7 Must-Try Sandwiches on the Tenderloin Trail in Noblesville, Indiana

Whether you like them fried or grilled, tenderloin sandwiches are a staple in Hoosier country


Noblesville, Indiana, is home to the Tenderloin Trail, where you can savor a pork sandwich and participate in this regional rite of passage.

 
German immigrants graced the Midwest with succulent pork schnitzel many years ago, and thanks to American culinary creativity, Midwesterners took the German dish and one-upped it. An Indiana tenderloin sandwich is pork, hand-breaded, deep fried or grilled, piled high with lettuce, tomato and onion, and served on a pillowy soft bun. Mayo and ketchup are pretty standard; pickles are up for debate. Restaurants across the state claim to have invented this golden-fried pork pancake, but many in the area agree that eating a tenderloin is a rite of passage for Indiana natives and a must for visitors.
If you want to become a true expert on this regional treat, travel the Tenderloin Trail in Hamilton County and sample the top sandwiches in the state of Indiana. We’ve rounded up some of the best of the best in Noblesville, Indiana—from the classic to the inventive.

 


Rosie’s Place

Rosie’s, one of the top Noblesville restaurants for brunch, is known for its eggs Benedict, so why wouldn’t it have a tenderloin version? Instead of the English muffin, the Pork Tenderloin Benny uses a split biscuit as its base, upon which hand-breaded tenderloins, two poached eggs, cheddar cheese and sausage gravy are piled. And it’s served with country potatoes, of course. If you’re a tenderloin purist, the restaurant also serves its hand-breaded masterpiece on a homemade bun with all the fixins.


Courtney’s Kitchen


Make sure you bring your appetite to Courtney’s Kitchen.

The Cass’s Tenderloin sandwich is a monster. It’s hand-breaded (or grilled) and dressed to your liking, with major bun overhang. The way to tackle this one is to divide and conquer—that is, cut in half and go for it. For the faint of heart or stomach, Courtney’s fries up a petite tenderloin as well.


Caplinger’s Fresh Catch & Cuts

Rated the No. 1 place to eat in Indiana by Yelp users, and certainly one of the favorite restaurants in Noblesville, Caplinger’s is known for its seafood, but it also offers a variety of Indiana farm-raised meats. Its tenderloin is pounded almost paper-thin and fried golden brown; try this one alongside the homemade Cajun slaw. (Pro tip: Get the key lime pie for dessert.)


Samanos Mexican Food

For a Mexican spin, have a tenderloin torta at Samanos. Its hand-breaded and fried tenderloin is served on a traditional Mexican roll and topped with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and onions. If for some reason this doesn’t sound delicious to you, Samanos also serves a huge burrito wrapped in bacon.


Wolfies Waterfront Grill


At Wolfies Waterfront Grill, pause between bites of your panko-breaded pork tenderloin for views of Morse Reservoir.

With a sweeping lakeside view and an enormous tenderloin sandwich, Wolfies is a favorite among locals. Its tenderloin is hand-pressed and breaded with seasoned panko crumbs, as opposed to the traditional cracker breading. It’s a little lighter, but it still has a great crunch. Wanna go even lighter? Order it grilled. And if you leave yourself some room, go for the maple bourbon-fried biscuits!


Nickel Plate Bar & Grill (Fishers, Indiana)

Spice lovers should try Nickel Plate’s Cajun tenderloin sandwich. This one has special seasoning in the breading for a serious kick. Rumor has it Nickel Plate serves former star pro quarterback Peyton Manning’s favorite tenderloin.


The Carmel Tap House

To please both vegetarians and meat lovers, head to Upland Brewing Co.’s Carmel Tap House. It fries up the classic pork tenderloin and also serves a homemade seitan (wheat gluten protein) tenderloin with all the trimmings. Upland is one of Indiana’s largest and most popular craft breweries, so make sure you try one of its local brews, too.

Ready to travel the Tenderloin Trail? Find hotels in Noblesville.

 




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