Supporting Local Restaurants

2020 has been a crazy year, but it is finally coming to a close very soon! I just wanted to take a moment to look back at some of the restaurants I enjoyed over the year. Admittingly, MANY of them are from January and February (before COVID-19 took hold and locked us down); however, I later enjoyed them as to-go as well, in some cases. Supporting local restaurants this year has been essential, as they have been hit particularly hard. Do your best to continue supporting your favorite local restaurants with gift cards, ordering curbside pickup as many offer, or even contactless delivery, as another safe option.

I also want to be clear that this is in no way my official list of "favorites". If anything, it is mostly a list of restaurants that I had not tried until recently or are new to town (this is true for 6 of the 8 below). Fort Wayne is FULL of amazing restaurants, and I cannot begin to list them all. Many of my favorites are simply not as delicious to go, they are best served fresh, and with 2020, I haven't been able to visit them as often as I'd like. Three top contenders for that list are Salsa Grille, Zianos Italian Eatery and Taqueria El Ranchito (Pork Carnitas to die for). I shall be there in person as soon as I can safely do so!

Baker Street

Baker Street is a fantastic location to indulge your fancier side, with amazing dishes like this BBQ Salmon over fried rice.

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El Rinconcito Pupuseria

I love to explore new places and restaurants all the time. This is one I had passed by for YEARS and finally made it in on my birthday of this year. Sadly, it now represents the last time I dined inside a restaurant, which is now oever nine months. They are known for their delicious Pupusas, which are from El Salvador and are thick griddle cakes filled with different ingredients like cheese and chorizo.

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Giordano's

New to Fort Wayne recently, this place's pizza is the PERFECT comfort food and is PERFECT for delivey as well. As a kid visiting Chicago every few years, this was about 50% of the reason I was excited to go. Now that it is in town, it is pretty awesome. Be patient with them, as they are new and very busy. Also keep in mind, a deep dish pizza takes over 40 minutes to cook.

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Guadalupe's Mexican Grill

Another new mexican restaurant in Fort Wayne? Yes, never a problem for me. If you want fresh ingredients and the most amazing pineapple water, this is the stop for you. In fact, it is worth going JUST for their pineapple water. My favorite meat is their chorizo, which is good on just about any dish of theirs: Burrito, tacos, nachos, etc...

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Mercadia Taqueria

First off, these fellas are masters of social media. I see their posts all the time and it makes me drool. Their food truck has grown in popularity and now they have a restaurant opening the summer of 2021. I got a chance to try their wonderous tacos and I can say the hype is legitimate! They are known most for their Birria tacos, which are fried crispy shelled tacos filled with goat meat or beef and then served with ia sauce to dip in. They were served at limited times so unfortunately I haven't gotten to them yet, but just their "traditional" offerings are unique and on point. Items like "Surf N' Turf Asada Fries" and "Low-Key Lobster Roll", enough said?

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NAWA

I first went here last year during the Savor Fort Wayne food event. I had to return quickly to try their ramen, as not many places in town have it. I highly recommend it, but call in advance as the ramen runs out quick some days!

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Ruth's Chris Steak House

For the most delicous steaks you can imagine, this is the spot for you. We spoil ourselves very rarely, but this is a good place to feel spoiled. I was lured the first time here to try a Tomahawk Ribeye, an amazing 40oz cut of well-marbled delicousness (definitely enough for 2). All their steaks are served on sizzling hot plates, hot enough to keep cooking your steak as you cut through it. A very unique experience for sure.

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A Taste of India Restaurant

Ok, so this is one of the ones that is not new, but revised. This is by far in my top five restaurants in Fort Wayne. Unfortunately, their lunch buffet was my favorite, and that is no more during 2020. But it is definitely the type of food that transports well, rice and sauces and such. If you like Indian food, give them a shot!

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A Taste of Philly

Also not new, but I only discovered this restaurant about a year ago. Yes, it's a bit of a drive but worth every second! It is best fresh in my opinion, so put this on your radar in 2021 when it is safe! OR pickup and eat like a savage in the parking lot (something I find myself doing more than ever in 2020). They seriously give Philly a run for their money. It's amazing, meaty, cheesy, and has the perfect bread that resists getting soggy. Bonus tip: Eat over your fries so you don't let all those amazing drippings go to waste.

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