Kouts Restaurant Tips by Toughluck

Schnick's: Downtown Wheatfield - for the food

Don't judge the place by the outside. The town has become a quiet wayside along Indiana 49. But it's worth the trip for lunch at Schnick's(sp?). It's a cozy place on the inside. Table for parties of 6 are the norm, but any group from 1 up is welcome. Evenings can be a bit of a line, but mid-day, there is no waiting. The people are friendly and it's like being at home, only someone else does the cooking.

Favorite Dish: Barbeque and beef burgers. The French fries are great.

Address: Downtown Wheatfield

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Follow the signs for the business district.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Burger King: Quick bite

Times change and so does Kouts. The Burger King pulled out in October 2009. Still can get a snack at the gas station, but you'll need to look to the Koffee Kup, Main Street Cafe, Subway, Cronies, Countryside Pizza, or the Italian place for a meal.

It's a Burger King in the corner gas station/convenience store. But for those of you who are looking for a country trip but have a need to get a bit and keep moving, this is your best option.

Favorite Dish: Whoppers, double cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, the usual choices when you're looking for standard fair without any surprises.

Address: 104 S Main St Kouts, IN 46347

Comparison: least expensive

Phone: (219) 766-2793

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Fast Food

Joy's: Mexican & Family Eats

Joy's was a new in 2004 and closed in 2008. Jose was diagnosed with cancer and they had to give up the restaurant to met their family needs. They have had many hard days since. The community came together to raise money to help pay medical costs. Since Joy's closed a new Italian restaurant has opened in the same place. New tip to be added.

It must have been a grocery or a larger store, which closed before I came this way. They have done a nice job fixing it up. The food is wonderful, and don't be leary about trying the Mexican. Their cook is authentic Mexican and does a great job. Don't feel like a stranger.

Favorite Dish: We'll run down from Valparaiso just for dinner. Or plan our trip to Indianapolis to stop by for breakfast (except on the weekend). Some of the best eggs and bacon and the burrito's are great. I'm looking forward to trying everything on the menu.

Country Breakfast
Four Deuces: 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 bacon and 2 sausage
Biscuits and Gravy

Skillets: Hash browns, mixed iwth onions, mushrooms, and choice of ham, bacon or sausage, topped with American cheese and 2 eggs with toast and jelly

Indiana Favorites
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: Hand breaded pork loin iwht lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo.
Monte Cristo: Ham, turkey, and Swiss chees on grilled French Toast

Open Faced
Hot Roast Beef Sandwich: Open face on white bread with mashed potatoes and covered iwth brown gravy
Hot Turkey Sandwich: Open faceon white bread with mashed potatoes and covered iwth turkey gravy

Country Classics
Meatloaf: served with mashed potatoes nad gravey
Broasted Pork Chops: Two center cut pork chops lightly breaded and served with broasted potatoes.

Address: 302 South Main

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: It's 2 blocks south of the light (IN 8 and IN 49) on the west side.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Cronies: Have a drink

Listed as offering American Misc food, Cronies is a long time favorite. I've not stopped in yet, but it and Joy's are the two staples. Cronies was originally a bar and still is primarily the place to go for a drink. They've added a family dining room, which is busy on Friday nights.

Address: 310 N Main St Kouts, IN 46347

Phone: (219) 766-3172

Rating: 3

Theme: Other

Country Folks Pizza: Pizza

One of two pizza places in town. There is a small seating area, that's never been crowded. There is regular carry-out buisness and they deliver locally.

Favorite Dish: Select your favorite topping for a great taste. We do a lot of Beef and Green Pepper. Sometimes Pepperoni, other times, veges.

Address: 401 N Main St Kouts, IN 46347

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: (219) 766-3877

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

George's Koffe Kup: Morning Coffee

The Koffee Kup is where the town comes for it's morning coffee. When a stranger walks-in, there is a momentary quiet as they all take it in. Then it's back to their coffee and conversation. Don't feel like a stranger, because you'll be treated as a friend.

Favorite Dish: It's all home style cooking. I've only had breakfast, and it's always been good. Oh, they have 'cinnimon toast'. Not that fancy stuff with the cinnimon baked into a swirl, but the home kind, sprinkled on top of the butter.

Address: 105 South Main

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: It's just south of the light (IN 8 and IN 49) on the east side.

Phone: 219-766-2414

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local