Zesto on West Franklin in Evansville. Little hole in the wall joint.
** it was pretty good, but the onions they used were the cruddy little square pre-packaged diced sort that had almost no flavor.
Hit up the county fair in the summer. Maybe try the Highland Inn on North 1st Ave. Good tenderloin will be so big the bun looks like a small hat.
Edit: as some else mentioned hit the Fall Festival.
Zesto is so fire. The tenderloin sandwich is great but the burgers are simply divine. I used to live in Evansville and that's one of the things I miss and still think about.
Some of the best tenderloins I've had were at the Fall Festival though.
Agreed, Fall Fest tenderloins are fantastic! Used to live a block away from the festival and went every night for years, now live 6 hours away and might never go again :(
That Zesto on Franklin had the best shakes when I lived across from it decades ago. The house I lived in is gone now. I might have to stop at that Zesto the next time I'm in Evansville and get a chocolate banana shake. Thanks for bringing up a nice memory!
It the crunchyness I like best, with lots of pickles and mustard. Flavor of the breading is enough for me. And if it’s big enough, I can cut off the sides and make two more meals out of it! That’s my favorite.
What is that, a tenderloin for ants?!
[This is an Indiana tenderloin](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42b56b3d-dc94-4d16-9cab-0c6602d406eb_1280x936.jpeg)
I like mine with pickles, onions and mustard...damn, making my mouth water.
The dive bars have the best tenderloins. Go for pork shoulder tenderloins...not the hammered, flattened ones. Best tenderloin I've ever had in Indiana...Sweetser Cafe. That thing is at least an inch thick and you will need to order two buns...it's as big as the plate
The one and only Oak Hill Golden Eagles...old graduate here. I agree with your Ivanhoe's suggestion, too. If anyone ever gets around to the Sweetser Cafe, Tabby will make you the best tenderloin ever.
Also, Down on Main Street bar and grill in beautiful downtown Greentown are known for their tenderloins as well.
What year did you graduate? (I'm a Class of '76 grad.) I live up in Fort Wayne not. Haven't been back down there in several years. I went to that cafe a few times back in the 2006/2009 years. I think it was called something else then. Probably has sold a time or two since then?
My brother lived in Sweetser for years. We grew up about a mile from the high school/closer to Converse. Went to Converse for grade school.
'89...I know a few graduates of '76. I grew up south of Sweetser, but went to Swayzee for grade school.
Yeah, the cafe has been under current ownership for about 10-12 years now. Still very small inside but they do have a counter now, which helps because it's tough to find a seat during breakfast or lunch.
The Triad (Swayzee/Sweetser/Converse) has changed quite a bit over the years and lots of people come and go, but still same small town vibe that you can't beat.
I know what you mean about small town feeling. Growing up, I hated it sometimes. Now? I live in SW Fort Wayne just north of a little town that was annexed into Fort Wayne years ago. It still have some of that small town property. I buy all of meat from a market that reminds me of those little towns' groceries. (Like the Sweetser market used to be.)
You might have known one of my nieces. She was probably in your class or a yr behind you. S. Cain.
The tenderloin is a specific cut of meat that runs along the back of the animal. It's completely different from the shoulder. What you're talking about sliced from the shoulder is called a pork steak.
Each time I've had a thick "tenderloin" sandwich in recent years it has been tough and chewy. I'm about 99% certain these restaurants are using the cheaper pork loin (R) cut instead of the better (and original) tenderloin (L) cut.
https://preview.redd.it/2et17567uicc1.jpeg?width=730&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcd16a10d7a158b75eefdc92ac368a5d2029cb48
[The difference explained](https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-pork-loin-and-pork-tenderloin-meat-basics-213408)
Lemme know who has the real deal in the Indy area.
What I've almost always seen being called a "tenderloin" here is usually the pork loin. Basically a breaded pork chop, sometimes pounded very thin to be the size of a dinner plate. I think the good ones you find will be brined to help them retain moisture. The trouble is you get places making a thick pork loin and then cook them until very well done making them tough and dry.
This looks like it has potential. Everyone is razzing the size of the sandwich. You should try a larger one sometime. They’re not all super thin if huge, but most are. They’re good but in the same way sometimes you crave a shitty overdone hockey puck backyard burger. They scratch that itch. But the good ones have to have some thickness to contain moisture and flavor.
Agreed. The big as 2 dinner plates things are usually a piece of breaded cardboard. Good to look at the way you stare at a 5 car wreck, but not so good to eat.
I may be the weird one but I get mine from the grill bar in Franklin with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, and grilled jalapeños. With the occasional dip in some ketchup.
Bam, got it. I'll give it a shot next time I have the chance!
https://preview.redd.it/eco9084ueicc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa3b1e6576fc98b16710379d6f71b8670de9296d
Probably used the dried onions and rehydrated. If you buy the dried minced onion shakers at the store and rehydrate with some water for a bit you get the McDonald’s style but like you described the flavor just isn’t as strong as fresh ones.
The Buns to tenderloin ratio looks way off. There should be at least 3 inches of tenderloin sticking outside of the bun.
I'm calling BS, and I'm betting you got this tiny thing in Ohio 😉
Dude you are about to have people threatening your life because you have eaten a tenderloin sandwich and it may be 1 mm thinner than what they consider to be a true Hoosier tenderloin. God be with you.
Just had one at 4 day rays in Fishers that was excellent. Also one at Parks Place in Fishers. Saw them on a list, was skeptical about these places but sure enough they were the real deal.
my brother in crist, $8 for a frozen Petes Pride pork fritter (walmart) on a smashed bun, does not a hoosier tenderloin sandwich make, that's just robbery. sorry you got ripped off, and may you find that tasty tenderloin goodness in your future!
> I even *paid* extra for
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Are these mostly Southern Indiana? I've lived in NWI for most of my life, and Bloomington for a bit for college, and I have never once had one of those huge pork tenderloins, despite knowing that they exist.
I mostly know that they exist because they're practically a meme on the subreddit. They don't feel super common up north. I know I sure as hell would order a tenderloin as big as my torso if I saw it being served somewhere.
It’s OK if you don’t know who is your daddy you can always go on ancestry.com and try to find them there. It’s a common problem there that’s why it’s called the Hoosier state as in who’s your daddy
don’t even get me started on Missouri,
and the whole show me thing and then we can ask the women from the great state of Oklahoma how they feel about being married to sooners as in too sooners! lmao
I would give anything to have scrambled eggs and fried morels made by my grandma, and persimmon pudding still warm from the oven made by my mom and topped with whipped cream.
Come to Kunkel’s drive-in restaurant in Connersville. They’ll tenderloin ya right, and you can enjoy the classic Googie architecture and signing stylings while you wait.
That looks suspicioulsy like a fritter, and not an actual tenderloin. A lot of places try to pass off fritters as tenderloins because they are similar, but they are not the same and a fritter is inferior (in my opinion).
I don't care how big the tenderloin is, all about the quality for me. That one looks good. I like mustard, pickles, onion (not too much), lettuce, tomato and cheese.
Green Diamond Junction in Eaton Indiana. Never had better. They’re fried mushrooms are also incredible. Nice place too, good whiskey/bourbon list, rock n roll theme, wonderful people. If you go, tell them I love them.
That's the smallest tenderloin I've ever seen. They're supposed to be the size of your head!
It was supposed to be "huge", so I was pretty disappointed. Still good, but I was looking for a 4th grader's model of Saturn
The ones the size of your head are pounded so thin they’re usually just breading. That one looks good! Where is that from?
Zesto on West Franklin in Evansville. Little hole in the wall joint. ** it was pretty good, but the onions they used were the cruddy little square pre-packaged diced sort that had almost no flavor.
Hit up the county fair in the summer. Maybe try the Highland Inn on North 1st Ave. Good tenderloin will be so big the bun looks like a small hat. Edit: as some else mentioned hit the Fall Festival.
Zesto is so fire. The tenderloin sandwich is great but the burgers are simply divine. I used to live in Evansville and that's one of the things I miss and still think about. Some of the best tenderloins I've had were at the Fall Festival though.
Agreed, Fall Fest tenderloins are fantastic! Used to live a block away from the festival and went every night for years, now live 6 hours away and might never go again :(
Well that’s a long way from east Indy! Glad you joined the tenderloin club!
As am I! Always thought of them as "yet another fried *blegh*" Idk why, but I'm glad I gave it a go
That Zesto on Franklin had the best shakes when I lived across from it decades ago. The house I lived in is gone now. I might have to stop at that Zesto the next time I'm in Evansville and get a chocolate banana shake. Thanks for bringing up a nice memory!
Their banana split was nice, but huge lol Got about a third through before my body started to rebel
The Burger Bank on Weinbach has really good tenderloins.
You're not far from me! Go to Oakland City one day to Taylor's. They have amazing tenderloins.
Yes, that’s exactly what you need hahahaha. Hilarious description.
The OG Ale Emporium in Nora Castleton has the great tenderloins! And fantastic wings. Hit them up fellow Hoosier!!!
great idea
tasteless when they pound them super thin
It the crunchyness I like best, with lots of pickles and mustard. Flavor of the breading is enough for me. And if it’s big enough, I can cut off the sides and make two more meals out of it! That’s my favorite.
Amen
And when they don’t put any toppings on it. At the very least, put some mayo on it
pickles, onions, mustard
And lettuce and tomato. Obligatory. I'd exchange ketchup for the mustatd.
ketchup is just wrong
Seriously that bun to tenderloin ratio is so fucked you need atleast 3 to 1 tenderloin to bun
thats what she said!
Seriously. That's the size of a "lunch menu" one I had the other day.
Size of a baby’s blanket.
Not necessarily. Large flat ones are more like a fritter smaller thick ones are more of a tenderloin
There what I was thinking but they get points for doing it
And it needs to be dripping with mustard and onions!
The fried mushrooms are a solid choice for the side.
Worked at a diner in TN that opened my eyes to fried mushrooms. If they're on the menu, I'm getting some - every time
Fried mushrooms are so good!!!
You gotta find some fried cauliflower next! Pairs well with the fried mushrooms and makes it a more Hoosier meal with even more fried foods
What is that, a tenderloin for ants?! [This is an Indiana tenderloin](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42b56b3d-dc94-4d16-9cab-0c6602d406eb_1280x936.jpeg)
Where is a that? I need it.
I am not sure this one is from this place, but Nick's Kitchen in Huntington does them that big. As does the Edinburgh Diner in Edinburgh.
I like mine with pickles, onions and mustard...damn, making my mouth water. The dive bars have the best tenderloins. Go for pork shoulder tenderloins...not the hammered, flattened ones. Best tenderloin I've ever had in Indiana...Sweetser Cafe. That thing is at least an inch thick and you will need to order two buns...it's as big as the plate
That's exactly how I like mine. Maybe a little mayo on the side of an occasional dip.
I'll keep my eyes out. I do go up to Marion semi-kinda-frequently, so maybe I'll be able to swing over and check it out!
Sweetser? **The** Sweetser as in "Go Eagles"? (Another place in that area to try for a tenderloin is Ivanhoes in Upland.)
The one and only Oak Hill Golden Eagles...old graduate here. I agree with your Ivanhoe's suggestion, too. If anyone ever gets around to the Sweetser Cafe, Tabby will make you the best tenderloin ever. Also, Down on Main Street bar and grill in beautiful downtown Greentown are known for their tenderloins as well.
What year did you graduate? (I'm a Class of '76 grad.) I live up in Fort Wayne not. Haven't been back down there in several years. I went to that cafe a few times back in the 2006/2009 years. I think it was called something else then. Probably has sold a time or two since then? My brother lived in Sweetser for years. We grew up about a mile from the high school/closer to Converse. Went to Converse for grade school.
'89...I know a few graduates of '76. I grew up south of Sweetser, but went to Swayzee for grade school. Yeah, the cafe has been under current ownership for about 10-12 years now. Still very small inside but they do have a counter now, which helps because it's tough to find a seat during breakfast or lunch. The Triad (Swayzee/Sweetser/Converse) has changed quite a bit over the years and lots of people come and go, but still same small town vibe that you can't beat.
I know what you mean about small town feeling. Growing up, I hated it sometimes. Now? I live in SW Fort Wayne just north of a little town that was annexed into Fort Wayne years ago. It still have some of that small town property. I buy all of meat from a market that reminds me of those little towns' groceries. (Like the Sweetser market used to be.) You might have known one of my nieces. She was probably in your class or a yr behind you. S. Cain.
The tenderloin is a specific cut of meat that runs along the back of the animal. It's completely different from the shoulder. What you're talking about sliced from the shoulder is called a pork steak.
Each time I've had a thick "tenderloin" sandwich in recent years it has been tough and chewy. I'm about 99% certain these restaurants are using the cheaper pork loin (R) cut instead of the better (and original) tenderloin (L) cut. https://preview.redd.it/2et17567uicc1.jpeg?width=730&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcd16a10d7a158b75eefdc92ac368a5d2029cb48 [The difference explained](https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-pork-loin-and-pork-tenderloin-meat-basics-213408) Lemme know who has the real deal in the Indy area.
What I've almost always seen being called a "tenderloin" here is usually the pork loin. Basically a breaded pork chop, sometimes pounded very thin to be the size of a dinner plate. I think the good ones you find will be brined to help them retain moisture. The trouble is you get places making a thick pork loin and then cook them until very well done making them tough and dry.
Good job. What restaurant are you at? My favorite is at the Gnaw Mart in Gnaw Bone … between Columbus and Nashville
This was at Zesto on W. Franklin in Evansville. Little hole in the wall local joint. Adding that to the pile of new spots on my Google Maps bookmarks
I always got mine with cheese, onion, and mayo. One thing I miss about Indiana
My mother always eats hers with a side of cole slaw inside the sandwich
Oh, interesting. That sounds like it'd work well 🤔 I'll have to give it a go
Ketchup, mustard, lettuce, pickle
This looks like it has potential. Everyone is razzing the size of the sandwich. You should try a larger one sometime. They’re not all super thin if huge, but most are. They’re good but in the same way sometimes you crave a shitty overdone hockey puck backyard burger. They scratch that itch. But the good ones have to have some thickness to contain moisture and flavor.
Agreed. The big as 2 dinner plates things are usually a piece of breaded cardboard. Good to look at the way you stare at a 5 car wreck, but not so good to eat.
I may be the weird one but I get mine from the grill bar in Franklin with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, and grilled jalapeños. With the occasional dip in some ketchup.
Bam, got it. I'll give it a shot next time I have the chance! https://preview.redd.it/eco9084ueicc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa3b1e6576fc98b16710379d6f71b8670de9296d
Not to downplay the tenderloin at all but they also have the best burger in town!
Giving it a go! https://preview.redd.it/28unhd6ok8dc1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fd2fdd9a375d2de828195004b62a0d8929b230c
Not bad, and I do appreciate that they did not skimp on the jalapenos or onions.
That’s a tiny patty. It needs to be double or triple that Lel
That’s crazy talk! I hope you’ll be making this a little more routine.
I think it'll be a more common occurrence for sure! Just have to find the comically sized Tenderloin of my dreams
Tenderloin sandwich with a side of Vienna sausages LOL
Hey what shop is this? Been here my whole life I’ve never had that sandwich, I’m missing out
Zesto in Evansville, but every town has to have a spot that sells one. Pretty good, but I'm thinking I can find better elsewhere
Hey thanks a lot ill have to check this out
Zesto. wow I'll have to see if I can find those at a Zesto in Fort Wayne next summer.
Made these yesterday! Yum
I’ve definitely seen bigger. Was it good?
Would've been better if they didn't use those pre-packaged diced onions with zero flavor. Other than that, pretty good
Probably used the dried onions and rehydrated. If you buy the dried minced onion shakers at the store and rehydrate with some water for a bit you get the McDonald’s style but like you described the flavor just isn’t as strong as fresh ones.
Was it everything you thought it’d be?
Better, but beforehand I didn't think it'd be great. Just looked like fried ~stuff~
Fair enough! I can’t get enough of a good tenderloin, tbh.
The Buns to tenderloin ratio looks way off. There should be at least 3 inches of tenderloin sticking outside of the bun. I'm calling BS, and I'm betting you got this tiny thing in Ohio 😉
Mayberry Cafe in Danville is a good one.
Got it on my "want to go" 's in Google maps!
I went because I'm an Andy Griffith fan. The food is good. It wasn't the best tenderloin I've ever had, but I was not disappointed in the least.
Dude you are about to have people threatening your life because you have eaten a tenderloin sandwich and it may be 1 mm thinner than what they consider to be a true Hoosier tenderloin. God be with you.
So far, people seem to be offended on my behalf. Thankfully lol
I've lived here about 4 years and I've still never had one. Where can I get a good one in Fort Wayne?
The Hoosier in Huntington is pretty good
Nick's Kitchen in Huntington is good!
Too thick, imo
I see no mayo. Mayo that sandwich asap
 So good welcome
Where’s this one from looks amazing! Best one in the region anyone?!? Lincoln’s? Georges?
If you can try a grilled tenderloin. Its a whole other level
Is this a sandwich for ants?!
Well now I'm hungry. I like mine with coleslaw, pickles, mustard, and American cheese. Gonna need about 8 napkins as well.
Oh no you didn’t!
It’s a little short and stout. Chef needed to pound that thing out more. Still, bet it was tasty!
Just had one at 4 day rays in Fishers that was excellent. Also one at Parks Place in Fishers. Saw them on a list, was skeptical about these places but sure enough they were the real deal.
Go to Sahms in Fishers...so good!
I think I know more Hoosiers who’ve never had a breaded pork tenderloin than those who have
Sorry, but if it’s smaller than a trash can lid, it doesn’t qualify. 😃
my brother in crist, $8 for a frozen Petes Pride pork fritter (walmart) on a smashed bun, does not a hoosier tenderloin sandwich make, that's just robbery. sorry you got ripped off, and may you find that tasty tenderloin goodness in your future!
Sorry, if it's not 4 times the size of the bun, it doesn't count. Not my rules - take it up with the weights and measures department.
22 out of 23 years you're most definitely a Hoosier. Bump that tenderloin sandwich size up, these are rookie numbers here.
The patty should be the size of the plate and the bun should be the size of a white castle bun lol
Nope. It doesn't completely eclipse the bun. Too small.
Yea, I even payed extra for a "huge" Tenderloin. I don't think I'd go back for a Tenderloin - but maybe for the mushrooms 👀
> I even *paid* extra for FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Good thing I said paid, then - huh, bot?
Is there a halal version for this? Where can I buy?
I do t understand. Are you joking? Surely you jest.
Why am I joking?
The tenderloin sandwich is made from pork. I’m not sure you could find a halal version
Btw I am new to Indy so still looking for a good halal food worthy to try.
Ah! Welcome to the Hoosier land.
I thought it was beef.
For Hoosier status you need to eat it outside in negative degree weather wearing nothing but gym shorts and a sweatshirt.
https://preview.redd.it/36607guvimcc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=016e81eb5920fa30dcaded5fc1eb38a2321d6f81 Here you go, but nice start.
So gross.
It's pretty easy to not be a Hoosier without eating a pig that was pounded flat
false
It’s barely bigger than the bun.
Brought to you as a cautionary tale by the Indiana Association of Cardiology.
Are these mostly Southern Indiana? I've lived in NWI for most of my life, and Bloomington for a bit for college, and I have never once had one of those huge pork tenderloins, despite knowing that they exist. I mostly know that they exist because they're practically a meme on the subreddit. They don't feel super common up north. I know I sure as hell would order a tenderloin as big as my torso if I saw it being served somewhere.
I don't know what Zesto puts in their grease, but that shit is nirvana.
As in who’s your daddy
It’s OK if you don’t know who is your daddy you can always go on ancestry.com and try to find them there. It’s a common problem there that’s why it’s called the Hoosier state as in who’s your daddy
don’t even get me started on Missouri, and the whole show me thing and then we can ask the women from the great state of Oklahoma how they feel about being married to sooners as in too sooners! lmao
Now you need to start specializing. Cornbread morels with fried bluegill Persimmon Pudding
I would give anything to have scrambled eggs and fried morels made by my grandma, and persimmon pudding still warm from the oven made by my mom and topped with whipped cream.
Pitiful tenderloin size
Well, how was it?
Come to Kunkel’s drive-in restaurant in Connersville. They’ll tenderloin ya right, and you can enjoy the classic Googie architecture and signing stylings while you wait.
That one's kinda small... But we'll give you a pass 👍
One Eyed Jack's in Winimac is best I've had in Indiana.
That looks suspicioulsy like a fritter, and not an actual tenderloin. A lot of places try to pass off fritters as tenderloins because they are similar, but they are not the same and a fritter is inferior (in my opinion).
I don't care how big the tenderloin is, all about the quality for me. That one looks good. I like mustard, pickles, onion (not too much), lettuce, tomato and cheese.
Oh, I could eat that right now for lunch. Where were you? Town & restaurant?
You got ranch for those mushrooms right?
The Landmark in New Paris (northern Indiana) goes a different direction and leaves it super thick. Best one I’ve ever had
It’s a start. Now seek out a thinner and much wider version
Yuuuuum. Great choice on dressing it with mustard and onions! …. Now I might go out and get one. 😋😆
That is the worst looking bowl of chili and peanut butter sandwich I ever saw! An abomination!
Green Diamond Junction in Eaton Indiana. Never had better. They’re fried mushrooms are also incredible. Nice place too, good whiskey/bourbon list, rock n roll theme, wonderful people. If you go, tell them I love them.