Guests tailgate in the lot at this iconic grill before sampling its rural vibe & American fare.
Jared Urban
It’s been since 2017 that I dined at Bonge’s, a lot has a changed, but not everything. Staff and our waiter Mike were awesome. Drinks were spot on, and they even accommodated my wife’s off the menu request with a little creativity of their own. Mike was great, everything you would expect from a higher end establishment and more.
Food was ok, but not the same. Everything was cooked perfectly, as good or better than any places in the Indy area. However it did not live up to my 2017 nostalgia. Maybe some of that is on me, and I was over glorifying the past experience a little, but there were a few things that just did not live up to expectation. The wedge salads were really good, loved the candied pork belly. A really smart and delicious twist. My lamb chops were cooked perfectly and couscous was extremely delicious. However, I was not a fan of the flavors of the lamb and the sauce. Just not my taste, but other may enjoy. Corn bread seemed really mushy, not our preference, to each their own. My wife’s hand cut filet was again cooked perfectly, but just really lacked seasoning. I even tried it to make sure, and she was absolutely right. Just bland. Her mashed potatoes were really good though. The desert was probably our favorite. The Sugar Cream Cake with blueberries, so delicious, hard to beat.
Overall a pretty good experience, but nothing extraordinary like I remembered it being.
… moreRichard Passey
Hosting difficulties and misunderstanding a posted hostile sign about don’t come inside and check on your status negatively affected my experience. We were ten minutes early, followed the instructions on the posted signs and we were counted as no shows because we were talking to regulars also in the waiting area. Lots of defensiveness and justification followed. If your sign says don’t bother us and have a seat, maybe you don’t make assumptions about who is who in the waiting area. Forty minutes later I disobeyed the sign and stepped in to clarify with hostess who proceeded to blame me for the misunderstanding. Hostess did not understand the hospitality part of the hosting job. She even followed us out after our meal to justify herself and attempted to extract an apology from me for actually following the posted signs she felt the need to continue to defend. Bonges used to be a justifiably legendary place to eat and enjoy yourself. It doesn’t feel that way anymore, at least to me.
… moreT. Tarter
Bonge’s Tavern is a cozy, one-of-a-kind spot that’s absolutely worth the drive out into the countryside. The atmosphere is warm and unique, giving the place a charm you don’t find just anywhere. The food is excellent—thoughtfully prepared, flavorful, and consistently impressive. Service was outstanding as well; the staff is friendly, attentive, and really adds to the overall experience.
If you’re looking for a memorable meal in a welcoming setting, Bonge’s Tavern is well worth the trip. Highly recommended.
… moreBill Reed
Bonge’s Tavern is an excellent place to enjoy a meal with friends! The service is impeccable in every detail! The food is AMAZING! It is a quant, quiet place where you can enjoy good food, good drinks, and good friends! Bonge’s Tavern goes out of their way to make sure you have the best dining experience you can possibly have! You will have an evening to remember after you share a meal at this out of the way , but well worth the drive, location!
… morePaul Main
Well this is one well kept secret. It is such a treat to see this barn style restaurant with a very cool interior and highly rated food. This was my first visit, but will not be the last. Excellant dinner choices. Great drinks and staff that takes care of you. Everything from the appetizers to the desserts are 5 star. Take your date here and they will be very impressed.
… moreBernie LeVeque
My recent visit to Bonge’s Tavern was outstanding from start to finish! This place truly lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem, and I can’t recommend it enough.
A special shout-out to Chris, who took incredible care of us throughout the evening. Their attentiveness, friendly demeanor, and genuine enthusiasm for the menu made our experience even more enjoyable. It’s clear that Chris goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcome and well-cared for.
We started with the salad, and I must say, the blue cheese dressing was a revelation. It was perfectly creamy, tangy, and rich, elevating a simple salad into something truly special.
For our main courses, we indulged in the pork chop and the chicken paprikash. Both dishes were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The pork chop was incredibly tender and juicy, while the chicken paprikash was wonderfully comforting, with a rich, savory sauce that hit all the right notes.
Bonge’s Tavern offers a unique and intimate but casual dining atmosphere, making it perfect for a special occasion or just a fantastic meal out. The quality of the food, combined with the top-notch service makes Bonge’s Tavern a must-visit destination. We’re already looking forward to our next trip back!
… moretravlinfam
When my husband said he wanted to go to Bonge’s for his bday dinner, I was skeptical. It was a bit out there in distance. They do take reservations which was great, but they also have tailgating out in the parking lot while waiting for your table. As we walked from the parking lot to the entrance, we were greeted by an adorable outdoor cat who was very friendly and talkative. Entering the restaurant brought a huge smile to my face. There were so many entertaining things to look at and the staff treated us like we had known each other forever. The meal was the best food I had tasted in my life. I ordered the pork chop and got three meals out of it because it was huge!!! Our waitress, Dee, was so helpful. She recommended an off menu coconut cheesecake to wrap up our meal and, like the main course it was delicious. I can hardly wait to go back for my birthday.
… moreChase Donovo
Amazing atmosphere and excellent food absolutely no complaints. Looking forward to our next visit. Arrive a little early as there’s often tailgating in the parking lot. The menu changes but some favorites are always available. Highly recommend!
… moreTaylor
A super unique, fun quaint place to try, if you are curious…. go. We had an excellent server tonight John, who helped guide us. I loved the wedge salad, mashed potatoes, steak, and the cherry brownie dessert. Insane meal with lots of flavor. The seasonal mocktail was cranberry forward and was delicious as well. My family loves coming here and we will be returning!!!
… moreBradley Blake
Bonge’s Tavern is truly a destination restaurant! Although it is out of the way, the entire experience is well worth the drive. The ambiance is delightfully quaint and quiet, offering the perfect setting for good drinks and good friends. The food is simply AMAZING, and the service is impeccable in every detail. The staff clearly goes out of their way to ensure a flawless experience, guaranteeing an evening to remember. Go share a meal here—you won’t regret the trip!
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