There are some fun spots to try while you are in town exploring the great architecture. My recent finds include:
Zaharakos Ice Cream: Not to be missed is having homemade ice cream at this famous ice cream parlor from 1909. Enjoy the Tiffany-style lamps, the old marble soda fountain, the carved oak and old-world atmosphere. The ice cream is great! They also have an attached museum. Located in the heart of downtown at 329 Washington St.
Nearby is Ahlemeyer Farms Bakery, known for their pies, cookies, breads and other baked goods at 2304 17th St. They even carry the Indiana state pie, the sugar cream. Ye Olde Fish House at 2024 17th St. is known for their fish and pork sandwiches for over 75 years.
Jill’s Downtown Diner: At 421 7th St., this is the perfect downtown diner right out of the past. Open from 7am to 2pm. I highly recommend it for breakfast where the people watching is amazing!
For more high-end dining, Taku Steakhouse is a sleek Japanese steakhouse at 305 4th St. that also features sushi, hibachi and noodle dishes. Another fine dining option is the Henry Social Club featuring farm-to-table cooking in a contemporary setting. 423 Washington St. I hope to try both on my next trip to the area.
Lucabe Coffee Co: At 310 4th St., this is a local coffee shop featuring great coffee, tea and food. I stopped in twice while I was in town.
Other fun spots include: Gramz Bakery & Cafe for breads, pastries, cookies, cakes and pies along with breakfast an lunch dishes at 409 Washington St. 4th St. Bar & Grill, at 443 4th St., is fun for drinks, food and music. The Garage Pub and Grill, is a casual spot for live entertainment, pub food and 14 beers on tap at 308 4th St.
Columbus Pump House – Upland Brewing: Located on the river at 148 Lindsey St., this is the taproom of a Bloomington, Indiana based brewery that can be found in an historic building from 1903. It is a great spot to grab a beer and a bite under the original archways or on the patio with views of the White River and Robert Stewart Bridge. They make a number of ales, lagers, ambers, pilsners and porters both on a year round and seasonal basis.
Also known for their beer and pizza is the 450 North Brewing Company. It is a brewery, tap room and restaurant that opened in 2012. 8111 E. 450 North.