littleindiana.com » North Judson

Get Your Kicks (Or, at Least, a Decent Meal) at Route 10 Bar and Grill

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:30:38 +0000

North Judson, Indiana and I’m hungry! Do I stop random strangers on the street to ask for restaurant recommendations? You betcha! Really, it’s the best way to figure out where to go — and even what to order! So, based off a young man’s suggestion who said “everything is good at Route 10,” it should be easy to guess where we ventured next.

Right on the main road, there is one entrance directly to the bar and one for family dining so, with the kid in tow, we headed to family dining.

Very, very small…I don’t think there were even 15 tables, maybe not even 12, but business at the Route 10 Bar and Grill was absolutely steady. Surrounded by mostly Chicago-land sport memorabilia (go Bears!), large, wall-mounted flat screen TV, and a big fish tank in the corner, the kid had plenty to look at, and I could see why a young, high school to college-aged guy would dig the atmosphere. Added bonus: the waitress was really nice and not only talked to the kid, she actually pointed out various fish, etc. in the tank, making a friend out of him for life, I do believe.

Of course, I had to check out the restrooms, and when I turned the corner, there was a very large group of Amish teens! I walked right past the (very tidy) restroom I was so surprised. One of the Amish ladies nicely pointed it out to me. Oops.

Hubby and I both ordered the Philly Steak Sandwich, fries, and potato salad (I hate when we do that!) and the kid got a hot dog, fries, and a little cup of Jell-o. Everyone was pleased with their order, and, after peeking at the bikers next to us…Whew! Those mile-high burgers looked fantastic! Next time – I’m getting a burger!

For dessert: well, I was hoping for some yummy pie, but all they happened to have left was Turtle Cheesecake. I just wasn’t feeling it, and since I wasn’t exactly hungry anyway, I passed.

Overall: We were satisfied but it might be a good idea to call ahead if there are members under 21 in your group, just to make sure there is enough room for everyone.

Route 10 Bar and Grill
613 West Talmer Avenue
North Judson IN 46366
574.896.5555

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North Judson, Indiana: A Diamond in the Rough?

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:30:46 +0000

Okay, I admit it. North Judson, Indiana made me a little sad. It isn’t
like there weren’t any interesting shops or restaurants, there were, but something about the place felt a little empty and lost somehow.

For whatever reason, North Judson didn’t seem like it was doing so great. Hopefully things will pick up for this little place!

You know I love those old downtowns…and North Judson had some great old buildings with really unique features. Just take a look at that cute red shop on the corner. I bet that second floor makes a neat apartment!

I would have loved to have stepped inside “The Last Dime Store Alive” but, alas, they were closed. Just peeking inside through the windows made me interested so I’m sure it would be a worthwhile stop if you are in the area. Lots of area history, which I find fascinating.

I say it all the time…small towns are known for having strange, strange items and things you just don’t see anywhere else and North Judson is no different. I think the funky (and kind of scary) lion in the window proves me right yet again. That thing definitely comes alive at night!

I was really glad that the bakery, at least, was open! See more North Judson on my Flickr photostream!

North Judson, Indiana; Starke County

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Fingerhut Bakery: Small Town Bakery, Super Selection

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:14 +0000

What’s better than a butter cookie? A bakery butter cookie with rainbow sprinkles! As you can see from the photo below, Fingerhut Bakery in downtown North Judson, Indiana has more than a few. that yummy bakery smell just hits you when you open the door. I do believe it made me slightly giddy.

There was a very steady stream of folks passing in and out buying an assortment of bakery items which tells me one thing: it’s all good! But, then again, I don’t think I’ve ever met a bakery I didn’t like. The bakery itself is small, with a really neat old wood display case along the back wall, and cases filled with cookies, cakes, pastries, breads, and bagels.

They’ve been in business for sixty-three years, and with the number of people who came and went while we were there, it‘s obvious they will be around for many, many more!

Apparently Fingerhut Bakery specializes in something called “Chocolate Delight Cake” but I didn’t notice that until after we had left with a ginormous cream puff (for me), a bunny train cookie (for the kid), a ½ pound of butter cookies (for me though I did share with the kid absolutely and completely against my will), and a pumpkin roll (for hubby, who doesn‘t want to share with anyone) for $12 and change. Now that is money I consider well spent!

If you are in the North Judson area, stop by for something sweet. Fingerhut Bakery is right downtown on the corner. You can’t miss it (I couldn’t even miss it and I have a knack for getting lost and turned around). They really do have the largest assortment I have ever seen in a small town…so far.

So I missed out on the Chocolate Delight Cake. How high on the list of priorities should that one be?

Fingerhut Bakery
119 Lane Street
North Judson, IN 46366
574.896.5937

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