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This Indiana Chili Parlor Serves Pan-Fried Chicken That Tastes Just Like 1970 All Over Again

Emma Larkin 8 min read
This Indiana Chili Parlor Serves Pan Fried Chicken That Tastes Just Like 1970 All Over Again
This Indiana Chili Parlor Serves Pan-Fried Chicken That Tastes Just Like 1970 All Over Again

Step inside and it feels like the clock gently rolled back to a simpler time, when Sunday supper meant real plates and real conversation. You can almost hear vinyl spinning while the scent of pan fried chicken and a whisper of chili spice drifts from the kitchen. If you crave homestyle comfort that tastes like 1970 all over again, this is your spot. Bring a hearty appetite and a little nostalgia, because both are served family style.

Pan Fried Chicken, 1970 Memory On A Plate

Pan Fried Chicken, 1970 Memory On A Plate
© HollyHock Hill

The first bite lands with a gentle crunch, then gives way to juicy, pepper kissed meat that tastes like a family recipe guarded in a tin box. You recognize the rhythm of cast iron and patience, the kind that turns a weekday into a small celebration. It is cozy and honest, a plate that makes you slow down.

You reach for a side and realize the chicken is the anchor, warm enough to make winter feel shorter. A brush of salt, a hint of garlic, and that golden crust are the soundtrack. This is the flavor so many remember, and it has not forgotten you.

Biscuits That Earn A Second Basket

Biscuits That Earn A Second Basket
© HollyHock Hill

These biscuits arrive like a friendly promise, soft in the center with browned tops that pull apart into buttery layers. A smear of honey or a pat of butter and you understand why the basket empties fast. They taste like they belong next to everything on the table.

There is a gentle tang that hints at buttermilk, and the crumb stays tender to the last bite. You reach for another without thinking twice. Call it comfort or call it tradition, either way you will want a refill.

Mashed Potatoes With Gravy Like A Hug

Mashed Potatoes With Gravy Like A Hug
© HollyHock Hill

These potatoes are whipped just enough to stay plush, with a few rustic bits that prove they were made by hand. The gravy pools with a slow, silky sheen and carries a roasted depth that loves every forkful of chicken. It tastes like Sunday at grandma’s, even on a Thursday.

There is balance here, salt and savory in a calm duet. You start with a spoon and somehow end with a clean plate. No one judges you for going back for seconds.

Coleslaw With A Cool Crunch

Coleslaw With A Cool Crunch
© HollyHock Hill

The slaw is bright and crisp, a cool counterpoint to warm chicken and chili. Thin ribbons of cabbage and carrot pick up a lightly sweet dressing that leans tangy rather than heavy. It refreshes the palate so every bite feels new again.

There is a backyard picnic energy to it, tidy and familiar. Add a forkful between bites and the whole plate sings a little louder. Simple, balanced, and exactly what you needed.

Green Beans That Still Taste Like Garden

Green Beans That Still Taste Like Garden
© HollyHock Hill

These green beans snap with real texture, not the soggy kind you forget halfway through. Butter, a whisper of onion, and maybe a shy hint of bacon make them feel like summer, even when it is snowing outside. They sit proudly next to the chicken and never play second fiddle.

You keep reaching for them between bites, surprised by how many disappear. They are the quiet hero on a very busy table. Consider this your vegetable you will actually finish.

Cottage Cheese And Pickled Beats Of Nostalgia

Cottage Cheese And Pickled Beats Of Nostalgia
© HollyHock Hill

A small dish of cottage cheese shows up like a wink from the past, cool and creamy with just the right salt. Next to it, pickled beets glow ruby red, sweet tart and bold. Together they bring balance to an otherwise cozy plate.

You alternate bites and notice how the chicken tastes even richer after a tangy forkful. This is the retro detail that makes the meal feel complete. It is unpretentious and perfect for the mood.

Family Style Service, Small Town Warmth

Family Style Service, Small Town Warmth
© HollyHock Hill

Bowls land in the middle like a friendly invitation, and you pass them around without thinking. It is the kind of service that slows down time, where sharing feels as natural as breathing. You feel welcomed even if it is your first visit.

The staff keeps an eye on refills and rhythm, never rushed, always present. It feels like gathering at a relative’s house, only with better gravy control. You leave feeling full in all the good ways.

That Cozy Dining Room Glow

That Cozy Dining Room Glow
© HollyHock Hill

The dining room carries a soft, amber glow that makes every plate look like a postcard from a happier season. Framed photos, classic chairs, and linen touches send a gentle nod to earlier decades. You can settle in for a long conversation and never feel hurried.

There is music low enough for stories and laughter to be the soundtrack. You feel grounded the minute you sit. It is the kind of space that makes food taste like memory.

Plan Around The Hours

Plan Around The Hours
© HollyHock Hill

Check the clock before you go, because the doors swing open in the evening most days and midday on Sunday. Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Friday 4 to 8 PM, Saturday 4 to 8 PM, and Sunday 12 to 7 PM. It is worth planning, especially if you want a relaxed pace.

Arrive a touch early and you might snag a favorite corner. The slower rhythm is part of the charm. Good things take time, including dinner.

Price, Value, And Plenty

Price, Value, And Plenty
© HollyHock Hill

Expect dinner in the 30 to 50 dollar range, but remember you are getting generous portions and true family style service. Plates and bowls arrive with a confidence that says you will not leave hungry. The value is in the flavor and the feeling of being taken care of.

Save room for desserts or just one more biscuit. This is the kind of meal that becomes a tradition. Bring friends so you can try everything.

Make A Reservation Or Call Ahead

Make A Reservation Or Call Ahead
© HollyHock Hill

Weekends fill up, and the best way to avoid waiting is to call before you roll in. The team is friendly and will guide you on timing and seating. A quick ring to the number on their site saves you stress.

If you are celebrating, mention it and they will help set the tone. The vibe stays relaxed, but a little planning keeps it smooth. You will be glad you called first.

How To Find It And Park

How To Find It And Park
© HollyHock Hill

You will find the restaurant up on North College Ave, tucked near quiet neighborhoods that feel calm even on busy nights. Parking is straightforward and close enough that winter winds will not ruin your mood. The location makes it easy to swing by from downtown or the north side.

Set your map to the address and you will land right where the good smells begin. Step inside and the welcome starts. Simple, clear, and stress free.

A Little History In Every Bite

A Little History In Every Bite
© HollyHock Hill

Opened in 1928, the tradition shows up in the way the chicken is cooked and the sides are served. You taste decades of practice and a devotion to doing things the right way. Nothing feels fussy, everything feels cared for.

The recipes carry that down home spirit that turns a meal into a memory. You come for chicken but leave with a story. That is why locals keep returning.

What To Order First Time

What To Order First Time
© HollyHock Hill

Start with the pan fried chicken, then add chili, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a basket of biscuits. Round it out with coleslaw and green beans, plus cottage cheese and pickled beets for the classic touch. It is a lineup that shows you the heart of the place.

If there is room, ask about dessert and let curiosity lead. Share everything so you can sample it all. By the end, you will know why everyone talks about the chicken.

Website, Details, And A Final Nudge

Website, Details, And A Final Nudge
© HollyHock Hill

Before you go, check the website for updates on hours and menus, then call if you are planning a group. The details are clear and friendly, just like the service. It makes the whole visit easy.

Bring your appetite and a little nostalgia, because this place feeds both. One meal and you will understand the hype. It tastes like 1970 in the best possible way.

The Quiet Chili That Keeps Its Secrets

The Quiet Chili That Keeps Its Secrets
© HollyHock Hill

The chili does not shout, it hums. A low and steady spice warms from the inside out, with beans that hold their shape and a broth that tastes like it spent the afternoon getting wise. It pairs like a best friend with buttered bread and a sip of iced tea.

You notice a little cumin, maybe a touch of paprika, and something savory that keeps you guessing. It is a bowl made for conversation, not competition. By the last spoonful, you are already planning the next visit.

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