Heinnies Backbarn

On West Lusher avenue in Elkhart sits a building that is more tradition, than restaurant; Heinnies back barn has been an Elkhart staple since 1951, and is currently being run by the original owners' grandsons. Not only has Heinnies won acclaim as the best steak and the best prime rib in our area, but they have also earned themselves a spot on the United States' Top Cheeseburger Stops (By author George Motz), so if that isn't enough to convince you to drop by for dinner, I will personally tell you how wonderful the food is! As you walk through the restaurant you might just feel like you are walking through a cattle barn as each table is in it's own stall, and every table cloth is cow print, a little cheesy? Yeah, sure, but they have the food to back it up! We started our meal with an appetizer platter, that included onion rings, zucchini, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeño poppers, it was good, but nothing out of the ordinary, but enough to be worth $9.99. We were barely done with our apps when our salads came out, they were ample, but I will warn that when your waitress asks if you want cheese, bacon, and croutons, saying yes will add a whopping $2.67 to your tab, that is $.89 for each of these savory additions. Now, when you visit Heinnies, you HAVE to go on a Monday, Friday, or Saturday because these are the only days they serve their prime rib, and you have to try the prime rib, you also have to pay the extra dollar to have it charbroiled; this thick cut of prime rib comes out perfectly seasoned on a hot plate swimming in it's own delicious juices, and every single bite will melt in your mouth. I was shocked as I looked over at my husband's famous Claybaugh; it's a double burger with mozzarella, swiss, cheddar, and American cheeses, bacon, mushrooms, onions, and of course the standard tomato, lettuce, mustard, and catsup. The only complaint about this giant burger is that it was too big! Looking across the table, my parents were sharing a sirloin that would have fed the entire table, and still left enough for a doggy bag, and to quote my dad "this is a well aged steak, it is so tender." So, next time you are hungry for a steak or burger, keep the tradition alive and try Elkhart's best, Heinnies Backbarn!