The Nook

Service great. Little crowded due to size of venue. Food was very tasty. My friend got a steak and…read moreI got a chicken sandwich. Both got a couple of beers as well. But by far was the crab cakes. Best Ive ever eaten. Beats any seafood restaurant Ive been too. However, it is a little pricey. So I wont be able to patronize this place often. But I see why its a go to place every weekend.

was grated promptly at the door, nice menu choices. Food was very good (had prime rib sand & wife…read morehad wet burrito) service was friendly and everything was clean. Will be back next time in the area for sure!

Just a shot at the end of the bar. I liked the bent neck on the ice water bottle.

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Jimmy John's

3.0(7 reviews)

0.8 mi

It was your typical Jimmys. Decent quick food and nice crew of people to put it all together for…read moreyou.

Great sandwiches with friendly help! We have never had bad service from this Jimmy John's. If…read moreyou like things hot then you have to get the Jimmy peppers on your sandwich, or on the side and add them yourself. Restroom and dining area have always been clean when we have eaten in.

Wings Etc

3.4(40 reviews)

1.1 mi

Slow. Slow for drinks, service and check. However, food was fast. Got grilled chicken salad. Half…read morethe chicken was overcooked and dry, half was perfectly cooked. Solid salad while traveling . Was there almost hour and got a single water. Don't be in a hurry.

Excellent Hawgzilla Sandwich! 1/2# of deliciousness…read more TatorTots were okay but need some seasonings... Suggestion...make an appetizer out of the pulled pork, tatortots, and bbq sauce!!!

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11th Frame

2.6(5 reviews)

0.2 mi

Great service and great Pollock! Wish they had kept the original cole slaw recipe though! Will…read morereturn. Highly recommend!

I have ordered here and watch a waiter pull a pepperoni off my pizza when I wanted a cheese pizza…read moreand then added Parmesan to make it look better

Pickles Cafe

4.3(51 reviews)

0.1 mi

Cozy little corner diner that is so cute inside! The food is fresh and soooooo good! I had the…read moreHippoe Hash and it was perfect. Service was great start to finish!

My favorite place to eat in this area. Prices are reasonable. Cozy atmosphere with an eclectic…read morevibe. Homemade food that you don't find anywhere else around here. Servers are warm and friendly. Would recommend to anyone. Only complaint is I wish they were open later.

Pick 3 - tomatoes basil soup, cucumber salad ( and what is in the next picture)

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Subway

1.4(7 reviews)

1.0 mi

If I could give negative stars I would I sent my daughter over with a coupon 2 subs for 12.99 told…read moreher they don't except them no more and charged her $27 thats crazy!! I will never go there again! plus the owner is an azzhole!!!

The food was decent, average. But my fountain was NOT. Possible fleas in my drink? Could be…read morecrusties-either way, it's unclean and gross. The staff was kind, but the actual store itself was gross. The spinach bucket looked like avocado had been in it and dried up. Lettuce was wilted and brown, slimy and gross. Would *not* recommend coming to this Subway.

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1897 BBQ

4.8(12 reviews)

0.0 mi

Went here with my family (forgot to take pictures!). For the most part, it's pretty solid for what…read moreit is. Great BBQ spot for Northern Indiana. Doesn't try to be something it's not. Family-run, super kind staff, and home-grown vibes. It isn't comparable to Texas or KC barbecue, but again, you have to take it for what it is. I'd definitely return! Pulled pork, poblano mac, and spoonbread were my favorite!

Wow... just wow! My husband and I have been looking for a decent BBQ resturant near us for…read more... well.... a hot minute.. Let me just say... I believe we have found one. One that will deserve our repete business. My husband ordered the 3 meat and got the chicken, pulled pork and ribs. Ribs were fall off the bone, pulled pork was juicy AND NOT FATTY, and the chicken was juicy and not dry. My husband liked the house BBQ. The green beans were phenomenal, the type that need to go with Bbq, and a baked potato which my gusband said felt like a pound tater and the best. He got his tater loaded... and he said later that he wished he would have put some of his pulled pork on top of his potato! He had more than enough for left overs and is eating that this morning while Im writing this.. he says that he didnt even warm up his left overs and it was just as good cold as it as while it was warm! Our friend we had with us got the pulled pork sandwich and he devoured his food! He did try the spicy BBQ and he said it was lovely with a nice slow warmth coming from the back. The best bbq he has had in a while too. Me.. I'm always a scaredy cat when it comes to food. I tend to stick to my normals and don't stray much.. Last night was no exception. I ordered the sharable nachos with pulled pork. Fantastic. I didn't have a drop of fat in my pulled pork which I personally have issues with, which made me extremely happy! The only complaint that I have is I wish with nachos that places would love the bottom layer of chips as well. I hate getting almost done with my nachos and I have a host of dry nachos at the bottom. No queso no pork... They are sad. They should feel love too! The space is laid out nicely and the atmosphere top notch. Waitress were much friendlier than several other resturants. There is a small incline in the floor as you go further back to the rear of the resturant towards the restrooms. The entire place is handicap accessible. Which gets extra bonus points in my opinion! As we are always on the lookout for places to bring our elderly parents who are in chairs. Tables are excellent for wheelchair users and persons of size (like myself). I will say that the booths were 'movable' and I had plenty of room as a big girl! The restrooms were very clean and large. We were so blown away by the food quality and quantity and taste WE FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES!!!!!!!!!! That's saying something!!

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Richards Restaurant

3.5(19 reviews)

0.9 mi

The waitresses are all very nice and friendly. The service is fast and the food is greatread more

The smoky salad dressing is especially delicious. Service by Missy was friendly and efficient…read more Prices are very reasonable. Decor is a bit dated but clean. Enjoyable!

Richards Restaurant

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Culver's

3.3(9 reviews)

1.4 mi

Wow. Unbelievable how good for a fast food. Tried while driving across the country. Great burgers,…read morefries and shake.

My first time at a Culver's. We don't have them in Pa. I will say it was absolutely delicious!…read moreLived the crispy patty and the cheese curds were on fire! The restaurant was clean and welcoming. Only complaint was the older woman taking our order. Seemed annoyed we were there or just annoyed in life I dunno... but that's not stopping me from going there again.

I'm holding what the picture on wall is what I should have received!!

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Arby's

2.9(7 reviews)

0.8 mi

I usually love Arby's when I need a fast food meal on the run. This location, however, was not up…read moreto usual standards. The roast beef was cold and super fatty. The bun was hard and I couldn't even finish the sandwich. The Diet Coke was great, however!

I've given this location a number of tries the last few months and I have yet to have a decent…read moreexperience. The soda is ALWAYS flat, and usually lukewarm. The beef and cheddar has yet to be hot when I get it, and the portions of each ingredient on it are always off. My fiancé drives to Fort Wayne to go to Arby's when she wants it because this one is so bad.

Things to do in Columbia City

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13 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Eliza S.

0

1

3

5 years ago

I have been coming to the Nook since I was a little girl and it never disappoints! Great all-American diner food in a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant with rustic, classic decor and a staff that is as kind and friendly as a member of your family! I love their corndogs and I get a couple coney dogs, no onion, every time I go! You'll never leave disappointed! Very low and reasonably priced for how much food you get! Come on in and become part of the Nook customer fam! read more

Mataya C.

47

2

0

11 years ago

This place is the best thing! The chicken strip basket is the best! As well as there onion rings.. Everybody in there lifetime needs to stop and I. At the Nook and order something.. There are also. Known for their coney dog baskets with two coneys with everything and French fries read more

Russell ..

0

2

0

3 years ago

Coney's are pretty good and reasonably priced. I would call them more chilli dog's than Coney's due to the chili topping, but still very good. Service was friendly and quick. Please has a small diner feel which is very enjoyable. Would recommend. read more

Anonymous 1.

0

6

0

5 years ago

place was dirty dishes was dirty, cook was using bare hands to touch raw hot dog and didn't wash hands, my grandparents always talked about this place in the mid 2000s and always spoke bad of it LOL they was right.... read more

Sally O.

0

3

0

4 years ago

It's an "old town style diner" one of my favorite places in town, Reminds us of the diner we used to go to when we were teens. Food is great too and at cost we can afford. read more

Kaycee B.

0

15

4

12 years ago

Anyone who doesn't like the nook, obviously didn't grow up Columbia City. I grew up loving their food and the small town atmosphere.

Barbara S.

0

1

2 years ago

Family-owned business. They have nice good food and their service is good. Very nice people.

Chantel S.

189

13

34

6 years ago

Quick, friendly service. The place is quaint but very clean! Will be coming back for sure!

Tim A.

0

2

0

4 years ago

Great little diner/hot dog stand! Great prices and super friendly help. Highly recommend! read more

Alex D.

0

6

0

4 years ago

We love it. It's cheap. My kids love sitting at the "bar". Service is fast and friendly.

Naif A.

13

6

3

9 years ago

love it. I had cheeseburger, one of the best burgers I've had comparing to that price.

Dr. D.

1

4

0

3 years ago

Not much to say other than this place has good people and good food for a great price!

Ryder J.

0

2

0

4 years ago

Amazing how good the food is 100/10

The Nook - burgers - Updated July 2026

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Big G's

4.1

(24 reviews)

The Fried Bologna brought back childhood memories!…read more I would have never found this place had it not been for a local referral. The service is very friendly and 'home-like' which makes the environment feel homey. Definitely a must if you're driving through Columbia City

Very good service, great place to go for breakfast. Nice atmosphere. I recommend this great little…read morerestaurant.

Portillo's Ft. Wayne

3.7

(123 reviews)

1st time eating at Portello's, today. We were in a bit of a hurry and was deciding between chicken…read morefil a, or a place we had never tried, which was Portello's. Used the drive thru and the gentleman taking our order was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered a hamburger, no cheese, with ketchup, mayo,lettuce and onion, with fries. The fries were hot, and delicious! The hamburger, I promise you, was the best I've had in a very very long time. It was charbroiled perfectly, thick, and fresh. Took me a lil while to finish it. Next time we will take our time and eat inside so we can enjoy the throwback diner atmosphere.

This is my 3rd visit to Portillo's & it definitely won't be my last! Today, I stopped by Ross to…read moreshop & look for a few things. By the end of my trip, I was famished. Having noticed Portillo's on my way in earlier & craving a chili dog, I knew i was destined for a delicious lunch. I had the jumbo chili dog (hold the cheese & onions!) with small fries. I was quickly served & was so glad I stopped in. The oldies music had me tapping my feet & feeling upbeat. It was a good trip & i can't wait to return.

Half Acre Cafe

4.8

(20 reviews)

We've eaten here plenty of times since the new owners have taken over so I figured today was a…read moregreat day for a review. This place is a great place to visit for a hometown meal! It is always pretty busy but the servers work very hard to get tables clear. The service was great and the food even better. If you are in the area, check this place out! It'll feel like eating at momma's house and you'll feel like right at home here! The restaurant is also super clean and up-to-date.

The food is good, basic cafe food. Nothing fancy, but tastes delicious like home cooking.read more

Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island

4.3

(351 reviews)

I drove from Chicago to Fort Wayne, specifically to go to a couple of restaurants, and this was my…read morefirst stop of the day. I parked out back, and walked through the kitchen (pretty cool). I took a seat at one of the stools at the counter. About those........this place has been around since the early 1900s, and you can tell. The stools were the size to fit people back then. My big ass barely fit on it, and this old timer next to me went to sit down, and missed the stool completely and almost took a tumble (thankfully he did not fall down). I placed my order for 2 hot dogs and a large Dr Pepper. How were they? Delicious! Coney Dogs- These dogs come with a loose meat style coney sauce, mustard and onions all on a soft steamed bun. The most awesome part, they are only $2.00 each! You can't get anything these days for $2.00. The dogs were delicious! I can see how they have been around 100+ years. If I wasn't going to another place to eat afterwards, I could have put down 4-5 dogs, easily. Service was very friendly, and I was in and out in about 20 minutes. Would definitely stop back in if I'm ever near Fort Wayne again!

This is everything you want and need in a hot dog place! Cheap, an old restaurant lunch counter…read morevibe, and delicious dogs. Service was super quick, but lines do form quickly outside. Great lunch spot.

Jonesys Junction

4.6

(38 reviews)

They say it's the best tenderloin in Indiana and I believe it! The breading was the most crispy and…read morelight that I've had. Definitely felt hand breaded to me. The fries were fine. My dad had the fries with brisket ON TOP and that looked amazing too. Local gem!!

The food was amazing. Probably the best tenderloin sandwich I've had. Biggest thing to remember is…read morethat they close from 2-4pm, and it's a packed house, so you'll be waiting for a table at times. Value for money is great. Feels like an old-school BBQ restaurant. Worth the drive.

Joanna's Family Restaurant

4.3

(28 reviews)

Alright, I found the best thing to eat here, and it's the skillets! They are fantastic and worth…read moreevery calorie. The service is always fantastic and friendly. Ambiance is fun and everyone is always happy. Joanna's Scramble Skillet - Steak, chorizo, onions, peppers, eggs, cheese, jalapenos. - Everything was good and perfectly cooked. Seasoned well too, did not need extra salt. 5/5 stars. Meat Lovers Skillet - Sausage, bacon, ham, cheese, eggs. - Also delicious. Everything cooked well and no need for extra salt. 5/5 stars. We both did a side of pancakes (it comes with your skillets, but we would have ordered some regardless). Very good, very tasty, not dry like sometimes it can be. 5/5 stars. Go here and get the skillets. I've tried the omelettes and blueberry pancakes before, and they were fine, but the skillets are by far superior in every way. Highly recommend this place!

My boyfriend's family is in Fort Wayne so we went for the weekend. On Father's Day We went here…read morefor breakfast and I enjoyed my platter that I had. The turkey bacon was shockingly good. One thing I will say that was on the downside was that their pancakes were a little bit cakey. Other than that that was a nice family restaurant and the service was great.

Rich's Cafe

3.7

(30 reviews)

I had a great experience at Rich's Cafe. The food was delicious and came out quickly, which is…read morealways a plus. The ambiance has that classic diner feel -- comfortable, casual, and very clean. What really stood out was the staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the whole visit even better. If you're looking for a solid spot with good food and great service, this is definitely worth a visit.

We waited 15 minutes before we stopped a waitress and asked for service. The restaurant wasn't that…read morebusy but we only saw 2 people, and they were gone for periods of time. The food is mediocre, the silverware cheap, I felt sorry for an older woman who came in after us and still wasn't waited on when we left. There wasn't anyone at the cash register and we waited for someone to come to cash us out.

Mister Coney

3.9

(59 reviews)

I decided to give this place a try instead of the other famous coney institution downtown. I was…read morenot disappointed. There was a parking lot, which is a lot easier than the other famous Coney dog location. As soon as I entered, we were greeted by the cashier/manager who was super friendly. She ran up and got the water for our table while our waitress came only a few minutes later. The ordering was pretty easy and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are fries that you can add chili and cheese too. Overall, I found the food to be delicious. I'm still trying to learn the ropes as to what makes a good Coney dog. In the end, I was not disappointed. It was a great easy lunch experience that my family enjoyed.

Once again we decided to pig out at lunch! The place was packed with a loaded parking lot! So we…read morehit the drive thru. Six with everything were ready in minutes and the car still smell like onions hours later. It was worth it! Still the best in town and everything was packed in an attractive box! Plenty of napkins included! Give them a try!

20th Century Restaurant

4.2

(21 reviews)

We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast with superior service there this week. It is a 60 year old diner,…read morewith several employees that appear to have worked there since the grand opening, but these people understand how it needs to be done! Thank you for a fabulous breakfast and keep it up

OK so here is the deal, we have been eating here for years, usually for the AWESOME Friday fish…read morespecial, so what I am about to tell you may shock you... something wasn't right with that beautiful tenderloin in the picture. Whatttttt? Yep it was off, perhaps a tad spoiled? So how do I still give five stars? Why am I not b!t€h!ng like so many on here over simple problems? Let me tell you. This establishment is top notch, they serve awesome breakfast and even better fish dinners. They handled my complaint professionally, made us different meals (my dad and I both came for the Tenderloin), and even picked up the tab, which lead to a very healthy tip for the waitress. Sometimes things happen, gross tasting things, it happens, IT HAPPENS PEOPLE! Other than this one time, I have always had great meals here, and you know what? I had a great meal this time too! Tips: Awesome fries, homemade breakfast sausage patties, Friday Fish Fry is worth the trip. OK See You

Waynedale Cafe

3.9

(20 reviews)