Middle of Nowhere, Bonge’s Tavern One of Indy’s Best Dining Spots

While there is a new owner at Bonge’s Tavern, they have maintained the same excellent standards and delicious menu. Located about 30 minutes north of Indianapolis, this hole-in-the-wall tavern in the middle of nowhere consistently wins awards for it cuisine and unique atmosphere. 

Where is Bonge’s Tavern?

Bonge’s is technically located in Perkinsville, Indiana. But having grown up in the same county as Bonge’s, I can tell you that there really isn’t a town of Perkinsville. Bonge’s is pretty much it in Perkinsville. So you’re thinking, is it worth the drive to the middle of cornfields for dinner? Yes, it really is and that is not just our opinion. Bonge’s has won distinction from Indianapolis Monthly as the best place to take an out of town guest for dinner.

We noticed only two changes that the new owner has made to this hidden treasure. And both were for the better. 

First off, Bonge’s now takes reservations! Despite having a reservation available, you can still tailgate in the parking lot Bonge’s tailgating is legendary. On the date we were there, the parking lot was full of parties starting their dining experience with a little pregame drinking in the parking lot. 

Reservations are now available on their website as well as through Open Table. Reservations are limited, so planning ahead is encouraged to make sure you get a table. The second big change, they now offer cocktails. After decades of only serving beer and wine, they can now offer a wider selection of cocktails.

Bonge’s Tavern Menu

But the menu (handwritten on the chalkboard behind the bar) remains the same. In fact, the top three menu items have been offered for 20+ years. And you won’t go wrong selecting any of them. 

The most popular dish is the Perkinsville Pork. It is a pork loin pounded thin, parmesan breaded then pan fried and topped with lemon butter. If you cannot decide between the other items on the menu, but want this famous dish, then consider getting it as an appetizer to share with the entire table. 

The New York Strip Steak, served with house-smoked shallot rosemary butter is a delicious meal for anyone with a hearty appetite.

If you’re a fan of duck, they have a fantastic option for you. The Harger Duck  breast, which they serve stuffed with jalapeno cream cheese, wrapped in bacon with plum bbq sauce is hands down the best duck meal around. The duck is pan sautéed to medium rare and  served over wild brown rice.

Other entrees will change seasonally. They also have Prime Rib available each weekend.

Your dinner will be served with two sides. During our latest visit, we enjoyed fresh asparagus and cheesy potatoes. You also get your choice of their famous tomato soup or a wedge salad. Their house-made blue cheese dressing and raspberry vinaigrette are recommended. 

With all that food, you probably don’t need bread for the table. But save some room for their jalapeño corn bread, which compliments your meals perfectly.

Don’t Quit on Dessert

Bonge’s Tavern is also known for their desserts, made in house. They have three regular offerings for dessert, along with a daily special that rotates. 

The sugar cream cake and the chocolate sugar cream cake are their most popular. They also regularly offer a dark chocolate ganache tart. On the visit, they also offered a delicious New York style cheesecake. All of the desserts are plenty big to share, if you’re running out of room.

The name says it all, Bonge’s Tavern is a tavern. As a result, you need to be 21+ to dine. They do allow guests 18-20, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

As mentioned previously, a tradition at Bonge’s is tailgating. Throughout the warmer months, it is not unusual to see a parking lot full of people tailgating like they were waiting for the football game kick off. In the past, parking spots were numbered so you could check in, provide them your parking spot number and they’d come get you when your table was ready. Parking spots and the limited number of picnic tables are all first come, first serve. 

Bonge’s atmosphere makes it a great spot for friends to gather for dinner together. And like the award they’ve won suggests, Bonge’s  makes a great dinner destination for people visiting Central Indiana.

On your visit, you’re likely to see people dressed across the spectrum. We dress casual for our visits, but have seen people dressed in formal wear for a special occasion. But we’ve also sat next to people in full camo, having stopped by after hunting on a Saturday afternoon.

Bonge’s in Perkinsville, Indiana is located at 9830 W 280N. Their current hours of operation are 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday through-Saturday.

Looking for other dining options? Check out some of our restaurant reviews.