7 Restaurants In Bedford (Indiana) That Locals Love For Food, Fun & Vibes!

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Last updated on February 8, 2023 by Wandering our World

Bedford, Indiana is a little town with an astonishing array of good food with restaurants serving up everything from basic American fare to global delicacies.

Whether you want a quick nibble or a sit-down dinner, you’ll find a restaurant that will fulfil your tastes in this quaint town.

Luckily, today, we’ll look at some of the best restaurants in Bedford, Indiana, and why they’re worth a visit.

So, grab your fork and let’s get started!

Chef cooking in kitchen
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Best Restaurants In Bedford, Indiana: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Mammas & Pappas

Family-friendly eatery serving American and Mexican wares in a cozy environment with the friendliest service around! Outdoor seating is available.

If you’re looking for one of the best casual and comfortable places to have a relaxing meal in Bedford then nothing can beat Mammas & Pappas. Not only is the place cozy but the owners and the staff are friendly and warm too. It’s an unmissable spot if you’re in the area!

The restaurant has a large indoor seating lounge, as well as a full-service bar and outdoor patio area that has heaters too, so you can sit wherever you want regardless of the weather!

As far as their food and goodies are concerned, they serve a whole host of different dishes from classic American favorites to Mexican fare.

Try their Southwest Chicken, Burritos, Burgers, and Ribeye steak to have some of the chef’s specialties.

Apart from this, their pies act as the perfect ending to any meal, so make sure to grab a slice.

Mammas & Pappas is open seven days a week from 11 am to 9 pm, so catch them whenever you have time.

Address: 2615 Mitchell Rd, Bedford, IN

2. Smokin Jim’s BBQ and Steakhouse

Delectable BBQ and steaks made in a locally owned restaurant with a great ambiance and awesome service! Kid’s menu available too.

One of the best restaurants in Bedford to get some delicious BBQ and steaks is Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ and Steakhouse. It’s super popular with the locals and has a small shop area where you can buy locally crafted products too!

So, not only will you be helping out a local restaurant, but you could also support other small businesses if you buy some souvenirs from them.

The interior is done up in red and black with a lot of hunting-inspired decorations lining the walls, making for an interesting atmosphere to dine in. The eatery also has different floors which means a lot of seating even during rush hours.

As for their most popular dishes, try their steaks, ribs, and Sirloin Tips. Their platters are also well worth ordering as they offer more combinations of meat to try.

Plus, for all parents bringing little ones along, they have a separate kids’ menu too!

Smokin’ Jim’s is closed from Sunday to Tuesday and reopens after that from 11 am to 8 pm. So, make sure you check the days and times before heading out.

Address: 1414 Bundy Ln, Bedford, IN

Selection of bbq items
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/YuraWhite).

3. 99 Restaurant

Authentic Asian food served in a convenient location! Ideal for the entire family.

If you’re like us and love Asian food then 99 Restaurant will become one of your favorite spots to grab a bite to eat.

Open six days a week, this eatery sells authentic Chinese food, full of flavor and spice, guaranteed to win over even the toughest food critic you know!

Even though it’s located in a strip mall, and the interior might not be much to write home about, there is just something about their food that makes it well worth stopping by.

In particular try their Hibachi Shrimp, Chicken Chow Mein, or Pad Thai – those tend to be their most popular items.

But if you’re looking for something light, then their soups and egg rolls are also a good healthy option.

99 Restaurant is closed on Mondays but open all other days of the week from 11 am to 9:30 pm.

Address: 2625 16th St, Bedford, IN

assortment of asian dishes on a table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/thesomegirl

4. Court Room Sports Grill

Traditional Cajun cuisine with an American twist! Ideal for date night or a meal with friends.

Another awesome cuisine available in Bedford is Cajun, and if you haven’t had Cajun food before then you’re in for a real treat when visiting Court Room Sports Grill!

Proud of their midwestern roots, the interior of this place has a lot of community-specific mementos and memorabilia on the wall. They also have tons of seating from bar seating to booths and tables.

As far as their food goes, we recommend trying out their Cheesy Maque Choux for an appetizer, and their Gochujang Salmon or Cajun Bolognese as entrees. They also have Gumbo as a side, which is always a great addition to any meal.

Court Room is closed on Monday but open all other days of the week from 11 am to 9 pm, making it the ideal place for lunch or dinner.

Address: 1539 J St, Bedford, IN

Delicious gumbo with prawns, baby okra and sausage in a bowl on a black table with napkin and silver spoon,  view from above, close-up
iStock.com/FromMyPointOfView

5. Apron Strings Diner

Homey atmosphere, professional service, and the best breakfast in town! Need we say more? Outdoor seating is available too.

If you need a palette cleanser while on vacation, then head on over to Apron Strings Diner for some homestyle food and a homey atmosphere. Even if you aren’t local, the staff and owners will likely make you feel like family before your meal is over!

It’s a cute little interior that’s full of multicolored hanging aprons, just as their name claims! With some seating available, you can either have your meal inside or outside in their patio area, if the weather’s nice.

They are known for their breakfast, where you can order the likes of biscuits, sausages, eggs, pancakes, cinnamon toast, and much more. It’s a breakfast definitely worth getting up early for!

Just get a mug of coffee with your meal as well, and you’ll be all energized to take on the day.

Apron Strings Diner is closed Sunday to Tuesday but open all other days from 8 am to 2 pm, so make sure you don’t go too late!

Address: 647 X St, Bedford, IN

Pancakes with banana, walnut and caramel.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Lilechka75

6. Grecco’s Pizza

Mouthwatering pizza, pasta, and sandwiches made lovingly from heirloom recipes dating back to 1945!

A local pizza place makes all the difference while on vacation. After all, there’s literally nothing like a freshly made pizza straight out of the oven. So if you’re looking to grab a slice, head over to Grecco’s where arguably Bedford’s best pizza is sold.

This eatery has been a popular, local hangout spot since 1945, so they have a ton of experience and expertise on their side. And with a classic, green-colored exterior, you simply cannot miss the place!

Grecco’s serves pizza, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and much more, so we’re sure they’ll have a little something for everyone.

They also have daily specials so make sure you can check out what the day’s special is before making your final decision.

Grecco’s is open seven days a week, usually from 11 am to 10 pm, so make sure to go whenever you’re in the area.

Address: 519 Lincoln Ave, Bedford, IN

wood fired pizza on table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/JulyProkopiv

7. Shortys Bar and Grill

Popular local bar and grill with great food, an awesome atmosphere, and live music!

The last stop on our list is Shortys Bar and Grill, the perfect place to go when you’re looking for some entertainment and good food. Whether you’re there for a drink, food or just to make some friends, this is the best place to experience the nightlife of Bedford as well as one of the town’s best restaurants too.

Shortys is your typical neighborhood bar with neon and mood lighting, a fully stocked bar, some seating, and a little area where they host their live music shows – which are always a great opportunity to listen to local bands and talent.

As far as their food goes, they have daily specials that you can ask for and their kitchen is usually open till 10 pm.

The meal most regulars swear by is their Pork Chop special, so try that whenever it’s available. Regardless, everything they make is known for having great flavors and being fresh, so you’ll likely love whatever is on the menu.

Shortys also has numerous beers on tap and a wide selection of cocktails and mocktails.

Catch them from 11 am to 3 am every single day of the week. Go later on to really see the place in full swing!

Address: 1300 7th St, Bedford, IN

beer with food
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Drazen Zigic

That’s everything we have for you guys today! All the best restaurants in Bedford, Indiana. Bon appetit!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.