Kokomo Restaurants to Visit Purely for Nostalgia
Hey Kokomo! If you’re a longtime resident, you’ve grown to appreciate the nostalgia of certain classic restaurants in our city. Take a trip back in time with these restaurants that helped shape the food scene in Kokomo’s history!
Artie’s Tenderloin
After leaving his job at Hill’s Snappy Service Hamburgers on North Buckeye Street, owner Artie Gillespie took an old shoe shop and created what is known as Artie’s Tenderloins. A real Kokomo classic, Artie’s reigns supreme at the top of our list by holding the title of the oldest continuously operated restaurant at the same location in Kokomo. If that isn’t nostalgic, we aren’t sure what is. Since 1938, Artie’s has been serving up what we’ve heard to be the best tenderloin in Kokomo! Get a small for $3.75, or a large for $6. Wash it down with a cold beer, and call it a day with this Kokomo classic.
Photo from Martino’s Facebook
Martino’s
Located at 1929 N Washington Street, Martino’s has been serving up amazing homemade Italian food to Kokomo since 1962. What started off as a dream and a $1,000 bank loan, Martino’s started off as a small donut shop, short-order restaurant, and a pizzeria. Over the years, word spread, and the menu grew as people were introduced to a variety of classic Italian dishes. And in 10 years, the restaurant expanded from 20 seats to nearly 300. Step into Martino’s and step back in time to a classic Italian village where the food is just as delicious as it was almost 60 years ago.
Photo from Cone Palace’s Facebook page
Cone Palace
Since 1966, Cone Palace has satisfied Kokomo’s sweet tooth and filling their stomachs. What once began as a “Dari Castle” a franchise competing with Dairy Queen, Rex Smeltzer opened the restaurant debuting 13 cent hot dogs, 15 cent hamburgers, and 10 cent ice cream cones. A few years later, Rex decided to go independent and opened what is famously known as Cone Palace. From the start, the most popular item at Cone Palace is the chili dog, made from the homemade sauce, take one bite and you can’t help but smile, and your wallet will too.
Photo from Jamie’s Soda Fountain Facebook page
Jamie’s Soda Fountain
After retiring from Delco Electronics in 1982, James Whited who loved working at a soda fountain in high school decided to open his own. Over the years, Jamie’s has had 4 locations. But you can find them today at North Main Street where they’ve resided for the last 25 years. If you are in the mood for an old-fashioned soda or a hand-pumped fountain coke, Jamie’s will fill your soul and your stomach and leave you wanting more.
Where do you go to go back in time? Did your favorite classic make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
