Recently, on one of the local Facebook groups I follow in Hamilton County, I saw a post of someone asking for the worst pizza place recommendations in Hamilton County. They not only wanted them listed by name, but they also wanted people to include why they’re terrible.
I am not talking about big box chains like Pizza Hut or Little Ceasars, but local mom-and-pop places owned by people in our own community. Much to my disappointment, there were many people who happily chimed in stating every pizza joint in the county that had ever messed up their order or forgot to include the extra side of ranch.
I have never owned a business before, nor have I ever even worked in a restaurant. What I have done my entire life since the age of 15 is work and much of my time has been spent working in a mom-and-pop setting. I also have family members who own businesses and can appreciate how much hard work, grit, determination, and heart goes into keeping a business running right now.
Rather than using this as an opportunity to speak poorly about local businesses who are doing their best to stay open right now, I wanted to highlight some local businesses in and around Hamilton County that are, in my opinion, awesome and deserving of a shoutout! So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here goes!
- King Jugg’s – best local spot in my opinion. Food and service is top-notch. Wonderful entertainment despite local neighbors always giving them a hard time. Randy is great and so the rest of the staff.
- Puccini’s Fishers – They have multiple locations, but we go to the one in Fishers. Their BBQ chicken pizza and razorback are some of our favorites, as well as the diavolo shrimp with angel hair.
- La Hacienda – 71st and Binford. It’s not in Hamilton County, but I don’t care. I have tried every Mexican restaurant and nothing is quite as good in my opinion. That said, Hamilton County does have some great spots. I just am biased and love La Hacienda.
- Parks Place Pub
- HC Tavern
- Anything on the Nickel Plate Express
- Fishers Farmers Market
- 1933 Lounge
- Spencer’s Farms – winery, farm store, pumpkin patch, berry picking, and concerts. If you haven’t checked it out … it’s a must!
- Aspen Creek
- Four Day Ray
- Cake Bake in Carmel – the raspberry champagne cake is delicious!
- Rise & Roll
- Koto Hibachi Grill
- Portillo’s – my kids love this place and so do we!
- Absolutely anything at Sullivan Hardware – both the Allisonville Road and Keystone Avenue locations! Be sure to check out the many things they offer throughout the year, including their Halloween and Christmas trains!
- Conner Prairie
- The Roost
- Mornings
- I Love Thai & Sushi
- The free indoor playground at the Cornerstone Lutheran Church
- 101 Craft Kitchen
- Ale Emporium
- Hamilton East Public Library – go to the basement! There are endless crafts for kids!
- Beef & Boards
- Mama Corolla’s – best Italian in the area! It also happens to be the first place my husband took me on a date.
- Georges Neighborhood Grill
- Jockamos
- Some Guys
- The Reporter Newspaper – I’m biased, but it is a great paper!
Some places that I want to try:
- Voodoo Brewing Company
- Daniel’s Vineyard
- Nesst in Noblesville
- The new speakeasy in the basement of Murphy’s PubHouse
- The Lounge
What are some of your favorite places to visit in and around our area? Let’s build each other up and speak well of those who are doing a great job right now!
Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.