Any Good Restaurants near Sprint Week Tracks
 

Hi everyone,

Coming out from CA to watch the Indiana Sprint Week. I was wondering if any of you have some favorite places to eat?

Anything I should know about the tracks (best places to watch), what time to get there to get a decent seat, etc. I have been to Lawrenceburg and Gas City before and had a blast. Been reading previous threads and hopefully found some decent (cheap) places to stay near the tracks.

Just wondering if the weather is bad for a night, will they reschedule that race or is it cancelled. I'm guessing the open dates would be Monday after Kokomo and the last Sunday night but I'm guessing no makeup races.

Tks for any help and I can not Wait until Friday Night.

Hopefully the CA buys, especially Clark and Damion will have a good sprint week.

PS Congrats to Henry C. on his first and hopefully more to come USAC National wins.

Doug

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Originally Posted by JDFAST:
Hi everyone,

Coming out from CA to watch the Indiana Sprint Week. I was wondering if any of you have some favorite places to eat?

Anything I should know about the tracks (best places to watch), what time to get there to get a decent seat, etc. I have been to Lawrenceburg and Gas City before and had a blast. Been reading previous threads and hopefully found some decent (cheap) places to stay near the tracks.

Just wondering if the weather is bad for a night, will they reschedule that race or is it cancelled. I'm guessing the open dates would be Monday after Kokomo and the last Sunday night but I'm guessing no makeup races.

Tks for any help and I can not Wait until Friday Night.

Hopefully the CA buys, especially Clark and Damion will have a good sprint week.

PS Congrats to Henry C. on his first and hopefully more to come USAC National wins.

Doug

Ruth's Chris in INDY :6:

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Monday night is the night to come to Kelly's Pub too in Speedway for the Racin' with D.O. show. Good Food and lots of racers who come to Indiana for Sprintweek. Lot racers from across the ditch show up too.
So Monday night you should be a Kelly's for our Indiana Sprintweek Show.
D.O.
:35:

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If you make it to the final night at Haubstadt you might check out Stoll’s Amish Restaurant. It is located about a ½ mile south of interstate 64 on 41 (about 3 miles south of the track). I’ve been there a few times and the buffet is pretty good and the prices are not bad. I’m pretty sure I’ve also heard racin Jason call their name over the pa as a track sponsor. You should not have a problem in finding a place to stay because the track is so close to the Evansville Airport. Hope you enjoy your trip to the Midwest. :6:

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If you can find a Barnes & Noble, I highly recommend "Reid Duffy's Guide to Indiana's Favorite Restaurants". I've had a lot of good eating because of that little book.

My favorite in Lawrenceburg is Whisky's Restaurant, 334 Front Street. This is less than a mile north of the track on the main drag, which is always clogged with traffic. Whisky's is on the left. A little south of the track is a gas station with a restaurant. Decent food, but air quality ranges from clear at times to very smokey at others.

Kokomo - I have been going there for several years, numerous times a year and the best I have found are the IHOP and Bob Evans on the south side of town. Jerry Spencer should know some others and he is on this board quite a bit. HELP, Jerry.

I like the Coffee Cup Family Restaurant in Terre Haute a mile or so north of the track on Route 41 at 2919 South 3rd Street. Next to IHOP. REALLY good homemade pies! Go under the interstate and past the stop light and there you are, on the left.

Downtown Bloomington has a bunch of good restaurants, thanks to the University of Indiana being next to the downtown area. I have had excellent Thai and French, and there is a really good deli downtown, and probably 30-50 other good ones.

I agree with ClaytonYeley on the Amish buffet south of Haubstadt. Just take Route 41 south under the interstate and it is on the left. I think when you are coming from the north you have to drive a block or so past it and get on the access road to come back to it.

Hope this helps some. Enjoy Indiana Sprint Week.

Addition: See Chris Nunn's post on Brownstown for all you could possibly want to know about the track and motels and restaurants in the area.

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Some good unique places to eat in Kokomo are Martinos (just about 1 mile southeast of the track on N. Washington) they have good Italian food, steak & pizza. Ray's Drive In is about a half mile south of the track and they have good breaded tenderloins. On south side just off US31 is Culver's if you like burgers & shakes. Texas Roadhouse has pretty good steaks and is just across 31 from Culver's. Country Catfish is just north of Texas Roadhouse if you like Catfish. Louie's Coney Island has really good coney dogs and it's just north of the Kokomo Mall on Hoffer Street. If you make it into town Saturday night and are over 21 and looking for some good old fashioned All-American entertainment I can personally recommend the World Famous Hiphugger. It's just east of 31 and North of Markland Ave.

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If you have been to the burg you know that Lawrenceburg has every resturant there is and the reschdule thing I dont know about but believe you me Dave will do what ever he can to get the show in.

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In Lawrenceburg you need to try Whiskey's (2 min west of the track). Great ribs, steaks etc. If you really want to go "upscale" there is a new steak house in the Hollywood casino across the street from the track but plan on spending some $$$ there. If you like the franchise stuff (Friday's etc.) they have that too. Just drive along Rt. 50 between Aurora, IN and Lawrenceburg and you'll find just about everything.

Originally Posted by ClaytonYeley:
If you make it to the final night at Haubstadt you might check out Stoll’s Amish Restaurant. It is located about a ½ mile south of interstate 64 on 41 (about 3 miles south of the track). I’ve been there a few times and the buffet is pretty good and the prices are not bad. :6:

Don't waste your time on Stoll's if you are in the Haubstadt area. Go to Haub's Steakhouse or Carriage Inn. Both are in downtown Haubstadt. Or go to the Log Inn which is just east of the Pilot truck stops. All 3 have great food and are better than that amish buffet any day of the week.
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When you go to Lawrenceburg, if you are taking I-74 south from Indy, stop at Batesville at Skyline Chili. They have awesome chili dogs and a regional creation that includes chili, cheese, onions and red beans over spaghetti. It sounds strange, but is delicious!

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Originally Posted by illinisprintfan:
When you go to Lawrenceburg, if you are taking I-74 south from Indy, stop at Batesville at Skyline Chili. They have awesome chili dogs and a regional creation that includes chili, cheese, onions and red beans over spaghetti. It sounds strange, but is delicious!

Don't read this the wrong way, because I like Skyline Chili, and I certainly plan to make a stop or two this trip, but what they serve hardly chili. It IS a Greek meat sauce, and a very good one. Oh, yeah, the chili over spaghetti does strike me as being odd. They do the same over at Steak and Shake, too. But their chili is closer to what one would expect.

Another response mentioned Whisky's in LBurg. I have eaten there, and it is okay. Of course it is hard to judge a joint based on one meal. Just east of the track on 50 is a joint called Buffalo's Southwest Cafe. It, too is a chain, but not bad.

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For the Brownstown race, I suggest Larrison's Diner in Seymour. (about 12 miles from the track). It is one block East of the Hospital on the corner of HWY 50 and Chestnut Street. Has a real Mom and Pop atmosphere. Good greasy burgers with grilled onions. French Fries like nothing you have ever had. Nothing fancy, just good food.

Seymour will also be your closest town to get a hotel before heading to Bloomington.

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Lawrenceburg has a wide variety of food, I suggest Buffalos Southwest Grill located just 1/4 east of the track, and then theres Hollywood Casino just opened a new joint inside. Its open 24 hours during the weekend, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner anytime. We also have everyfast food place you need. Or eat at the track!!:8:
Have a great time and we'll see you all Friday!!!:8:

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For Lawrenceburg, everyone has mentioned the expensive steak house at the casino, but forgot about the awesome buffet there. It serves prime rib EVERYDAY that is to die for! Also, I believe on Fridays they feature seafood. For me, there's nothing like all-you-can-eat crab legs! They have a midnight buffet on the weekend too if you're hungry afterwards.

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Anyone coming to the North Vernon race should stop at Sue's Pit Stop in North Vernon. It is right across from the North Vernon City Park. Sue is Sue Collins whose family used to promote North Vernon, and now helps Dave Rudisell at Lawrenceburg Speedway. She has the BBQ that was always served at TC up until about 7 years ago, and many other great selections. Plus it's a racing themed restaurant, how can you go wrong there.

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Its not near any tracks. however if you are are planning on going to Kelly's for the Racin with DO show. I suggest you head out early and go to brownsburg and stop at the Pit Stop Grill, Awesome BBQ and really nice decor, well if you like sprint cars. LOL

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Originally Posted by ekohl23:
Don't waste your time on Stoll's if you are in the Haubstadt area. Go to Haub's Steakhouse or Carriage Inn. Both are in downtown Haubstadt. Or go to the Log Inn which is just east of the Pilot truck stops. All 3 have great food and are better than that amish buffet any day of the week.
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I agree, forget Stoll's. If you go the Log Inn take cash, they don't take Plastic.

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In Bloomington there are many non-chain restaurants. For a greasy spoon with burgers, fries, chili, etc. you need to go to Hinkle's Hamburgers also across the street is the Crescent Donut if you need some dessert.

Hinkle's Hamburgers
206 South Adams Street
Bloomington, IN 47404-5069
(812) 339-3335

For something a little fancier I would recommend Farm restaurant. One of my favorite places to eat...anywhere. The chef/owner has worked in New York, Paris, served the president, etc. He tries to use local and even wild local food when possible. Some fancy items on the menu but they also have an awesome burger and the garlic chili fries are great.

FARM-Bloomington
www.farm-bloomington.com
108 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 323-0002

here are a few other great places to eat.
For wings and sandwiches:
Buffa Louie's
www.buffalouies.com
114 South Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408-4043

For a bar with great food:
Nick's English Hut
www.nicksenglishhut.com
423 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 332-4040
(812) 333-3030

4th Street which is 1 block south of Kirkwood Ave has many ethnic restaurants. There are other good places to eat along Kirkwood Ave and around the town square. Everything within a few blocks and right next to the university. It's a nice place to walk around and kill some time.

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Originally Posted by Amzie:
In Bloomington there are many non-chain restaurants. For a greasy spoon with burgers, fries, chili, etc. you need to go to Hinkle's Hamburgers also across the street is the Crescent Donut if you need some dessert.

Hinkle's Hamburgers
206 South Adams Street
Bloomington, IN 47404-5069
(812) 339-3335

For something a little fancier I would recommend Farm restaurant. One of my favorite places to eat...anywhere. The chef/owner has worked in New York, Paris, served the president, etc. He tries to use local and even wild local food when possible. Some fancy items on the menu but they also have an awesome burger and the garlic chili fries are great.

FARM-Bloomington
www.farm-bloomington.com
108 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 323-0002

here are a few other great places to eat.
For wings and sandwiches:
Buffa Louie's
www.buffalouies.com
114 South Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408-4043

For a bar with great food:
Nick's English Hut
www.nicksenglishhut.com
423 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 332-4040
(812) 333-3030

4th Street which is 1 block south of Kirkwood Ave has many ethnic restaurants. There are other good places to eat along Kirkwood Ave and around the town square. Everything within a few blocks and right next to the university. It's a nice place to walk around and kill some time.

problem with Hinkles is you never know if he is gonna be open. Stopped there three different times and he was always closed....on Friday afternoons.

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They're normally not open much after lunch. Also be warned that the old ladies that work there can be a little mean...but in a fun way. You just have to give it right back to them. If you order a milkshake you'll see what I'm talking about.

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Originally Posted by Amzie:
4th Street which is 1 block south of Kirkwood Ave has many ethnic restaurants. There are other good places to eat along Kirkwood Ave and around the town square. Everything within a few blocks and right next to the university. It's a nice place to walk around and kill some time.

I can vouch for anything on and around Kirkwood Ave. I spent about half my time as student there and IU somehow still gave me a diploma at the end of 4 years. They have some great bars.....I mean places to study. Good times. :8:

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It is my personal policy that every trip to Indiana has to include at least one visit to the Mug N' Bun:)

If everyone in your group is above 18, then I recommend Show-Mes in Terre Haute. Its basically a Hooters except the "waitresses" have a little different clothes.
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Originally Posted by JSBH03:
If everyone in your group is above 18, then I recommend Show-Mes in Terre Haute. Its basically a Hooters except the "waitresses" have a little different clothes.
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There is one in Bloomington now, or so I hear:18:

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When in Terre Haute and you like BBQ go to Rick's Smokehouse.

Rick's Smokehouse
3102 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803-1518
(812) 235-8335
http://www.rickssmokehouse.com/

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Thanks for all the suggestions :)

Getting close to packing and excited about the week.

I forgot, any of the tracks have good food (or bad food)?

Most of the restaurants especially the steak and ribs places sound great. Just wondering if I will have time to go to them, planning on going to the race tracks first, getting a seat. From my previous experience at Gas City during Sprint Week, needed to get there early for seats (and parking?). I know Lawrenceburg has lots of seating.

Thanks again for all the suggestions, doesn't sound like I will go hungry on this trip :3:

Originally Posted by sprintcar64:
When in Terre Haute and you like BBQ go to Rick's Smokehouse.

Rick's Smokehouse
3102 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803-1518
(812) 235-8335
http://www.rickssmokehouse.com/

Yeah, Ricks is good!
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If in Bloomington In AND you like the BEST BBQ RIBS IN TOWN , stop by FATMANS BBQ on West Third St. in bloomington,in , just west of the 37 highway bypass about 1 block west of 37 bypass . byside the Big Lots store and across from Kmart , can't miss the Kmart sign from the highway. Great Ribs and pulled pork get the Baby Back Ribs there great. :22

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the site's a little weird to navigate, but it looks like there are some good options to be found here: www.indianafoodways.com

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Originally Posted by racefan20:
problem with Hinkles is you never know if he is gonna be open. Stopped there three different times and he was always closed....on Friday afternoons.

They are open till 3:30 everyday but Sunday.

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Originally Posted by ekohl23:
don't waste your time on stoll's if you are in the haubstadt area. Go to haub's steakhouse or carriage inn. Both are in downtown haubstadt. Or go to the log inn which is just east of the pilot truck stops. All 3 have great food and are better than that amish buffet any day of the week.
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amen :6:

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Originally Posted by cecil98:
In Lawrenceburg you need to try Whiskey's (2 min west of the track). Great ribs, steaks etc. If you really want to go "upscale" there is a new steak house in the Hollywood casino across the street from the track but plan on spending some $$$ there. If you like the franchise stuff (Friday's etc.) they have that too. Just drive along Rt. 50 between Aurora, IN and Lawrenceburg and you'll find just about everything.

Are friday nights still seafood night at the Casino? Little pricy but the Casino Buffet has been very good the times I've gone.

Is traffic still as bad on 50 since the reroute? Going west on a friday rush hour, The two minute drive was 45 minutes in the past.

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If any where around Indy, and if they are still open, Union Jacks, off of 40 North to Speedway east first light left turn.
I even met Buck Wheat in there:32: The day Jack got FOUR CROWNED!:8:
Joe

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Originally Posted by burris7555:
They are open till 3:30 everyday but Sunday.

Aah and I always hit it on the way to the track about 4:30 or 5. Thanks, that explains it.

---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Gasman fan 50:
If any where around Indy, and if they are still open, Union Jacks, off of 40 North to Speedway east first light left turn.
I even met Buck Wheat in there:32: The day Jack got FOUR CROWNED!:8:
Joe

Its just east of the Speedway exit off of 465 on the west side on Crawfordsville Rd. The exit going east from SB 465 is closed so get off on 38th St turn South on High School Rd(1st light east of the interstate) then turn east on the road that runs right behind the Hardees(just before the light at Crawfordsville Rd) its about a 1/2 block down on the right. About 5 minutes from my house :)

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Brickers in Brownsburg good atomsphere and good food! A lot of race teams hang out there! I always eat lunch there and see TSR there weekly!

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Originally Posted by illinisprintfan:
When you go to Lawrenceburg, if you are taking I-74 south from Indy, stop at Batesville at Skyline Chili. They have awesome chili dogs and a regional creation that includes chili, cheese, onions and red beans over spaghetti. It sounds strange, but is delicious!

LAWRENCEBURG:

If you want Skyline Chili we have that in Lawrenceburg too.

The Final Cut Steakhouse at Hollywood Casino is superb, but pricey.

Whisky's is always good as noted earlier. Ribs are the specialty along with peanut slaw.

---------- Post added at 11:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------

Originally Posted by chrismattlin:
For Lawrenceburg, everyone has mentioned the expensive steak house at the casino, but forgot about the awesome buffet there. It serves prime rib EVERYDAY that is to die for! Also, I believe on Fridays they feature seafood. For me, there's nothing like all-you-can-eat crab legs! They have a midnight buffet on the weekend too if you're hungry afterwards.

Friday is all you can eat crab legs. (good quality too)

There is no midnight buffet anymore because they have other option now at those hours at some of the different outlets on property.

---------- Post added at 11:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Charles Nungester:
Are friday nights still seafood night at the Casino? Little pricy but the Casino Buffet has been very good the times I've gone.

Is traffic still as bad on 50 since the reroute? Going west on a friday rush hour, The two minute drive was 45 minutes in the past.

Traffic is much better since they built the new bridge. Shouldn't be a problem.

Yes, as I just noted Friday is seafood night. The line can get long though. I think it starts at 4p.

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Near brownstown in jonesville there is The Brick bar just good burgers and soups tho the very good

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Originally Posted by Gasman fan 50:
If any where around Indy, and if they are still open, Union Jacks, off of 40 North to Speedway east first light left turn.
I even met Buck Wheat in there:32: The day Jack got FOUR CROWNED!:8:
Joe

The Union Jack is still open. Or at least was back in May.

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there is a restaurant/bar on a barge on the river in downtown Lawrenceburg or there was last year. Nice atmosphere.

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You gotta try Square Donuts in Terre Haute and Bloomington. Great donuts for breakfast.

Tim Wolffrum aka Cowboy