Lunch off I-65 in Indiana

I know there’s some old info for places off I-65, but I am looking specifically for suggestions in Indiana only. Doing the incredibly dull drive through Indiana to Ohio for the holiday. We often wind up at a chain in West Lafayette but I feel like we should be able to do better. Willing to venture a bit off the path, but not too far. Are there any drive-ins still functioning? We’ll have our Shiba Inu with us. She can wait in the car, but of course would prefer not to.

How far on I65 are you going? From I90 to I70 or I74 in Indianapolis? Further? Not that far?

tjr wrote:How far on I65 are you going? From I90 to I70 or I74 in Indianapolis? Further? Not that far?

From I90 to I70 through to Troy, OH.

There's the Triple XXX Family Restaurant in West Lafayette, which is apparently still a drive in--I think I went there once on my many trips to Cincinnati and sat inside. It was quite a while ago so I don't remember a lot of specifics, but I didn't go back, so I must not have been thrilled with the food, but it is what you're looking for!

There are are several Skyline Chilis in the Indianapolis area, if you haven't tried Cincinnati chili but want to--not a drive in, but always quick service. This has become my go-to in trips to/from Cincinnati to get one last cheese coney, now that we have Culver's here.

There is also Shapiro's Deli in Indianapolis (again, not a drive-in, but quick service).

Triple XXX Family Restaurant
2 N. Salisbury
West Lafayette, IN
https://www.triplexxxfamilyrestaurant.com/

Shapiro's Deli
808 S. Meridian
Indianapolis, IN
https://shapiros.com/

I'm a Skyline fan, so that's a good option but Lebanon, IN has some cool local places if you're willing to go a couple miles off I-65. Not drive-thus. I remember an old-school diner called the Milky Way that had really good tenderloins and burgers, and maybe fried pickles. But the town has a bunch of restaurants you could Google. And it's located just north of Indy, which is usually when I get hungry when I head that way (my mom used to live in Troy).

Thanks for all the suggestions!

We got a late start at 10am (predictable for us) which is why we usually wind up in West Lafayette. Decided to give Triple XXX a try. Unfortunately, it no longer functions as a drive-in. It’s in the heart of the Purdue student housing area and was hoppin’ today. Lots of kids with their parents. They do have a walk up window and we just took the food back to the car. Nothing special food-wise but my onion rings were perfectly crispy and piping hot. Jonathan enjoyed his patty melt. Liked that the portions were just right & not excessive as all we’re doing is sitting in the car…. The people watching was also more fun than our usual chain & Audrey got a peak at Purdue.

Re: Skyline, I went to the University of Dayton so I’ve had it. Not my jam but I know a lot of people who love it.

If we can ever get our act together earlier we’ll check out Lebanon.

Thanks again!