City View 2025

Arwood Family Treehouse at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Indiana:

Unlocking Opportunities, Building Futures

Elevate your business with Woodward’s client-first mentality, where relationships matter most. Our full-service approach spans Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Business Brokerage, Build to Suit/Lease, and Commercial Development. Our Expertise:

• Medical Complexes

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Our clients choose us for our consultative approach, swift decision-making, streamlined development processes, and unparalleled agility. They stay because we deliver.

p Front row, left to right: Greg Folz, Scott Harris, Audrie Burkett, Zach Martin, Donna Taylor, Susi Racine

Back row, left to right: Sally Fedolfi, Matt Heseman, Evan Beck, Christy Vondersaar, Nate Nord, Chris Jackson, Matt Williams, Susan Bohrnstedt, Brian Myrick

Photo Credit: Redd Photography

Editor & Publisher

Kristen K. Tucker

President, Tucker Publishing Group, Inc.

Todd A. Tucker

Editorial

Jodi Keen

Managing Editor

John Martin

Senior Writer

Maggie Valenti

Staff Writer

Design

Laura Mathis

Creative Director

Chanda Ramsey Art Director

Sarah Morgason

Senior Graphic Designer

Advertising

Jessica Hoffman Senior Account Executive

Jennifer Rhoades Senior Account Executive

Logen Sitzman Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Circulation

Gregg Martin Distribution and Circulation Manager

Contributors

Zach Evans Shawn Rumsey

Audra Straw, Zach Straw

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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CALENDAR ITEMS, COMMUNITY UPDATES, AND DINING GUIDE

Email events@evansvilleliving.com information NO LATER than eight weeks prior to the magazine cover date. Details may be edited or deleted for space.

ADVERTISING

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MISSION STATEMENT

The staff of Evansville Living strives to inform, instruct, amuse, and entertain our readers, helping them get the most out of living in Evansville and the surrounding area. With each issue, we provide a targeted audience of active, well-educated consumers for our advertisers. We look to positively chronicle the many unique aspects of living in Evansville and the Tri-State to benefit our community.

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TUCKER PUBLISHING GROUP, INC.

Todd A. Tucker, President

Kristen K. Tucker, Vice President

25 N.W. Riverside Drive, Ste. 200, Evansville, IN 47708 812-426-2115 | evansvilleliving.com

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What’s Not to Love?

There’s a lot to adore about Evansville, from the revival of Downtown and the unique flair of our neighborhoods to how we rally around one another. We have a rich heritage, top-notch libraries, a network of inviting museums, and a central location on the map that makes traveling a snap — and that’s just the start. Here are 20 reasons the River City is so special to us.

Up Front

11 CITY QUIZ Think you’re an Evansville expert? Put it to the

51 AREA ATTRACTIONS These points of interest are worth a visit FEATURED

18 NEIGHBORHOODS These areas of the city have their own personalities  23 CANINE RETREATS Where to get out and about with your pup

25 LOCAL VOICE Man-about-town Chris Johnson says Evansville’s size is just right

29 LOCAL WARES Shop a variety of unique goods from eclectic vendors

Play

67 RECREATION From golf to pickleball to skateboarding, Evansville offers top recreation spots

70 LOCAL VOICE Otters General Manager Brycen Moore says sports help define the River City

71 SCENE What to do and where to go, by season

Dine

78 HOT DISH Cracker-thin crust is king, but Evansville has pizza of all kinds

79 LOCAL VOICE Chef Tori Chapman details Evansville’s love of “comfort” food

80 WHAT WE EAT AND WHY Sample local favorites, from fried tenderloins to Chicken on the Beach

81 RESTAURANT GUIDE Peruse the cuisine of Tri-State eateries

Resources

88 THE 411 Essential information every new resident needs to know

Special Advertising Section

Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., is excited to share with you Evansville Living City View, your guide to life in the River City

Welcome to Evansville — the third-largest city in Indiana, the unofficial capital of a vast, three-state region, and a community we are proud to call home. Whether you’re a resident, employee, student, or visitor, we’re glad you’re here. In City View, our goal is to show the history, quirks, culture, people, and places that make Evansville a great destination to live, work, and play.

Flip through to discover the city’s unique neighborhoods, shops, and recreational offerings. Find a new favorite hangout in the Stay section starting on page 15. The Play section, which kicks off on page 65, dishes on ways to get out and stay active, plus a seasonal calendar of events. Looking for food and drink ideas? Thumb through Dine, our dining section, starting on page 77. Don’t miss the quiz on page 11 — even the most seasoned Evansville observer will be challenged.

With this magazine, you have a key that unlocks the best that Evansville and the immediate area have to offer. Immerse yourself in an eclectic food scene, set off on an adventure, pack your calendar with fun activities, and feel right at home. No matter your interests, our bend in the river has a place for you. From all of us at Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., enjoy Evansville!

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW EVANSVILLE?

Do you think you are a local trivia expert? Let Evansville Living put that to the test

1. Name the Evansville paint company that originated the bull’s-eye logo now used by national retail chain Target.

2. What does Lic’s stand for?

3. What kids’ TV show aired on WEHT-TV — then on Channel 50 — from 1961 to 1986 and featured characters named Peggy, Clancy the Cop, and puppets like Buster Bear?

4. Where did Evansville’s founder Hugh McGary build his cabin?

5. Who is the namesake of Enlow Field?

By Jodi Keen

What television station used the slogan “First In Evansville” as its call letters?

7. Name the famous blues composer from Henderson, Kentucky, who once worked on the brick paving of Fourth Street in Downtown Evansville.

8. What future U.S. president ate at The Log Inn restaurant in 1844?

Name the Harrison High School football player who was a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings from 1977 to 1990.

10. What paving company marked its new sidewalks with a bronze horseshoe that still can be seen throughout the Riverside Historic District?

Shoppes.

The Peggy Mitchell Show.

Main Street

Riverside Drive. 5. Charles “C.B.” Enlow, a local banker and newspaper executive. 6. WFIE Channel 14. 7. W. C. Handy. 8. Abraham Lincoln. 9. Scott Studwell. 10.

Paving Co.

Stay

STREET WISE Evansville’s eclectic batch of neighborhoods includes the Riverside Historic District near the city’s Downtown. Stroll Riverside Drive to discover majestic homes of various styles, including the French Second Empire home built in 1856, shown here in the foreground. In addition to architectural gems, the city is home to vibrant neighborhoods bursting with activity, varied shopping at a wide range of boutiques, and pet-friendly spots to hang out with your dog. 

LAND THAT WE LOVE

Evansville and Southwestern Indiana offer exceptional vistas and landscapes

1. The Harmonist Labyrinth in New Harmony, Indiana, dates to the 19th Century and was reconstructed to its original form in 2008. 2. Evansville’s Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse was built in the late 1880s in the Beaux Arts style. 3. A beachy island springs up near Downtown Evansville late each summer when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredges the Ohio River. 4. Howell Wetlands is one of only five urban wetland parks in Indiana. 5. A comet soars above the closed Harmony Way Bridge on the Wabash River in New Harmony. 6. Rural Saint Wendel straddles the Vanderburgh-Posey County line and is named for the village’s Catholic parish. 7. Olmsted Administration Hall has stood watch over the University of Evansville’s campus since 1922. 8. Fireworks in Newburgh, Indiana, are set against a backdrop of the Newburgh Locks and Dam and Alcoa and Kaiser Aluminum manufacturing sites. 9. Evansville’s Four Freedoms Monument was dedicated in 1976 during the U.S. bicentennial. The 26-foot limestone columns once decorated the C&EI Railway Depot. 10. The Caborn Chapel near Mount Vernon, Indiana, dots farmland vistas.

PHOTOS 1, 3, AND 4 BY ZACH STRAW. PHOTOS 2 AND 9 BY TOM BARROWS.

PHOTOS 5, 7, AND 8 BY DENNY RIFFERT. PHOTOS 6 AND 10 BY DAN FELSTEAD

THE PLACES WE CALL HOME

The neighborhoods of Evansville each have their own personality

By Shawn Rumsey

Park, which hosts fishing and festivals during warm weather and Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights each winter. Jacobsville draws in families for events like the Northside Business Association Halloween and the North Main Street Christmas Parade. Protected biking and pedestrian paths line renovated North Main Street, the corridor connecting Downtown to the North Side.

Baptisttown

A sum is only as great as its parts, and Evansville possesses a variety of neighborhoods — each with its own personality and unique, signature events — that help make our city one of a kind.

Riverside Historic District

A few blocks south of Downtown and the oxbow of the Ohio riverfront is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Evansville. The Riverside Historic District — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 — features brick streets adorned with a swath of architectural tastes. Italianate, Colonial Revival, Renaissance Revival, Gothic, Victorian, and more styles envelop homes from the

1830s to 1930s. Walking tours — whether formal or informal — by the homes are common. One standout is the 1871 Reitz Home Museum, former residence of the Reitz family and the city’s best example of French Second Empire architecture.

Jacobsville

The Jacobsville neighborhood, just north of the city’s epicenter, features many of Evansville’s larger attractions, from the historic brick beauty of Bosse Field — home to the Evansville Otters — to the stateof-the-art Deaconess Aquatic Center. Both cross-street attractions act as the entrance to expansive Garvin

The area known as Baptisttown, situated in city’s center on the outskirts of Downtown, was listed on the National Register

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM IN BAPTISTTOWN

BOSSE FIELD IN JACOBSVILLE

REITZ HOME MUSEUM IN THE RIVERSIDE HISTORIC DISTRICT

GARVIN PARK IN JACOBSVILLE

of Historic Places in 2023. Anchored by the Evansville African American Museum neighborhood is steeped in historic events, architecture, and landmarks. The district stays bustling, with the popular Arts and Cultural Festival throughout the summer, as well as a four-day Juneteenth Weekend celebration featuring special guest speakers, food trucks, and a block party. The museum pairs unique exhib its with numerous workshops and special events for the entire community.

Haynie’s Corner Arts District

Haynie’s Corner Arts District only such designated area, with residents and other community members fully support ing musicians, writers, artists, and other creatives. First Fridays are held through out the spring, summer, and fall, allowing artisans to sell their works while musicians perform on outdoor stages. Other cultural events are held throughout the year around the neighborhood fountain, with a backdrop that includes restaurants, bars, shops, a cigar bar, a brewing company, a bed and breakfast, and the historic Alhambra Theatre. Seasonal events such as the summer wiffleball league and pumpkin carving each fall have drawn participants from across the area.

Lamasco

cookouts, a huge Easter egg hunt on the lawn of Mater Dei High School, and annual events, like a classic car show and gumbo cook-off, that are put on by the tight-knit neighborhood.

Lincolnshire Historic District

Just to the west lies Lamasco, another older, blue-collar district, rife with historic and architecturally aesthetic buildings. It also has West Franklin Street, which every October hosts the well-known West Side Nut Club Fall Festival , the nation’s second-largest street fest. Visitors also come for the Franklin Street Bazaar for summer pop-ups and

Situated on the city’s East Side is the Tudorlined Lincolnshire Historic District, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. Featuring homes built primarily by the firm Anderson and Veatch in the 1920s and ’30s, two of the more well-known properties include the Neoclassical St. Benedict Cathedral and the Collegiate Gothic-style Benjamin Bosse High School, which cele-

brated its 100th anniversary in 2024. Visitors can explore the properties during the Lincolnshire Front Porch Festival, a music event held each autumn featuring area musicians. Pop-up gatherings and food truck events occur at the “triangle,” a small green space carved by Southeast Boulevard between South Willow Road and Bayard Park Drive. — Maggie Valenti contributed to this story.

GERST HAUS AND LINCOLNSHIRE PHOTOS BY ZACH STRAW. CRUISE IN PHOTO

PROVIDED BY WEST SIDE NUT CLUB. HAYNIE’S CORNER PHOTO BY LAURA MATHIS

GERST HAUS ON FRANKLIN STREET IN LAMASCO

ENGLISH TUDOR HOME IN LINCOLNSHIRE

BOKEH LOUNGE AT HAYNIE’S CORNER

WEST SIDE NUT CLUB CRUISE IN

STAY CLOSE, GO FAR WITH UE

At the University of Evansville, your student can get a great education while staying close to home. Our active academics provide hands-on learning through internships, research opportunities, and collaborative projects that prepare students for their future careers.

We offer strong academic support with free tutoring, mentoring, and resources like the Math Lab and Writing Center. Our caring culture ensures students have access to confidential counseling services for both academic and personal challenges.

When it’s time to plan for the future, our Center for Career Development offers guidance in career counseling, internships, résumé building, and graduate school preparation. Students can also experience the world through extraordinary experiences like studying abroad at Harlaxton, our very own study abroad center in England.

At UE, students don’t have to choose between a world-class education and staying close to home. We have everything they need to succeed academically, emotionally, and professionally.

Visit today!

Schedule your visit at evansville.edu/visit to see how UE can help your student thrive, both in the classroom and beyond

PUP-FRIENDLY PLACES

These spots in Evansville welcome dogs

By Shawn Rumsey

Evansville has gone to the dogs.

The city’s reputation as a pup-friendly community is best exemplified in a growing number of dog parks, plus the many bars and restaurants that fully embrace the ideology that a dog is everyone’s best friend. Instead of making Fido sit at home, bring them along when you go out on the town.

If you’re in the mood for a cup of joe, Honey Moon Coffee Co., Parlor Doughnuts, Penny Lane Coffeehouse, and Joe Brewski Coffee fill you up while you relax with your dog on their patios. For sit-down dining, your pet can join you for an al fresco meal at COMFORT by the Cross-Eyed Cricket, Gerst Haus, Hilltop Inn, Cosmos Bistro, El Charro, Shah’s Halal Food, and The Granola Jar, among others.

If going out for a drink sounds like fun, stop by Damsel Brew Pub, Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co., Bokeh Lounge, Industry Bar, Barker Brewhouse, and Mo’s House. The latter three businesses are so laid back, your dog can walk right through the front door with you and lounge inside.

While some restaurants offer pup cups for your pet, K9 Kitchen & Barkery and Prime Time Pub & Grill North actually have their own dog menus.

Even Evansville’s pro sports teams invite fans’ pups to enjoy a game. One of the Thunderbolts hockey team’s most popular theme nights gives free admission to pups at

the Ford Center, and the Otters Frontier League baseball team regularly welcomes canines to Bosse Field during Dog Days of Summer.

Most establishments have standard rules: be prepared to clean up after your pet and ensure they are comfortable and nonaggressive in a public setting. If unsure, best to leave your friend at home.

If your pup is in the mood for exercise or social interaction, the Evansville area is home to at least five designated dog parks for outdoor fun. Kay C’s Barkville at Woodmere off Lincoln Avenue at the Evansville State Hospital park; Earthborn Holistic Dog Park in Downtown; Historic Corner Private Dog Park near Haynie’s Corner Arts District; Central Bark Dog Park on North First Avenue; and Pippero Pup Park in Newburgh welcome dogs, large and small. Some may have entrance fees or membership requirements, so check with each park before letting your pup run loose.

KAY C’S BARKVILLE AT WOODMERE BARKER BREWHOUSE

PIPPERO PUP PARK

‘A HIDDEN GEM’

Chris Johnson digs into Evansville’s eclectic personality Edited by Jodi Keen

What is there to do in Evansville?

Just ask Chris Johnson. The Ivy Tech Com munity College talent coordinator shares how the River City mixes big-city amenities with small-town energy.

What do you consider to be the best things about living in Evansville?

Although Evansville is an economically afford able city for its size, it also boasts beautiful nat ural areas, excellent educational institutions, and top-tier health care facilities. Personally, the best aspects of Evansville are its strong sense of community and its growing entrepre neurial scene. The people here are generally friendly, and there is a deep sense of pride for schools, small businesses, and nonprofits.

What should someone unfamiliar with Evansville know about it?

Evansville is a hidden gem in the region. As a growing city, it offers abundant opportunities, meaning you can be a “big fish in a mid-size

pond.” Evansville serves as a hub for major Midwest cities. The tech sector is expanding rapidly, and entrepreneurship is on the rise.

How do you describe Evansville to people who aren’t familiar with it?

It’s big enough to provide city-like amenities and opportunities but small enough that people still know your name.

You’re also a DJ. What kinds of music do people who go out in Evansville like to hear?

• Country and classic/southern rock: Given our location at the crossroads of Southeast Illinois, Northwest Kentucky, and Southern Indiana, these genres resonate deeply.

• Hip-hop and R&B: ’90s and early 2000s tracks always get the best reactions!

• Throwback pop and dance: The most popular genre! ’80s synth-pop, ’90s dance hits, and early 2000s club bangers never fail to pack the dance floor.

Local Wares

Take home something special from these shops

NORTH SIDE

Black Cat Antiques

2209 N. Kentucky Ave., 812-549-5447

Antique furniture and upcycled and farmhouse chic home decor in the unique collection of home good stores known as The Exchange.

Farm 57

3443 Kansas Road, 812-677-5757

Funky gifts, unique kitchenware, coffee, and seasonal produce; enjoy a slice from the “world headquarters” of Pizza Revolution.

The Farmhouse

7212 Olmstead Road, 812-471-9798

Handmade gifts and rustic-chic decor in this charming store on a family farm.

His n Hers Flea Market

2418 N. First Ave., 812-422-6568

Vintage glassware, retro furnishings, and collectibles.

Interior Goods

2215 N. Kentucky Ave., 812-303-4439

Contemporary home furnishings and modern home accents, in The Exchange.

Karen’s Upscale Resale

2201 N. Kentucky Ave., 812-423-8550

Luxurious consignment furniture in The Exchange.

Tickled Pink

2217 N. Kentucky Ave., 812-266-0040

Refurbished home furnishings, vintage decor and collectibles, garden accents, and tableware in an aesthetic that says “Palm Beach”; in The Exchange.

EAST SIDE

728 Chic Boutique

5625 E. Virginia St., Ste. F, 812-492-9087

Women’s size-inclusive and maternity clothing and accessories.

AbyssCo

4597 Washington Ave., 812-491-6661

Unique vintage finds, consignment clothing, and “pop culture rescue.”

Award World Trophies and Gifts

700 N. Weinbach Ave., Ste. 103, 812-425-4571

Trophies, custom engraving, personalized gifts, and promotional items in an oversized showroom filled with ideas.

Basket Kases

2009 Lincoln Ave., 812-491-9799

Unique and customizable gift baskets and personal gifts.

The Bead Angel

701 N. Weinbach Ave., Ste. 540, 812-426-2323

Alternative gifts, books, crystals, and psychic readings.

Bluestocking Social

606 S. Weinbach Ave., Ste. B, 812-402-2055

New books, work by local authors and artists, art supplies in a cozy basement space where you just might meet the shop pets.

Brinker’s Jewelers

111 S. Green River Road, 812-476-0651

Fine jewelry and watches since 1972, including luxury brands Rolex, David Yurman, Tudor, and Christopher Designs.

Brinker’s etc.

111 S. Green River Road, 812-476-4975

Clothing and jewelry along with home, seasonal, and holiday decor plus gifts, cards, and more.

Camelot Jewelers

2178 E. Morgan Ave., 812-473-5440

Designer jewelry, permanent jewelry, gifts, and estate pieces.

Camilla’s Closet

1330 N. Green River Road, 812-401-1191

Consignment family fashion, designer handbags, home furnishings, and jewelry.

Droste’s Jewelry Shoppes

601 S. Green River Road, 812-479-6868

4511 First Ave., 812-422-4351

Fine jewelry, elegant watches, and special gifts in its two stores designed to resemble European chalets.

Eras Emporium

221 E. Columbia St.

High-quality antique furniture, home decor, and architectural consignment items.

Gehlhausen

735 S. Green River Road, 812-428-2320

Seasonal decor, floral designs, home furnishings, and boutique fashion in a locally owned boutique in operation since 1945.

Give a Dog a Bone

5626 E. Virginia St., 812-402-2663

Toys, treats, accessories, and health food and supplements for dogs and cats.

H & H Music

1313 Washington Ave., 812-477-5339

Band, string, and percussion instruments, plus pianos, synthesizers, keyboards, and accessories.

Haven & Haddie

TICKLED PINK

728 Chic Boutique

Locally Loved Boutique

5600 E. Virginia St., Ste. A, 812-303-5087

Goods sourced from local makers, including signs, clothes, jewelry, hair accessories, and more.

Marian’s Hallmark Shop - East

6140 E. Lloyd Expressway, 812-426-2849

Greeting cards, collectibles, and gifts.

Merle Norman Cosmetics

507 N. Green River Road, 812-476-0657

Cosmetics, accessories, bridal makeup, and apparel.

Nance Galleries

662 S. Green River Road, 812-476-6295

Handcrafted jewelry, pottery, art glass, and gifts in a unique 78-year-old business.

Paparazzi Glamour & Gowns and Rose & Bliss Bridal

2820 Lincoln Ave., 812-402-2227

Fashionable formal dresses and bridal wear.

Rare Bird Gifts & Goods

2605 Lincoln Ave., 812-473-0645

Fair trade art and gifts, and hometown pride trinkets in a cottage with more than 10,000 square feet of shopping space.

The Red Poppy

4910 Lincoln Ave., 812-759-3312

Gifts, apothecary, and jewelry for any occasion, plus event rental space.

The Rug Merchant

1019 Lincoln Ave., 812-423-2338

A large selection – the largest in the midwest according to its website – of oriental and area rugs in a 9,500-square-foot showroom located in an area known as Olde Towne.

Salvage Candy

3500 S. Weinbach Ave., 812-760-2072

Architectural salvage and vintage finds; look for King Kong on a hill overlooking the facility.

Serendipity Design and Decor

1024 Lincoln Ave., 812-250-4448

Furniture and home decor, gifts, and pottery in a remodeled cottage in Olde Towne.

Sugar Bakers Home Fashions

1100 Tutor Lane, 812-475-1344

The latest in specialty home furnishings, gifts, and handbags in this design business with a retail arm.

The Thrift Store by Evansville Rescue Mission

1107 Washington Square, 812-421-3803

Pre-owned clothing, furniture, and household items

Thriftique

1651 Lincoln Ave., 812-499-7446

Gently used antiques, art, and clothing, and handmade items.

Twymon Art Gallery and Shop

1015 Lincoln Ave., 812-205-8127

Contemporary pieces by local artists, located in Olde Towne.

Ultimate Fit

1412 S. Green River Road, 812-431-0201

Specialty athletic and fitness shoes and home fitness equipment.

Wildflower Boutique

2809 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 124, 812-428-0848

High-end clothing and accessories for women.

DOWNTOWN

Bippus Frame Shop

200 Cherry St., 812-422-3899

Expert custom framing and archival restoration and preservation from this family-owned business for three generations.

Emerald Design

427 Main St., 812-568-4460

Posh on Main

330 Main St. Ste. B, 812-401-0075

Women’s and children’s fashion and accessories and local makers.

River City Coffee + Goods

223 Main St., 812-550-1695

Handmade goods, gifts, and Evansville-branded merchandise.

Riverside Antique Mall

1205 E. Riverside Drive, 812-469-2255

Wide selection of antiques and collectibles with more than 50 dealers.

Stephan G. Sanders Fine Men’s Clothiers

20 N.W. Fourth St., 812-962-3333

Custom men’s suits, shirts, and fashion; professional tailoring.

Sixth and Zero

425 Main St., 812-200-0454

Floral arrangements, plants, and a seasonal flower subscription, plus floral styling for events.

Goldman’s Pawn Shop

107 S.E. Fourth St., 812-423-9631

Rare, one-of-a-kind vintage finds and collectibles in this Downtown shop operated by the same family since 1898.

Grateful Threads Fabrics

426 Carpenter St., 812-402-0053

Fine draperies and upholstery fabrics; “Don’t buy new, redo” is the shop owner’s motto.

Memo

209 Main St., 812-553-5303

Custom stationery, notebooks, desk accessories, and Evansville gifts in this Downtown shop with accessible hours.

Sustainable goods for home and personal care, and locally handmade soaps.

Space Monkey Records

1201 E. Riverside Drive, 812-867-5309

Turntables, plus vintage and new records.

Turley Manufacturing Jewelry

14 N.W. Third St., 812-422-0531

Fine and custom jewelry, watches for men and women in this 77-year-old business.

Your Brother’s Bookstore

504 Main St., 812-303-8230

New books, board games, card games, and unique local art.

THE RED POPPY

WEST SIDE

Emporium Plants & Boutique

3420 Mt. Vernon Ave., 812-480-0444

Native and unique houseplants and gifts.

Franklin St. Boutique

2104 W. Franklin St., 812-401-2151

Women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and trendy children’s clothing.

Lili Lu Designs

2203 W. Franklin St., 812-306-3106

Trendy and seasonal women’s apparel and accessories.

Little Bird Picture Framing Studio

100 N. Saint Joseph Ave., 812-423-4742

Custom picture framing and collectibles.

Marian’s Hallmark Shop - West

4440 W. Lloyd Expressway, 812-423-5627

Greeting cards, collectibles, and gifts.

Opie and Eleanor’s

3033 W. Maryland St., 812-401-6743

Unique gifts, home decor, and baby items located just minutes from historic Franklin Street.

Philthy Vintage

2017 W. Franklin St.

Vintage clothing, sneakers, and accessories.

Schön Boutique

316 N. Wabash Ave., 812-213-8828

Modern, upscale women’s clothing from a shop with a name meaning “beautiful” in German.

Thyme in the Kitchen

2308 W. Franklin St., 812-437-2726

Gourmet kitchenware, artisan-made gifts, and cooking classes.

Tracy’s

2233 W. Franklin St., 812-401-4051

Fashionable home accessories and furniture and interior design services.

Tri-State Trophies

1200 W. Columbia St., Ste. E, 812-425-0628

Trophies, plaques, custom apparel, and personalized gifts.

TRACY’S

EMPORIUM PLANTS & BOUTIQUE

Take

With our range of programs, rebates and incentives, you can prepare for all seasons and may save on energy costs!

• Enroll in CenterPoint Energy’s Smart Cycle program and get a one-time $75 bill credit , plus a $7.50 bill credit during March through November.

• Make the most out of your AC with a $25 tune-up rebate.

• Prepare for days by the pool with up to $800 back on the purchase of qualifying electric pool pumps or heaters .

• Get a personalized Home Energy Assessment plus on-the-spot upgrades that help lower energy costs, all at no charge to you .

Find more easy, long-term solutions that can improve the energy efficiency of your home by scanning the QR code or visiting CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings.

NEWBURGH

• The Barefoot Cottage, 101 State St.

• Blu Nash, 100 State St.

• The Chalky Chic, 116 Plum St.

• Colonial Classics Landscape & Nursery, 3633 Epworth Road

• Feather Your Nest, 116 State St.

• Girlfriends Boutique, 300 W. Jennings St., Ste. 104

• Hooray Children’s Shoppe, 103 State St.

• JO + CO, 10 W. Jennings St.

• Mulberry Jeans Accents, 600 State St.

• The Newburgh Mercantile, 224 W. Jennings St.

• Oak Modern, 5 State St.

• The Rug Gallery of Newburgh, 7955 Bell Oaks Drive

• Social Bird Boutique, 2744 Epworth Road

• Willow Poppy, 121 Plum St.

• Sweet Emotions Soaptions & Potions, 9 State St. Ste. A

• The Hope Gallery, 512 W. Main St.

• Treasures and Pleasures, 10722 State Route 662 W.

• The Bay House, 300 W. Jennings St., Ste. 208

• Sheepskeins Yarn Shop, 1109 Hwy. 662 W.

• Stella’s Finishing Touches, 333 State St.

NEW HARMONY

• Artefakts, 507 Main St.

• BackBeats Record Store, 516 Main St.

• The Barn, 403 Brewery St.

• Capers Emporium, 602 Main St.

• Creation Station, 310 Main St.

• Lowry Hollow, 617 Main St.

• New Harmony Soap Company, 512 Main St.

• The New Harmony Gallery, 506 Main St.

OAK MODERN

LOWRY HOLLOW

20 Reasons WE LOVE EVANSVILLE

How do we love Evansville? We counted the ways, although 20 reasons only scratch the surface. From our eclectic food and arts scenes, cultural diversity, rich sports heritage, and Southern-tinged Midwest hospitality, these are a few of the local highlights we’re celebrating.

BY EVANSVILLE LIVING STAFF

The River

Our place in the bend of the Ohio River gave life to what’s now Evansville. The city has built itself up from it, yet all roads (especially in Downtown, where they tip 45 degrees) seem to lead back to the water. Steamboat captains knew they had reached Evansville once they saw the twin steeples of Saint Boniface on Wabash Avenue. Now, riverboat cruise stops drop off travelers for a day of fun in the River City. Festivals are held alongside the river, and here at Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., we claim our spot in a three-story building smack dab in the middle of the riverfront, taking it all in. Most summers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredges the Ohio River at the Evansville bend to maintain a 300-foot wide, 9-foot-deep channel for towing vessels. In the process, an island that attracts hundreds of pleasure boaters is created.

River dredging clears the navigation channel and creates a temporary island during the summer

Our Hometown Pride

They say that home is where the heart is, and for most people, hometowns are an integral part of their persona. Heather Vaught — named Best Evansville Ambassador in 2024 in Evansville Living’s annual Best of Evansville awards — has built two Main Street businesses (River City Coffee & Goods and Memo) around hometown pride. “I think some people mistake ‘hometown pride’ as being synonymous with the idea that you’re 100 percent happy with every aspect of where you’re from,” Vaught says. “I believe you can focus on the positives while simultaneously speaking out and pushing for change. We are lucky to live in a community where if you show up enough, ask questions, put in the work, AND listen — your voice can really be heard! You can help make Evansville the place you want to be proud to be from! You don’t have to have money, connections, or education or wait for someone else to build what you’re passionate about. Find your people and those who know more than you and work together.”

We Are Midwest Nice with a Southern Attitude

Passersby greet each other on the sidewalk. We hold doors open for one another and insist that you jump ahead of us in line at the grocery store. We strike up conversations while sitting in the stands at sporting events — so long as you’re wearing the right team’s colors. Here, our friendly disposition means visitors don’t feel like strangers. Classic Midwest niceties rule our demeanor, which is tinged with a distinct Southern flair. Many of us grew up on Southern-style home cooking fresh from the garden. We have a taste for bourbon, we say “y’all,” and we consider horse racing a standard sport. Even plants at home in the lower half of the U.S. find our climate welcoming: Wetlands, crepe myrtle, and azaleas all love our spot on the map.

A Passion for Service

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Residents often are deeply involved in a wide range of volunteer efforts and philanthropic activities aimed at improving the lives of those in need. The community rallies behind efforts such as United Way’s annual Day of Caring, in which more than 1,000 people participate in the community’s largest one-day volunteer event.

“I’m always in awe of the compassionate, giving spirit of the people in our region,” says Amy Mangold, President and CEO of the United Way of Southwestern Indiana. “Regardless of the situation, when our neighbors are in need, this community shows up and rallies around them to offer hope and help.”

Churches, civic groups, and schools also play a key role. Organizations such as the Welborn Baptist Foundation and the Vanderburgh Community Foundation serve as intermediaries that channel funds to organizations and initiatives aligned with specific missions and causes.

With a mission of cultivating communities that flourish, the Welborn Baptist Foundation focuses on early healthy eating and active living, Christ-centered communities, and nonprofit excellence. Church Engagement Program Officer Eric Cummings says among things people like about Evansville are “a vibrant faith community of churches and faith-based nonprofit organizations that serve our communities in very traditional ways … and through innovative restorative ministries such as revitalizing neighborhoods and providing wrap-around family supports and resources to help kids in marginalized environments succeed no matter what.” 2

Morgan Schultz, Nico Kuhs, Ezran Kuhs, Zachary Kuhs, and Luna Kuhs wave to familiar faces on Main Street

River City Coffee & Goods and Memo owner Heather Vaught

Volunteers at United Way’s Day of Caring

Small-Town Neighbors

Don’t call them Evansville’s bedroom communities. Neighboring towns have unique histories and personalities. To the east, the river town of Newburgh, Indiana, has a place in history as the first town north of the Mason-Dixon line to be captured by Confederate forces during the Civil War on July 18, 1862, in what became known as the Newburgh Raid. Today, “the river, the history, the local shops and growing food scene all come together in a warm, welcoming community, where everyone knows each other and all work together to continue building the town and its vitality,”

Historic Newburgh Board Member Christen Angermeier says.

To the west along the Wabash River, New Harmony, Indiana, was the site of two notable attempts at communal living by the Harmonists (1814-24) and the Owenites (1825-28), both seeking to establish utopian communities based on religious and social ideals. The modern village is a mix of contributions made by 200 years of artists, reformers, scientists, educators, and fans of this early American center for equality. New Harmony is home to an impressive National Historic Landmarks District, The Roofless Church — an open-air interdenominational church designed by Philip Johnson and dedicated in 1960 — and the Atheneum Visitor Center, designed by Richard Meier.

Across the Ohio River, Henderson, Kentucky, is deeply linked to the legacy of John James Audubon, a prominent figure in art and ornithology who serves as the namesake for the town’s state park, museum, and nature preserve. A peculiarity of Henderson is that a small portion of it — consisting of Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, a thoroughbred racing site owned by Churchill Downs — lies on the north side of the Ohio River, first claimed by Kentucky before the river shifted south.

You Can Get There From Here

Road trips are made easy from Evansville, given the city’s centralized location. Indianapolis, Indiana, is accessible via Interstate 69, while other highways make St. Louis, Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee reachable in 2-3 hours of driving. Want a longer trip? Evansville Regional Airport offers a robust schedule, with 15 daily flights to hubs such as Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Chicago, Illinois, and Dallas, Texas, plus direct, nondaily connections to at least sunny destinations in Florida.

Cultural Diversity

Evansville is a community of worldly flavor, with residents from all over the globe who bring their cuisine and customs. A little less than three percent of the population of Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, and Gibson counties in Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky, is foreign-born, with those of Hispanic/Latino descent comprising the lion’s share of those residents, and the Marshall Islands, Haiti, China, and India also represented here. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city’s events. Volksfest is a nod to the area’s German heritage, while Fiesta Evansville and HOLA Evansville celebrate local Latinos. The Cultural Society of India, Haitian Center of Evansville, and Grace of Christ Slavic Church recently began hosting festivals with food and cultural activities, and for more than 20 years, the Islamic Society of Evansville’s International Food Festival has been an autumn staple.

FIESTA EVANSVILLE PHOTO BY STEVE GEIS

Trailhead in Newburgh, Indiana

Riverfront water feature in Downtown Henderson, Kentucky

Downtown

New Harmony, Indiana

Evansville Regional Airport

Fiesta Evansville

Our Schools

Much of Evansville’s day-to-day culture and life is centered around education. Futures are made here, starting with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s nearly 40 institutions serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Signature School was one of Indiana’s first charter high schools and in 2023 was named the top such school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Other schools in the city have achieved, as well — the public Oak Hill Elementary School and parochial St. Wendel Catholic School were among 16 in Indiana to receive national blue ribbon status in 2024 from the U.S. Department of Education. The Catholic Diocese of Evansville, Evansville Day

We’re a Sports Town

Sports is in our blood, and the city’s schools and playgrounds have produced star athletes such as Olympic gold medalist swimmer Lilly King, retired Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly, and Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese. High school sports traditions and rivalries span generations and spark passionate debates, while the University of Evansville Aces and University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles provide the city with two NCAA Division I college sports programs; USI started its Division I transition in 2022. Both universities have storied men’s basketball traditions; each won national championships in Division II. Speaking of sports tradition, Bosse Field dates to 1915 and has been home to the Frontier League’s Otters professional baseball club for 30 years. Downtown Evansville features the Ford Center, where the UE men’s basketball team and Thunderbolts pro hockey club play.

School, Evansville Lutheran School, Evansville Christian School, and Joshua Academy provide more private and public education options for families. In higher education, the University of Evansville has a nationally renowned theater program. The University of Southern Indiana, situated on 1,400 acres just west of Evansville, is Indiana’s fastest-growing comprehensive university. Medical education students from UE, USI, and Indiana University study in the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences in the city’s Downtown. Ivy Tech Community College’s Evansville campus readies students for the workforce in a variety of fields.

Downtown is the Heart of the City

Downtown Evansville has lived many lives, but it’s long been the center of local government and a key spot for city commerce and entertainment. It’s where Sears opened its first retail store in the U.S. in 1925. The Civic Center’s opening in 1969 cut Main Street into two parts and turned the south part of Main into a pedestrian mall, “The Walkway,” for 31 years. The Ford Center’s opening in 2011, Bally’s Evansville’s move from a riverboat to land in 2017, and the implosion of a vacant 18-story tower in 2021 (followed by a redevelopment project that is ongoing) have helped define the area. Today’s Downtown continues to evolve, and it’s a melting pot of interests and experiences. Residents and visitors can dine and shop, take in a sporting event or a show, prowl a museum, library, or the scenic Ohio Riverfront, or enjoy the hustle and bustle of the casino. We love our Downtown and look forward to its continued resurgence.

University of Southern Indiana

University of Evansville Theatre

Evansville Thunderbolts

Casino at Bally’s Evansville

How We Honor Our History, Wartime and Otherwise

It started in 1812 with Evansville’s founding. The city’s history is marked right at its center by the floating U.S.S. LST-325 on the Downtown riverfront — 167 LSTs were produced in the adjacent shipyard — bringing World War II history buffs to explore. Evansville Wartime Museum, which anchors the Hoosier State’s military trail, documents the city’s grit during wartime and preserves artifacts to keep that history alive. The city proudly wears its National Parks Service designation as one of America’s 38 WWII Heritage cities. Still, Evansville’s history is not solely defined by war; it includes walking tours highlighting the differing eras of architecture in the Riverside Historic District and the historic Black neighborhood of Baptisttown. At the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, moments in the city’s timeline are displayed in rotating exhibits. The city’s library systems — Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library branches and Willard Public Library — often host historians and experts for public talks on how the River City grew up. The truth about Evansville’s history is that no matter where you go in the city, there’s no escaping it.

The Arts Scene

Evansville has cultivated a rich arts culture. The Evansville Philharmonic delights audiences every year with its orchestra and chorus performing a schedule of concerts that spans genres from pop to classical. Christmas in Evansville is not complete without Peppermint Pops — featuring a kick line from the North High School Huskettes — and Handel’s “Messiah,” performed by candlelight at historic Trinity United Methodist Church. Nutcracker performances from Ballet Indiana and the Children’s Center for Dance Education also boost the holiday spirit. Music festivals dominate the summer social calendar, including First Fridays at the Haynie’s Corner Arts District neighborhood, where musicians perform and artists display their work for sale along the streets. Public broadcasting station WNIN hosts its Jazz Fest in mid-July. Patrons walk through the latest installations to get to the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana’s summertime On the Roof concert series, while the Reitz Home Museum hosts Wine Down to the Weekend on Thursdays. For the Sake of the Song is a relatively new music festival highlighting local songwriters. Old National Events Plaza, Victory Theatre, and Ford Center host national touring talent year-round, driving traffic to Downtown. For the visual arts, both Twymon and Inman galleries display work from area artists and makers, as does the Evansville Museum.

Museum Experiences

Our city packs in five museums with a wide range of collections and topics. Black history is well documented at the Evansville African American Museum, which has continued its preservation work through the reburial of graves unearthed during Downtown’s Toyota Trinity Stormwater Project in 2024. The Victorian-era Reitz Home Museum stands as one of the area’s best examples of French Second Empire architecture, preserved by the dedication of volunteers. The Reitz Home often welcomes tours of schoolchildren who may also visit the three-story Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville, whose interactive exhibits and events — like a sandy beach on Fifth Street each summer — encourage learning and creativity. Evansville Wartime Museum shares how the city’s efforts shaped the course of World War II and includes artifacts like a P-47 Thunderbolt airplane and a 1943 Chrysler M4A4 Sherman Tank known as “Rosie’s Revenge,” as well as special exhibits depicting the horrors of the Holocaust. On the Downtown riverfront, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science displays exhibits featuring local and regional artists’ work — plus “Seated Woman in Red Hat,” a rediscovered glass mosaic by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso — as well as artifacts from the area’s history. The museum’s Koch Immersive Theater & Planetarium also is a draw.

“Seated Woman in Red Hat” at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

Green Spaces

For a population of 115,332, Evansville has plenty of city parks. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation manages 45 community, neighborhood, and pocket parks, which add to residents’ health and quality of life. Garvin Park eventually became the home of Bosse Field, the third-oldest U.S. baseball park in continuous operation, and four years ago, Deaconess Aquatic Center. The city’s parks also host a variety of amenities, including golf at Helfrich Park, basketball at Tepe Park, and swimming at Lorraine and Howell parks. They are places for community gathering, exercise, and entertainment, including the annual Music in the Park concert series that bounces between city parks every other week during the summer.

The Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve boasts the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, a five-acre spot for children to explore, as well as the Arwood Family Treehouse, which was 10 years in the making before opening in 2024. Kids can navigate ramps, rock walls, rope bridges, and climbing ropes on the treehouse and take in a view of the forest 12 feet above ground.

Looking for a combination of nature and history, as well as archeological wonders? Visit Angel Mounds State Historic Site. Established in 1938 and covering 600 acres, Angel Mounds has a 1.4-mile outdoor trail, as well as a recently updated indoor exhibit featuring modern perspectives on Mississippian history and traditions.

Our German Heritage

Driving around Evansville, you’ll get a crash course — figuratively! — in our German heritage just by glancing at street names. Influenced by the city’s woodworking, sawmill, and cabinetry settlers, locals know Boeke Road is not pronounced “Bo-kah” — that’s the restaurant and lounge at Haynie’s Corner. Rather, the German influence on the region turns the street name’s “oe” into an Anglicanized “ay” sound, so it comes out at “Bay-kee.” There are plenty of other examples, among them Boehne (Bay-nee), Diefenbach (Dee-fen-bahk), Dreier (Dry-ehr), Eickhoff (Ikehoff), Hartke (Hart-key), Helfrich (Helf-rick), Reitz (Righ-tzt), Tekoppel (Tee-cup-uhl), or

Weinbach (Wine-bahk). German influence doesn’t stop with the way we speak — it also comes out in what we eat. Several restaurants serve German dishes, but Gerst Haus makes Bavarian cuisine its specialty, serving up steaming plates of kraut balls, German potato salad, sauerbraten, pig knuckles, bratwurst, fried bologna, and a variety of schnitzels, plus a selection of imported beers. Celebrating 125 years, Evansville Germania Maennerchor sings the praises — literally: “maennerchor” means men’s choir — of the River City’s German heritage, hosting the three-day Volksfest each August, a Christkindlmarkt each winter, and fish fries each Lent.

Love of Learning

Evansville’s strong public libraries have evolved with technology and offer diverse programming for all ages and interests. Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library has eight physical locations, with the centerpiece (literally and figuratively) being its massive Central branch Downtown. EVPL’s East and West branches were funded by Andrew Carnegie; a third Carnegie library on Cherry Street served Black residents and was razed in the 1970s. The extensively renovated McCollough branch on Washington Avenue has mapped out coming improvements across the system. EVPL also provides around-the-clock online services for job seekers, students, or those hungry for knowledge, as well as a quirky Library of Things — physical items like bocce ball sets and cake pans in the shape of a Darth Vader helmet that cardholders can borrow, use, and bring back. The city also is home to Willard Public Library, a towering Gothic Revival structure designed by James W. Reid and opened in 1885. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Revered for its genealogical collections, Willard also hosts seasonal Shakespeare plays on the lawn and boasts the “Grey Lady” apparition, who may be spotted during ghost tours each fall.

Arwood Family Treehouse in Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Germania Maennerchor’s Volksfest

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library McCollough branch

ARWOOD FAMILY TREEHOUSE PHOTO BY AUDRA STRAW.

West Franklin Street

If it feels like West Franklin Street cuts through its own little town, that’s because it once did. The neighboring community of Lamasco was platted in 1837 and geographically cut off from Evansville by Pigeon Creek. Eventually incorporated into the adjacent city, the area around West Franklin Street still has a personality all its own. Functioning as a kind of main street, the main drag sports its own restaurants, shops and services, and nightlife. Holding court along West Franklin Street is Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s West Branch, a Carnegie structure. Groups like the West Side Nut Club have taken over the street to stage popular events like car shows, the Franklin Street Bazaar each summer, and the Nut Club’s signature Fall Festival. Arguably, no other stretch of road in Evansville has such a distinct flair.

Friendly Neighborhood Spirit

This is a big city with a small-town culture, drawing from the surrounding rural area where two friends are bound to bump into each other unplanned, so it’s easy to feel at home. A walk along residential streets often reveals sidewalk chalk displaying a message or drawings from some creative children, and passersby don’t just take in the view — some, like in the Vann Park neighborhood, leave out chalk so little artists can continue their public drawing pursuits. The idea of a neighborhood cookout goes strong with neighborhood association-organized events around chili, soup, and more. Contests like 911 Gives Hope’s Guns and Hoses may pit police officers against firefighters in the boxing ring, but in the end, they’re all fighting for a cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome. Nonprofits tap into that neighborly spirit for charitable events like The Longest Table, Rotary Club’s Santa Run, Evansville Rescue Mission’s Drumstick Dash, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana’s Half Marathon, and River City Rodeo, which all draw big crowds of supporters.

Local Flavors

It’s not just the chain restaurants that line the East Side shopping centers that give Evansville its flavor. You can find Himalayan cuisine at Yak & Yeti, Korean dishes at Jaya’s Authentic Food, and Central and South American signatures at the new Sazón y Fuego. Stop in for Southern comfort food at Comfort by the Cross-Eyed Cricket, savor smoky barbecue from Hickory Pit Stop, indulge in Italian and Thai cuisine at Pangea Kitchen, and find Middle Eastern specialties at Cafe Arazu. There’s no shortage of variety, which gets put on display every year at the city’s 130-plus West Side Nut Club Fall Festival booths. Find hush puppies, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried anything, plus — for the truly adventurous — Zombie boogers, elephant tears, moink balls, meatwads, and more.

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Historic Districts and Architecture

Evansville has plenty of history in its neighborhoods. The Riverside Preservation Area, established by local code in 1962 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is made up of 238 properties within walking distance of Downtown and the Haynie’s Corner Arts District. Lincolnshire, located just east of U.S. 41 and north of Benjamin Bosse High School, is known for its Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and English Cottage properties. Another East Side district, Hebron-Meadows, boasts blocks of low-slung mid-century modern homes. Efforts by the Historic Preservation Commission within the city’s Department of Metropolitan Development aim to encourage the preservation and restoration of historic sites, drawing attention to them as important cultural assets.

SMITTY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE PHOTO BY LAURA MATHIS. HICKORY PIT

STOP PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOURCE. VANN PARK PHOTO BY JOY PAYNE. ALHAMBRA PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

Outdoor dining at Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse

Vann Park Neighborhood’s annual Easter egg hunt

Barbecue rib platter from Hickory Pit Stop

Alhambra Theater at Haynie’s Corner Arts District

River City Pride was founded in 2019 by local members of the LGBTQIA+ community to serve the Evansville region through leadership development, educational programs, and community events which achieve inclusivity, equality, strong community connections, and awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues.

Mission:

1. Unite, educate and serve the LGBTQIA+ community.

2. Celebrate and advocate LGBTQIA+ history while providing a safe space for networking and outreach.

Vision:

Create a safe haven that fiercely supports and advocates equality and equity in the community.

Ready to get involved?

We hold our Board of Directors meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month. These meetings are used for discussion, event planning, and to review the progress of the organization’s work so we can continue to move forward. We offer time at the end of every board meeting for members of our community to bring questions and issues important to them to our attention, and for community organizations to connect with our board for collaboration and support opportunities. Interested in attending? Privately message us through our website or by email so we may provide additional details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WARRICK COUNTY PRIDE FESTIVAL

May 31, 2025

RIVER CITY PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE

June 7, 2025

Main Street, Downtown Evansville

AZZIP GIVEBACK

June 18, 2025

4660 N. First Ave., Evansville, IN 47710

DUBOIS COUNTY PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 21, 2025

PRINCETON PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 2025

HIV AWARENESS DAY

June 27, 2025

HENDERSON PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 28, 2025

PRIDE NIGHT AT THE OTTERS

June 29, 2025 & 5:30 PM

INTERNATIONAL DRAG DAY

July 26, 2025

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

October 11, 2025

RIVER CITY PRIDE RAINBOW RUN

October 18, 2025

Garvin Park, 45 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, IN 47711

PRIDE TRUNK-OR-TREAT

October 2025

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBERANCE

November 11, 2025

WORLD AIDS DAY

December 1, 2025

RAINBOW ELVES

December 2025

Area Attractions

PHOTO

AUDRA STRAW

VISITOR’S CENTER AT JOHN JAMES AUDUBON STATE PARK IN HENDERSON, KENTUCKY

New Harmony and Vincennes State Historic Sites

INDIANAMUSEUM.ORG/HISTORIC-SITES

A day of discoveries is just down the road! At New Harmony State Historic Site, explore the renaissance of science, spirituality and the arts in this charming town that was once home to two Utopian communities. At Vincennes State Historic Site, learn about Indiana’s time as a territory as you tour the Territorial Capitol and other original structures to see what life was like for residents in the early 1800s. Plan your visit today! Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

1545 MESKER PARK DRIVE

812-435-6143 | MESKERPARKZOO.COM

Adventure awaits you at the zoo! Evansville’s Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is home to hundreds of exotic animals and plants from around the world. We offer daily experiences like penguin feedings, giraffe feedings, and carousel rides. Consider becoming a member to support your zoo. Get 365-day access and all the membership perks like free tram rides, discounts in the grill and gift shop, and discounts to select special events.

Bally’s Evansville

421 N. W. RIVERSIDE DRIVE 812-433-4000 | BALLYSEVANSVILLE.COM

Bally’s Evansville is an entertainment complex featuring a 45,000-square-foot casino with more than 900 slot games, 28 live and electronic table games, High Limit Room, Sportsbook, and an entertainment lounge showcasing live music. Accommodations include a 243-room hotel tower and a 95-room boutique hotel. Also find three dining options, three bars, conference rooms, riverfront event center, and an attached parking garage. Must be 21 or older to gamble at casinos. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-9WITHIT (1-800-994-8448).

Henderson, Kentucky

101 N. WATER ST., HENDERSON, KY 270-826-3128 | HENDERSONKY.ORG

Just minutes from Downtown Evansville, warm hospitality begins by crossing the Ohio River to Henderson, Kentucky. Experience miles of trails and the world’s largest collection of John James Audubon artifacts and originals at Audubon State Park, catch a live Thoroughbred race at Ellis Park, stroll the historic streets of the Downtown district lined with unique boutiques and eateries, and take the road less traveled to local wineries and famous sunsets.

WHERE BUSINESS MEETS PLEASURE

Walther’s Golf & Fun

2301 N. FIRST AVE. 812-464-4472 | GOLFNFUN.COM

Locally owned and operated for 29 years, Walther’s Golf & Fun is the area’s go-to spot for kids and adults of all ages. Attractions include indoor and outdoor mini-golf courses, mini-bowling, action packed lazer tag, an expansive arcade with virtual reality options, and madeto-order-food from Coconut Cafe. Not to mention, just next door is Evansville’s premier golf driving range. Come check out what’s going on at Walther’s Golf & Fun. Whether you’re looking to host a birthday bash or just have a fun day out, go wild at Walther’s!

LST-325

610 N.W. RIVERSIDE DRIVE 812-435-8678 | LSTMEMORIAL.ORG

Walk the decks of history on a ship that was at Omaha Beach on D-Day 80 years ago. A visit to the LST-325 gives visitors the opportunity to see a ship just like the ones built at the World War II shipyard here in Evansville — ships that were an essential part of victory in the war. Learn what it was like to serve on the Landing Ship Tank (LST), nicknamed the “Large Slow Target.” Hours vary by season. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for ages 6 to 17, and 5 and under are free.

Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science

411 S. E. RIVERSIDE DR. 812-425-2406 | EMUSEUM.ORG

Our mission is to utilize our permanent collection and resources to offer diverse educational experiences for the Tri-State region.

Membership makes it better – explore more today! Members get free admission, special program and event discounts, exclusive access to opening receptions, and more!

EXPERIENCE WORLD WAR II HISTORY

Wesselman Park and Wesselman

Woods Nature Preserve

551 N. BOEKE ROAD | 812-479-0771

Located on Evansville’s East Side, Wesselman Park is home to an accessible playground, shelter houses, and a variety of sport courts. Adjacent to the park, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is the largest urban old-growth forest in the nation. The preserve includes more than four miles of hiking trails in addition to a five-acre Nature Playscape with an accessible treehouse. Enjoy the outdoors and make plans to visit today!

Dig ‘N Roll Indoor Playground

812-893-8845 |

At Dig ‘N Roll, we’ve designed a haven for kids and parents. Enjoy quality time with your little one in a safe and relaxing environment. Our features include a variety of play zones, comfy seating, lake view lounges, a café, and much more. Let your kids explore, learn, and play while you relax and connect with other parents! Dig ‘N Roll is the perfect place for family fun!

The Farm

6901 PETERSBURG ROAD

812-550-1000 | THEFARMEVV.COM

The Farm delivers a country club experience at affordable prices. Our main goal is to serve our youth community by introducing them to the game of golf through our junior programs and helping them grow beyond the golf course. Partnering with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital will allow all our kids to connect and meet new people. The Farm is intended to be a relaxing place where everyone feels welcome.

The Children’s Museum of Evansville 22 S. E. FIFTH ST. 812-643-2663 | CMOEKIDS.ORG

The Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe), the Evansville region’s learning laboratory, is where families play, laugh, and work together on their lifelong education journeys. With three vibrant floors of hands-on exhibits and excitingly eclectic programming, members and guests always have something to explore at cMoe. Developments are coming to our award-winning galleries in the summer of 2025, spreading “Wow Moe-ments” for hundreds of miles from the center of Evansville’s historic Downtown. Visit cmoekids.org to get tickets, donate, or host your event with us.

how one city changed the world

| BURDETTEPARK.ORG

During World War II, airplanes, ships, tanks, munitions, and more than 330 other essential military materials were manufactured in Evansville. Producing more war materials per capita than any other American city, Evansville manufactured 3.2 billion .45 caliber rounds and 167 LSTs and rebuilt Sherman tanks. Evansville has been named an American World War II Heritage City – an honor only one city per state can be designated. Discover the crucial role Evansville played during World War II by visiting and exploring our many exhibits.

Burdette Park is a municipally owned and operated facility that provides a recreational and educational environment for patrons of all ages. Burdette Park is comprised of approximately 170 acres of scenic rolling hills in Southwestern Indiana.

• Furnished Chalets for Overnight Rentals

• Day Shelter Rentals (10 a.m. – Midnight)

• Campground and RV Park

• Aquatic Center featuring a large Olympic pool

• O’Day Discovery Lodge event venue

Atheneum Visitors Center, Historic New Harmony

401 ARTHUR ST., NEW HARMONY, IN 47631

812-682-4474 | USI.EDU/HNH

Start your New Harmony experience at the Atheneum Visitors Center, which houses exhibits on the communal history of the town, a theater with an introductory film, a museum shop, and golf cart rentals. Guided daily tours are available, including 10 and 11:15 a.m. tram tours that explore New Harmony from the perspective of a local resident and a 1 p.m. tour that delves deeply into the community’s fascinating history.

Evansville African American Museum

579 SONDRA MATTHEWS WAY 812-423-5188 | EVVAAM.ORG

The Evansville African American Museum is a cultural/ educational resource and historical centerpiece. We seek to rebuild local pride and lead the urban revival of Baptisttown while connecting residents with the rich heritage of Evansville’s African American community! We aim to build an inclusive and expansive local Black identity and believe that the exploration of our complex history — one with moments of inclusion and exclusion — helps prepare us to recognize and discuss current social issues with empathy and refinement.

Barker Brewhouse

Barker Brewhouse is a dog-friendly craft beer taphouse and brewery, offering a diverse selection of drinks including craft beer, wine, ciders, seltzers, non-alcoholic beer, and craft sodas. Known for our expertly crafted brews and inviting atmosphere, we have something for every palate — from bold IPAs to rich porters and unique seasonal creations. With our cozy taproom, rotating food truck schedule, and Tuesday Night Trivia, it’s the perfect spot to relax with friends, family, and your four-legged companions!

University of Evansville Theatre

1800 LINCOLN AVE.

812-488-2031 | THEATRE.EVANSVILLE.EDU

University of Evansville Theatre has an impressive reputation as one of the top theatre-training programs in the nation. Each year, the department presents three productions in the 482-seat Shanklin Theatre and two student-directed shows in the May Studio, and mounts a traveling troupe, the Rogue and Peasant Aces, to present free Shakespeare performances in the community. This storied program features alumni with notable achievements, including winners of Tony, Academy, and Emmy awards. Don’t miss your opportunity to see these future theatre professionals hone their craft right here in Evansville, Indiana!

Dusty Barn Distillery

6861 CARSON SCHOOL ROAD MOUNT VERNON, IN | 812-454-0135

Dusty Barn Distillery is nestled in Southern Indiana, creating award-winning whiskey using grains grown in our fields. Each batch is individually crafted and blended to ensure a unique and satisfying spirit. Stop in for a tasting and tour of the distillery, part of which was rebuilt after a structure fire in January. Dusty Barn Distillery also hosts Music on the Deck, a summer concert series featuring local bands and food trucks.

Play

LEADING SCORE Fun and recreation

are a big draw in Evansville. The city’s calendar is stacked with concerts, sports games, and entertaining events yearround. Residents and visitors alike make use of the city’s myriad green spaces, trails, forests, and wetlands. Recreation enthusiasts link up at several golf and disc golf courses, break a sweat at nearby pickleball courts, and hit the rails at Sunset Skatepark. North of the city, Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex see continuous action from travel youth sports tournaments, like November 2024’s Veterans Invitational Soccer Tournament for U13-U19 players shown here. 

PHOTO BY JOE DIEPHUIS

WHERE WE PLAY

Here are a few ways to enjoy recreation in the River City By

John Martin

ROCHELLE-LANDERS POOL

The not-too-large and not-too-small personality of Evansville suits the city well in recreation. There are lots of amenities to enjoy, as well as vast areas to experience nature. Here’s a look at some of the ways to enjoy outdoor and indoor recreational activities.

Pickleball and tennis

Whether you’re part of the nationwide pickleball craze or just starting out, you can enjoy the city’s year-old outdoor complex with 16 courts at Wesselman Park. The West Side’s Burdette Park (5301 Nurrenbern Road), owned by Vanderburgh County, has six outdoor pickleball courts available, and Scott Township Park (550 Radio Ave.) north of the city adds eight to the mix. Wesselman and Burdette parks also both provide tennis courts.

Swimming

The 2021 opening of Deaconess Aquatic Center (24 Don Mattingly Way) at Garvin Park brought Evansville a much-needed indoor

swimming facility, with pools for both competitive and recreational swimmers.

During the hot summer months, individuals and families can cool off at Burdette Park’s aquatic center, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Midwest. A great destination for kids, Burdette has an Olympic-size pool, family pool, and children’s pool, as well as waterslides, diving boards, concessions, and a spray park.

The City of Evansville has three outdoor neighborhood swimming pools available for use in June and July: Lorraine (2399 E. Adams Ave.), Mosby (1101 S. Barker Ave.), and Rochelle-Landers (701 Lincoln Ave). The city plans to install a new splash pad at Tepe Park (1212 S. Garvin St.) in summer 2025.

Skateboarding

Sunset Skatepark opened to much fanfare in December 2023, concluding a years-long crusade by skateboarding advocates. At 23,000 square feet, it’s Indiana’s largest concrete

skatepark, with quarter pipes, bowls, rinks, multi-jump lines, ledges, and all the features a beginning or accomplished skater needs. Its location on East Riverside Drive boasts impressive views along Evansville’s riverfront. The venue is free and open to skaters of all ages and skill ranges.

Golf

For golfers, the City of Evansville offers three public courses. Fendrich (1900 E. Diamond Ave.) is a scenic place to play dating to 1950. Helfrich , (1550 Mesker Park Drive) on the city’s West Side, was built in 1923 and reopened in 2023 after an extensive restoration process.

Fendrich and Helfrich both feature 18 holes, while the third city-owned course, McDonald, (2905 E. Morgan Ave.), is a ninehole course on the East Side.

The Farm (6901 Petersburg Road), an 18-hole course formerly known as Thunderbolt Pass and Hamilton’s, has been owned by

SUNSET SKATEPARK

PICKLEBALL COURTS AT WESSELMAN PARK

the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District and is under the new management of former pro golfer Dylan Meyer. Renovations are ongoing at the course, clubhouse, and other facilities.

“The Farm is going to be a place where all levels and ages are welcome to play in a relaxing environment,” Meyer said in a news release. “Our goal is to deliver a country club experience but at affordable prices for the general public.”

Ice Skating

City-owned Swonder Ice Arena (209 N. Boeke Road) next to Wesselman Park has year-round open skating times, as well as membership options. Swonder also is home to youth and adult hockey leagues, the Tri-State Sled Dogs sled hockey team, and the Greater Evansville Figure Skating Club.

Other Places to Walk, Bike, and Play

Sunset Skatepark hardly is the only attraction on the city’s riverfront. Next to the skatepark is Mickey’s Kingdom, an expansive, all-ages playground built by community volunteers and opened in 2018.

The riverfront is a popular place to walk or bike. The Pigeon Creek Greenway starts near the city’s new Sunrise Pump Station and water cascades; follow it past the skatepark and playground along the Ohio River shoreline. If you’re ambitious, take the path nearly seven miles to Garvin Park and hit the water at the Heidelbach canoe launch.

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, a surviving remnant of Southwestern Indiana’s original forests and an Indiana Nature

Preserve, is a National Natural Landmark and provides residents an urban spot to explore nature. It’s notable as the largest urban tract of virgin old-growth forest in the U.S. The nature preserve also boasts a new treehouse and nature playscape.

Adjacent Wesselman Park includes picnic facilities, a shelter house, sand volleyball, walking and hiking trails, and a fully accessible playground dedicated in 2024.

On Evansville’s West Side, a scenic threemile trail connects Burdette Park and the University of Southern Indiana campus.

Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex (4300 Heckel Road) host travel youth sports tournaments throughout the year; walking and biking paths surround them, as well.

SWONDER ICE ARENA

MICKEY’S KINGDOM

HAVING A BALL

Brycen Moore’s top picks for recreation in Evansville Edited by

Brycen Moore, General Manager of the Evansville Otters, grew up in Newburgh. He shares his favorite ways to get out and explore.

You work at Bosse Field, so you see the city’s love of sports up close. What do you think sports mean to Evansville residents?

Sports are such a big aspect of the community. We are approached by fans who have come to not only Otters’ games, but Braves’, Triplets’, and other teams that have played at historic Bosse Field. As one of those people, Bosse Field and the Otters hold a special place in my heart. I can remember going to University of Evansville Aces games at Roberts Stadium. Sports has such a great way to bring people from all walks of life together, and you can see that epitomized here.

Jodi Keen

What kinds of recreation do you enjoy in your free time?

My sister plays volleyball at the University of Southern Indiana, so I try to watch her games in the fall. In the winter, I coach a feeder basketball team of students from Castle North and South Middle Schools and watch Aces and USI basketball. When I have time in the summer, I love to golf as much as possible. I have always had such a passion to golf, and Evansville offers a lot of great and affordable courses to get out and play. After work, I love to get out and exercise and walk. Between the riverfront walkway and the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, there are really good options to get out and walk to clear my mind and get some good exercise in.

What are some under-the-radar places or ways to have fun while being active?

It is not so under-the-radar anymore, but I enjoy pickleball quite a bit. The trails and parks here are top notch and should be utilized more.

www.evansvillephilharmonic.org

Daniel Knight of Studio B Photography

PHOTO

Scene

SUMMER

Festivals and fun in the sun reign in Evansville during the summer months. From outdoor concerts to church picnics, social events are what bring the city together this season.

Come for Volksfest, the three-day celebration of Evansville’s German heritage held every August since 1934. Arrive hungry for brats, thirsty for German beer, and ready to dance the polka.

Music in the Park, which rotates between city parks from June to August, and First Fridays — held monthly at Haynie’s Corner Arts District from June to October — are ideal for live music, food trucks, and fun with friends

That’s just the start. For a mellow vibe in mid-July, head to local PBS station WNIN’s Jazz Fest, which includes food truck fare, a wine and beer garden, and live music. Evansville Front Porch Fest each September at Haynie’s Corner hosts regional talent on historic homes’ front porches throughout the community.

For dishes of time-honored family recipes served in a picnic setting, stop by summer socials at churches and parishes such as Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Philip Catholic Church, and St. Wendel Catholic Church.

Bookworms long for the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s summer sale held at Washington Square Mall. For more than 20 years, shoppers have combed through thousands of discounted books, movies, CDs, and more media at this library fundraiser.

A recent addition to Evansville’s summer calendar is the Pride Festival and Parade, held by River City Pride in June. Supporters march in a parade to a festival spread along Main Street featuring vendors, food trucks, a talent show, and more.

Bridge the mid-season gap with Fireworks on the Ohio. Taking over Riverside Drive in Downtown Evansville, throngs of spectators celebrate Independence Day with carnival rides, food trucks, and spectacular fireworks over the Ohio River.

SWIRCA & More Brewfest, in July on the lawn of the EVPL West Branch, raises funds for the organization which benefits local seniors. It draws craft beer producers from near and far.

What says summer like county fairs? You’ll find them the first two weeks in July spread across Vanderburgh and the surrounding counties. Enjoy concerts, cattle competitions, car shows, the best in baking and homegrown gardens, and activities for the whole family.

A seasonal staple is farmers markets. The largest arguably is the Franklin Street Bazaar, which spreads across the lawn of EVPL’s West Branch each Saturday morning from late May to late August. Other events such as pop-up yoga sessions are frequently held in conjunction with the market. On Wednesdays in summer, vendors set up at Downtown Evansville’s Market on Main and sell fresh produce, apple cider slushies, ice

cold lemonade, and more. Hungry? Order lunch at one of the food trucks that parks alongside the market.

Summer days are well spent cruising slowly with the windows down, and cars steal the spotlight several times this season. Enthusiasts flock to the West Side Nut Club’s cruise-in each June along West Franklin Street. Adrenaline junkies can get a double shot via the monthly Cars ‘n Coffee series outside Washington Square Mall. ShrinersFest in May also sports an eclectic car show alongside carnival rides, live music, food trucks, and more. But nothing beats the hundreds of street rods that descend on Evansville every August for E’Ville Iron’s three-day Frog Follies festival, which covers nearly every inch of the Vanderburgh 4-H Fairgrounds.

– Maggie Valenti

EVANSVILLE FRONT PORCH FEST

MARKET ON MAIN

VOLKSFEST

AUTUMN

For over a century, autumn’s arrival has delighted Evansville residents because it means a signature, joyous event in the city is nigh.

On the first full week in October, it’s West Side Nut Club Fall Festival time along West Franklin Street. Check the forecast before you go — the weather is always a wild card

— but make sure you come hungry. You’ll find countless food choices — think apple dumplings, deep-fried Reuben rolls, doughnut burgers, and more — sold at more than 130 food booths manned by area nonprofits, churches, and organizations. Carnival rides, nightly entertainment, a pet parade, and a half-pot drawing are all part of this tradition that Evansvillians love.

Autumn in Evansville provides plenty of other opportunities to enjoy cooler weather.

Wesselman Woods is the scene for an autumn celebration called Wandering Owl: Twilight Tasting, where guests can take in an urban old-growth forest and enjoy food, beer, and wine, plus guided encounters with wildlife.

In neighboring Newburgh, Indiana, Party in Paradise hosted by Warrick Parks Foundation and Warrick Trails features live music, food trucks, and a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere at Friedman Park.

Downtown Evansville invites your furry, four-legged friends to Dog Day on Main Street. Another Downtown event, WNIN Kids Fest, hosted by Evansville’s public broadcasting provider, promises a fun day for children and families.

Movie buffs will want to check out the Victory International Film Festival. It brings together regional, national, and international talent together for screenings, workshops, an awards ceremony, and more.

The autumn calendar at Evansville’s Haynie’s Corner Arts District includes the fall installment of Funk in the City featuring regional artisans, food trucks, and live music, while the Vanderburgh County Extension Homemakers’ Fine Arts and Crafts Show at the Vanderburgh 4-H Center is a 51-yearold tradition.

The Evansville Half Marathon & 5 Miler, the signature event of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, has drawn thousands of runners over two decades of races, while Fiesta Evansville – an annual celebration of Latino diversity – attracted more than 6,600 people in 2023 to Wesselman Park.

And lastly, Evansville is a great place to enjoy Halloween. Find frights at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden’s Boo at the Zoo, haunted houses, including The Catacombs and The House of Lecter, and zombie runs, ghost walks, truck-or-treats, hayrides, pumpkin carving, costume contests, and more across the city. – John Martin

EXCITING NEWS FOR THE EVANSVILLE REGION!

WEST SIDE NUT CLUB FALL FESTIVAL

WINTER

Winter in Evansville is flush with the holiday spirit, which shines throughout December with weeks of celebrations designed to bring the community together.

Harkening back to the city’s German heritage, Germania Maennerchor hosts a Christkindlmarkt early in the season featuring European holiday treats, handmade gifts, and photo ops with Santa.

Kids can meet Saint Nick at the West Side Nut Club’s Santa Land and get a special treat at the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville’s Elf Academy, where through seasonal-based activities they gain certification to be Santa’s helpers. Shoppers can select unique gifts from regional artists at the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and get in the holiday spirit at Downtown Evansville’s A Downtown Christmas, Holiday Open House, and Santa Stroll. Several animal rescues — including Vanderburgh Humane Society, It Takes a Village No-Kill Rescue, and Warrick Humane Society — sponsor adorable pet pictures with Santa

The Evansville Philharmonic family shares a festive spirit each Christmas. In December,

the orchestra and chorus are joined for the highly anticipated Peppermint Pops concert by a guest vocalist performing classic hymns and contemporary holiday tunes. The chorus changes tack later in the month by performing George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” under the timber-lined Gothic arches of 158-year-old Trinity United Methodist Church.

Already a historic staple in Evansville, the Reitz Home Museum particularly sparkles amid 19th-century holiday decorations at its Victorian Christmas celebration each December. Don’t miss a special evening of candlelight tours.

For a small-town holiday experience, visit Christmas in Newburgh, Indiana, for a townwide decorating contest, holiday home tours, Winterlights holiday display, a parade, and more.

It’s not Christmas in Evansville without driving through Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights Garvin Park is aglow with 90,000 bulbs across more than 80 holiday displays. Traditionally held from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, this long-standing fundraiser for Easterseals Rehabilitation Center bookends the holiday season.

Once the twinkle of holiday lights fades away, Evansville throws itself into sports. Bridging the new year’s gap is Thunderbolts

hockey, which throws down on the Ford Center ice from October to April. Particularly popular are the Thunderbolts’ theme nights spotlighting pop culture classics, first responders, and even four-legged friends.

Starting in February, warm up inside Amazonia at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden during the annual Orchid Escape, a six-week exhibit featuring artistically displayed orchids. March basketball excitement comes in the form of the Ohio Valley Conference Championships, bringing the top eight men’s and women’s teams to town to compete for the conference title — and the first bid to the NCAA Division 1 tournament. – Jodi Keen

PHOTO

RITZY’S FANTASY OF LIGHTS

SPRING

After a winter of hunkering indoors and avoiding the cold, spring in Evansville is the perfect opportunity to branch out with the blooming dogwoods and experience events outdoors.

Downtown Evansville kicks off a season of outdoor events in April with the Spring Wine Walk. Hundreds of people (adults only — sorry, kids) take to Main Street for wine tasting, shopping, and live music. May’s Sidewalk Sale is an art-fair-meets-garage-sale with 100-plus vendors selling handmade goods as well as knickknacks.

If you’re looking for a more art-focused fair, keep Spring Funk in the City on your radar. The longstanding event features more than 100 curated art vendors, plus live music and food, all at Haynie’s Corner Arts District.

One great way to take in the city’s finest artists and outdoor live music is the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana’s On the Roof concert series beginning in May. Visit the Main Street gallery to see the current exhibition, and then go upstairs for a rooftop concert.

Down to the Weekend. Held on the museum’s lawn, concerts are on Thursday evenings from May through June.

Spring is a perfect time to experience the area’s natural beauty. The Evansville Trails Coalition kicks off April with National Walking Day, followed by a season of other group walking and hiking events. April also is ideal for birdwatching, so don’t miss the annual Ohio Valley Birding Festival. Hosted by the Evansville Audubon Society and John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Kentucky, the event connects bird lovers between both states.

If you’d rather buy plants and bring them home than walk through them for leisure, check out the following events.

Billed as the “Tri-State’s largest indoor plant sale,” the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardeners Association hosts its annual sale at Vanderburgh 4-H Center each May. There’s also Mesker Park Zoo’s Bloomin’ Zoo Plant Sale , which boasts tropical varieties and unique items for your indoor or outdoor gardens.

where police and firefighters square off for a good cause — and bragging rights.

What better way to take in spring than with the sound of the crack of a bat and a hotdog in your hand? Take a seat for the opening baseball season in May at Bosse Field, the nation’s third-oldest

SOUTHWESTERN INDIANA MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION PLANT SALE

TAKE A BITE 2nd Language has served savory Southeast Asian cuisine — as enjoyed by diners shown here — since late 2020. The Downtown Evansville restaurant is one example of the variety of global flavors found in the area, from Latin American fare to classic Midwestern dishes and Southern comfort food. Don’t miss Evansville favorites like the breaded tenderloin sandwich, chicken on the beach, and cracker-thin crust pizza. Whatever foodie adventure awaits, Evansville has something to serve. 

WORTH EVERY SLICE

The variety of pizza styles stands out in the River City food scene

Make no mistake — Evansville loves cracker crust-style pizza, or una pizza as some call it, and it’s a flavor that many city residents call their own.

Diners in the River City love this thin and tasty variety — with its meats, veggies, or even pineapple or tomato slices packed on top, mingling alongside or beneath the cheese. Popular spots such as Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery, Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe & Bar, Spankey’s Una Pizza, Kipplee’s, and others have shown decades of staying power by banking and serving these crispy, savory pies year after year, square slice after square slice.

But a tour of Evansville restaurants finds a host of pizza tastes beyond the cracker crusts.

By John Martin

Neapolitan-style pies were introduced to the region in 2016 by Pangea Kitchen pistachio pizza is a signature item, and the Naples pepperoni, Margherita, and knuck leball varieties also aim to please. Pangea Kitchen goes even deeper into the pizza realm, literally, with its Detroit-style deepdish pies, including The Baller, which has three cheeses, sliced Trinity meatball, Mike’s Hot Honey, roasted onions, and fresh basil. Find Neo-Neapolitan slices at Pangea Pizzeria

Evansville, which serves daily slices and pies of pistachio, Regina Margherita, and Cupperoni, a pepperoni pizza drizzled in Calabrian chili honey.

There’s more. Lombardi’s New York Pizza and Wings offers a taste of the Big Apple with their hearty, by-the-slice offerings, while The Slice is a well-known haunt that’s steps away from the University of Evansville campus. Casey’s Dugout on Lincoln Avenue is a newcomer to the scene and offers Evansville sports nostalgia (try The Hitman, in honor of baseball hero Don Mattingly), while Roca Bar — which moved to the East Side after a lengthy history on South Kentucky Avenue — dates to 1953 and lays claim to being “Evansville’s Original Pizza.”

Pizza and entrepreneurship collided in Evansville back in 2014 with the forming of Azzip Pizza on the city’s West Side. The made-to-order personal pizzas were a smash, and Azzip has since expanded to other cities in Indiana, as well as Kentucky. The March Crabness is a crowd-pleasing specialty during that month of the year.

And while not technically a pizza, strombolis — baked in foil and steaming with pizza ingre-

AZZIP PIZZA

DEERHEAD SIDEWALK CAFE & BAR

CASEY KEOWN OF CASEY’S DUGOUT

ORDER UP

Chef Tori Chapman stacks her plate with Evansville’s culinary highlights Edited by

Chef Tori Chapman’s lifelong love of food inspired her to create Vegan Eats & Treats, a catering and custom order business. She shares her thoughts on the River City’s palate.

Describe Evansville’s flavor profile. Comforting. Whether you are enjoying tacos, ramen, vegan soul food, pizza, burgers, or Thai food, there will be a comforting factor to those meals that will make you feel at home.

How has the city’s food culture evolved?

With Evansville being a smaller city, there is more community when it comes to the culinary scene. Chefs can connect with our customers and community on a more personal level. I believe that really shows through our food and the love we put into it.

Jodi Keen

What are your go-to dining spots?

For a coffee and pastry, I recommend River City Coffee + Goods. For pizza, I am heading to Spankey’s Una Cafe, Azzip, or Pangea Pizzeria. I also love La Campirana.

Where do you and your family and friends enjoy going out to eat?

With being vegan, there are lots of vegan options here. Our favorite place to have a nice meal is Thai Bistro & Bar. The owners are friendly, and the food is consistently delicious. I always order the yellow curry (medium spice) with tofu and sticky rice.

What’s on Evansville’s food horizon?

Bedford Collab, a new shared commercial kitchen, will be opening soon. So, I think in the next couple of years, we will get to see lots of new chefs and new food concepts come to life.

RIVER CITY FLAVORS

There are a few food staples Evansville claims as its own

Evansvillians love to eat, as our wide breadth of food options attests. Many items, in fact, are more than just staples — they help brand and define our community.

Chip ‘n Sip

Grippo’s and SKI are a match made in Evansville, with the barbecue potato chips and the citrus soda among the first foods that transplants seek out when making a return trip to their hometown. It is infused into the DNA of locals (especially West Siders), although both products originated in and are produced in other states. The combo permeates menus throughout the city, as Azzip Pizza features the E’vil Pig (called the West Sider at Azzip’s Evansville shops), a barbecue pork pizza flavored with a SKI reduction and topped with tasty chips. Those chips also have been added to many West Side Nut Club Fall Festival booth offerings, from ice cream sundaes to grilled cheese sandwiches. Grocery stores sell them by the box.

By Shawn Rumsey

Breaded Tenderloin Sandwich

It might not scream Evansville, but it is a Hoosier specialty. Nick’s Kitchen in Hun tington, Indiana, takes credit for creating this sandwich — the Midwest version of Weiner schnitzel — defined by an oversized tenderloin within a small bun, filled with your choice of lettuce, onion, pickles, mayonnaise, and/ or horseradish. The thickness of the breaded meat will depend on the restaurant, and there is no shortage of places to find one in the River City. Head to Gerst Haus, Deerhead Sidewalk Café & Bar, The Hornet’s Nest, The Highland Inn, or The Hilltop Inn — which Evansville Living readers said fried up their favorite breaded tenderloin sandwich in the 2022 Best of Evansville awards.

Pollo Delicioso

Why did the chicken go to the beach? No one knows for sure, but one thing is certain: Chicken on the Beach is a top menu choice for many locals heading to their favorite Mexican restaurant. Featuring grilled or marinated chicken and fried rice smothered in a cheesebased sauce, restaurants make their own signature take by adding their unique flavorings

Brainy Bites

Speaking of the Fall Festival, some food booths at the weeklong fest serve up brain sandwiches. Don’t fret, no cannibalism or zombie activity is involved, as these are breaded pig brains, which don’t have much flavor themselves; the key lies in the spices in the breading. While these are deep-fried on the spot, those who want a more relaxed brain-dining experience year-round can stop by The Hilltop Inn, where it is a menu staple. The idea originated in the meat-packing stockyards of East St. Louis, Illinois, and appears to have found a forever home here in the River City.

— Maggie Valenti contributed to this story.

THE HORNET’S NEST

FRIED BRAIN SLIDERS AT THE HILLTOP INN

CHICKEN ON THE BEACH FROM HACIENDA

Let’s Eat

Fine Dining

Cavanaugh’s on the River

Located on the second floor of Bally’s Riverfront Event Center, this premier dining experience specializes in steak and seafood on its three-course menu, which includes prime rib, pork chop, blackened neptune, verlasso salmon, and king crab legs.

Live entertainment Wednesday-Sunday at Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar. Reservations recommended.

421 N.W. Riverside Drive (inside Bally’s Evansville)

Upscale Dining

Belly of the Wolf

This newer scratch restaurant inside Schymik’s Kitchen offers a wine-driven menu of smoked salmon, Iberico pork loin, shareplate ribeyes, steak frites, Curacao creme brulee, and more.

1112 Parrett St.

i Cap & Cork

Find a menu heavy on steak and seafood, with several handheld choices, a lengthy cocktail menu, and a cigar and bourbon bar.

104 N. Water St., Henderson, KY

The Collective

Entrees like seafood stuffed mushrooms, barbecue pork sliders, crispy skin salmon, chicken cordon bleu, and porterhouse stead are complemented by curated wines, original cocktails, and a whiskey selection. 21+.

230 Main St. (above COMFORT by the Cross-Eyed Cricket)

Copper House

Dishes range from white bean hummus and steak and grits to apricot salmon, plus cocktails and wine enjoyed from

the restaurant, bar, and Garden Room overlooking the kitchen.

1430 W. Franklin St.

Cork ’N Cleaver

(Best Restaurant for a Celebratory Dinner)

With its menu etched on literal cleavers, this longstanding restaurant is known for steaks, seafood, burgers, and sandwiches, an extensive salad bar (complete with anchovies), and mud pie for dessert.

650 S. Hebron Ave.

Cosmos Bistro

This French-inspired menu, concise with a broad variety of options, offers a la carte dishes that change seasonally.

101 S.E. First St.

Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar

The wine and cocktail bar has an intimate setting and offers a rotating selection of small plates including charcuterie and cheese plates, salads, flatbreads, and desserts.

303 Main St.

i Farmer and Frenchman Winery

French and Italian cuisines live in harmony on this menu offering seasonal small bites, focaccia, vol au vent, braised beef pasta, beet and burrata salad, beef bourguignon, and roasted butternut squash. An extensive wine menu is available.

12522 U.S. 41 S., Robards, KY

i Haub Steakhouse

Housed in a 125-year-old former grain warehouse, find hand-cut meats, including trimmed steaks and fresh seafood, alongside desserts and signature cocktails.

101 E. Haub St., Haubstadt

Casual

Bar Louie

The Midwest gastrobar chain offers bar bites like fried pickles and bone-in wings before entrees including Monterey chicken, citrus grilled salmon, beer-battered fish and chips, shrimp and grits, flatbreads, and craft burgers and scratchbuilt sandwiches. Catering available.

7700 Eagle Crest Blvd.

BRU Burger Bar

(Best Restaurant for a Burger)

Inside the city’s historic former Greyhound bus terminal, dine on endless takes on the burger — dress it up with bourbon sauce, Provencal cheese, double bacon, chipotle barbecue sauce, a Mexicali spice mix, and mushrooms and Swiss cheese. A wide range of sandwiches, milkshakes, and signature cocktails also are served.

222 Sycamore St.

i Carriage Inn

Housed in what originally was a 19th-century livery renting horses and carriages, this Southern family-style restaurant serves hand-breaded fried chicken, chicken livers and gizzards, grilled salmon, and catfish filets, plus sandwiches and burgers.

103 E. Gibson St., Haubstadt

Catfish Willy’s Seafood & Comfort Cuisine

This eclectic menu includes a Grippos cheeseburger, meatloaf, coconut shrimp, crab stuffed whitefish, fried frog legs, a seafood ramen boil, loaded gator fries, fresh-shucked loaded or raw oysters, deep fried crab cakes, and a create-your-own seafood steampot, all served with the help of robots.

5720 E. Virginia St.

Chef Lo on the Go

Find a range of classic smashburgers — including pineapple bacon, surf and turf, and brunch variations — plus a shrimp po’boy, fajita tacos, ribeye cheesesteak sandwich, and a variety of loaded fries.

900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)

COMFORT by the Cross-Eyed Cricket (Best Spot for Brunch)

Dine in a historic former hotel on one of the city’s most varied menus. Country entrees include meatloaf, roast beef, and chicken and dumplings, or select from loaded salads, thick sandwiches, fish and fowl dishes, and steaks. Belgian waffles, skillets, omelets, and more breakfast items are served all day.

230 Main St.

Cross-Eyed Cricket Family Restaurant

The precursor to COMFORT set the table for homestyle cooking available all day. Breakfast specials include bread budding French toast, deep fried fruit-covered funnel cake, and garlic butter ribeye steak ‘n eggs. For lunch or dinner, try the Cricket Melt — two beef patties with lettuce, tomato, sauteed onions, and bacon on Texas toast.

2101 W. Lloyd Expressway

Drake’s

The Lexington, Kentucky-based chain specializes in burgers, steaks, sushi, and a good time. The bar has 20 craft beers on tap to wash down a variety of sushi rolls and burgers, plus chicken asada tacos, fried fish, salads, chili, smashburgers, steak, and sandwiches.

1222 Hirschland Road

The Frontier Restaurant and Bar Feast on chicken wings, a “porterhouse” pork chop, and roasted prime rib, plus seafood, pasta, burgers, and sandwiches at the former cinder block saloon.

12945 IN-57

G.D. Ritzy’s

Exuding a diner feel with a 1950s playlist, on the menu are chili, “the world’s best” peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the well-known shoe string fries alongside burgers, hotdogs, salads, and soft-serve ice cream.

Three locations in Evansville

i Hometown Roots

Explore cuisine with Southern roots by way of pork cakes, a classic Kentucky Hot Brown, Mississippi Cajun catfish, and sweet sorghum banana pudding served in a mason jar. Catering available.

136 Second St., Henderson, KY

The Hornet’s Nest Steakhouse

Formerly a tavern, hotel, and dance hall, now the restaurant offers everything from a hot brown and beef Manhattan to Cajun chicken tortellini, French dip and Philly sandwiches, lollipop pork chop, pecan bourbon chicken, and more in a relaxed setting. From the bar, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, beer, bourbon, and whiskey.

11845 Petersburg Road

Jacob’s Pub

This new venture incorporates many original DiLegge’s Restaurant dishes. Start with a fungi ripieni granchio or insalata DiLegge, then dig into Gina’s fried chicken, DiLegge’s baked ziti, a chicken parmesan grinder, German bologna sandwich, double Chicago hot dog, bistecca e gamberetti, clams and linguine, scampi, or build-your-own pasta.

607 N. Main St.

Journey Fish & Chicken

Food with a Chicago flare, try Windy City twists on honey barbecue wings, chicken tenders, catfish steak, and Italian beef.

825 S. Green River Road

Juicy Seafood

Specials include boiled black and green mussels, squid, crayfish, and snow crab, plus New England clam chowder, hushpuppies, raw or steamed oysters, king crab legs, seafood fried rice, and pasta on the Cajun-inspired menu.

865 N. Green River Road

i The Korner Inn

The northern Warrick County bar is open from breakfast to dinner, including nightly specials on fried chicken, catfish fiddlers, and smoked pork chops.

15 W. Main St., Elberfeld

i The Log Inn

The Elpers family’s definition of homestyle cooking includes fried chicken legs and wings, rolls, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, homemade coleslaw, corn, green beans, and freshly baked pies and cakes. Erected in 1825 as a stagecoach stop and trading post, this resting point is recognized as the oldest restaurant in Indiana.

12491 S. 200 E., Haubstadt

Major Munch

Order from a menu of savory burgers and patty melts, catfish sandwich, Philly cheesesteaks, po’boys, three types of crispy chicken sandwiches, and tenderloins.

101 N.W. First St.

Mister B’s (Best Restaurant for Wings)

Choose from fare like battered mushrooms, nacho baskets, seasoned and loaded waffle fries, loaded potato soup, reubens, strombolis, buffalo mac and cheese, baked ziti, and specialty pizzas. After your meal, stop at Club 18, an indoor golf simulator club next door to the Evansville location.

1340 Hirschland Road; 2611 U.S. 41, Henderson, KY

The New Old Mill

Family-style dinners have been made from scratch here since 1936. In a dining room sporting Old World decor, share plates of breaded cauliflower, shrimp egg rolls, Texas-cut prime rib, baby back ribs, shrimp Maui, filet of sole almandine, baked scrod, chicken ala Kiev, lasagna, weiner schnitzel, and Old Mill tenderloin and fish filet sandwiches.

5031 New Harmony Road

Pangea Kitchen

This East Side restaurant combines Thai and Italian dishes to create its eclectic menu of Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizzas, housemade pasta, pad ke moa, kao soi, pad ka poa and rice, torta milanesa, and a rotating taco special. Gelato and Italian pastries are available for dessert.

111 S. Green River Road

Pip’s Pub

Did the silvery diner exterior catch your eye as you exited Interstate 64? Weary travelers and local diners alike stop by for classic and creative twists on pub cuisine, including catfish bites, fried pickles, Bavarian pretzel sticks, and the mac and smash attack burger, Philly cheesesteak, pork tenderloin sandwich, and a citrus chicken rice bowl.

19501 Elpers Road

Prime Time Bar & Grill

The prime rib is a house specialty, but there’s plenty more here: burgers, rice bowls, and crunchy potato chips to snack on while waiting for an order. Choose from about 45 bourbons and 25 beers on tap.

8177 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh; 12301 U.S. 41 N.

Rockin Chicken Indi

Sample a variety of marinated meats like grilled chicken, jumbo wings, skirt steak, pulled pork, and rack rib, plus street and soft tacos and burritos with housemade sauces and sides.

2519 N. First Ave.

The Rooster’s Den

Passed-down family recipes are the backbone of this menu, which offers biscuits and gravy, a loaded haystack, Rowdy Rooster, French toast, pancakes, breaded pork tenderloin, Hawaiian chicken salad, and chicken strip basket. A soup and salad bar is available at lunch.

38988 Haley Drive, Newburgh

Samuel’s

You’ll know this Downtown eatery by its red exterior. Inside, and on the outside patio, diners enjoy smashburgers, truffle fries, and cocktails. 21+.

113 S.E. Fourth St.

The Tin Fish

Fill up on calamari, crab cakes, mahi-mahi, swordfish, trout, and filets like orange roughy, catfish, tilapia, and walleye are offered alongside New England clam chowder, tacos, burritos, and sandwiches. The two-story, pink salt-walled seafood eatery includes an 18-seat bar.

707 State St., Newburgh

Cafés

10-8 Café Bar & Grill

The menu inside the North Side shooting range and entertainment center winks at the law enforcement life, offering live rounds (pizza), burglers (burgers), new recruits (kids’ menu), mutual aid (sides), and sandwiches like the dayshifter BLT and the billy club.

4209 U.S. 41 N. (inside Lawman Tactical Guntry Club)

Kite & Key Café

Breakfast and lunch options include omelets, breakfast burritos, eggs benedict, French toast, crepes, avocado toast, skillets, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, quesadillas, soups, and salads. Try the cinnamon roll bread pudding, and stop in the coffee bar.

2301 W. Franklin St.

Libby and Mom’s Café

Sit down to daily specials like smoked pork chop, chicken livers, beef ‘n’ noodles, beef Manhattan, and meatloaf, with mashed taters, cucumber and onions, German tater salad, and more sides.

Two Richardt Ave.

i Sidewalk Café

This local favorite lunch spot features sandwiches like grilled pimento cheese and hot ham and cheese, and daily specials, plus soups, salads, and desserts. Catering available.

228 Second St., Henderson, KY

Sunrise Café Family Restaurant

Select from several spins on pancakes, waffles, French toast, and omelettes, plus hearty lunches like catfish, chicken strips, and chopped sirloin.

8401 N. Kentucky Ave.; 2121 N. Green River Road, Ste. 8

Diners

The Carousel Restaurant

There are lots of hearty choices here – biscuits and gravy, a Tex-Mex breakfast bowl, Carousel Signature Chili, fish sandwich, classic Reuben, roast beef Manhattan, fried chicken, and country fried steak, to name a few.

5115 Monroe Ave.

The Diner by Mele’s

Offering a wide mix of American and Mexican cuisine, order the funnel cake, chicken

and waffles, tilapia mango, enchiladas, tacos, taquitos, fajitas, chicken on the beach, Mexican chicken, or cheesecake chimichanga.

550 N. Green River Road

Frankie’s Restaurant

Discover both Mexican and Midwestern comfort food, including chilaquiles, churro waffles, tres leches pancakes, cajeta French toast, fried catfish, and Wisconsin cheese curds and fried pickles. The bar serves cocktails, wines, and beer plus weekly drink specials.

6840 Logan Drive

Merry Go Round Restaurant

Open since June 1946, the menu at this octagon-shaped building includes a choice of steak, smoked porch chop, grilled pork tenderloin, pork cutlet, and chicken plus eggs as well as omelets. Sandwiches make up a huge chunk of the menu, plus salads, seafood, steaks, pasta, soups, and chili.

2101 N. Fares Ave.

Nellie’s

Popular breakfast items include chicken and waffles, French toast, chicken fajita burrito, breakfast skillets, and omelets. For dinner, try the liver and onions, ribeye sandwich, pot roast, shrimp creole or tacos, and smothered pork chops. A North Side sister restaurant offering bar seating joined the family in 2024.

6600 N. First Ave.; 8566 Ruffian Lane, Newburgh

Walk-ups and Drive-ins

Burger Bank

The yellow, red, and white building is easy to spot. If you’re not into the sliced-thin patties served on fluffy buns with classic toppings, order the tenderloins, melts, Philly cheese steaks, burgers, soups, sandwiches, shakes, floats, and soft-serve ice cream.

1617 S. Weinbach Ave.

i The Dariette

This old-school burger joint offers lunch and dinner for a sit-down, drive-up, or drive-thru meal. Order tater kegs to start, then choose from cheeseburgers, pork tenderloin, Nashville hot chicken, fish, chili dogs, and buffalo chicken strips. For dessert, try extreme milkshakes and sundaes. 711 Atkinson St., Henderson, KY

JD Caribbean Restaurant

This South Side eatery is known for Caribbean and Haitian fare such as fried goat, jute leaves, chayote, goat stew, plantains, and fried fish.

1010 S. Kentucky Ave.

i Taylor’s Grill on Wheels

Memphis-style smoked meats are the top attraction alongside brisket, rib tips, smoked loin chops, pulled pork, smoked or barbecue pulled chicken breast, mac and cheese, baked beans, nachos, potato salad, and baked potatoes. Catering available.

130 N. Water St. Henderson, KY

Zesto Drive-In

Since 1971, the Riverside Drive location has been owned by members of the Hardesty family, who in 2024 added the Franklin Street drive-in. Both sites continue the 1950s tradition of pounded-thin burgers, crinkle fries, and soft-serve ice cream. The West Side menu expands with bacon, egg and cheeses, biscuits and sausage gravy, hashbrown bites, breakfast tacos, and sandwiches like breaded tenderloin and cheeseburgers as well as grilled cheese and soup and a fish sandwich basket.

102 W. Franklin St.; 920 E. Riverside Drive

Pizzerias

Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant & Bar

Grab a drink and appetizer before a meal of homemade chili, gyros, pulled pork barbecue sandwich, breaded or grilled tenderloin sandwich, and a variety of pizzas.

8309 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh

Azzip Pizza

It’s “pizza” backward, but the mid-andmatch style of pie is anything but. Personal-sized pizzas (8 or 11 inches) are prepared to order. Specialties include the West Sider (barbecue pork, Grippos, and Ski extract), the Italian Stallion, and Potato Head, as well as the seasonal March Crabness.

Three locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh

Big Ass Slice Shop

These New York City-influenced pies are large — we’re talking 18-by-8-inch slices –piled with toppings like jalapeno, banana peppers, pineapple, chicken, and bacon.

900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)

Casey’s Dugout

The baseball-inspired restaurant serves cleverly monikered pies like The “Graham” Slam, Field of Greens, and “The Hitman” and Donnie MEATball, both named after Evansville native and former New York Yankees star Don Mattingly. Come for the pies, stay for the swath of sports memorabilia decorating every available surface. 2900 Lincoln Ave.

Dontae’s Highland Pizza Parlor

Sink your teeth into hoagie-style sandwiches and specialties pizzas. For pies, try the Cow & Pig, Funky Chicken, or King Fajita, or nosh on The Farva, Hines’ own spin on Evansville’s favorite strombolis.

6669 Kratzville Road

Franklin Street Pizza Factory

Order a signature pizza such as the Sleek Green or Le Dolce Vida, or build your own pie. This West Side spot also offers sandwiches, salads, beer, and wine.

2033 W. Franklin St.

Kipplee’s

Thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, and strombolis have been the top draw at this East Side establishment for more than 30 years.

2350 E. Division St.

Lombardi’s New York Pizza and Wings

New York City-style pizza carves its way into the Midwest with a variety of flavors and

toppings, sold by the slice or whole.

A meaty variety is the New Porker.

3311 N. Green River Road

Lyle’s Sportszone Pizza & Pub

Part restaurant, part dive bar, you’ll find pizza, strombolis — including Lyle’s original loaded stromboli — burgers, and sandwiches, plus live entertainment.

1404 E. Morgan Ave.

Pangea Pizzeria

Offerings include Neo-Neapolitan pizza plus breadsticks, wings, cookies, and house made gelato and sorbet. Diners also can order from the menu of neighboring restaurant 2nd Language.

401 N.W. Second St., Ste. A

Pizza King

The local version of this Hoosier chain has a variety of appetizers and thin-crust pizzas, but it’s best known for its strombolis. The original boasts sausage and onion, or order a strom with a twist, like Texas barbecue and ham and cheese.

Two locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh

Roca Bar and Pizza

Serving pizza since 1953, Roca Bar lays claim to being “Evansville’s Original Pizza.”

Try specialty pies like Round the World, bacon cheeseburger, quesadilla, Mega Meat, and Roca Fredo, or order flatbreads, sandwiches, and pasta.

4600 Washington Ave.

Rounders and Rounders Too Pizza

Specialty pizzas include the Nameless Special, a pie with the tomato sauce on top, and the Bavarian, served with mustard, plus strombolis and sandwiches.

510 W. Mill Road; 12731 N. Green River Road

The Slice

Steps away from the University of Evansville campus, this neighborhood gathering place sells pies by the slice in popular choices such as the potato, ranch, and spinach.

2011 Lincoln Ave.

Spankey’s Una Café

The brand expanded in 2023 with this eatery in Haynie’s Corner Arts District. Find una-style pizza alongside cheese bread, bread sticks, wings, pretzel bites, salads, strombolis, sandwiches, desserts, and more. 15 Jefferson Ave.

Spankey’s Una Pizza

This restaurant’s first iteration grew from its una-style origins and into a popular sit-down restaurant on the West Side offering specialty pizzas — on that trademark cracker-thin crust — and build-your-own pies, plus sandwiches and specialty salads. Try the Strom Pizza or the Westsider, two options with a nod to Evansvillians’ appetites.

440 W. Lloyd Expressway

The Sportsden Bar & Grill

Dress up una-style pizzas with an array of toppings or order the Grand Slam and other specialty pies. Brat burgers, ribeye, German fried bologna, strombolis, and other sandwiches round out the menu.

701 N. Weinbach Ave., Ste. 110

Steve’s Una Pizza

Have a classic una-style experience at this 50–plus-year-old walk-up favorite. Choose from thin-crust pies, wings, strombolis, and sandwiches.

1005 S. St. James Blvd.

Turoni’s Pizzery and Brewery (Best Pizza)

Famed for its cracker-thin crusts since 1963, this restaurant also launched Evansville’s first microbrewery in 1996. Pizza, strombolis, and sandwiches, paired with a frosty pint of Honey Blonde Ale, await.

Two locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh

Twisted Tomato Pizza Co.

Serving pizza on made-from-scratch pizza dough, pizza dippers, popper toast, pepperonicinis, oven-baked sandwiches including chicken alfredo carbonara and sloppy joe, and a variety of pastas.

2333 St. George Road

Barbecue

Bad Randy’s Hot Chicken & BBQ Lounge

Test your spice tolerance with eight different levels of heat for fried chicken, plus crab linguine, baby back ribs, steak frites, hog fries, smoked chicken wings, tacos, and more.

1418 W. Franklin St.

i ChefWhat BBQ & More

Fresh lunch specials are made to order daily, including burritos, pulled pork sandwich and quesadilla, smoked mac and cheese, and a smoked bologna and cheese sandwich. Catering available.

422 Seventh St., Henderson, KY

Hickory Pit Stop

This local staple since 1957 cooks its meats over a hickory wood fire. Dinners include half-chicken, pork, mutton, ham, and baby back ribs with potato salad, baked beans, slaw, and fries. From the grill, try a fried bologna sandwich or double cheeseburger. Buffet-style catering available.

1521 N. Main St.

i Homer’s Barbecue

Find trademarks like smoked wings, brisket, and St. Louis-style ribs as well as specialties like chicken lollipops, briskitos, and barbecue nachos, and cheddar jalapeño sausage. Catering available.

128 Second St., Henderson, KY

Lone Star Bar-B-Q and Soul Food

Texas-style slow-cooked meats share a menu with burgers, salads, sandwiches, catfish, frito pie, and more. Catering available.

2403 Washington Ave.

Mission BBQ

Readers named this national chain their favorite barbecue joint in the 2017, 2022, and 2023 Best of Evansville awards for its barbecue meats — and for deploying its armored catering vehicle to feed first responders during emergencies. Large Pick-Up Packs and catering available.

1530 N. Green River Road

i Thomason’s Barbecue

Since the 1960s, the family-owned has used hickory wood to smoke barbecue pork, mutton, ribs, chicken, ham, beef, chicken, baby back ribs, and turkey. Classic sides include potato salad, slaw, and barbecue beans. Catering available.

701 Atkinson St., Henderson, KY

Asian

2nd Language

Take your taste buds on a global adventure via Japanese karaage, Asian Buffalo Bao Bun, lumpia Shanghai, chimichurri steak, Korean cucumber salad, donburi rice bowls, and at least nine choices of ramen.

401 N.W. Second St.

Big Bang Mongolian Grill

Bowls piled high with custom combinations of vegetable, meat, and noodle stir fry are the signature here.

2013 N. Green River Road

Canton Inn

The North Park Shopping Center is home to this well-known spot offering Cantoneseand American-style appetizers, soups, poultry, beef, pork, seafood dishes, and daily lunch and dinner buffets.

947 North Park Drive

Chopstick House Restaurant

The longtime eatery in Village Commons serves Cantonese meals, including specialties such as Treasure Duck, a boneless delicacy steamed for hours in spicy sauce and topped with vegetables.

5412 E. Indiana St.

Domo Japanese Hibachi Grill, Sushi, and Ramen (Best Asian Restaurant)

Get ready to roll with a lengthy list of sushi choices, plus Japanese dishes, ramen, bento boxes and more.

215 N. Green River Road

Fuji Yama

For 20 years, this North Side sushi and hibachi spot has served soups, salads, noodles, rice, sushi, hand rolls, chicken, beef, and shrimp dishes.

915 North Park Drive

Gangnam Korean

Named for the Gangnam District in Seoul, South Korea, select from rice dishes like bibimbap and dupbap, noodle options such as Korean Ramyun, and entrees including chicken and beef bulgogi, all served as K-Pop music plays in the background.

518 Main St.

Jaya’s Authentic Foods

Authentic Korean cuisine and sushi from the namesake chef have delighted diners since 1980. Select from several rolls, soups, and traditional entrees like kimchi bok um, jaeyuk dupbop, and pul ko kee.

119 S.E. Fourth St.

Jumak

Order from traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap, yachae twigim, and bulgogi.

5720 E. Virginia St.

Kanpai (Best Sushi)

This East Side eatery has a long list of sushi choices — such as the Zig Zag, filled with cucumber and avocado and, topped with soft shell crab, scallion, and spicy mayonnaise — lunch bento boxes, and more.

4593 Washington Ave.

Ma.T.888 China Bistro

Pick from high-quality modern Cantonese and Chinese fusion cuisine choices, including house specialties such as lemongrass fish, Peking duck, and chicken lettuce wraps.

5636 Vogel Road

Noodle House

This family-owned spot has made fans with its Wok fried rice, lo mein, mei fun, ramen, pho, and more. Bao buns are made in-house.

8922 High Pointe Drive, Newburgh

Osaka Japanese Hibachi and Sushi

Hibachi-style and Indonesian cuisine is the main attraction, plus a sushi bar, poke bowls, hot plates, bento boxes, and Japanese curry.

5435 Pearl Drive; 4222 Bell Road, Ste. 7, Newburgh

Poke River

This Hawaiian fusion restaurant serves up poke and sushi in dishes like bowls, burritos, and salads.

6240 E. Virginia St.

Roppongi Japanese Steak & Sushi

Follow up one of the lively hibachi shows with entrees like the Roppongi special, featuring lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, and New York strip.

7221 E. Indiana St.

Sakura

Find Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, fried rice, tempura, as well as Chinese dishes. Sushi choices include a trio of specialty rolls: the Rainbow, Volcano, and Mango Tuna.

4833 Highway 261, Newburgh

Szechwan Restaurant

The extensive Sichuan menu offers Szechuan dumplings, Kung Pao Chicken, Ma Po Tofu, and crispy Peking Duck.

669 N. Green River Road (in Eastland Place)

Thai Bistro and Bar

Spice up your life with the bistro’s authentic Thai cuisine including Pad Thai, curry, papaya salad, crab rangoons, satay, and more.

5416 E. Indiana St.

Vietnamese Cuisine

This staple of Southeastern Asian cuisine offers ribeye noodle soup, a chargrilled pork sandwich, grape leaf-wrapped meats, hot pots, rice noodle dishes, and more.

4602 Vogel Road

Yang’s Shabu Shabu

The Japanese style of quickly cooking thin-sliced meat in a simmering broth is applied to lo mein, chow udon, chow mei, and more. Complete your meal with one of a dozen bubble tea flavors.

4700 Vogel Road

Yen Ching

A longtime East Side favorite, this establishment is known for Mandarin, Szechwan, and Peking cuisine, served among classic Asian decor sporting red and gold touches reminiscent of Old Beijing’s summer palace. Catering available.

406 S. Green River Road

Zuki Japanese Hibachi Grill & Sushi Lounge

Both locations offer a high-end hibachi grill, gourmet sushi, and Japanese dishes in an upscale setting.

1448 N. Green River Road; 222 Main St.

German

Gerst Haus (Best Draft Beer Selection)

This West Side staple nods to the surrounding neighborhood’s heritage with authentic dishes from schnitzels to stroganoff, as well as several American favorites, served in a Bavarian beer hall-style environment. As Evansville Living readers have noted, Gerst also offers some of the city’s best draft beer choices.

2100 W. Franklin St.

Indian

Bites of India

Select Indian and Indo-Chinese entrees such as garlic naan, butter chicken, galouti kebab, tawa fish, okra masala, goat rezala, goat sukka, andhra fish fry, malabar fish curry, and a variety of briyanis and traditional soups.

1434 Tutor Lane

Taj Mahal

Order buffet style or from a menu of tandoori chicken, paneer tikka, panjabi curry, kadai paneer, and more.

900 Tutor Lane

Yak & Yeti

Himalayan and Indian family recipes converge in tandoori lamp chops, momo dumplings, and several kinds of curry — choose from 10 spice levels.

815 S. Green River Road

Irish

Patsy Hartigan’s Irish Pub

Taste cuisine of the Emerald Isle, including fish and chips, Reuben sandwiches, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. Chase them with a pint of Guinness or a new house brew.

203 Main St.

Italian/Mediterranean

Angelo’s

The lunch crowd stands in line for pizza by the slice. A full complement of Italian starters, entrees, and desserts (including silk pie) is offered.

305 Main St.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Monthly chef specials and homemade dishes fill out the lunch and dinner menus.

Try bacon-wrapped dates, seafood scampi, french onion soup, braised short rib or

VIETNAMESE CUISINE

butternut squash ravioli, eggplant parmesan, dijon salmon, and grilled mahi mahi. 6401 E. Lloyd Expressway, Ste. 3

Café Arazu

A worldly mix of meals awaits, such as gyros, Tuscan grilled beef sala, Moroccan red lentil soup, and hummus and falafel platters. 17 W. Jennings St., Newburgh

House of Como

The South Side staple offers a menu of Arabian dishes like shish kabobs, yebra malfoof, seneya betiajia, and kibi seneya, plus seafood, steaks, and Italian specialties. Reservations required. Payment is in cash or check.

2700 S. Kentucky Ave.

Kabob Xpress

A go-to spot for a quick meal with a Middle Eastern flare, select from stuffed grape leaves, shawarma, falafel, fresh salads, sandwiches, gyro plates, and many kabob plate options.

3305 N. Green River Road

Lily’s Mediterranean Express

Choose from salads, falafel, bruschetta, hummus, rice bowls, wings, sandwiches, wraps, beef kabob, chicken dinger, and pizzas.

4120 N. First Ave.

Little Angelo’s

Stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, spinach ravioli, tortellini ala pesto, chicken marsala, shrimp and scallops bella donna, and pizza all occupy the menu here. When the weather is nice, enjoy your favorite dish with a glass of wine on the patio.

8000 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh

Little Italy

Mix Italian and Mediterranean with fried zucchini, parmesan fried green tomato, minestrone soup, cream of potato soup, spinach ravioli, rigatoni carbonara, chicken kebab, shrimp bisque, pizzas, and Italian cream lemon cake.

4430 N. First Ave.

Manna Mediterranean Grill

Specialties include stuffed grape leaves, gyros, kebabs, beef and lamp gyros, chicken shawarma and creamy garlic sauce, baba gannoug, tabbouleh salad, harissa, and baklava.

2913 Lincoln Ave.

Marida Mediterranean Restaurant

Enjoy Turkish and Kurdish cuisine like kebabs, gyro wraps, kuzu pirzola, alinazik, sac tava, and haydari, plus steak, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian specialties.

1 E. Water St., Newburgh

Milano’s Italian Cuisine

File through the line for the lunch salad bar, to-go pasta, and slices of pizza, or sit for a meal of lasagna bolognese, spinach cannelloni, chicken pizzaiola, scampi alla lino, and veal di milano.

500 Main St.

Shah’s Halal Food

This national chain restaurant serves Mediterranean-influenced platters over rice

with a choice of meat, a variety of salads, chicken sandwiches, gyros, and sides like pita and pakora chips, plus baklava for dessert.

222 S. Red Bank Road, Unit L

Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse

(Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining)

Filling choices abound, from New York strip, bone-in filet, and porterhouse steaks to pasta like baked lasagna, manicotti, and fettucini alfredo, and seafood such as garlic shrimp, whitefish piccata, and pan fried grouper. Seasonal patio dining available.

2109 W. Franklin St.

Latin American

i Burrito Express Mexican Grill

Drive through, pick up, or eat in at this Mexican-inspired restaurant serving quesabirria tacos, asada fries, burrito chicken, street tacos, pollo playa, burrito steak, and more.

2539 U.S. 41 N. Ste. A, Henderson, KY

Casa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

Traditional Mexican entrees, family specials, and more are served among a menu of shrimp on the beach, huevos rancheros, burrito Evansville, quesadilla Indiana, fajita on the beach, huevos con chorizo, flautas Mexicanas, and nachos al pastor. For those who come hungry (or don’t mind sharing), try the two-foot Monster Burrito.

1003 E. Diamond Ave.

El Charro Mexican Restaurant

Mariachi band performances occasionally punctuate the dining experience at this West Side eatery, where the menu includes chicken on the beach, fiesta California, papa grande loaded baked potatoes, and Pollo Indiana, a top seller sporting chicken breast and chorizo doused in cheese sauce.

720 N. Sonntag Ave.

i El Sabor de la Abuela

Recipes from grandma’s kitchen to the menu include mojarra frita, coctel de camaron, soups and stews, taco salad, chicken fajitas, carne asada, chimichangas, chicken on the beach, fajita Texans, and street tacos.

108 Second St., Henderson, KY

Fiesta Acapulco

One of many Mexican specialties here is the Burritos Acapulco – chicken and beef burritos topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

8480 High Pointe Drive, Newburgh

Gollita Peruvian Cuisine

Feast on minestrone, tamales, papa a la huancaína, arroz con pollo, and more — all featuring sauces and marinades made in-house.

4313 E. Morgan Ave.

Hacienda (Best Ranch Dressing)

This Tex-Mex chain is known for its wet burrito, fajitas like garlic mushroom, chicken, steak, or shrimp, plus chimichangas, Mexican pizza, chicken strip dinner, quesabirria, and ranch dressing, which some diners buy by the tub to take home.

Four Evansville locations

Helados Ice Cream, Snacks and Antojitos

Order Latin American-fused papas, conchas, tortas, ceviche, tostadas, elotes, ramen, and more, plus an extensive dessert menu featuring loaded milkshakes, crepes, banana splits, flan, ice cream dishes, iced drinks, and Mexican shaved ice.

779 S. Green River Road

La Campirana

(Best Latin American Restaurant)

Freshness and authenticity are hallmarks of “La Camp,” which serves Mexican and Latin American staples like tacos, gorditas, quesadillas, burritos, sopes orden, ensalada Mexicana, tortas, birrias, carnitas, flautas, enchiladas, alambres, and more.

724 N. Burkhardt Road; 900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)

La Mexicana Restaurant

The family-owned establishment offers chori-pollo, jalapeño chicken, molacajette a la mexicana, burrito gagante, carne azada, fillet tilapia lemon pepper, enchiladas paisano, and pollo vallarta plus street tacos tostadas, and tortas, plus aguas frescas.

920 Main St.

La Plaza

This food truck also has a sit-in restaurant that serves street tacos, tortas, quesadillas, mulitas, burritos, street corn (on a stick or in a cup), birria, and more.

420 S. Green River Road

Los Bravos

Traditional Mexican dishes and drinks are served, including quesadilla Bravo with grilled shrimp and chorizo, Baja tacos with cod or shrimp, and chipotle pasta.

Three Evansville locations

Mikey’s Caribbean Restaurant

Enjoy island dishes like Haitian spaghetti, lalo with spinach, fried turkey, and oxtail, plus traditional Caribbean soft drinks.

900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)

Noche Cantina & Cocina

(Best New Restaurant)

Authentic Mexican flavors permeate this menu of fried truffle yuka fries, grilled elote salad, deep-fried tres leches, tacos, and more. Dine on the second-level patio on nice days.

2215 W. Franklin St.

Playa Azul Mariscos Estilo Sinaloa

Sinaloan-style (from the Mexican state Sinaloa) seafood such as camarones a la diabla, filete ranchero, mojarrra frita, and camarones ranchero mix with specialty cocktails, karaoke, and live music.

270 N. Green River Road

Sazon y Fuego

This high-end menu is inspired by cuisine from Central and South Americas, with dishes cooked on a charcoal grill. Select from pollo con mole, ropa vieja, picanha, and more, plus craft cocktails.

8666 Ruffian Lane, Newburgh

i Tacoholics

Mexican food lovers can discover a filling mix of fajitas, chimichangas, and plenty of tacos.

122 First St., Henderson, KY

Taqueria y Pupuseria Miranda

This spot specializes in authentic Salvadorian pupusas and street tacos with a variety of fillings, plus. create-your-own burritos and quesadillas.

2008 Washington Ave.

Sports Bars

Franklin Street Tavern

Pub grub like basco sticks, pretzels, nachos, bratwurst, popcorn, 14-inch pizzas, and more are available while you relax on the patio or catch a game on the TVs indoors.

2126 Franklin St.

Marina Pointe and Nightclub

This seasonal hotspot along the Ohio River is open May-October and is defined by live music and its open air bar and grill. Try beer battered onion rings, fried shrimp, crispy marina chicken wings, pointe burger, fried fish sandwich, wagyu dog, and smoked chicken salad.

1801 Waterworks Road

Mojo’s BoneYard Sports Bar & Grille

Bar food including chicken wings doused with housemade sauces, square steam burgers, thin-crust pizzas, the Sloppy Mo sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, chili, salads, and strombolis, plus drinks and a robust live music schedule await. Only those aged 21 and over are allowed.

4920 Bellemeade Ave.

Neighbors

Build-your-own smashburgers are a main attraction here, as well as barbecue pork nachos, fried okra, brussel sprouts, pizza burger, breakfast burger, peanut butter bacon burger, chicken parmesan sandwich, fish sandwich, bratwurst sandwich, German fried bologna, and the smashburger wrap. 4222 Bell Road, Ste. 1, Newburgh

Newburgh Tavern

Munch on nachos, chip bags, 10-inch pizzas, a wagyu hot dog, quesadillas, chicken strips and nuggets, and more while enjoying karaoke, music, and sports viewing.

707 State St. Ste. E, Newburgh

O’Brian’s Sports Bar & Grill

Come for billiards, darts, and 22 big TVs, and stay for the Irish brews, full bar, and menu of potato skins, and bacon barbecue cheddar burger, breaded tenderloin sandwich, and more.

1801 N. Green River Road

Prime Sports

Feel at home with billiard tables, lots of TVs, and drinks. Culinary offerings come via a greaseless kitchen offering smoked wings, pretzel bites, pizza bombs, pigs in a blanket, strombolis, pizza salad, cactus chili, chicken parmesan sandwich, toasted hot dog, baked penne with beef, and a variety of pizzas.

4944 Old State Route 261, Newburgh

i Rookies

This family-owned business serves a sportsthemed menu. “Pre-game” with Fred’s fried green tomatoes and chicken buffalo eggrolls and greens like the Arabian salad before the “main event” steaks and “knockouts” like honey glazed pork chop, chicken stir fry, tortellini diablo, and chicken teriyaki.

117 S. Second St., Henderson, KY

Tiki on Main

American and Mexican fare are popular at this dive bar after Ford Center events. Pick from pork rinds, blackened shrimp, fried pickle chips, patty melts, rock’n shrimp tacos, street tacos, hot dogs, and sandwiches like hot dogs, battered swai sandwich, and grilled cheese and chili. Also find steak kabobs, tiki nachos, stuffed burritos, pollo playa, and a fajita plate.

524 Main St.

Tavern and Pub Food

Bokeh Lounge

Stuffed with as much food as live entertainment, the Haynie’s Corner Arts District restaurant offers Bokeh Nachos, churros, the Bokeh Burger, pepper jack cheese balls, pot stickers served hot honey, a candied bacon burger, tacos, fish and chips, personal pizzas, and Sunday brunch, as well as signature cocktails.

1007 Parrett St.

Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar and Grill

This lively West Side country music hotspot and restaurant honors the Bud’s Harley Davidson dealership that used to be under roof and specializes in four-cheese macaroni, St. Louis-style ribs, country fried steak, jerk chicken bowl, barbecue sundae, and cedar-roasted atlantic salmon.

2124 W. Franklin St.

Crickets

Curb your hunger with wings by the pound, “mile-high” taco fries, Cricket’s roll ups, breaded cauliflower, breaded corn nuggets, chili, thin-crust pizza, sandwiches, and oven-baked hoagies.

518 W. Main St., Newburgh

Darmstadt Inn

This small municipality in northern Vanderburgh County is known for serving sandwiches, plate lunches, steaks, fried chicken, seafood, and more in a cozy setting.

13130 Darmstadt Road

Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe & Bar

Ostensibly the first place in Evansville to offer “double-decker pizza,” menu offerings include boneless wings, strombolis, Texas red chili, vegetable beef soup, and sandwiches like souvlakia, Polish sausage, and a black bean veggie burger. Enjoy your meal indoors or on the patios.

222 E. Columbia St.

Highland Inn

With daily specials and a big menu, this North Side spot has something for all appetites. Entrees include fried chicken, beef brisket, grilled pork steaks, and fried catfish filets.

6620 N. First Ave.

The Hilltop Inn

Fried pork brains, big ol’ tenderloins, and fried bologna are among the sandwich choices at this historic dining room on the West Side with a rustic facade and seasonal outdoor seating. Patrons also love the salad bar and seafood entrees.

1100 Harmony Way

Horstketter’s Tavern

This traditional tavern has seven decades of history under its belt. Enjoy wings, sandwiches, and food-themed nights like the annual Meatball Challenge.

5809 Stringtown Road

K.C.’S Time Out Lounge & Grill

The long-established spot in Washington Square Mall has a robust live entertainment calendar, billiards, and a bar menu of salads, sandwiches, and pizza.

1121 Washington Square

Knob Hill Tavern (Best Catfish)

Best-known for its fried catfish fiddler (proudly displayed on its neon sign), The Knob offers other fish dishes plus fried chicken and an array of sandwiches. There’s plenty of history between these walls: The Knob has been around since 1943.

1016 Highway 662 W., Newburgh

Leroy’s Tavern

(Best Place for Karaoke)

Feast on pizza, sandwiches, and Free Soup Saturdays during colder months of the year, plus karaoke and theme-night activities.

2659 Mount Vernon Ave.

i Metzger’s Tavern

This Henderson tradition opened in 1869, with today’s version offering traditional tavern pretzel bites with beer cheese, deep fried mushrooms and pickles, soups (try the bean soup or chili), and sandwiches like shaved steak, fried bologna, spicy pork sausage, and pimento cheese. Also open for breakfast.

1000 Powell St., Henderson, KY

i Nisbet Inn

Established in 1912, Nisbet Inn holds Indiana’s second-oldest liquor license. Visit for the sandwiches, soups, desserts, and barbecue, as well as the “World’s Coldest Beer.”

6701 Nisbet Station Road, Haubstadt

Peephole Bar & Grill

This neighborhood-style bar in the heart of Downtown has plenty of local devotees. It’s known for its cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries, and the splitter (a fried hot dog). Don’t miss Beck’s chili, named for the late Harold Beck — proprietor of the former East Side tavern Harold’s Bar.

201 Main St.

The Rooftop

Whether inside or with a view on the elevated outdoor patio, dine on an expansive menu with breakfast choices as well a Rooftop smashburger, Richie’s Fried Chicken, build-your-own-pizza, buffalo chicken mac, chicken on the beach, and a brisket mac and cheese taco.

112 N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Sportsman’s Grille & Billiards

This spot on the busy West Franklin corridor features bar food choices to go with a relaxed atmosphere of billiards, sports on TV, and good times. Try the 16-ounce porterhouse, available on weekends, or the twofisted bacon burger.

2315 W. Franklin St.

St. Joe Inn

Historic charm and modern comfort await at this tavern, whose history stretches back to 1836. Pick from soups, salads, sandwiches, plate lunch specials, fiddlers, steaks, and fried chicken dinners.

9515 Saint Wendel Road

St. Phillip’s Inn

Enjoy karaoke and tavern-style offerings out of an 1890s-era building. Choose from plate lunch specials, nightly specials, or a simple ham and cheese sandwich plus burgers, pizza, strombolis, fiddlers, and fried chicken.

11200 Upper Mount Vernon Road

Stockwell Inn

Stockwell Inn offers plate lunches, homemade soup, salads, sandwiches, steak, pork chops, and brain sandwiches. Check out the homestyle daily specials and themed menus for holidays like Fat Tuesday.

4001 E. Eichel Ave.

Zaps Tavern

Home of what is claimed as the original tavern burger, you’ll find a menu laden with catfish, fried chicken, sweet corn nuggets, build-your-own pizza, strombolis, zing shrimp wrap, breakfast burger, patty melt, and a half-pound burger.

3725 St. Philip Road

Delis

The Deli at Old National Bank Downtown workers — including Evansville Living employees — line up to grab fried fish, homemade soups, paninis, and daily specials.

One Main St. (inside Old National Bank headquarters)

The Granola Jar Café & Bakery

What started with a breakfast menu has grown to include sandwiches and deli-style salads, including house-made balsamic chicken salad. Basil pesto tortellini, jalapeño macaroni, curried bulgur, broccoli slaw, soups, and desserts round out the menu. Catering available.

1022 E. Mount Pleasant Road

Old Tyme Deli & Meat Shop

Daily hot plate lunches like lasagna, beef and noodles, and spaghetti are available on weekday.

307 N. First Ave.

Coffee, Tea, and Drinks

Honey Moon Coffee Co. (Best Coffee Shop)

The original shop near the University of Evansville campus has expanded into four locations plus a roastery. Offerings include its signature latte with honey and lavender, Hong Kong-style bubble waffles, fruit smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches.

Three locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh

Mission Grounds Coffee

The Evansville Rescue Mission runs this coffeehouse next to its thrift store offering signature espresso-based drinks, teas, and bakery items.

1107 Washington Square

NISBET INN

Mr. Bubble Tea

Sip on bubble milk teas in strawberry, matcha green tea, chocolate, pineapple and taro (fruity) flavors. Also on the menu also are yogurts, smoothies, shaved ice, and fruit teas.

503 N. Green River Road

Penny Lane Coffeehouse

A Riverside Historic District staple for more than 20 years with a McCutchanville location opened in 2024, specialty lattes include Instant Karma, White Rabbit, Voodoo Child, Raspberry Beret, Tiny Dancer, White Wedding, and Purple Haze. There are also teas, smoothies, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.

600 S.E. Second St.; 601 E. Boonville New Harmony Road

River City Coffee and Goods Shop for local, handmade gifts and Evansville-inspired items while drinking brews, espressos, teas, or a hot chocolate. Specialties include a Fruity Pebbles Latte, Horchate Latte, and, in a nod to the Evansville are code, the 812 Latte. There also are seasonal muffins, cookies, blondies, and ham and cheese scones.

223 Main St.

River Kitty Cat Café

Play with adoptable cats and kittens while you enjoy espresso-based coffee drinks, specialty teas, and wine. This outreach of the Vanderburgh Humane Society also features desserts from Julie’s Just Desserts.

226 Main St.

Scooter’s Coffee

The national drive-thru chain has expanded to three locations in the Evansville area. Coffee flavors include Caramelicious, Candy Bar, Mocha, and Turtle. Also try iced teas, smoothies, and breakfast items.

535 E. Diamond Ave.; 1940 N. Green River Road; 1101 E. Fourth St., Mount Vernon

Ice Cream

Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream (Best Milkshake)

Try a scoop of the brand’s old-fashioned milkshakes, floats, chocolate-covered Choco Cremes, sundaes, dessert pies, and soft-serve ice cream in 20+ flavors. Deli items also are available.

Four locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh

Milk & Sugar Scoop Shoppe

Take a bite of edible cookie dough, add a scoop of custom-flavored ice cream on a warm Belgian waffle, or sip on a gourmet soda.

2027 W. Franklin St.

Rivertown Ice Cream and Grill

To its fans, its annual opening in March signals the arrival of warmer weather. Choose from dipped cones, banana splits, sundaes, shakes, malts, ice cream nachos, and food from the grill, including cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot and corn dogs, tenderloins, tenders, and more through October.

521 State St., Newburgh

Bakeries

Be Happy Pie Company

These made-from-scratch sweet pies come in 26 flavors, including the signature “Be Happy” cherry. Add to your order with scones, cookies, brownies, muffins, and cheesecakes. Food truck available.

2818 Mount Vernon Ave., Ste. B; 6635 E. Virginia St., Ste. C

Bea Sweet Treats

The mother-daughter venture has drawn fans with its custom cakes, breakfast cinnamon rolls, cookies, cupcakes, and more.

4111 Merchant Drive, Newburgh

Cleo’s Bakery & Brown Bag Lunches

This homestyle bakery is a favorite stop when strolling in Downtown Newburgh. Family recipes are offered alongside soups and sandwiches. Catering available.

9 W. Jennings St., Newburgh

Donut Bank

Sip fresh coffee while selecting from racks of doughnuts and other baked goods at this longtime local family business.

10 locations in Evansville, Newburgh, and Henderson, KY

Panaderia San Miguel

Try not to be slack-jawed surveying Mexican and El Salvadorian puff pastries like orejas, conchas, panaderos, banderillas, cerillos, cornos, and empanadas. Breakfast and lunch menus also are offered.

2004 Washington Ave.

Parlor Doughnuts

Layered doughnuts in an array of flavors are the specialty at this Evansville-based bakery with locations across the nation.

204 Main St., 301 N. Green River Road

Piece of Cake

Snag your stomach’s attention with whiffs of specialty cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even dog treats. This bakery is known for its array of frosting options.

210 Main St.

Breweries and Craft Cocktails

Arcademie

Choose from craft cocktails, regional beer, and rotating food options at this Downtown spot boasting a mini-arcade stocked with vintage games.

22 N.W. Sixth St.

Barker Brewhouse

Human and canine visitors are welcome at this West Side watering hole with an extensive selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

96 N. Barker Ave.

Damsel Brew Pub

This family-friendly microbrewery offers cleverly named craft beers and cocktails with a menu of scotch eggs, chili, vegetable spring rolls, tacos, a peanut butter burger, sweet onion teriyaki wrap, beer cheese steak, and po’boys.

209 N. Wabash Avenue of Flags

Haven’s Bar

Regional craft beer, wine, domestics, scratch cocktails, and spirits, plus a small food menu await along with trivia, karaoke, and sports viewing.

300 W. Jennings St., Newburgh

Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co.

Sip from a long list of craft beers, including nonalcoholic varieties, at this popular gathering spot in trendy Haynie’s Corner Arts District.

56 Adams Ave.

i Henderson Brewing Company

Henderson’s first craft brewery concocts and serves IPAs, porters, farmhouse ales, and more.

737 Second St., Henderson, KY

Hush on Main

Can you keep a secret? This 1920s speakeasy offers a tucked-away venue for live piano music plus custom and high-end cocktails alongside an upscale dinner menu.

323 Main St., Ste. F

Company Page

Ascension St. Vincent Recruitment Office 27

AstraZeneca 68

Bally’s Evansville Casino & Hotel 54

Barker Brewhouse 62

Bassemiers 12

Bauerhas, The 75 Bauerhaus Catering 73

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 76

Brinker’s Jewelers IFC

Building Blocks 26

Burdette Park 60

Cabinets & Counters 32

CenterPoint Energy 33

Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) 59

CJC Solutions 37

Deaconess Hospital 14

Department of Parks and Recreation 57

Dig ‘N Roll Indoor Playground 58

Dirt Finders Maid Service 66

Dunn Hospitality Group 13

Dusty Barn Distillery 63

e is for everyone IBC

ERA First Advantage Realty 6

Evansville African American Museum 61

Evansville Christian School 50

Evansville Day School 64

Evansville Lutheran School 30

Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science 56, 57

Industry Bar

New on the Downtown scene is this dogfriendly bar with cocktails and rotating draft beers, plus billiards and bar games. Enjoy cocktails alfresco on the patio.

101 S.E. First St.

Mo’s House

A chic lounge at Haynie’s Corner Arts District, this is a favorite place for Evansville Living readers to unwind with friends or someone special. Sample the craft cocktails while listening to the musicians who frequently book sets.

1114 Parrett St.

Myriad Brewing Company

Tip your glass to house-brewed and guest beers, as well as wine and spirits.

8245 High Pointe Drive, Newburgh

ADVERTISING INDEX

Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra 70

Evansville Protestant Home 76

Evansville Regional Airport 74

Evansville Surgical Associates 3

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library 45

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 2

Evansville Wartime Museum 60

Explore Evansville 48, 49

F.C. Tucker Emge BC

Field & Main Bank 64

First Bank 5

First Federal Savings Bank 19

Furnished Evansville 74

German American Bank 10

Gerst Haus/Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse 79

Gill Wedding Orthodontics 45

Give a Dog a Bone 30

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant 83

Henderson County Tourist Commission 54, 55

Historic New Harmony 61

Indiana State Museums 52, 53

Jackson Kelly PLLC 50

Jill Lucy, ERA First Advantage Realty 68

Landmark Realty & Development 76

Landscapes By Dallas Foster, Inc 36 Legence Bank 76

Liberty Federal Credit Union 1 Life in Motion Family Wellness Center 74 LST 325 56

Mater Dei High School 66

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden 53

Popham Construction 34

RE/MAX/Richardson, Mike 8

River City Pride 46, 47

Rug Merchant, The 34

Sazón y Fuego 19

Shepherd Insurance, LLC 20

Signature School 24

Southwestern Healthcare 72

Straub Photography 35

The Cox Group/Warehouse Services 37

The Farm 58, 59

The Forge on Main/Baker Flats 66

The Only Facial 74

Tucker Publishing Group, Inc. 63

Turpen’s Painting Co. 68

University Of Evansville 22

University of Evansville Theatre Department 62

University Of Southern Indiana 28

Victoria Woods 25

Walther’s Golf & Fun Center 55

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve 57

Woodward Commercial Realty, Inc. 4

The 411

Subscribe to EvansvilleLivingand EvansvilleBusinessmagazines:

Tucker Publishing Group

25 N.W. Riverside Drive, Ste. 200 818-286-3122 or 812-426-2115 evansvilleliving.com

City government: City of Evansville Office of the Mayor

Civic Center Complex, Room 302

One N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 812-436-4962 evansvillegov.org

County government:

Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners

Civic Center Complex, Room 305

One N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 812-435-5241 vanderburghgov.org

Post office locations:

U.S. Postal Service

Main Post Office

800 Sycamore St., 812-429-3411

West Wabash

801 N. Wabash Ave., 812-423-6090

River City

1915 Washington Ave., 812-471-1966

Lawndale

802 S. Green River Road, 812-473-4151

Diamond Valley

600 Cross Valley Circle, 812-424-1830

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles 888-692-6841, in.gov/bmv

East Branch

6240 E. Virginia St., Ste. A

North Branch

4209 U.S. Highway 41 N., Ste. 10

West Branch

2421 Allens Lane

Still finding your way around Evansville? We have you covered. Here is the contact information for a variety of local agencies that will help you set things up as you settle in.

Public transportation service:

Metropolitan Evansville

Transit System (METS)

601 John St. 812-435-6166 evansvillegov.org

Public libraries:

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library evpl.org

Central

200 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 812-428-8200

East

840 E. Chandler Ave., 812-428-8231

McCollough 5115 Washington Ave., 812-428-8236

North Park

960 Koehler Drive, 812-428-8237

Oaklyn

3001 Oaklyn Drive, 812-428-8234

Red Bank

120 S. Red Bank Road, 812-428-8205

Stringtown 2100 Stringtown Road, 812-428-8233

West

2000 W. Franklin St., 812-428-8232

Willard Public Library 21 N. First Ave., 812-425-4309 willardlib.org

National legislators:

U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer Evansville District Office 20 N.W. Third St., Ste. 1230 812-465-6484 messmer.house.gov

U.S. Sen. Todd Young 310 E. 96th St., Ste. 350 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-226-6700 young.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. Jim Banks

E Ross Adair Federal Building 1300 S. Harrison St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 260-321-7130 banks.senate.gov

Voter registration:

Vanderburgh County Voter Registration Office Civic Center Complex, Room 214

One N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 812-435-5222 vanderburghgov.org

Utility service:

Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (water/sewer and trash) 812-436-7846

Solid Waste Management (recycling) 812-436-7800

CenterPoint Energy (natural gas and electricity) 800-227-1376, centerpointenergy.com

Telephone and internet services:

Astound Broadband 800-427-8686

AT&T

800-288-2020

Spectrum 866-874-2389 T-Mobile

812-471-2786

TDS Telecom 888-233-0001

Cable service: Astound Broadband 800-427-8686

AT&T

800-288-2020 Spectrum 833-276-6094

Local events and attractions:

Explore Evansville (Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau) 20 N.W. Third St., Ste. 410 800-433-3025 exploreevansville.com

Public schools: Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 951 Walnut St., 812-435-8453 district.evscschools.com

Charter schools: Joshua Academy (preschool through sixth grade) 1230 E. Illinois St., 812-401-6300 joshuaacademyschools.com

Signature School (high school) 610 Main St., 812-421-1820 signature.edu

Faith-based schools: Catholic Diocese of Evansville 4200 N. Kentucky Ave., 812-424-5536 evdio.org

Evansville Christian School 10644 Lincoln Ave., Newburgh, IN 812-477-7777 evansvillechristian.org

Evansville Lutheran School (Kindergarten through middle school) 111 E. Virginia St., 812-424-7252 evansvillelutheranschool.com

Trinity Lutheran School (preschool) 1403 W. Boonville-New Harmony Road 812-867-5279 trinitydarmstadt.org

Private schools:

Evansville Day School (preschool through high school) 3400 N. Green River Road 812-476-3039 evansvilledayschool.org

Montessori Academy (preschool and kindergarten) 4611 Adams Ave. 812-479-1776 montessoriofevansville.com

Higher education:

Indiana University School of Medicine - Evansville 515 Walnut St., 812-909-7200 medicine.iu.edu/evansville

Ivy Tech Community College 3501 N. First Ave., 812-429-1435 ivytech.edu/evansville

University of Evansville 1800 Lincoln Ave., 812-488-2000 evansville.edu

University of Southern Indiana 8600 University Blvd., 812-464-8600 usi.edu

Community outreach organizations:

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership 318 Main St., Ste. 400, 812-423-2020 evansvilleregion.com

Keep Evansville Beautiful 402 Court St., 812-425-4461 keepevansvillebeautiful.org

Junior League of Evansville 101 Plaza East Blvd., Ste. 112, 812-434-6710 juniorleagueofevansville.org

United Way of Southwestern Indiana 318 Main St., Ste. 504, 812-422-4100 unitedwayswi.org

Vanderburgh Community Foundation 20 N.W. Third St., Ste. 820, 812-422-1245 vanderburghcf.org

YMCA of Southwestern Indiana 516 Court St., 812-423-9622 ymcaswin.org

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