Fort Wayne: Summit City offers a feast of good eating
Indiana’s second largest city, Fort Wayne, is a bit of an anomaly. Without a major interstate running through downtown proper, the city has spread out far enough that it’s almost hard to tell where it ends. Th is can be a bit overwhelming for out-of-town folks.
However, if you remember one thing you’ll be just fine: No matter where you are in The Fort, you are never far from something good to eat.
Here are a few suggestions for a fantastic day out in the Summit City.
Good coffee is the first thing most of us think of every morning, and no one does it better than Old Crown Coffee Roasters at 3417 N. Anthony Boulevard. When Old Crown got started in 1999, they were Fort Wayne’s first coffee roaster. Because everything is done in-house, the freshness and attention to detail are apparent in everything they do. From espresso-based drinks to a wide variety of bulk coffees, Old Crown is a great first stop when visiting.
Once you are sufficiently caffeinated, you should make your way downtown. After years of lying relatively dormant, Fort Wayne’s downtown is enjoying a renaissance of sorts, with new restaurants, bars and shops moving back into the city center. On Saturdays, head to 302 E. Berry, location of the Barr Street Farmers Market, where local farmers, food vendors and makers of every persuasion sell each week. Catching a game at Parkview Field (1301 Ewing Street) is another fantastic way to spend an afternoon downtown. You’ll find there is an impressive food selection in its own right. Also of note in downtown are Cindy’s Diner at 230 W. Berry with traditional diner fare in a fun atmosphere; raw organic juice at Beet Street Juicery (534 W. Berry); and a Fort Wayne institution, Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island at 131 W. Main, where you can get Coney dogs and Coke in glass bottles.
Come evening, head southwest to 5215 Illinois Road for dinner: 800 Degrees—Three Fires is a casual pizza place, with gourmet roots. They source locally and regionally for ingredients for their wood-fi red pizzas, beer selection and daily specials. Or, just outside Fort Wayne, visit Two EE’s Winery at 6808 Highway 24. Started in 2011, Two EE’s has quickly gained notoriety for fantastic and unique wines. The Enoteca at the winery, run by Affine food truck, has an amazing selection of handcrafted charcuterie and cheeses that would make a fine end to any day.
Other good food destinations in Fort Wayne include: Mahnin at 2701 S. Calhoun for traditional Thai/Burmese cuisine and the latenight real-deal tacos at El Ranchito, 4520 Parnell.
