There are legends, there are surprises, always something interesting when heading out for dinner after a day at the track.
As I think about the 2019 season and all the new tracks we’re headed towards, I realized one of the fun things about adventuring across the country is new and familiar dinners in all of these little towns.
Whether it’s Siebkins or the Paddock Club at Road America or The Brown Derby Roadhouse at Mid-Ohio, each of these places has a unique twist on food and racing. Some tracks are way away from the nearest dinner place, some are right around the corner!
So, what’s my favorite? I guess it depends on how we did that day. Celebration dinners are loud and crazy, so bar! Mellow, we’ll get ’em next time, bar. Wrote the car off, bar. hmm.
At each track over the years we’ve discovered several fun places to eat. Let’s go track by track starting with the most recent one first, Sonoma.
Sonoma – Seared, Petaluma
So, where to eat when racing at Sonoma. I guess it really matters where you stay. This past year we stayed in Petaluma. The restaurants in downtown Petaluma are amazing, but one we kept going back to was Seared. It’s a great steakhouse with a fun atmosphere, not a racing bar at all. It’s where we go for our one big dinner of the weekend. Napa and Sonoma are filled with great restaurants and there is a racing bar close by the track, but for me, Seared was the place.
Road America – Siebkins, Schwartz’s in St. Ann, Elkhart Inn, Paddock Club, Lake Street Cafe, Off the Rail and All Season’s Family Restaurant
Ok, everybody knows Siebkins is the place to go on Friday Night, best racing bar in the country. And, of course, Schwartz’s is the place to go on Saturday night. But, Lake Street Cafe, Elkhart Inn and The Paddock Club are longtime favorites too for earlier in the week. But, where to go for breakfast in Elkhart Lake. There are two places we love. One for a quick stop is the amazing and friendly Off The Rail. Get a bagel and a coffee and you’re all set. For a sit down, we found a little hidden gem. All Season’s Family Restaurant is our favorite. This little restaurant connected to a gas station is our go to. Lots of track workers go there too, so it’s a good time to get to know the guys and gals that come to your rescue. Great food, big portions, awesome staff. Fun vintage images on the wall.
Gingerman – Clementines, South Haven and Redamak’s, New Buffalo on the way home.
Clementine’s in South Haven. Of course. Though find a way to get a reservation – this is one place that fills up fast with summer beach traffic. Food is great, tons of people. Go here! Now, Sunday night, if you’re headed back to the Chicago area, stop off at Redamak’s in New Buffalo and wait for the traffic to die down a bit. Or, order Redamak’s to go and stop off and have a picnic at the next rest stop! As kids, this was our summer treat. We came up from nearby Grand Beach. Redamak’s remains a legend. It’s like Wisconsin Bar was dropped off in Michigan. Awesome Velveeta Cheeseburgers!! Great fried everything.
Grattan – Grattan Irish Pub, Grattan, Winter Inn, Greenville, Horse’s Mouth, Belding
Grattan’s a bit in the middle of nowhere, but there’s a little racing bar called the Grattan Irish Pub, it’s just down the hill from the track. Fun staff, solid food, easy to be loud here. For a little more upscale food, The Winter Inn in nearby Greenville is a little place with lots of history. The Horse’s Mouth is another great place in the cute little downtown of nearby Belding.
Mid-Ohio – Brown Derby Roadhouse, Mansfield
The Brown Derby Roadhouse in Mansfield is super fun! The deck is great, the food is amazing – steaks to prime rib – great salmon too! Fun racing atmosphere – check out all the stuff on the walls throughout the place, Indycar central for sure!
Blackhawk Farms – Merrill and Houston’s Steak Joint, Beloit, Jersey’s Bar and Grill, Beloit
Located in the amazing Ironworks Hotel in Beloit, Merrill and Houston’s is a classic steak house. It’s pricey, but man is it good! Atmosphere has a great 1890’s feel to it. Staff is amazing and they have 3 Floyd’s on tap! Jersey’s is a great sports bar with amazing prices and fantastic steaks! Fun racing atmosphere and all-around good sports bar.
Indianapolis – everywhere! Too many to choose from, but Charlie Brown’s for Breakfast and BBQ and Bourbon for dinner are top of our list.
In Indianapolis, south of the Speedway, there’s no wrong answer for track restaurants. Our two favorites are Charlie Browns for breakfast and BBQ and Bourbon for Dinner, both are just south of the track. Charlie Brown’s has great breakfast and amazing Indy memories on the walls! Great food, speedy service and fun for kids too! BBQ and Bourbon reminds me of Kingston Mines in Chicago – old time blues feel with great bar food!
Now, I’m hungry and ready to get on the road!! 🙂