My spouse and I had dinner this evening with a friend of mine since 8th grade and her husband. We manage to get together once or twice a year. We decided to meet at Hall's Gas House, a downtown restaurant, since they live on the southwest side of town and we live northeast.
We each had a different entree, all evidently equally delicious based on how clean our plates were by the end of the meal. I marvel at the fact that this old restaurant, part of a small local chain of, I think, six restaurants, has survived and thrived for all these years. The first Hall's restaurant opened here in 1946. I've eaten in every one of them over the years but the Gas House is the best in my opinion or at least it's my favorite.
For very special occasions their upstairs restaurant in the same building - Takaoka, a Japanese steak house, is another fine dining experience. We took one of my granddaughters there when she was about eight years old and she was so entranced with the food prep 'show' that she hardly ate a bite.
And for summer lunches their outdoor dining area along the river, The Deck, is delightful.
Fort Wayne is actually blessed with many really good restaurants. I think it's because Hall's and other long established restaurants have set a standard of excellence.
In case you're coming to town, and while I'm thinking about food, here's my list of favorite good old restaurants:
Hall's Gas House
El Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Wu's Chinese Restaurant
Paula's
Henry's
The Oyster Bar
and of course Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island where the buns are steamed.
I said these are all excellent restaurants, I didn't say they are all fancy. The next time you come to Fort Wayne, come hungry.
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