Claypool Food Scene: 5 Gems You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Alright, so you’re headed to Claypool, Indiana and you’re getting a bit hungry. You are, perhaps, wondering where to snag the best grub, is that about right? Well, you have shown up in the perfect spot. Forget those chain places you can find pretty much anywhere. We’re talkin’ real, local flavor here. We’re diving headfirst, in a way, into five spots that I think showcase exactly what Claypool’s food scene is cookin’ up. From the friendliest service to dishes that’ll make you wanna slap your grandma (don’t actually do that, by the way!), I promise these places will leave you stuffed and more than happy. Are you ready to eat?

1. Judy’s Restaurant: A Claypool Staple

If you ask anybody around here for a recommendation, you’re very likely going to hear the name “Judy’s Restaurant,” which is practically an institution, is what it is. It’s a place where folks come for that home-cooked feeling without, you know, actually having to do the cooking. Their breakfasts are, to be honest, legendary – think huge portions of pancakes, that kind of fluffy scrambled eggs, and bacon cooked just the way you like it (crispy for me, please!). Their lunch menu, arguably, keeps that down-home vibe going strong with options like breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches and yummy comfort food plates that change daily. They also got amazing, hot dinners. Seriously, a stop here, too, is kind of like getting a hug from Claypool itself. The atmosphere here alone, too, is just super enjoyable.

The thing that keeps Judy’s buzzing, basically, is how it manages to keep everything comfortable and consistent. You visit one week or one year, it doesn’t matter, and it tends to be the same darn good food with the same smiling faces, I kid you not. They’ve just, arguably, mastered the art of feel-good food and small-town hospitality. They even, in a way, offer a separate little event hall that is often rented by local community organizations.

Read our full review: Judy’s Restaurant Claypool Indiana Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find it Here)

2. The Barbecue Station: Smokin’ Good Times

Are you ready for some serious barbecue? The Barbecue Station, really, knows how to do it right, alright. I mean, it’s right there in the name, after all! From the second you get out of the car, that, more or less, intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats kinda just hits you square in the face. Their brisket is, I’d say, incredibly tender, like melt-in-your-mouth good, and their pulled pork… well, that just makes my mouth water. They’ve got all the classic sides, naturally – coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans – you name it, too, but that meat is the main event, for sure. This place, in fact, just shouts flavor, right down to their sauces which have, admittedly, varying levels of heat and sweet. Get ready to enjoy! Make sure, as well, to enjoy the awesome and fun service.

The owner’s dedication to the craft shows through pretty much everything they do, so it’s really obvious, is that about right? That smoky ring on the brisket? Perfectly seasoned rubs? It’s the kind of spot where you walk away needing a nap and dreaming about your next visit, basically. And it’s often rented out by local event planners for catered functions, for instance weddings, by the way.

Read our full review: The Barbecue Station Claypool Indiana Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Smokin’ Deals Await)

3. Pizza King: A Royal Treat

Pizza King, you see, is a regional chain that really has something that is just kinda special, a charm that a whole lot of people seem to agree on. It’s been around forever and their Claypool location, of course, keeps that tradition going strong, that I can promise you. The draw is the toppings loaded from edge-to-edge on that signature crust. And there, kinda just is, a subtle sweetness in the sauce, you could say, that separates their slices from most others.

Yeah, I understand it’s just pizza, I know, alright, but Pizza King kinda is about way more than that, so don’t be closed-minded, my friend! It’s about that first job when you’re 16, or about little league celebrations. The service is usually spot on as well. I think every town, in reality, has to have a spot like this where so many memories have been made.

Read our full review: Pizza King Claypool Indiana Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Get Your Pizza Fix)

4. Subway: The Speedy Choice

Subway? I’ll bet you are wondering what that could be doing here, as it’s certainly no small-town, super-local spot, too. Yet when you want something quick, fairly reliable, and exactly the way you want it, arguably, this particular Subway in Claypool tends to deliver, is what people tell me, alright. And the staff are just friendly here as well. Plus, it’s next to the gas station, and it’s super handy if you are about to hit the road, arguably. It tends to be an essential consideration for those quick lunchtime runs and people commuting from work.

Alright, you see them basically everywhere, is what I’m getting at. It gives a quick and healthy fix with reliable flavors and great service from very well managed local teams.

Read our full review: Subway Claypool Indiana Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Grab a Sandwich)

5. The Frog Tavern: More Than Just a Watering Hole

OK, so The Frog Tavern could be exactly what you think of when someone says “local tavern,” really, like in the movies. But The Frog Tavern, for sure, doesn’t hold anything back and just gives folks what they would hope for, which makes it a very dependable establishment in my book, actually. Yeah, the walls, you know, are adorned with local memorabilia, and the laughter there kinda rings pretty darn loud on a Friday night. Their menu, too, mostly leans into classic bar fare, so just get your burgers, fries, and wings here, too.

I understand that It’s the kind of spot where you can catch up with old friends over a cold beer and some pretty darn good food. The people are, generally, extremely laid back, the music tends to be fun, and a lot of the faces here you recognize from your local gas stations or small grocers in town. The owners and managers and team here have, I’d suggest, really built up the feeling and sentiment that brings families and community folk back here, like your community restaurant that everybody just ends up at somehow. A really awesome spot to hang out.

Read our full review: The Frog Tavern Claypool Indiana Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find the Fun)

So, what is Claypool cookin’? It isn’t always what it looks like at first. A spot for traditional family dinners at Judy’s and great tavern hang outs at The Frog Tavern just go together. So go and find out. Bon appetit!