15 Best Restaurants in Terre Haute, IN
If you’re visiting Terre Haute, Indiana, for the first time, you’ll want to know some of the best places to eat.
Situated in Indiana, along the Wabash River, this manufacturing city has reinvented itself from its steel mill roots.
Today, new buildings are cropping up in the city.
Thanks to a big push towards revitalizing downtown, many new cultural sites and businesses have begun opening.
If you’ve been away for some time, you might be surprised at how things have changed.
Here are the best restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana:
Babo’s Café
Babo’s Café is a family-run business with excellent, friendly service and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Babo’s will hit the spot if you want American-style comfort food and Balkan cuisine.
This cafe is where you get stick-to-your-ribs food, whether a gyro skillet for breakfast or Bosnian beef sausages on crispy ciabatta for lunch.
Known as the spot for the best gyros in town, that doesn’t mean that Babo’s has forgotten its vegetarian clientele, with a selection of options such as mushroom rolls and vegetarian Caprese wrap.
Besides the casual, welcoming vibe, they always add new things to the menu and run daily specials.
Likewise, the cafe has taken little time to become a local eatery favorite.
Head to Wabash Avenues, where you’ll find Babo’s Cafe between Cherry and Home Avenue.
You will find parking spaces at the back of the café.
Piloni’s
Piloni’s is a Terre Haute classic, a family Italian restaurant that has endured for 20 years and earned its place on this list.
Offering authentic Italian family food, steaks, and seafood, this is a great place to experience authentic homemade fresh pasta.
Often packed to the brim because of its popularity, Piloni’s recommends booking ahead, especially for big occasions.
Chefs Pedro, Carlos, and Santos bring their skills and background in Italian food to small-town America, making all their food in-house from the freshest ingredients.
The owner was trained by Pino of Pino’s Restaurant, who had excellent food knowledge.
As an authentic family restaurant, the décor features family touches such as photos and memorabilia, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable.
Located just off Lafayette Avenue, turn down Lee Avenue to find this hidden gem around the corner.
The restaurant has off-site parking at the back.
Order the highly recommended sea bass and chicken piccata; likewise, their desserts—especially the cannoli—are also outstanding.
Bar Bosco
As an Italian trattoria with old-school authenticity, Bar Bosco is a stylish restaurant emphasizing genuine, homemade Italian cuisine.
The bar menu is extensive.
If you arrive early for a reservation, it’s a great place to grab a Manhattan or Lavander Mafia Martini.
If you’re looking for a gastronomical treasure with incredible food and a gorgeous atmosphere, Bar Bosco will not disappoint.
Head there for dinner or late-night drinks.
Menu favorites are sorpresine con salsiccia—a homemade sorpresine pasta with fennel sausage, endives, mushrooms, and truffle oil— and their grilled polenta with mushrooms and tosella cheese.
You might want to book a reservation at Bar Bosco.
Likewise, they don’t take parties larger than eight due to size constraints, but this Italian restaurant at 800 South 7th Street in Terre Haute is a must-try.
Big Willy’s Townhouse
The top choice for All-American food in Terre Haute, Big Willy’s Townhouse serves fresh seafood, steaks, and comfort food just the way you like it.
They also have a separate bar area—Big Willy’s Tap Room—where you can grab a few beers.
With fantastic food and friendly service, this locally-owned business is a popular night spot, offering steak deals and early bird specials.
With food like fried pickles, beer battered fries, and catfish fillets, you know you’re getting good old American food, and the cheddar ribeye burger is an absolute treat for meat and cheese lovers.
Find Big Willy’s Townhouse on the corner of Lafeyette and Lee Avenues, Terre Haute.
Lemongrass Thai Cuisine
Are you in the mood for delicious Thai food made with fresh ingredients in an intimate venue in Haute Terre?
Grab a table at Lemongrass Thai Cuisine for excellent Asian food.
Lemongrass not only has terrific food, but the service is fast and friendly, and the décor stylish.
They are highly recommended, especially for their large portions and cozy atmosphere.
You will also appreciate the outstanding, attentive service and authentic food.
However, be warned that when they say hot—they mean hot.
The food here is a healthier alternative if you’re looking for lighter food that uses fresh vegetables and ingredients.
You’ll find Lemongrass in Towne South Plaza, opposite the Harley-Davidson dealer.
Order their Tom Yum soup, Crab Rangoon, and Green curry with sticky rice.
Footers
Pizza lovers will be remiss if they don't go to Footers Pizza.
This locally-owned pizzeria is a friendly place with a great selection of pizza, baked pasta, subs, gyros, and desserts.
Since they also open until late, they’re an excellent choice for late-night food cravings.
Portions are large, and the food is fast and tasty.
The service is friendly, and locals love their secret pizza sauce.
Likewise, their pizza crusts are deep pan style and light and fluffy.
A fun fact for gamers is that Full Moon Games started inside Footers with just a few board games, a display case, and a box of Magic: The Gathering cards.
Footers is just around the corner from the Terre Haute Police Department on the corner of Polar and South 7thStreets.
Try their bacon cheeseburger pizza or baked spaghetti deluxe.
Their cinnamon feet are an interesting dessert option of foot-shaped dough cutouts covered with butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
Umi Grill
Umi Grill is a delicious option for sushi and Japanese grilled food in Terre Haute.
If you want contemporary Asian cuisine, head to this chic restaurant and watch the sushi chefs prepare your order.
The vibe is upmarket and dark, creating a stylish, urban décor that’s distinctly modern and Japanese.
When it first opened in 2001, they were known as Sushi Umi.
Since then, the restaurant has expanded its menu, introducing new Japanese flavors to the American palate.
The food is prepared in-house with the freshest ingredients, and Umi Grill has remained popular since it opened.
Not only does it offer sushi, but also prepares tempura and grilled dishes.
Emphasizing the ‘Umi’ part of their name, their ocean-inspired food is the menu’s star.
Their seared tuna is always phenomenal, and the marinated seaweed salad and Shrimp Yaki Udon are popular menu choices.
Umi Grill is at 2002 South 3rd Street.
Oy Vey Deli
Are you desperate to grab some deli food that could come straight out of New York City's Lower East Side?
Oy Vey Deli covers all your kosher needs and will give you that authentic Israeli food taste.
With Jewish Deli foods, baked goods, and Middle Eastern food offerings, you’re guaranteed to find something delicious in this small family-run café.
Oy Vey opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing delivery, catering, take-out, and dine-in services.
A Jewish family runs the deli, so the food is entirely kosher.
They are nut-free and have many gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options, making them an excellent choice for those with food allergies.
They have an extensive menu with soups, baked goods, salads, deli foods, Middle Eastern dishes, and burgers, and each section has vegetarian options.
Oy Vey is a great place to build a lunchtime deli sandwich from its various filling options.
You’ll find Oy Vey Deli at 901 Lafayette Avenue.
Charlie’s Pub & Grub
Do you want to grab a quick pub lunch with American-style dining and a game of pool?
Check out Charlie’s Pub and Grub.
They serve biscuits and gravy, battered fried pickles, and burgers.
The venue began as a grocery store in the 1930s and later became Charlie’s in the 70s.
Even though the building has changed owners, the names of the famous ‘Tweety Burger’ and the pub itself honor the place’s heritage.
This family-run neighborhood bar is a fantastic place for a casual lunch.
It has a distinctly local vibe, and the bar always gets packed with regulars.
Charlie's Pub and Grub also has a fabulous beer garden for outdoor events and music.
Go to this downhome pub on Crawford Street, near Thompson Park, and treat yourself to a Tweety Burger with cheese and thirst-quenching craft ale.
Rick’s Smokehouse
Rick’s Smokehouse is a homey grill and smokehouse offering finger-licking BBQ dishes like ribs, brisket, and pork.
This grill is an owner-run Terre Haute favorite, with friendly service and a wide range of delicious food.
Family-run since 1996, with good on and off-street parking, this grill specializes in BBQ foods, with a good choice of meats and a wide variety of sauces.
Place your order at the counter, and wait for it to be brought to your table.
Rick’s Smokehouse is also the perfect venue for a meat feast with slow-smoked meats and fresh fish, hashbrowns, sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, and sweet iced tea.
You’ll find Rick’s at the corner of Wabash and Ashland Avenue.
Don’t leave without making space for their combo platters with meat and sides.
M. Moggers
As an Old West-style grill in the heart of Terre Haute, M. Moggers offers food, drinks, and special events at their classic pub.
Expect a menu chock-full of American-style pub classics, like spicy cheese curds and pretzel knots.
They have an extensive menu with starters, salads, mains, sandwiches, and burgers.
Likewise, they can provide banquet seating for 80 guests, making them an excellent choice for events.
The historic building was erected in 1837, the site of the early brewing industry in Terre Haute.
German immigrant Matthias Mogger started a brewery in this building, and it’s the original home of champagne velvet beer.
Located on South 9th ½ and Poplar Street, this Terre Haute institution and microbrewery is a crowd pleaser with a unique old-timey vintage atmosphere.
Head to M. Moggers for solid pub food and an excellent range of beer in a fascinating building with a lot of history.
Their fried mushroom appetizer comes highly recommended.
Tokyo Grill
Tokyo Grill is a family-owned business that makes high-quality hibachi meals and fresh-made sushi.
Established in 2007, this Terre Haute restaurant provides a fun, vibrant atmosphere with a bar where you can grab a cocktail and watch your sushi prepared at the sushi counter.
The service is top-notch, and the food excellent, but you might need to pay more for the dinner menu than the lunch.
This venue is modern and styled with an open, roomy atmosphere.
They have a vast menu, from sushi and salad to grilled foods, with lunchtime bento boxes a specialty.
Find the Tokyo Grill at the end of East Margaret Avenue, and enjoy this classic hibachi restaurant.
Top menu picks include beef negimaki, sashimi, and tempura.
Federal Café
The Federal Coffee Fine Foods in downtown Terre Haute is the best place for a sit-down sandwich and coffee.
You can also grab lunch from their walk-up window.
Recently updated to show fresh, bright, and airy space, the Federal serves hand-crafted coffee and a selection of fine food.
The peanut butter cookie sandwich is a must-try with its peanut butter cream filling and salted caramel ganache.
Fresh-baked goods made daily are also excellent sweet options for nibbling while drinking your latte.
The Federal also has savory meal options and an extensive coffee and drinks menu.
With its friendly service, central location, and pleasant, cute interior, this venue has quickly become a popular spot for locals.
You’ll find the Federal Coffee + Fine Foods at 683 Wabash Avenue.
Taco Tequila’s
Taco Tequila’s is the best spot in Terre Haute to grab Mexican-style food. This is a busy and trendy venue, but the service is fast and friendly.
This Mexican restaurant offers plenty of drink specials for their must-have authentic Mexican food.
The food and drinks are made with the freshest ingredients, and you won’t find better food like this anywhere east of Texas.
Head to Tacos for late-night dining and a hip atmosphere
Whether you’re looking for a tasting menu, chimichangas, street tacos, or some cold margaritas, you’ll find what you need on their extensive menu.
Don’t leave without trying their Mexican fried ice cream or lime margaritas.
Find Taco Tequila’s at 423 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a casual Indian restaurant offering classic Indian and Pakistani dishes, with an in-building Indian grocery.
The service is excellent and quick, with very flavorful food, making this a local favorite for anyone keen to taste Indian food.
They run lunch specials and menus, and the family-run business charms every visitor.
Because Terre Haute has limited options for Indian food, the Taj Mahal provides authentic east Asian tastes from a wide and varied menu.
Lunch menus are sit-in only, but you can also order delivery from their main menu.
You’ll find the Taj Mahal just off the highway, between Franklin Street and Washington Avenue.
Try their lamb korma, butter chicken, and paneer tikka masala.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the revitalization of downtown Terre Haute, new hotels and restaurants have opened in the Queen City of the Wabash.
This list covers casual dining, from American pub venues to BBQ restaurants.
With many family-run businesses making their mark, it’s easy to find the best restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana!
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