Indiana’s Most Historic Restaurant Celebrates 200 Years

This southern Indiana gem has been crowned the most historic restaurant in Indiana.

Indiana has no shortage of locally owned restaurants that have been open for years. These restaurants have become staples in that area where people must go whenever they are in town. I'm sure we can all think of some historic restaurants in Indiana that we love visiting. In fact, one of those restaurants was recently named the most historic in Indiana. It just so happens that it celebrates 200 years in 2025.

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The Most Historic Restaurant in Indiana

According to the website, Love Food, the most historic restaurant in Indiana also happens to be the oldest restaurant still in existence in the state.  This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone here in southern Indiana. However, those in other parts of the state have probably never even heard about this hidden gem that we all know and love as The Log Inn.

Okay, so for those who don't know about The Log Inn, it really has quite the history. This restaurant, located in Haubstadt, is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. That, within itself, is pretty cool. The Log Inn has officially been recognized as the oldest restaurant in the state of Indiana. Here's what Love Food says:

The Log Inn began life as a classic stagecoach stop in 1825, and it's rumored that 16th President Abraham Lincoln visited here during a campaign tour in 1844. Presidential history aside, the spot wins fans for its quaint décor – think wooden beams and a gabled, white-washed exterior – and family-style dinners. Feast on succulent chicken, ham, or roast beef, alongside mashed potatoes, veggies, hot rolls, and gravy. There's also a menu of sandwiches and small plates.

As previously mentioned, The Log Inn specializes in family-style meals, where each person gets a serving of chicken, ham, or roast beef, and then there are large sides of mashed potatoes, gravy, two vegetables, coleslaw, and hot rolls. We are talking about all-you-can-eat sides! Personally, I always order the fried chicken, but the ham is really good too. It's the embodiment of delicious comfort food.

For many in this area of Indiana, this restaurant holds a very special place in their hearts (and stomachs). It's a place people go for birthdays, family gatherings, special events, and more. It's a special place to me because it holds one of my fondest memories of my late cousin, Joe. When I was about four or five, he came to visit us from Ohio. One night, we took him there, and it was nothing short of entertaining. The servers began to sit on the sides right in front of him, while he was eating. He loudly proclaimed, "Woo-wee! That's some good home cookin'!" Everyone in the restaurant was laughing. To this day, when I go to the Log Inn, I have to say that line out loud in honor of him.

So, if you are ever near the Evansville/Haubstadt area, you need to make it a point to visit The Log Inn. Not only is it the most historic (and oldest) restaurant in Indiana, but it's also VERY delicious!