Where to Eat in Richmond, Indiana

Where to Eat in Richmond, Indiana

I’ve compiled a 3-article series on places to EXPLORE, EAT, and PLAY in Richmond and the surrounding Wayne County area. This is part two of my Richmond, Indiana, and Wayne County series and we are talking about where to eat! If you read my Places to Explore in Richmond, Indiana you’ll have discovered that Richmond has several great museums, along with the Gennett Records Walk of Fame and the Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park. They also have some delicious eats and treats!

When visiting, my belly is always kept full. There is an ample amount of local restaurant favorites in Richmond, including dining in historic buildings, sweet treats, and hearty breakfast options. Additionally, Wayne County is located along the Historic National Road and is featured in Midwest Road Trip Adventures!

Plan an entire weekend in Wayne County! Check out these articles:

• Richmond’s Music History – A Weekend Itinerary
• Places to Explore in Richmond, Indiana
• Luxury Lofts on Main in Cambridge City, Indiana
• 10 Free Places to Play in Richmond, Indiana
• Visit Thistlethwaite Falls in Richmond, Indiana

Disclaimer: Blog posts may contain affiliate links and/or ads. When you click on these links I may earn a small commission that helps keep this blog running and support my family. If you have any questions, feel free to read my disclaimer and privacy policy. My trip was hosted by Visit Richmond Wayne Co. Visitors Bureau, but as always, my opinions are my own.

Old Richmond Inn

Let’s talk about one of Richmond’s “best” since it was voted the best! Indianapolis Monthly Magazine voted The Old Richmond Inn one of The Top 25 Destination Restaurants “Worth The Drive.” Just the desserts alone speak for that (check out the cheesecake pictured below). Their entrees, salads, burgers, and a huge list of daily specials are all prepared by local Chef and owner Galo Molina.

The Old Richmond Inn is a casual fine-dining restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, seven days a week. It is located in the old Grothaus House, which was built in 1892 and has seven dining rooms and three fireplaces. A cool, historic building and great food – a double bonus!

Legends Southside Tavern

Wanna go where everyone knows your name (in Richmond, at least)? That would be at Legends Southside Tavern, the oldest tavern in Wayne County! It reminds me of the sitcom, Cheers. Even as first-time visitors we were greeted by friendly regulars at the bar.

Legends opened in 1858; it’s the oldest continually operating bar in the state. It welcomes guests aged 21+ to a large menu of burgers, pizza, and tavern fare. Hot menu items include their Legends Burger and Pengiun Tenderloin. Personally, I recommend the Parmesan Fries with any item – perfectly crispy fries topped with a parmesan garlic rub and served with a side of ranch. You won’t go wrong with any of the burgers and even their hot dog is worth bragging about (it’s deep-fried and comes with unlimited toppings!).

Firehouse BBQ & Blues

You’ll find the best BBQ in Wayne County at Firehouse BBQ & Blues, located in Richmond’s Historic Depot District. It’s a story that started with two firefighters who purchased the very first firehouse in Richmond (built in the 1880s). Over the course of two years, they renovated the old firehouse into the Firehouse BBQ & Blues restaurant. Inside you’ll find most of the original structure intact, a firehouse pole, wood flooring, and an exposed brick interior. Firehouse memorabilia and murals line the walls, as well as historical blues items and photos. The dining room used to be the same room that served as a stable for the horses that pulled in the fire “trucks” before modern-day trucks existed.

A performance stage offers customers live blues music on the weekends. When the weather is warm, outdoor seating is available on “the back porch of the firehouse.”

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Now, let’s talk about the bbq – it’s hickory smoked and perfectly tender. Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? I highly recommend Tom’s Mojo (named after the owner, Tom) and the BBQ Nachos. Tom’s Mojo is like a grilled cheese filled with pulled pork AND mac ‘n cheese and the nachos are piled high with pulled pork, beans, cheese, and bbq. Additionally, choose from one of their sweet, mild, or spicy barbeque sauces that are conveniently located on every table. You’ll leave with a full belly!

The Cordial Cork

The Cordial Cork is a family-friendly scratch kitchen and wine bar located in the Historic Depot District. They have more than 100 wine selections to choose from. Some nights they have live music and on Tuesdays they have tacos. I’d like to suggest ordering a Breakin’ Bread appetizer to start off, it’s an entire baguette stuffed with cheese and herb butter, and served with three cheese dips. Oh my goodness – it’s so good! I was a personal fan of the Monte Cristo sandwich.

Little Sheba’s

Little Sheba’s is a family-owned casual dining restaurant, also located in the Historic Depot District. Specifically known for being a sandwich shop, Little Sheba’s has unique menu options like Cate’s Raisin Cain, The Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, and Brooks I Don’t Eat Meat. Other menu options include pizzas, salads, and starters. Their popular sides include the original Sheba’s potato salad and pasta salad (it may not be what you would typically expect from a pasta salad, which is what makes it special!)

Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream

Dessert is covered at Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream! Stop in for a treat, such as a sundae, shake, affogato, or scoop (or two) in a homemade waffle cone. You’ll be served with a smile and friendly service! The Ullery’s story is heart-warming and began in 1993 when Jim Ullery began selling his homemade ice cream at fairs and festivals. Today the Ullery children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren operate four concession trailers and the Richmond store, serving the same homemade ice cream.

Their store, located in Richmond’s Historic Depot District, is open year-round and offers customers an authentic ice cream experience. Ice cream is served in glass dishes, just like you’d see at an old-fashion soda shop. I recommend an affogato, my personal favorite, with the sea salt caramel ice cream (heavenly!) or an ice cream flight.

A.J.’s Main Street Diner

For another great breakfast or lunch option, check out A.J.’s Main Street Diner. If you are in the mood for no-frills, good food, and fast service, this is the place for you.  A.J.’s is named after the owners,  Amanda and Josh, and is open Tuesday-Saturday.

For breakfast, I recommend biscuits and gravy or an omelet. Maybe both! For lunch, diner options like tenderloins, burgers, grilled cheese, and egg salad sandwiches are available. Accompany them with onion rings, fries, coleslaw, or potato salad. Daily lunch specials and carry-out are available.

Sweet Blessings

In downtown Richmond, the Sweet Blessings bakery is whipping up cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and lots of delicious treats. It is also a bistro and serves delicious breakfast and lunch options. We visited for breakfast and couldn’t pass up on trying their most popular menu item, the Breakfast Quesadilla. It will definitely fill you up! The breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches, salads, and soups are other available menu items.

Tin Lizzie Cafe – (as of 2022, the Tin Lizzie has closed its doors. In honor of the “best Reuben we’ve had in Indiana” I’d like to keep this up)

“a quirky little restaurant with a lot of class!” A visit to The Tin Lizzie Cafe for breakfast or lunch will lead you to comfort foods, murals, and Richmond history. The cafe’s name originates from the Model T (nicknamed “Tin Lizzie”) and was opened soon after owners, Ron and Rachel, became owners of a 1924 Model T Roadster. The building was originally a boot shop in the mid-1800s and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Richmond!

Inside you’ll find murals of Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe, and pieces of Wayne County history decorating the walls of the cafe. Before grabbing a seat, order your food at the deli counter and it will be delivered to your table. Their breakfast menu features favorites like Bagel Sandwiches and Breakfast Burritos. For lunch, we highly recommend the Reuben – it’s honestly the best we’ve had in Indiana.

Ullery’s is mentioned in Midwest Road Trip Adventures and the Firehouse BBQ & Blues in a Top 100 in I00 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die. 

Check out other great Wayne County favorites like King’s Cafe & Bakery, Lumpys, the No. 9 Grill, and Hilltop Drive-In here!

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Other articles you might enjoy:

Places to Explore in Richmond, Indiana

8 Reasons You Should Visit Evansville, Indiana

Road Trip Through Indiana