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A pork tenderloin that hangs well past the edge of its bun is a point of pride in Indiana, and one little tavern in Auburn serves it two different ways. Locals say the big one could feed two or three people, and the fries show up in their own basket.
Add a menu that runs from breakfast to fish baskets, and you have a stop that fits a weekend drive in DeKalb County. Here is what to know before you go, from the story behind the sandwich to the hours worth double-checking.
Where This Tenderloin Tavern Sits in Auburn
Auburn’s Town Tavern is a restaurant at 1343 Main St, Auburn, IN 46706, in the United States. It sits in DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana, an easy drive for day-trippers from across the region.
From the outside, it reads as a classic neighborhood joint rather than a flashy destination. That plain look is part of the appeal for Hoosiers who like their finds unfussy.
The place carries a 4.3-star average across 632 online reviews, which is a solid showing for a spot that keeps its focus on comfort food. The tenderloin is the name that comes up more than anything else, with 38 mentions in the popular topics list.
Regulars describe it as a family restaurant with a small dining area, and one that is separate from the bar side. That layout keeps lunch tables calm even when the place fills up.
A smart plan is to treat Auburn as the anchor of a day trip. Folks have stopped in for lunch after visiting the car museums nearby, so the tavern fits neatly into a full afternoon of local sightseeing.
Consider this the front door to the story, with the rest of the article covering the sandwich, the sides, and the practical details.
A Sandwich That Outgrows Its Bun
Indiana has a long love affair with the breaded pork tenderloin, and this tavern gives it room to stretch. The big version is the headline act, with a size that diners say could easily feed two or three people.
Guests also point out that the bun looks tiny next to it. Some say the sandwich could use a little more seasoning, so a shaker on the table might not hurt.
The lesson from the menu is that there is more than one way to order. A smaller, thicker version sits beside the giant, and fans say the breading on it is just right at roughly half an inch to three quarters of an inch thick.
Both have their fans. The larger one is thinner, while the regular size is thick and closer to a normal portion.
That choice makes the tavern friendly to different appetites. A hungry group can split the monster, and a solo lunch can go with the manageable one.
Either way, hubcap comparisons are not far off, and leftovers are a real possibility. Ask for a to-go box and lunch tomorrow is already settled.
Two Sizes, One Big Decision
Ordering here starts with a fork in the road. The menu offers a regular tenderloin and a larger one, and the two are not simply the same sandwich in different sizes.
The thick version is described as more normal in size, with a hearty cut under the breading. The giant is thinner and spreads far beyond the bread.
One regular noted that the big tenderloin tastes different from the regular one, and some households split on which they prefer. That makes a good excuse for two people to order one of each and compare notes.
Pricing for the smaller sandwich was reported at about $10.95, with fries as an extra couple of dollars. Prices can change, so check before you go.
Fries arrive in a separate basket and the basket is full. It is a generous setup, and a shared basket works fine for a table of three.
For anyone who likes a friendly debate over lunch, this is the tavern’s built-in conversation starter. Thin and sprawling or thick and tidy, the winner is whichever one is in front of you.
Beyond the Tenderloin: Fish Baskets and More
Plenty of tables skip the sandwich entirely and head for the fish. The fish basket is a steady favorite, arriving with fries and coleslaw at around $11.95 according to recent diners.
Bluegill dinners earn praise for large portions, and plates are often described as heaped with both fish and fries. Fish tacos and a fish sandwich also show up on the menu.
Coleslaw gets its own nod, with eight mentions among the popular topics. Fries lead the side list at 17 mentions, with onion rings and corn dip trailing behind.
Opinions are not unanimous. A few diners found the fish overcooked or the coating not to their liking, and a couple left feeling the meal was only average.
Honest picture: this is a place where the best experiences come from ordering the headline items. The kitchen leans heavily on fried foods, though the menu also lists steak, chicken, shrimp, salads, and appetizers.
Cheese sticks have won fans too, and the cheese fries come topped with melted shredded cheese. Bring an appetite and a willingness to share.
Breakfast Hours and Early Risers
Doors open at 6:30 AM, which makes this tavern a surprise early-morning option. Some regulars call it one of their go-to breakfast stops.
Crispy home fries and good coffee come up in the praise, along with friendly staff. One diner even reported having a tenderloin for breakfast, which is a very Indiana way to start the day.
Corned beef hash and other breakfast items are part of the popular topics, so the morning menu has its own following. The kitchen runs on the same unfussy approach as at lunch.
Early hours also help beat the crowds. Lunch can get packed, and a few diners noted that staff were doing their best during a busy rush.
A morning visit may offer a calmer pace and more elbow room in a dining area that is on the small side.
For weekend day-trippers, breakfast is a smart first stop before exploring Auburn. Sunday hours are shorter, so plan accordingly.
A Classic Little Joint With Room to Breathe
Space is limited here, and the dining area is on the small side. That coziness is part of the charm for people who like an old-school neighborhood feel.
The dining area is clean and separate from the bar, with light classic rock playing on the TV. Some diners say the layout keeps things family friendly, and kids’ chicken tenders have gotten a thumbs-up.
Because the room is small, conversations at nearby tables can carry. One guest also found the room chilly on a past visit, so a light layer is not a bad idea.
Staff draw plenty of kind words. Diners have called out a friendly mother and daughter team, fast service, and a bartender who made a good impression.
A few experiences were less smooth, with comments about servers being stretched thin at busy times. Patience goes a long way when the place is full.
The overall mood is relaxed and unpretentious. It suits families, couples, and friends looking for a no-frills lunch.
Hours, Costs, and Smart Planning
Hours are the first thing to double-check. Listings show 6:30 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 AM to 2 PM on Sunday.
Monday through Thursday, the listed closing time is 9 PM. One diner noted that online hours showed a later close on weekdays, so calling ahead is a good move.
Prices reported by diners include about $10.95 for the smaller tenderloin and $11.95 for a fish basket with fries and coleslaw. Fries added to a sandwich were about $2 more, and chips may carry an upcharge.
Costs can add up with extras, and one takeout order for a burger, a chicken sandwich, and a corn dip was reported at $42. Menu prices may change, so confirm before you go.
Takeout is possible, though one regular felt that consistency could vary on carryout orders. Dining in may give the kitchen a better shot at delivering the sandwich at its best.
The address is 1343 Main St, so plug it into your map and aim for off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter room.
Is the Drive Worth It?
The verdict comes down to appetite and expectations. Many guests leave full and happy, and the average of 4.3 stars suggests plenty of satisfied tables.
Some diners found the food merely fine, and a few were disappointed by cooking that missed the mark. Still, the tenderloin is the draw, and its size alone makes it a story worth telling friends.
This is a spot for anyone who likes small-town Indiana institutions with big portions and a relaxed mood. Share a sandwich, order a fish basket, and leave room for fries.
For a weekend outing, pair it with a stroll through Auburn and the nearby museums. Hours may vary, so check before you go.
Hoosiers keep lining up because a tenderloin that spills over its bun is a hard thing to pass up. Come hungry, bring a friend, and enjoy the leftovers.
