I remember the first time someone told me about haystacks at a potluck dinner, and I thought they were talking about actual hay. Turns out, this layered Amish dish is one of the best comfort foods you can find in northern Indiana, and Corn Crib Café does them better than just about anywhere else.
Located at 1115 S State Rd 5 in the Yoder Crossroads building, this spot has been winning over locals and travelers alike with its homemade cooking and that special touch that makes you feel like you’re eating at a neighbor’s kitchen table.
Whether you roll into town for the Shipshewana Flea Market, the antique shops, or just a peaceful drive through Amish country, Corn Crib Café offers something you won’t find at chain restaurants.
It’s real food made with care, served by people who genuinely want you to leave happy and full. I’ve made the trip more than once, and every time I walk through that door; just steps away from the famous Yoder Popcorn shop; I know I’m in for a meal that reminds me why Indiana cooking is worth celebrating.
The Haystack Breakfast That Started It All
Corn Crib Café took the traditional Amish haystack concept and gave it a breakfast twist that has people lining up before the doors open at 7 a.m. The base starts with crispy hash browns, piled high with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and whatever fresh toppings you fancy.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you understand why breakfast is called the most important meal of the day.
One customer raved about the haystack breakfast being filling enough to share, and I can vouch for that. The portions here are generous without being wasteful, and every ingredient tastes fresh.
You can customize your haystack with sautéed peppers, onions, tomatoes, or even jalapeños if you like a little kick in the morning.
What sets this dish apart is the homemade quality. Nothing tastes like it came from a freezer bag or a food service truck.
The hash browns have that perfect golden crunch on the outside while staying tender inside. The eggs are cooked just right, not rubbery or overdone.
If you’re visiting Shipshewana and staying at one of the local bed and breakfasts like Farmstead Inn at 370 S Van Buren St, this breakfast is worth the short drive over.
Sweet Potato Quesadilla That Surprises Every Time
When you think quesadilla, sweet potato probably isn’t the first ingredient that comes to mind. But Corn Crib Café flips expectations with this signature dish that has earned rave reviews from skeptics and fans alike.
The sweet potato adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with melted cheese and a hint of seasoning.
Multiple reviewers mentioned this quesadilla being huge, easily enough for two people or a full meal plus leftovers. One visitor shared that they took half home and enjoyed it just as much the next day.
The kitchen doesn’t skimp on the filling, and every bite delivers that satisfying blend of sweet and savory.
The dish comes with sides that complement rather than compete. Fresh salsa, sour cream, and sometimes a small salad round out the plate.
It’s comfort food with a creative spin, the kind of menu item that shows a chef willing to experiment while respecting good ingredients.
If you’re exploring the area and stop by Yoder’s Meat and Cheese at 5890 W 250 N for some shopping, swing by Corn Crib afterward for this unexpected treat. You won’t regret giving something different a try.
Loaded Potato Soup That Customers Call The Best Ever
Some dishes earn their reputation quietly over time, and the loaded potato soup at Corn Crib Café is one of them. A customer review from six months ago didn’t hold back, calling it “absolutely outstanding” and “best ever.” Those are strong words in a region where homemade soup is a staple at every family gathering.
This isn’t thin or watery soup. The base is thick and creamy, loaded with chunks of tender potato, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions.
Each spoonful delivers warmth and flavor without being too heavy or rich. It’s the kind of soup that makes you slow down and savor instead of rushing through your meal.
The café serves it as a side or a main, and many people choose to make it their lunch alongside a sandwich or salad. On chilly Indiana mornings or rainy afternoons, this soup hits differently.
It’s comfort in a bowl, made from scratch with ingredients you can actually taste and recognize.
After lunch, you can walk next door to the connected coffee shop for dessert and a latte, making your visit a full culinary experience without ever leaving the building.
Homemade Daily Specials That Keep Locals Coming Back
Every day brings something different at Corn Crib Café, and regulars know to ask about the daily special before ordering. Tuesday might feature meatloaf with bacon green beans and scalloped potatoes, while Wednesday could be Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and gravy.
These aren’t fancy chef creations but honest, homestyle meals that taste like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
One reviewer specifically praised the Tuesday meatloaf special, noting the outstanding flavors and homemade quality. Another mentioned the Wednesday Salisbury steak with enthusiasm.
The specials rotate throughout the week, giving people a reason to visit multiple times and try something new each visit.
Portions are generous, and the sides are just as important as the main dish. The scalloped potatoes are creamy and cheesy, the green beans are cooked with bacon for extra flavor, and the mashed potatoes are real, not instant.
Everything arrives hot and fresh, plated simply but with care.
These specials offer incredible value for the price, especially compared to what you’d pay at chain restaurants. If you’re staying in Shipshewana for a few days exploring places like the Menno-Hof Mennonite-Amish Visitors Center at 510 S Van Buren St, planning your meals around these specials makes perfect sense.
Turkey Pretzel Club That Surprises Road Trippers
Sometimes the best meals happen when you’re not expecting them. One family traveling to Chicago stumbled upon Corn Crib Café and tried the turkey pretzel club, with one member calling it “one of the best sandwiches I’ve eaten in a long time.” That’s high praise from someone just passing through who had no reason to exaggerate.
The pretzel bun makes all the difference here. Instead of regular bread, you get that slightly salty, chewy pretzel texture that holds up to the layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and whatever sauce the kitchen adds.
It’s substantial without being messy, flavorful without being overwhelming. The turkey tastes like real roasted turkey, not processed deli meat.
The sandwich comes with a choice of sides, and many people recommend the broccoli salad or the sweet potato fries. Both complement the sandwich well without making the meal too heavy.
You leave satisfied but not uncomfortably full, which is the perfect balance for a midday meal.
If you’re exploring Shipshewana Trading Place and Flea Market at 345 S Van Buren St on a Tuesday or Wednesday, this sandwich makes an excellent lunch break before heading back out to browse the hundreds of vendor booths.
Service With Genuine Hoosier Friendliness
Food tastes better when the people serving it actually care about your experience. Multiple reviews mention the friendly, accommodating staff at Corn Crib Café, with specific shoutouts to servers like Mary who go above and beyond.
One customer noted the staff seemed to “always go above and beyond,” while another praised how accommodating they were with service dogs.
The service style is casual and relaxed. You seat yourself, browse the menu, and your server comes by to take your order and chat for a moment.
There’s no rushing, no hovering, just genuine Midwestern hospitality that makes you feel welcome whether you’re a regular or a first-timer. The staff remembers faces and often remembers orders too.
Even on busy Saturday mornings when the place fills up quickly, the servers maintain their friendly demeanor. They’re quick to refill coffee, check if you need anything, and make sure your meal arrives as ordered.
When mistakes happen, they’re handled graciously and quickly.
This kind of service creates the atmosphere that keeps people coming back. It’s not just about the food, though that’s excellent.
It’s about feeling like you matter, like your business is appreciated, and like you’re eating among friends rather than strangers.
Rhubarb Pie And Homemade Desserts Worth Saving Room For
After a hearty breakfast or satisfying lunch, most people think they’re too full for dessert. Then they see the pie case at Corn Crib Café and suddenly find room.
The rhubarb pie earned special mention from one customer who loved the flavorful lattice crust and creamy texture inside. That’s the kind of pie that makes you understand why people drive miles out of their way.
The café rotates its dessert offerings, but you can usually find several pie varieties, cookies, and other baked goods made fresh. The cookies are popular enough that one trucker mentioned leaving with a half dozen to enjoy on the road.
Everything is baked in-house with that homemade quality you can taste in every bite.
Desserts here aren’t overly sweet or artificial tasting. The rhubarb pie balances tart and sweet perfectly, the crust is flaky without being greasy, and the portions are generous but not ridiculous.
You can order a slice to enjoy with coffee or take a whole pie home if you’re feeling ambitious.
Before you leave town, consider picking up dessert to enjoy later at your lodging or on the drive home. It’s a sweet reminder of your visit to this charming corner of northern Indiana.
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