Fort Wayne is Indiana’s second largest city, the hub of three rivers, the home of folk legend Johnny Appleseed, and the place where Vera Bradley was founded. It’s also a place with a lot of great food options, whether you want something classic or trendy, upscale or basic, elevated or comforting. Here are a few food experiences to check out the next time you are in Summit City.

Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island

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Menu Items at Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island

The oldest Coney dog stand in the country sits right on Main Street in Fort Wayne where they steam the classic dogs in front of the window for spectators to view. The menu is small—they stick to what they do best. Pop in for a couple Coney Island hot dogs along with a glass bottle of Coke to enjoy at one of the counter seats.

Birdie’s Rooftop Bar

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Bradley Hotel Fort Wayne - Birdie's

Take in one of the best views of the city from Birdie’s Rooftop Bar at The Bradley Hotel. Sip on craft cocktails and casual bites on this top-floor dining room and patio. Choose from a list of fruity, flowery, and colorful sips made with ingredients like banana liqueur, peach puree, and elderflower liqueur. Pair it with some small bites—from pickle shrimp cocktail to flatbreads to cheese boards. And be sure to leave room for desserts—the beignets are light and airy and just the right way to end your meal.

The Hoppy Gnome

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Hoppy Gnome

This place just oozes cool vibes. An eclectic menu of elevated bar food and ethnic grub with a twist complements killer craft brews at The Hoppy Gnome. There’s plenty for the meat eaters and nice options for the vegetarians. Highlights are the tacos and tortas. The place is kid friendly and has a nice selection of kid favorites. Don’t miss out on the weekend brunch with such options as Ricardito’s Benedict (made with fried chicken), the barbacoa omelet, and the strawberries and cream French toast. Be the Brewmaster with the amazing “Brew Your Own Beer” program that allows you to create your own beer alongside the Head Brewer.

Henry’s Restaurant

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Steak at Henry's

This 21-and-over establishment is full of dark wood and dim lighting that gives the cozy feel of stepping back in time. Henry’s Restaurant is a welcoming tavern where you can gather with friends for dinner or late night drinks. It’s also where you will find one of the best steaks you will ever have. What they do differently here from other places is top the grilled steaks with a burgundy wine-infused steak butter that melts perfectly into the meat giving it an amazing flavor. 

Cindy’s Diner

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Cindy's Diner in Fort Wayne

This is an adorable, tiny throwback spot where you can get great diner food at one of the 15 bar stools that line the counter. Their motto is “We serve the whole world, 15 at a time.” Get a feel for what it was like to dine out decades ago during the golden age of American dining. Serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays only, you can watch your food be made on the grills just steps away. If you have a hankering for a good burger, pork tenderloin, or big, messy breakfast plate, keep Cindy’s Diner in mind.