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Old-school eatery & bar dishing up beef stew & other hearty American comfort-food classics.
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1146 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221
Phone: (317) 636-6212
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Johnsfamousstew/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Mateo Gebon
I had a good meal here one afternoon. It’s a pretty nondescript looking building, and the entrance is a bit sketchy, but the inside is comfortable and casual. It’s a bit old fashioned but it’s great that way. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, and I was served quickly. I got the stew with a medium spice level. It’s very rich and hearty, and is quite nourishing. It’s pretty filling too, and I highly recommend it. The medium spice was about perfect. I don’t think you can go wrong with the stew, but there were other options on their menu. This place struck me as something of a hidden gem, and it’s well worth a try.
… moreDanielle Drapp
Cool spot, I imagine it’s looks much the same as the day it opened, which I enjoy.
I got the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, massive, iconic, delicious. My boyfriend got the Country Fried Steak, the which gravy on it hix the steak was cooked perfect.
Nice staff, overall 10/10
… moreI got the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, massive, iconic, delicious. My boyfriend got the Country Fried Steak, the which gravy on it hix the steak was cooked perfect.
Nice staff, overall 10/10
Timothy P
I’ve seen this place for years. Decided to try it because I wanted a giant pork tenderloin sandwich. It was the best one I’ve ever had all over Indiana. I was HUGE even as Hoosier tenderloins go. Served In a pizza box! Definitely going back soon
… moreMichael Merriman
Great people! Great food!
First off the Stew is amazing, reminds me so much of my dad’s stew I had growing up. I personally like the Hot version. You can’t go wrong with any dish here, the cabbage roll is off the hook, the tenderloin is huge, crispy, meaty, and delicious. Try the tenderloin supreme! You get the stew on top of the tenderloin, best for both worlds!!!
… moreFirst off the Stew is amazing, reminds me so much of my dad’s stew I had growing up. I personally like the Hot version. You can’t go wrong with any dish here, the cabbage roll is off the hook, the tenderloin is huge, crispy, meaty, and delicious. Try the tenderloin supreme! You get the stew on top of the tenderloin, best for both worlds!!!
The Elevator and Airplane Finder
The southwest part of downtown Indy is largely industrial but you’ve most likely driven by John’s Famous Stew, a true dive that has been open since the 1910s. I saw it on a Google search and it looked great so we decided to stop in.
Came on a Saturday at around 2:30 PM and they weren’t busy. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive to our table. The overall vibe of the place is very vintage, and looks like a true dive.
I got the breaded tenderloin sandwich with fries as my entree. I was overall impressed! The size of it was insane! Overall, it tasted good, and the fries were decent. I also had a bite of the classic stew my parents got along with the bowl of chili. The stew was great and the chili was fantastic too! Pro tip: dip your tenderloin in either of these, it makes it even better!
Overall, if you’re on the near southwest side looking for a cool longtime dive, John’s Famous stew gets a high recommendation from me! I’ll be back.
… moreCame on a Saturday at around 2:30 PM and they weren’t busy. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive to our table. The overall vibe of the place is very vintage, and looks like a true dive.
I got the breaded tenderloin sandwich with fries as my entree. I was overall impressed! The size of it was insane! Overall, it tasted good, and the fries were decent. I also had a bite of the classic stew my parents got along with the bowl of chili. The stew was great and the chili was fantastic too! Pro tip: dip your tenderloin in either of these, it makes it even better!
Overall, if you’re on the near southwest side looking for a cool longtime dive, John’s Famous stew gets a high recommendation from me! I’ll be back.
Melody Parrish
So happy someone bought Johns stew and the recipe. The stew is better now than ever . Husband had went through cancer treatment and can actually taste and eat even the hot stew. We sure did miss this place ! We was hesitant being new owners but food is just as good as ever and Msss Faith is still there making delicious food working hard everyday to satisfy us customers. Prices have increased but we’re have they not. Don’t hesitate just place a order you ll
Be happy !
… moreBe happy !
Andrew T. Ernst
Not a great place for lunch. Sat down at 11:45. Food was ready 45 mins later. Did not have time to eat most of it because I only have an hour for lunch. Ordered the tenderloin with the stew on it. They asked if I wanted meat in the stew for the tenderloin, so I said yes. I guess I should have asked what that would cost me, but all in for a tenderloin and a takeout container of stew was $28. Just disappointed that I had to throw most of it out because I had to return to work.
Great food, slow service. Staff was apologetic and i understand things happen, but 45 minutes for a lunch order is a bit steep. If you have a time limit for lunch, maybe avoid so you don’t end up in the same situation I did.
… moreGreat food, slow service. Staff was apologetic and i understand things happen, but 45 minutes for a lunch order is a bit steep. If you have a time limit for lunch, maybe avoid so you don’t end up in the same situation I did.
Mike Ash
The stew was average. Huge bowl of gravy with 2 chunks of meat and a few veggies. Nothing to write home about. I never got a refill on my soda or the bread. The main thing that really put me off on this place was how unclean and nasty the whole place seemed. Very run down overall. I would not visit here again.
… moreJerry Foltz
If you like things like good hearty stews, roast beef, chicken fried steak, and mashed potatoes and gravy, you’re going to love John’s Famous Stew. The service here is good. The prices are fantastic. With regard to the vibes, it’s as if you’re transported back in time to a diner in the 70s. However, if you read about JFS history, you’ll find out that they’ve been serving their delicious stew in Indianapolis for more than 100 years! Pro tip: I love spicy food, but if you order the stew, I’d recommend getting it mild. I ordered mine medium and found the heat to be a distraction rather than a compliment. ♂️
… moreMelissa M
John’s Stew is an unassuming little spot that instantly gives off a nostalgic vibe — from the vintage Coke machine to the classic furnishings, it feels like stepping back in time. The star of the show, of course, is their Famous Stew, which comes in mild, medium, or hot. I went for it, and it was absolutely phenomenal — rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
The service was just okay, nothing to write home about, but honestly, the stew more than made up for it. I’ll definitely be back — next time, I’ve got my eye on that giant pork tenderloin!
… moreThe service was just okay, nothing to write home about, but honestly, the stew more than made up for it. I’ll definitely be back — next time, I’ve got my eye on that giant pork tenderloin!