Sat in the bar and had a large tenderloin sandwich. It was very good. Staff a was a bit busy but overall we weren't in a hurry. They were nice and helpful with the menu questions. Worth the time. Give them a shot. Good selection and reasonable.
Overview
If you're looking for a cozy, welcoming spot in Kokomo, Indiana, where you can enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed setting, Grindstone Charley's is a must-visit. Nestled at 3830 S Lafountain St, this popular diner has been a staple in the community for years, offering everything from comfort food to excellent service. Whether you’re popping in for a casual bite or celebrating a special occasion, this place has something for everyone.
When you first walk into Grindstone Charley's, you’ll notice the inviting atmosphere. The warm lighting and rustic decor set the tone for a laid-back dining experience, making it the perfect place to unwind with family and friends. The restaurant is spacious yet cozy, with a menu that’s designed to cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you're a fan of classic American comfort food or looking for something with a little more flair, this place has it all.
One of the highlights of any visit to Grindstone Charley's is the menu. The diverse selection ensures that there's something to satisfy every craving. From burgers and sandwiches to juicy steaks and fresh seafood, the options are endless. A standout is their famous “Grindstone Burger,” which is always cooked to perfection. The fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, are a great accompaniment to any meal. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the grilled chicken salad with homemade dressing is a refreshing choice.
What truly sets Grindstone Charley's apart, though, is their commitment to quality ingredients. The restaurant sources fresh, local produce whenever possible, ensuring that each dish is bursting with flavor. And, if you’re a fan of good old-fashioned comfort food, you’ll find that here too. Their meatloaf is a crowd favorite, made with a secret family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home-cooked comfort on a plate.
For those looking for a bit more variety, Grindstone Charley's also offers seasonal specials. These are often inspired by local ingredients and offer a chance to try something new. Past specials have included everything from BBQ ribs to homemade pies, and the menu frequently changes to reflect the best of what’s in season. So, if you visit frequently, there’s always something new to look forward to.
Of course, no dining experience is complete without great service, and that’s another area where Grindstone Charley's shines. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive, and always ready with recommendations if you're not sure what to order. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, they make sure you feel welcome and well taken care of.
While the food and service are certainly reasons to return, the overall vibe of the place is what keeps customers coming back. It’s a perfect blend of casual and comfortable, where you can enjoy a meal without feeling rushed. Whether you’re catching up with friends over a drink or sharing a quiet dinner with loved ones, Grindstone Charley's provides a relaxed space to do so.
The location also adds to its charm. Situated at 3830 S Lafountain St, it’s easy to find and convenient for anyone in Kokomo or the surrounding areas. Plus, the ample parking makes it easy to visit without any hassle.
If you’re looking for a reliable and satisfying dining experience in Kokomo, Grindstone Charley's is the place to go. Whether you're craving a comforting meal or looking to try something new, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. It’s a spot that offers great food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit special. Don’t forget to check out their latest seasonal specials for a fresh twist on classic favorites!
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ SportPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I git the 10oz Prime Rib. Very very good! Grab the Jalapeño corn powder soup as a side. You will LOVE it.
My father and his wife drove from Lafayette to visit and we launched at Grindstone Charlies. Despite living in Kokomo for many years I had never eaten here. The lunch was amazing and our server (can't recall his name) was exceptional. I had the dinner sized tenderloin and it was great. My father and his wife both had the chicken Caesar wrap. Everyone was extremely satisfied with their meal and the French fries? Phenomenal! If you are passing through or, like me, just never happen to eat here, I highly suggest it!
This place is great! We always get good service and good food. The prices are very similar to Applebee's or chili's. It was interesting to learn that this is the last surviving restaurant of the chain.
We had the Stuffed Shrooms appetizer. They are so good with either the ranch or the Horseradish dip. I also loved the Salmon Salad. The salmon was grilled perfectly! Seared on the outside tender not over cooked in the least.
we tried the grilled and breaded tenderloins. these were really good tenderloins the grilled was meaty had a little bit of char and most importantly didn't taste like beef. somebody cleaned the grill off first. five star all the way. the breaded was quite uneven tasted a bit like chicken and was five star when the pork to breading ratio is right but about half the sandwich was too thin and mostly tasted of breading. the sides we're really good. usually we get fries and onion rings but this time we went with the fresh fruit, the coleslaw and the mac and cheese. all were excellent. the only downside is the serving size was tiny maybe a half a cup each. unfortunately they're still putting everything in styrofoam. we took our food to the Jackson Morrow Park nearby and found a picnic table for a lovely evening meal.
Service was really good. She was very attentive and helpful. I had the primerib. It was very good. Best I had in kokomo. The jalapeno corn chowder was delicious. I would go back strictly for that. The fries green tomatoes were good. Nothing out of this world. But still good. It was a very good dinner and service was top notch.