste of the past.
- Variety: The restaurant offers both cream pies and fresh fruit pies[3]. This variety caters to different tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s a pie for everyone.
- Quality ingredients: Given the restaurant’s location in Amish country and its history of using fresh, local ingredients (like vegetables from Mrs. Miller’s garden in the early days), it’s likely that the pies are made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients[2].
- Authentic Amish-style baking: The pies represent a genuine taste of Amish country cuisine, reflecting the local culture and traditional baking methods[5].
- Reputation: The pies are consistently mentioned as a highlight of the dining experience. They’re described as “delicious” on the restaurant’s own menu, indicating their popularity[2].
- Dessert specialty: In a restaurant known for hearty, home-style cooking, the homemade pies serve as the perfect sweet ending to a meal, complementing the overall dining experience[2][5].
- Customer favorite: The pies are often recommended by visitors, with one review specifically advising to “Go for the Pie!”[5]. This suggests that the pies have become a must-try item for many patrons.
The combination of historical significance, traditional baking methods, quality ingredients, and consistent popularity makes the homemade pies at Shipshewana Auction Restaurant a special and integral part of the dining experience.
The restaurant’s Amish heritage is evident not just in its menu but in its history and atmosphere. The original restaurant started in 1930 inside George Curtis’s garage, the auction’s first owner. From 1940, Milo and Ruth Miller took over operations, bringing their farm-to-table approach by using vegetables from Mrs. Miller’s garden and even making homemade ketchup for the 20-cent hamburgers[2].
Today, the Shipshewana Auction Restaurant continues to honor its roots while serving a new generation of visitors. It operates on Wednesdays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and Fridays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, aligning with the bustling auction and flea market schedule[2].
Beyond its regular service, the restaurant offers catering for groups and off-site events, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite dishes at special occasions[2].
The Shipshewana Auction Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a living piece of local history. It provides a genuine taste of Amish country cuisine, served in an atmosphere steeped in tradition and community spirit. Whether you’re a regular at the auctions or a first-time visitor to Shipshewana, a meal at this iconic restaurant is an essential part of the experience, offering sustenance, nostalgia, and a warm welcome to all who enter its doors.
Citations:
[1] https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/restaurant/the-auction-restaurant
[2] https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/restaurant
[3] https://shipshewanatradingplace.com
[4] https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/restaurant/the-auction-restaurant/menu
[5] https://www.checkle.com/biz/shipshewana-auction-restaurant-shipshewana/menu