Libby & Mom’s Cafe
2 Richardt Ave., 812-437-3040
Libby & Mom’s Cafe has a dedicated group of regular customers, and they are rewarded with a personalized mug that hangs on the wall waiting for their next visit. Elizabeth Lunceford, the restaurant’s manager, says some people even eat all three meals at the local spot.
During the afternoons on Tuesday through Friday, guests can order from a rotating menu that includes comfort staples like catfish, smoked pork chops, and fried chicken livers. One of the most popular dishes, though, is the chicken and dumplings made from scratch.
“My grandma is 83. She hand rolls them every Tuesday morning,” says Lunceford.
Old Tyme Deli and Meat Shop
307 N. First Ave., 812-401-1030
Old Tyme Deli and Meat Shop offers a full butcher shop and cold deli, but lunch-goers looking for a homestyle meal also can stop in for a plate lunch from a rotating weekly menu. A regular rotation of lunches are offered Monday through Friday, with tenderloins, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and fried bologna available every day.
“We take everything from the case and cook it,” says owner Mike Holder. “We don’t do anything frozen. It’s always fresh.”
With its location across the street from Berry Global, Holder says they stay busy. Meals are available from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. (or until food runs out).
Marigold Bar
2112 S. Weinbach Ave., 812-475-8780
When David Bush bought Marigold Bar 16 years ago, his mother cooked plate lunches for the restaurant until she passed away in 2013. Since then, Bush has carried on plating up his mother’s recipes for customers craving home cooking.
“I followed in her footsteps, watched her cook all those years,” he says. “My mom always said, ‘Don’t let them go away hungry.’”
The menu changes daily, with favorites like meatloaf, salmon patties, homemade soups, liver and onions, and chicken and dumplings served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.