This Shipshewana Restaurant has the Coolest History and the Best Pie!

It's rare to find a restaurant with such a history. 

The Shipshewana Auction Restaurant, located at Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, is a charming sit-down eatery that serves the buyers, sellers and visitors to the auction and flea market.

Customers love to fill up on Amish & Mennonite favorites including chicken & noodles, ham loaf, soups, sandwiches, and of course, pie.

Restaurant Hours

Chicken & Noodles

Aside from the wonderful homestyle food, this restaurant has a history goes way back.

Auction Restaurant History

The Auction Restaurant opened for business in 1930 in order to serve the buyers and sellers of the Shipshewana Livestock Auction (which had been growing in popularity since George Curtis first started it in 1922). The restaurant was operated out of George Curtis' garage and was run by the ladies of the Methodist Church. 

Shipshewana Auction Barn in 1922

In 1940, Curtis asked Milo and Ruth Miller, who were then catering farm sales, if they would be interested in taking over the operation. They accepted. So, each day, the Millers had to back Mr. Curtis’s automobile out of the garage, sweep the floor and set up the restaurant equipment and gas stove. The vegetables came from Mrs. Miller’s garden, and the pie came from her oven at home. She even made homemade catsup to go on the 20 cent hamburgers!

Shipshewana Auction in 1955

In 1950, a new Auction Restaurant was built to seat 50-60 people as the auction and pop-up flea market grew in popularity. The auction restaurant was re-done again in 1981. Now, it serves hungry visitors from all over the country during it's hours of operation, which coincide with the auction & flea market events.

Interior of Auction Reatuarant 2017

The Menu

Because my office is literally right next door to the restuarant, I get the pleasure of eating there for lunch quite a bit!

My personal menu favorites are:

• Fish Dinner (Golden Brown and Delicious Pollock, Mashed Potatoes; & Cole Slaw or Applesauce)
• Pork Burger (Juicy 1/3lb Local Pork Burger)
• Tenderloin Sandwich (Delicious Pork Tenderloin, Topped with Lettuce, Tomato and Mayo)
• Grilled Chicken Salad (Crisp Tossed Salad Greens Topped with Seasoned Grilled Strips of Chicken, Tomato & Cheese)
• Haystack - A Shipshewana Local Breakfast Favorite (Hashbrowns topped with Sausage Gravy; Eggs, Cheese and Bacon)

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

The Auction Restaurant also serves up a delicious breakfast. I love getting the veggie omelette and especially the homemade cinnamon roll - a huge, mouth-watering roll of happiness.

Farmer's Omelette

Now. Lets talk about the pie. Here in Amish country, we are serious about our pie, and the Shipshewana Auction Restaurant is no exception.

You'll want to grab several slices of homemade pie...check the specials boards for the available seasonal flavors like dutch apple, peanut butter chocolate, cherry, rhubarb, strawberry, coconut cream and more. My favorite is the dutch apple. I like to have a slice with a hot cup of coffee!

Dutch Apple Pie

When you're in Shipshewana, be sure to stop in to the Auction Restaurant. You'll enjoy the food, service and the rich history!

Want more ideas on places to eat or things to do in Shipshewana? Download our FREE Shipshewana Amish Country Trip Planner.