The 10 Best Restaurants in Evansville: A Local’s Guide
By Kelly McMurtry
I first fell in love with Evansville during a road trip detour that turned into an impromptu three-day stay—thanks in large part to one life-changing pork tenderloin sandwich. Evansville’s charm lies in its mix of old-school comfort and bold newcomers redefining Midwestern cuisine. Here are the 10 best restaurants in Evansville, whether you're here for a weekend or a lifetime.
Comfort
1. Schymik’s Kitchen
In the historic Haynie’s Corner Arts District, Schymik’s brings a seasonal, hyper-local ethos to its eclectic menu. Dishes like duck fat fries with rosemary aioli and crispy Brussels sprouts make you wonder why all restaurants don’t cook this way. The intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for a leisurely dinner that evolves into lingering over dessert.
2. Pangea Kitchen
This east-side favorite serves up global cuisine with Midwestern warmth. From Neapolitan pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven to spicy Malaysian curry, Pangea’s menu reads like a passport to deliciousness. The gelato bar—oh, the pistachio—is worth the visit alone.
3. Comfort
In downtown Evansville, this modern Southern eatery balances nostalgia and refinement. At Comfort by the Cross-Eyed Cricket, fried green tomatoes share menu space with inventive small plates like crab-stuffed jalapeños. Pro tip: Save room for the house banana pudding, which redefines what pudding can be.
4. Farmer and Frenchman
Situated on a picturesque vineyard a half hour south of the city, Farmer and Frenchman is both a restaurant and a winery, and it manages to excel at both. The menu leans Mediterranean with dishes like the classic French comfort food chicken cordon bleu and, for vegetarians, a roasted butternut squash over farro risotto. For pizzas, you can't go wrong with the Chicken de la Madre: vodka sauce, mozzarella, chicken, mushroom, and red onion.
5. Copper House
A relatively new addition to Evansville’s food scene, Copper House offers a fresh, farm-to-table approach. Standout dishes include the braised short rib over parsnip purée and an unmissable seasonal soup. The outdoor patio, with its string lights and cozy seating, is perfect for date night.
6. Mo’s House
A cocktail lounge first and foremost, Mo’s House surprised me with a menu of elevated bar bites. The burger is a standout: double patty, melty cheese, fluffy bun, and near-perfect skin-on fries. Add in plush velvet furniture, and you’ll want to linger all night.
7. Kanpai
Kanpai combines fresh sushi with unexpected fusion options, like the Nashville hot chicken roll. Kanpai Sushi and Asian Bistro’s modern décor and quiet atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind after a long day of exploring. Don’t miss the miso-marinated black cod, a dish that could easily belong in a much bigger city.
8. Bru Burger Bar
Yes, it’s part of a regional chain, but Bru’s commitment to quality earns its spot. The flagship burger, featuring bacon jam and horseradish Havarti, might make you swear off fast food forever. The airy industrial-chic interior suits Evansville’s downtown resurgence perfectly.
9. Myriad Brewing Company
While the Evansville location closed, Myriad’s location nearby in Newburgh is still going strong. Myriad’s rotating roster of food trucks keeps things fresh and fantastic. Pair a pint of the Coffee Blonde Ale with tacos from La Plaza or a pizza like this beauty from Mother Truckers. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, and I’m here for it.
10. Bokeh Lounge
This artsy spot doubles as a bar and restaurant, with live music and a creative vibe. Bokeh Lounge’s loaded fries topped with short rib and chimichurri might just be the city’s best bar snack. Wash it down with a local craft beer while enjoying the ever-changing gallery of local art.
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