Support Us Button Widget

Retro diners around Indianapolis, IN

“Everything’s copacetic” in the Circle City thanks to its many retro diners.

Exterior shot of Sanitary Diner

You can find the Sanitary Diner at 99 Cruse St.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Table of Contents

Put on your peepers and warm up the chariot because with one newly opened vintage eatery, one up for lease, and one up for sale, we’re gabbing all about Indy’s retro diners. Ya dig?

The Sanitary Diner

You might not have ever noticed the “lunch car” style diner that is sitting quietly on the edge of the Holy Cross neighborhood, but back in January 2022 we reached out to our loyal Instagram followers about its status. The general consensus was that The Sanitary Diner was once owned by Angie’s List as an employee-only diner.

Well, now it could be yours. It’s now for lease and we’re digging its floor plan. Check out the brochure from commercial real estate company Cushman & Wakefield.

What’s a “lunch car?”

The modular chrome “lunch car” became popular in the early 20th century but it actually started out as a “lunch wagon” back in the 19th century, when street carts would wheel around selling snacks to workers. Its polished look and iconic tiled floors can be credited to manufacturer Patrick Tierney. You don’t see many of them around Indy anymore — The Sanitary Diner is the one of the only ones left standing. What’s today’s version? Well that would have to be a food truck, if you ask us.

powered by Proxi

Get your fix

Now that we’ve primed your taste buds for a vintage dining experience, might we suggest trying out The Knuckle Sandwich? If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it used to have a location off State Road 144 and State Road 37, but it was demolished as part of I-69 construction. The new location in Bargersville opened earlier this month.

Plus, you can’t go wrong with this list of central Indiana classics:

And we’d be remiss if we didn’t share some love for the recently closed Edward’s Drive-In.

Okay, we can’t leave you without addressing the elephant in the room: what’s up with the name “Sanitary Diner?” Like we said last year, the decision to call it that was meant to advertise its cleanliness back in the 1930s, when tuberculosis was still prevalent.

More from INDYtoday
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
At Cake Picnic, sharing is caring. Pick up one of these local confections to share with family, friends, and strangers at the trending public gathering.
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. We’re here to get your recommendations and help others find their third place.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Indy, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Sponsored
Beyond the enticing dishes, Michaelangelos invites you to unwind with their happy hour specials too.
It’s the sweetest night of the year — make sure it doesn’t turn sour by visiting these neighborhoods known for great candy and friendly streets.
Our nearby neighbor is filled with outdoor adventures, cozy cafes, and shopping — and is especially popular in the fall, thanks to its small-town charm and autumnal colors.
From “coffee, coffee, coffee” to chilaquiles and everything in between, here are a few ways to pay homage to “Gilmore Girls” in Indy this autumn.
Don’t be afraid. Concerns about everything from flood damage to environmental health can be solved by getting in touch not with the Ghostbusters, but with these Indy resources.