Fishers Dining Scene Boasts A Wide Variety Of Options
chef karl benko, culture, fishers cuisine, food, peterson’s, restaurants, roast veal filet,
Dreaming about a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak or some succulent, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna? Craving a big, beefy burger or maybe a steaming slice of pizza smothered with cheese? Hankering for crisp, salty fish and chips and an ice-cold pint of Guinness?
Whether your taste runs toward fine dining, casual cuisine or international fare, Fishers serves up a variety of restaurant destinations to satisfy every appetite.
Chef Karl Benko, co-owner of Peterson’s, wants guests to enjoy a sophisticated, New York-style dining experience when they visit his restaurant.
“We want it to have all the elegance of New York or Chicago,” Benko says, “and we want it to be fun.”
Peterson’s uses the freshest ingredients available, including seafood that is flown in daily, USDA prime beef and locally-grown seasonal vegetables. Peterson’s menu selections highlight Chef Benko’s American Innovative cooking style.
“Our two signature dishes are the Maine diver sea scallops and the roasted veal filet. One is very modern and the other draws on some very classic French flavors,” Benko says.
Luxurious desserts, such as mile-high German chocolate cake, and an extensive wine list round out the offerings that have garnered Peterson’s a mile-long list of awards, including Best Restaurants – 32 Great Places to Eat Now, Best Hunk of Beef and Best Restaurant, Critics Choice honors from Indianapolis Monthly.
If casual dining is what you’re after, Louie’s Bar and Restaurant – part of the Pinheads Entertainment Complex – serves eclectic American fare in an “upscale sports bar” environment, complete with billiards tables and projection screen TVs. Or, sit outside on the patio and watch live volleyball at Louie’s beach-sand volleyball courts.
“You don’t have to go bowling to go to Louie’s,” says owner Robin Patras. “It’s a restaurant destination in itself. We have the pizza and burgers, but we also have entrées such as steak, tilapia, pasta – it’s not your standard bowling alley menu. We also have a kids’ menu and a separate family dining area with TVs and a play table.”
The smoke-free, family-friendly restaurant displays local sports memorabilia and features live music every Saturday night.
For the culturally adventurous, Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub delivers an authentic international experience. From the comfortable, “public house” vibe to the bona fide cuisine, libations and live music, right down to the furnishings, Fionn MacCool’s is Irish all the way.
In fact, the bar and some of the other interior structures were built in Ireland and assembled in Fishers by Irish craftsmen.
As for the food, you’ll find traditional corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew and shepherd’s pie.
“Then we’ve created some specialties of our own that draw on Irish traditions,” says manager Bill Pemberton, “like the Donny Carney Chicken, an Irish take on chicken cordon bleu, and the oatmeal-crusted salmon, baked and served with honey and Harp sauce.
“We have a lot of regulars come in for lunch because we get your orders out lickety-split. It’s a really nice, affordable lunch.
“We also feature high quality European beers and an extensive line of Scotch and Irish whiskey,” Pemberton says.
For a dessert destination -– that is, if you have saved enough room – Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt dishes up smooth, creamy concoctions that are made fresh daily and loaded with silky caramel, rich chocolate, crunchy nuts and fresh fruit. The company has been recognized by the Travel Channel for operating some of the best ice cream parlors in the country.
Here’s the Dish on Where Else to Dine in Fishers
Fishers is home to many options for dining out, whether you are looking for an upscale experience to commemorate a special occasion, a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy upbeat downtime with a group of friends or a place to broaden your culinary horizons by sampling food with an international flair.
In addition to Petersons, check out Sahm’s Restaurant or Infusion for additional fine dining options.
Besides Louie’s Bar & Restaurant, delicious dining in a casual setting may also be found at the Station Restaurant, Sandstone Bar & Grill, McAlister’s Deli, Casler’s Kitchen and Bar, Nickel Plate Bar & Grill, O’Charleys, Hawg Wild BBQ, Texas Roadhouse Restaurant, Eddy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Sandstone Bar & Grill, Cheeseburger In Paradise, Ram Restaurant & Brewhouse, Claude & Annie’s, Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern, The Journey, Sidelines Sports Pub, Bonefish Grill, and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Fionn MacCool’s isn’t the only place serving up food from other cultures. For Italian dishes, check out Stefano’s, Puccini’s Smiling Teeth or Buca Di Beppo. For Japanese, try I Love Sushi. Head over to India Sizzling for Indian food. For Mexican fare including freshly baked bread, try Mi Tierra Baker & Restaurant. Great burritos and other specialties may also be found at Qdoba Mexican Grill or Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. And for Chinese, steer toward Dragon House Chinese Eatery.
Story by Carol Cowan
Photo by Michael W. Bunch
