Cool little place. I like the covered patio seating that's all windows and has the garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. My date and I went the other night. First off, the hostess had an attitude problem. She gave us a table right near the front door that had a lot of traffic. When I asked if there was another table we could have (the place was maybe 1/3 full at best), she gave a look of "how dare you bother me". She took us to a much better table and made me wonder why she didn't take us to any other table than the one she first took us to. Our waitress was really good and that made up for the hostess. The prices were alright and their menu selection is typical bar food but they did have buffalo burgers, so I tried that out. The burger wasn't that warm when it got to the table and the french fries were horribly cold. I'd give their food a D+. I am willing to try this place again as our waitress was nice and the liked the feel of the place. Next time I'll set my expectations much lower and will hopefully be suprised.
(3)
Jen T.
This was a our very first meal in Fishers after moving from California, and we were not disappointed. I recommend the grilled chicken salad that has the strawberries and bluu cheese- order the balsamic vinaigrette with it. My husband had the French Dip. Both were really good and we will definitely be back. All the staff was really friendly and the patio atmosphere was nice.
(4)
Anne H.
Great food! My family loves to eat here and for those of you who like ranch their homemade dressing is fantastic. Try the chicken strips.
(4)
Sarah C.
When I want a good breaded tenderloin, I seem to find myself here. However, I am indifferent on how I feel about everything else. The service is usually good and everyone is friendly, including the hostesses. But as other Yelpers have stated, their food is just ok. I have had a chance to taste other menu items and they weren't spectacular, causing me to stick with my old trusted breaded tenderloin everytime. They have a cool garage door style patio on the side of the building and it fills up quickly in nice weather, so that's a plus. They offer several tvs inside, usually on different sports. One of my biggest peeves here, is their local beer selection. They only offer a few local choices and seem to concentrate more on domestic beer and having drink specials thru the week, like margaritas and such. I would love to have a good local beer with my meal but usually just opt for diet coke because the beer menu is that boring. Meh.
(3)
Julie P.
I used to live in this area. We were pretty much regulars here. Best chicken fingers ever. I know chicken fingers sounds boring but they are damn good. Not premade frozen over battered. Fresh. Juicy. The service is great too. My lemonade glass never went below half full. It's good to be back to the Plate! My server was Liz. Ask for her by name!
(5)
Alex W.
I can't recall ever being in Fishers for a long long time, and was impressed with the area. I like that there is a bit of a Main St USA feel and lots of new construction around. We were able to be seated on the patio, as requested, immediately and were promptly greeted by our waitress. The beer selection didn't really wow me, I went with one of my standard local go-to's. We ordered their version of poutine since my friend had it recently and was dying to have it again. It was good, but not great. We barely had time to dig into the poutine before our main courses arrived. While I appreciate good/quick service, this was almost too fast. I'd recommend any sandwich with the pretzel bun, or by itself. Or getting something to dip into the house honey mustard. That honey mustard was great! Overall, a cool place that I wouldn't mind returning to.
(4)
Brooke K.
As a staple in Fishers, this place is flowing over with potential to be a 5 star hot spot. There is so much charm and character here including many of the original architectural features from the 1800's. The outdoor patio is a really nice addition for warmer weather. Service is fast and friendly. However, it's missing the mark with its food & drink offerings. Everything was ok but not great. When I think of a local bar & grill I automatically think locally sourced meats & beers on draft. I didn't find that here. I ordered the Bison Burger $9.99 & added fries for $.99 and my husband had the Nickle Plate Burger $7.99 and added fries. We were hoping to find a juicy burger with a bounty of perfectly seasoned fries. What we got was on the dry side and lacking in flavor. Both of us agreed the food quality for what you paid for was just... Meh. This is a great spot and I think a little sprucing of the menu & the addition of local beers on draft would make a world of difference. Maybe I will return and try the tenderloin and enjoy the patio....perhaps?
(3)
Alexandrea P.
Service and atmosphere were ok-food awful! The bread sticks were flavorless and dry. I did not know there was more bad marinara sauce until I dined here. Salad was okay, hubby's brisket was nothing social. $65 bucks for 4 drinks, 2 meals and the worst stuffed breadsticks I've ever had.
(2)
Steve S.
Love this place! This place is one of just a couple that really represents Fishers. It's an old train depot turned bar/restaurant so there's a lot of character and a great atmosphere. Recommend the tenderloin, burgers (bison is a great choice) and the club. The chicken fingers are great too and you shouldn't be ashamed to order them as an adult! Great bar area, dining area and patio area that looks out into 116th street and the railroad tracks. Definitely check it out while in town.
(5)
Scott L.
This place is dear to me as it's the first place me and my now wife went to on a lunch date. I've stopped in for years hear for a couple things. They have the best breaded tenderloin in the city hands down. The atmosphere is pleasant yet can be a bit noisy from time but not overbearing. I also really enjoy their strawberry chicken salad. These are the only two things I've ever had on the menu, but they have always been superb. It's a little on the pricy side, but I've never had bad service or a bad meal here.
(4)
Alexis G.
As a vegetarian visiting from arugula country (i.e. the east coast) I was a little nervous about my trip to Indiana. We checked out Yelp for a good place to eat near Carmel, IN and found this spot. We got there pretty late on a Friday night and were seated right away. There were some people in the bar but it wasn't packed. Quite a few families had come after the Fishers football game so that gave the place a nice local feel. We ate outside on their covered patio which was a real treat. Our waitress and the hostess who sat us were both incredibly friendly and nice. We didn't order any drinks but the waitress didn't seem to mind. She was very attentive and the food came out really quickly. I started with the soft pretzel appetizer (YUM! I can never resist a soft pretzel) and then I had the spinach sandwich for dinner. I was really surprised to see such a creative vegetarian option on the menu-- and it didn't disappoint. I even took the other half home (filled up on pretzels!) and heated it up the next day to munch on. Friendly service, good food, good prices.
(4)
Ryan W.
This place has so much potential to be a local fav, but most of the food is bland and overpriced. When stacked up next to similar joints like Chatham Tap or Scotty's Brewhouse, there really is no comparison.
(2)
Casey R.
Excellent tenderloin! Seriously, one of the best ever!
(4)
Kelly M.
I love the nickle plate. The other day, my love handed the keys of his stick shift car and asked if i'd drive to the Nickle Plate - he recently taught me to drive it. We made it safely to the restaurant without me killing the engine. As a reward, I ordered a nickle plate burger, no bun. They don't have a gluten free menu and if you are super sensitive, i don't recommend it, but for me, there isn't a better burger out there. The waitress made an effort to check the labels of the spices in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit safer and made up for the chilly reception from the hostess. Upon leaving, i handed the keys back to my love...turns out the other reason he wanted me to practice driving was because he didn't remember how to get there.
(4)
Chuck C.
This is a joint that has grown up some! It has lost some of it charm in doing so and that is what stopped 5 star's. The Nickel Plate WAS a bar that has become a GRILL! What dose that mean, the price's have gone up, that's all. It's still a joint and will always be a joint I hope. The food is what it is, food that you eat with a beer or two(may be more) and nothing more Pub Grub at it's best. Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chain's!
(4)
Evan F.
Came here on a business lunch and was told to get the breaded tenderloin sandwich as it is a staple of Indiana and it was great! The sandwich was huge, the meat tender, and the breading crispy. For a group of 12 we were taken care of very quickly and our food arrived almost immediately. Our waitresses were very good about frequent refills and when there was a mixup with side orders they rectified the issue quickly. I will certainly be returning on my own.
(4)
Chris S.
We stopped in for lunch on the weekend with our young girls. The wait staff was very friendly and the place was very busy. We love the atmosphere and the "local" feel. The food is pretty good, nothing to jump up and down about but the experience was a good one and we would return for sure.
(3)
Joseph Z.
Got spot in heart of downtown Fishers. Good selection of items and reasonably priced. Good and quick service.
(4)
Megan L.
Meh. Food is mediocre, service is mediocre. Kind of a nice environment if you sit on the patio in the summer, but other than that, not much special here.
(2)
Chris G.
Sort of indifferent about Nickel Plate. I run hot and cold here - sometimes good, sometimes not. In general a decent place to grab lunch - good local place with character that isn't a chain. Ordered a cobb salad on last visit - avocado was not good at all. I know - why get the salad at Nickel Plate (live and learn). Either way - the remaining salad was OK. The waitress was polite and efficient - the hostess really didn't want to be there. I've been successful with some sandwiches and others not so much (buffalo chicken was terribly dry before). I will stop by again for lunch sometime but won't go out of my way to get here.
(3)
Shawn R.
Excellent food, I had the grilled blacken Mahi-Mahi with fries, coleslaw, coffee, and spinach dip. The Maui-Mahi a.k.a. common dolphinfish, or dorado en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma… was delicious and the coleslaw was fun. I bought a kick-ass shirt for a reasonable price $18 and the hostess was a total doll. I love the place and feel like I should give it five stars but that would slightly devalue my five star rating.
(4)
Scott C.
Listen, it just isn't great. I know it's a staple of Fishers with a funky, old-school ambience, but how long can you just get by on having been there a while? At some point it needs to be about service and quality and both can tend to come up short. The first thing that was noticeable last time I visited was the reek of smoke from the bar. The word "dirty" jumped to mind. And short of sitting on the patio while the garage doors are open, there's no escaping it. As for the food..."eh". I suppose the tenderloin is as good as it gets. Nothing is particularly delicious here. There's no leaving and craving a dish. At this point, there are too many better places in Fishers to warrant stopping by. The apparent fact (based on another comment) that this is a makeshift Steelers bar only makes it worse.
(3)
Brandon C.
This is by far the worst bar in the area. Service, decor, and unwillingness to accommodate patrons will be there down fall.
(1)
Meredith S.
I was not floored by the deliciousness of the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill. It was fine, teetering on the line of being good, but didn't quite compleeeetely teeter for me. Good selection of beer. Sub par bar food. We split the breadsticks which I thought were going to be way better than they were. They weren't that great. I'm sorry, but when you say that you have cheese stuffed breadsticks, I'm expecting heaven. I did not receive heaven. I received a good day on Earth which everyone knows isn't the same thing. Boyfriend and I split a chicken salad sandwich. Also, wasn't that great. Like I said, there wasn't anything bad about this place - there just wasn't anything show stopping either. Since I don't really live in the Fishers area, I highly doubt I'll go back, but who knows!
(3)
John F.
Cozy and storied atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Great outdoor patio. The beer list could be a bit more extensive given the location and it's obvious billing as a pub. It just didn't measure up to other area pubs. The food is slightly above average. However, you can count on consistency. If you find a favorite on the menu you will get what you like each and every time. This is certainly the type of establishment that breeds loyalty and regulars. A true gem of the neighborhood.
(4)
Erica G.
The waitress knew it was my first time so she made a few recommendations. The pork tenderloin is their specialty . They make their own ranch and honey mustard dressing as well as their breading recipe. The mushroom appetizer was just right. Super hot, light breading, and served with their home made ranch. I tried the chicken salad melt for my meal and would try something else the next time. It had a ton of onions in it and a seasoning that my palate didn't totally care for but I can't put my finger on it. I was impressed that you could tell it was fresh made and used real chicken, not something from a can. My boyfriend had the pulled pork and cup of chili and loved it. He needed some extra BBQ sauce and they were happy to bring it. The waitress was a little flighty. She would bring a drink refill but not stay long enough for us to as for more napkins as an example. It happened a few times and you could tell she was already thinking about the next table she was taking drinks to. We sat in their patio area and they had enough heaters out there to keep everyone comfortable on a December day.
(3)
Richard B.
Its been in fishers forever...this is a great local eatery. You have to be a regular some food is great and others...not so much!!! Tenderloin, stew, fries, burgers, fish & chips, chicken fingers are amazing. Top shelf nachos are top notch possibly the best nachos ever. I would not recommend any of the finer dining items, steak, I don't even recall what is on that part of the menu I have been eating at the Nickel Plate for 20 years.
(4)
Jim W.
Short and simple. GREAT wings and I am wing snob.
(4)
D h.
Review is for the bar only, not the general restaurant. Number one given the bar area itself is very nice. Classic bar with a beautiful bar back. The bar itself is on the west wall with the hightop table seating opposite. The bar Area is fairly small and can get extremely packed good choices of beers and the food at nickel plate is very good. A great place to grab a few drinks and dinner.
(4)
Adrienne G.
My husband and I have been talking about coming here for at least six months and a couple of weeks ago, we finally stopped in. It was a busy Friday night and we had about a 20-30 minute wait. The hostess was very polite but seemed completely frazzled/overwhelmed. She still did her job and got everyone seated in a timely manner. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was friendly and did her job well. For dinner we both ordered their "award winning" breaded tenderloin with fries on the side. The tenderloin was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, not too thin and not too thick. The fries were hot and crispy. All I have to say is come hungry because the portions were huge. But buyer beware, their fries are not included in their regular sides, they are an extra $0.99 to substitute. They had many other items on their menu that looked delicious, so I am sure that we will be back.
(4)
Mike G.
Finally doing my reviews of the Tenderloin Search! So far Nickel is still leading! If you try it here, do it with a pretzel bun and coleslaw. The combo is just right. Again the formula works, flavorful food, good prices, great wait staff. Keep it up.
(4)
Ben H.
We went here on a Sunday, and while it wasn't dead, it was fairly busy and I am simply stunned at how fast the service was.I was looking for a good burger, and that's exactly what I found here. I forget the name of the meal I ordered, but it was a burger with bacon, mushrooms, and a lot of cheese. Just deliciousness. The appetizer of the stuffed mozzarella sticks were awesome, and it really wasn't that bad of a value for the amount of food you get here. Great staff, very fast service, and a pretty cool environment for a good American burger.
(5)
Victoria F.
We ordered the nachos and they were terrible. Just a plate of chips with a big skin of poorly melted warm cheese which we had to tear apart with our fingers (didn't receive silverware for ten minutes). Server was inattentive. We had to ask for silver and water refills. There was a dusty dead fly on the window sill next to our table (right at hubby's eye level). Disappointing even at this price point. The only redeeming factor was the tenderloin. But a decent tenderloin is available most anywhere.
(2)
Alex M.
So far I am in love with the Nickelplate! Just moved to the area and have already been here twice. Tried the tenderloin sandwich on the recommendation of other Yelpers and wasn't disappointed...it was delicious! The service is very attentive and our food was served quickly. Even though it's close to the road, the outdoor seating area is nice and a good change from the inside of the restaurant which is pretty dark. This place is on our go-to list in Fishers for good food and atmosphere.
(5)
Joe I.
I stopped in to watch the second half of NBA game 7 Brooklyn and Toronto. It had been sometime since I'd visited the Nickel Plate, and I remembered how much I liked the bar. I love the brick walls and the way the bar runs the length of the back wall. The waitress, Lori, was excellent, and did a great job taking care of me. I ordered the Hobo Stew. $5.99. The Hobo Stew reminded me more of Vegetable soup than stew. The beef was tender but the broth was thin and runny. The roll that came with the stew was stale. I won't order Hobo Stew again. I gave four stars, because of I really like the bar and the service staff.
(4)
Lea G.
I like this palce. Not my fave but it deserves a good review. It seems to be a local hang-out spot and has a good name in the community. I do like to go as a last stop beore heading home from time-to-time.
(3)
Rick G.
This is one of the best restaurants in Fishers? Then the folks in Fishers have no taste buds at all. Seriously. I'm a pretty easy guy to please. I don't expect much. Good food, good service, and fair (And, seriously, I DO mean fair, not cheap...I don't mind paying) prices is all I ask. Three pitches, three strikes for Nickel Plate in my book. When your food is served in a puddle of grease....by a surly waitress, this is not a place I'll spend my money. 'nuff said.
(1)
Ross D.
Poor service. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wasn't busy at all. Waitress only checked on us once after we received our food. Food was average. Won't be returning back to this establishment.
(1)
The Yelp-inator W.
Pub food...Tenderloin sandwich lacked flavor.....the french dip looked like the best thing to get. but it might lack flavor too. No real desire to return to this place.
(3)
Alexander S.
I went once and will never return. I arrived your usual itch-it was sunday and had no beer in the apt-and decided to be experimental and try NP. I had passed by it many times before. It seemed like one of those places that middle class white folk go to be nostalgic about being working class or something. The wood paneling, bricks and dusty bottles all add to the sense of a time past, kinda like the sandlot. This is not to mention the staff. It was your usual restaurant/plantation labor setup: hispanic workers in kitchen popping their heads out every once and a while while your white staff gets cozy with the regulars. The one thing that really bothered me about this place was the way the bar smelled, like an old sponge that you just refuse to throw away because you are too lazy or cheap to get a new one. I brought this up with the bartender and he said it was the old septic. Well, I guess I would have to get used to smelling an old sponge while drinking here: I think I would rather get a new one.
(1)
Tony A.
Some friends brought me and my family here for lunch. Walking in, it looked and smelled like any old bar, but the food here is amazing! Our orders ranged from a strawberry salad to catfish. I didn't hear too much conversation during lunch, which means (at least with my family) the food was so good, they couldn't stop eating to talk. My buddy Jay told me during the Football season, this was the place to be if your a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I'll take your word for it Jay. Highly recommended. A+ food and service.
(4)
Jeff D.
Go for what you know. As I've tried to improve my diet I've steered clear of fried foods whenever possible. I don't recommend that plan here. Come here for the breaded tenderloin or a burger and maybe add the fried mac & cheese wedges if you're feeling decadent. Then stop. Go home fat and happy. Last night I made the mistake of trying a healthier option - fish tacos. You know how all your friends who won't eat fish talk about it being slimy and gross? That's what these were. They topped it with the same cream-based coleslaw that they offer as a side. Yep, creamy 'slaw and slimy fish. Came with out-of-the-bag tortilla chips and the world's smallest cup of salsa. So what I'm saying is this is a great casual place where you come for comfort food and nothing else. Got it? Oh, and come on Sundays in the fall if you're a Steelers fan (and I am) because this is THE Steelers bar on the north side.
(3)
Nina J.
Stopped in on a busy Friday night and snagged a wobbly little table in the bar. Server patient, prompt. The train depot brings a unique atmosphere to what seems, essentially, to be a local bar. Lots of locals in bar watching games, but the place is still friendly to new faces. Cowboy chili's got a kick, but it's not crybaby chili. Clam chowder's filled with smooth, fresh seafood flavor. Hobo Stew is like a pot roast dinner in soup form - all fresh cut veggies, no canned stuff here. $4.50 house wine special included a very good moscato that usually doesn't make it onto a house wine list in other places. Flat 12 was $6 on tap. Kid's menu and separate dining area make this an okay spot to bring the family that doesn't feel like eating at a chain restaurant.
(3)
Amy L.
I had a good experience. I went with a friend on a Tuesday evening. We sat, the waitress came over shortly afterwards to get our drink orders and since we weren't yet ready to put in our food order, she came back a few minutes later. There was a tv in my direction and a tv behind me my friend could see. It wasn't very long and our food was served. I had the breaded chicken sandwich. I like that it came with a cup of mayo so I can put on as much or as little as I like. My only two dislikes were that the mustard and ketchup were in the old glass bottles and that the fries were $1 extra if you wanted to get them instead. But at least they informed you of that on the menu. The waitress was good and checked on us a couple of times and was timely in refreshing our drinks. Overall I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and the service.
(4)
Jason B.
Nickel plate is an excellent restaurant with an unfortunate name. Unfortunate simply because of how my brain works. I read it as nickelback every time. Nickelback = bad. Nickel plate = good. Don't let my defective brain confuse you. I went here on a friday lunch. I saw the veggie melt on their menu and it made me wish there was a proper vegetarian patty melt, which was one of my favorite foods when I ate meat. I gave it a try, half excited to try something I have never had, half sad because I knew it wouldn't be a patty melt. Remember my defective brain from earlier in this review? It struck again. The veggie melt was not only excellent, but there were enough flavors from the rye bread and the cheese to be a very good substitute for my beloved patty melts from the past. There are probably other vegetarian options here, but I don't care. I will get the veggie melt every time. There was a fairly odd old person vibe. By that I mean, at nearly 32, I was one of just a handful of people dining there that didn't experience WW2 in person. Maybe there was an early bird special I didn't know about, or maybe those old people just have awesome taste, just like me. Parking is behind the building and is ample. Getting out of the parking lot is another story. Turning left onto 116th is nearly impossible. It's quicker to turn right, then U at the light or turn around in a parking lot on the south side of the road.
(4)
Meagan B.
I was here for lunch last summer, but it's not too bad for a hole in the wall. The beer selection could be better and it's your typical American bar food kinda place. Good if you're in the area and don't want to travel far it will do.
(3)
Kristine S.
We are new to fishers indiana, and thought we'd try a local restaurant, we all ordered our meat medium only for it to come out well done and unable to eat. The waitress was unprofessional and only offered us $10 off our entire bill. Not good enough, we won't go back. Being from Phoenix we expect more on terms of service.
(1)
Bob H.
I'm telling you - THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN! Sweetie swears by the chicken tenders w/ honey mustard sauce. After gutting through someone else's tenderloin recently, I had to come back to get a good one to restore my faith in the Indiana Breaded Tenderloin sandwich. 7:00pm - their parking was packed. Had to park at the ice cream shoppe a block east and hoof it back. Waited all of - 90 seconds for a table, an entire minute and a half!!! - waited all of 8 minutes to get our orders. Perfectly prepared and solidly reaffirmed as the IN breaded tenderloin leader for my unofficial competition. And this is why it's a consistent standby for us - been coming here for 23 years.
(5)
Kate D.
Came here for the Pork Tenderloins. They were great. The rest of the menu was nothing speical, but all the food on the table was decent bar food. The bar had a good neighborhood and family feel. Our drinks were never empty, and the service was friendly.
(3)
Sarah C.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner earlier this evening. While having a job in Fishers, it's nice to try local restaurants that are close to my job. Everyone in my group had heard of this place, but had not tried it before. Sadly, the best part of the experience was the people with me and my Stella. The service was below par and their credit card "issue" at the end of the meal (which caused us to have to wait an extra 20 minutes) was a little ... annoying. We were planning on heading to a concert down the street and were late due to their service flaws. But, I did not have any problem with my fish and chips selection. That combination of food can always turn my mood around.
(3)
Travis T.
Worst experience I have had at any restaurant. Our server gave one of my friends my cherry coke, then when the food came out, gave a different friend my food and I had to wait an extra ten to fifteen minutes for my food while alley friends were eating theirs. Besides the incompetent oompah loompah waitress, the food was pretty bland. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Matt K.
This is the local Pittsburgh Steelers bar. Visit on an NFL Sunday and you would think you're in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Leave your Peyton Manning jersey at home. Burgers are good, but otherwise it's pretty typical bar fare. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Could use a TV upgrade though. Get some HD up in there. Go Steelers!
(4)
Dawn H.
Wish the waitress would have understood the menu better to make recommendations. And she did not know the difference in the beers. But the food, beer and price were all good.
(3)
Angela W.
Love the Nickel Plate! The kids love the appetizers-especially the fried mushrooms and railroad ties! Breaded tenderloins are just like I remember when we made them in a little restaurant in Kempton. The chicken tenders are one of the favorites for the kids. We always have to take them home. The chef salad is huge and fresh. The ranch dressing is homemade and delicious. Great service! My son was craving the Nickle Plate when he was in Afghanistan. It's the first place he wants to go when he gets home.
(5)
Karla D.
I had been hearing about this place for months from family and friends, so I decided to try it. Overall, the service was great, but their "famous" tenderloin sandwich had so much fat, I was only able to eat about a quarter of it... I tried to go back, thinking perhaps it was that ONE time, but it happened all over again. Next time I'll get a burger!
(3)
Maisha L.
Went for lunch for the first time today. It's a fairly small menu, mostly standard pub food. I got a cup of their "famous" Hobo Stew. Basically a chunky beef vegetebale soup; it was severely lacking in flavor. I rarely salt my food and this needed tons of it. My friend ordered a taco salad and and I got something called a Chicken Salad Melt. Ok, my fault for not thoroughly reading the menu, but when they brought my sandwich it was basically cold chicken salad on "grilled" (toasted) bread. Huh? Since when is a cold sandwich with no cheese on it called a melt? My friend said her taco salad was bland; in dire need of seasoning. The amount of salt and pepper she used was hilarious. I sent my (non) melt back and got the breaded pork tenderloin. It was ok, maybe my tastebuds where still recovering from the previous disappointment. What can I say? The iced tea was good? The service was great and the waitress didn't seem to hate me for my change of order, but I can't say I would ever go back. I left with a belly full of meh.
(2)
Catherine K.
Hands down, my favorite chicken fingers, especially with the honey mustard. I know I've eaten other things here over the years, but once I tried the chicken fingers, it was all over. The bar area is smoking and the smoke tends to filter out to the rest of the restaurant. That's not cool. I enjoy the indoor/outdoor space when the weather's nice. Service is usually quick and efficient. Very busy lunch spot.
(4)
Matthew N.
Good food, good service. The tenderloin and bison burger are my favorite menu items. A unique setting in an old train depot.
(4)
Joe M.
Been here a few time and only had the fried tenderloin.....it's about the best one I've ever had! Excellent!
(5)
Randy B.
I hate chicken fingers. I love the Nickel's chicken fingers. 'Nuf said.
(5)
Ryan H.
I'm amazed at all of the good reviews. As a chef, I try to rate restaurants on how much effort the kitchen puts forth to produce great food...not using pre-made items. This place missed the mark...big time. A group of four of us tried things like catfish, ribeye, chicken breast and a bison burger. They were okay at best. There are plenty of other great options nearby. This guy here won't be back unless it's just enjoying their decent atmosphere and being able to smoke at their bar.
(2)
Brad W.
Do NOT get the nachos as an appetizer. Even the waitresses recommend against it. That being said, most other food is decent. Not nearly as good as some other places like Scotty's, but it's a good atmosphere and nicely priced.
(4)
Scott L.
Great place for lunch. Chicken fingers are great and they have one of the best Tenderloins around!
(4)
Christopher R.
The nick is definitely one of my favorite joints in fishers. Great open patio area with the roll up windows to enjoy the summer breeze along with your frosty cold one. If you fancy the breaded tenderloin, you will not leave disappointed.
(4)
Dan G.
In and out in less than an hour at lunchtime = good (or I guess not busy). Reuben was hot and served quickly - nothing special there - typical restaurant fries. Wife had lime chicken sandwich. Looked pretty good. I think it's crazy that they still let people smoke in the bar during lunch up there in Fishers, but at least they had a separate closed-off patio that was non-smoking. No complaints here.
(3)
Carey D.
Nickel Plate is a good place to head for lunch. The menu isn't anything too special, but everything I've had there has been good-- burgers, chicken wraps, grilled cheese, tenderloins, etc. I like the atmosphere because it feels kinda cozy. The service has never been anything to rave about it, but I haven't had a horrid experience with it either. If you're on 116th Street at lunchtime and just feel like eating good American food but don't want to head to any of the chain restaurants, I recommend visiting Nickel Plate.
(4)
K M.
The bison burger was OK but little meat on big bun. Cheese was $.50 extra. Fruit was a side choice so I asked for it and the waitress said they were out. This was 6:15 on a weeknight. No other veggie or fruit sides are available so I asked to sub a side salad. I was told it was an extra $2, even though they were out of any other options. The waitress wouldn't even ask the manager. Very overpriced for the quality of food and service.
(1)
William N.
Cool little place. I like the covered patio seating that's all windows and has the garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. My date and I went the other night. First off, the hostess had an attitude problem. She gave us a table right near the front door that had a lot of traffic. When I asked if there was another table we could have (the place was maybe 1/3 full at best), she gave a look of "how dare you bother me". She took us to a much better table and made me wonder why she didn't take us to any other table than the one she first took us to. Our waitress was really good and that made up for the hostess. The prices were alright and their menu selection is typical bar food but they did have buffalo burgers, so I tried that out. The burger wasn't that warm when it got to the table and the french fries were horribly cold. I'd give their food a D+. I am willing to try this place again as our waitress was nice and the liked the feel of the place. Next time I'll set my expectations much lower and will hopefully be suprised.
(3)
Jen T.
This was a our very first meal in Fishers after moving from California, and we were not disappointed. I recommend the grilled chicken salad that has the strawberries and bluu cheese- order the balsamic vinaigrette with it. My husband had the French Dip. Both were really good and we will definitely be back. All the staff was really friendly and the patio atmosphere was nice.
(4)
Alexandrea P.
Service and atmosphere were ok-food awful! The bread sticks were flavorless and dry. I did not know there was more bad marinara sauce until I dined here. Salad was okay, hubby's brisket was nothing social. $65 bucks for 4 drinks, 2 meals and the worst stuffed breadsticks I've ever had.
(2)
Kelly M.
I love the nickle plate. The other day, my love handed the keys of his stick shift car and asked if i'd drive to the Nickle Plate - he recently taught me to drive it. We made it safely to the restaurant without me killing the engine. As a reward, I ordered a nickle plate burger, no bun. They don't have a gluten free menu and if you are super sensitive, i don't recommend it, but for me, there isn't a better burger out there. The waitress made an effort to check the labels of the spices in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit safer and made up for the chilly reception from the hostess. Upon leaving, i handed the keys back to my love...turns out the other reason he wanted me to practice driving was because he didn't remember how to get there.
(4)
Chuck C.
This is a joint that has grown up some! It has lost some of it charm in doing so and that is what stopped 5 star's. The Nickel Plate WAS a bar that has become a GRILL! What dose that mean, the price's have gone up, that's all. It's still a joint and will always be a joint I hope. The food is what it is, food that you eat with a beer or two(may be more) and nothing more Pub Grub at it's best. Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chain's!
(4)
Scott L.
Great place for lunch. Chicken fingers are great and they have one of the best Tenderloins around!
(4)
K M.
The bison burger was OK but little meat on big bun. Cheese was $.50 extra. Fruit was a side choice so I asked for it and the waitress said they were out. This was 6:15 on a weeknight. No other veggie or fruit sides are available so I asked to sub a side salad. I was told it was an extra $2, even though they were out of any other options. The waitress wouldn't even ask the manager. Very overpriced for the quality of food and service.
(1)
Christopher R.
The nick is definitely one of my favorite joints in fishers. Great open patio area with the roll up windows to enjoy the summer breeze along with your frosty cold one. If you fancy the breaded tenderloin, you will not leave disappointed.
(4)
Dan G.
In and out in less than an hour at lunchtime = good (or I guess not busy). Reuben was hot and served quickly - nothing special there - typical restaurant fries. Wife had lime chicken sandwich. Looked pretty good. I think it's crazy that they still let people smoke in the bar during lunch up there in Fishers, but at least they had a separate closed-off patio that was non-smoking. No complaints here.
(3)
Carey D.
Nickel Plate is a good place to head for lunch. The menu isn't anything too special, but everything I've had there has been good-- burgers, chicken wraps, grilled cheese, tenderloins, etc. I like the atmosphere because it feels kinda cozy. The service has never been anything to rave about it, but I haven't had a horrid experience with it either. If you're on 116th Street at lunchtime and just feel like eating good American food but don't want to head to any of the chain restaurants, I recommend visiting Nickel Plate.
(4)
Brooke K.
As a staple in Fishers, this place is flowing over with potential to be a 5 star hot spot. There is so much charm and character here including many of the original architectural features from the 1800's. The outdoor patio is a really nice addition for warmer weather. Service is fast and friendly. However, it's missing the mark with its food & drink offerings. Everything was ok but not great. When I think of a local bar & grill I automatically think locally sourced meats & beers on draft. I didn't find that here. I ordered the Bison Burger $9.99 & added fries for $.99 and my husband had the Nickle Plate Burger $7.99 and added fries. We were hoping to find a juicy burger with a bounty of perfectly seasoned fries. What we got was on the dry side and lacking in flavor. Both of us agreed the food quality for what you paid for was just... Meh. This is a great spot and I think a little sprucing of the menu & the addition of local beers on draft would make a world of difference. Maybe I will return and try the tenderloin and enjoy the patio....perhaps?
(3)
Alexandrea P.
Service and atmosphere were ok-food awful! The bread sticks were flavorless and dry. I did not know there was more bad marinara sauce until I dined here. Salad was okay, hubby's brisket was nothing social. $65 bucks for 4 drinks, 2 meals and the worst stuffed breadsticks I've ever had.
(2)
Chris S.
We stopped in for lunch on the weekend with our young girls. The wait staff was very friendly and the place was very busy. We love the atmosphere and the "local" feel. The food is pretty good, nothing to jump up and down about but the experience was a good one and we would return for sure.
(3)
Joseph Z.
Got spot in heart of downtown Fishers. Good selection of items and reasonably priced. Good and quick service.
(4)
Megan L.
Meh. Food is mediocre, service is mediocre. Kind of a nice environment if you sit on the patio in the summer, but other than that, not much special here.
(2)
Anne H.
Great food! My family loves to eat here and for those of you who like ranch their homemade dressing is fantastic. Try the chicken strips.
(4)
Sarah C.
When I want a good breaded tenderloin, I seem to find myself here. However, I am indifferent on how I feel about everything else. The service is usually good and everyone is friendly, including the hostesses. But as other Yelpers have stated, their food is just ok. I have had a chance to taste other menu items and they weren't spectacular, causing me to stick with my old trusted breaded tenderloin everytime. They have a cool garage door style patio on the side of the building and it fills up quickly in nice weather, so that's a plus. They offer several tvs inside, usually on different sports. One of my biggest peeves here, is their local beer selection. They only offer a few local choices and seem to concentrate more on domestic beer and having drink specials thru the week, like margaritas and such. I would love to have a good local beer with my meal but usually just opt for diet coke because the beer menu is that boring. Meh.
(3)
Julie P.
I used to live in this area. We were pretty much regulars here. Best chicken fingers ever. I know chicken fingers sounds boring but they are damn good. Not premade frozen over battered. Fresh. Juicy. The service is great too. My lemonade glass never went below half full. It's good to be back to the Plate! My server was Liz. Ask for her by name!
(5)
Alex W.
I can't recall ever being in Fishers for a long long time, and was impressed with the area. I like that there is a bit of a Main St USA feel and lots of new construction around. We were able to be seated on the patio, as requested, immediately and were promptly greeted by our waitress. The beer selection didn't really wow me, I went with one of my standard local go-to's. We ordered their version of poutine since my friend had it recently and was dying to have it again. It was good, but not great. We barely had time to dig into the poutine before our main courses arrived. While I appreciate good/quick service, this was almost too fast. I'd recommend any sandwich with the pretzel bun, or by itself. Or getting something to dip into the house honey mustard. That honey mustard was great! Overall, a cool place that I wouldn't mind returning to.
(4)
William N.
Cool little place. I like the covered patio seating that's all windows and has the garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. My date and I went the other night. First off, the hostess had an attitude problem. She gave us a table right near the front door that had a lot of traffic. When I asked if there was another table we could have (the place was maybe 1/3 full at best), she gave a look of "how dare you bother me". She took us to a much better table and made me wonder why she didn't take us to any other table than the one she first took us to. Our waitress was really good and that made up for the hostess. The prices were alright and their menu selection is typical bar food but they did have buffalo burgers, so I tried that out. The burger wasn't that warm when it got to the table and the french fries were horribly cold. I'd give their food a D+. I am willing to try this place again as our waitress was nice and the liked the feel of the place. Next time I'll set my expectations much lower and will hopefully be suprised.
(3)
Jen T.
This was a our very first meal in Fishers after moving from California, and we were not disappointed. I recommend the grilled chicken salad that has the strawberries and bluu cheese- order the balsamic vinaigrette with it. My husband had the French Dip. Both were really good and we will definitely be back. All the staff was really friendly and the patio atmosphere was nice.
(4)
Steve S.
Love this place! This place is one of just a couple that really represents Fishers. It's an old train depot turned bar/restaurant so there's a lot of character and a great atmosphere. Recommend the tenderloin, burgers (bison is a great choice) and the club. The chicken fingers are great too and you shouldn't be ashamed to order them as an adult! Great bar area, dining area and patio area that looks out into 116th street and the railroad tracks. Definitely check it out while in town.
(5)
Rick G.
This is one of the best restaurants in Fishers? Then the folks in Fishers have no taste buds at all. Seriously. I'm a pretty easy guy to please. I don't expect much. Good food, good service, and fair (And, seriously, I DO mean fair, not cheap...I don't mind paying) prices is all I ask. Three pitches, three strikes for Nickel Plate in my book. When your food is served in a puddle of grease....by a surly waitress, this is not a place I'll spend my money. 'nuff said.
(1)
Ross D.
Poor service. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wasn't busy at all. Waitress only checked on us once after we received our food. Food was average. Won't be returning back to this establishment.
(1)
The Yelp-inator W.
Pub food...Tenderloin sandwich lacked flavor.....the french dip looked like the best thing to get. but it might lack flavor too. No real desire to return to this place.
(3)
Alexander S.
I went once and will never return. I arrived your usual itch-it was sunday and had no beer in the apt-and decided to be experimental and try NP. I had passed by it many times before. It seemed like one of those places that middle class white folk go to be nostalgic about being working class or something. The wood paneling, bricks and dusty bottles all add to the sense of a time past, kinda like the sandlot. This is not to mention the staff. It was your usual restaurant/plantation labor setup: hispanic workers in kitchen popping their heads out every once and a while while your white staff gets cozy with the regulars. The one thing that really bothered me about this place was the way the bar smelled, like an old sponge that you just refuse to throw away because you are too lazy or cheap to get a new one. I brought this up with the bartender and he said it was the old septic. Well, I guess I would have to get used to smelling an old sponge while drinking here: I think I would rather get a new one.
(1)
Tony A.
Some friends brought me and my family here for lunch. Walking in, it looked and smelled like any old bar, but the food here is amazing! Our orders ranged from a strawberry salad to catfish. I didn't hear too much conversation during lunch, which means (at least with my family) the food was so good, they couldn't stop eating to talk. My buddy Jay told me during the Football season, this was the place to be if your a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I'll take your word for it Jay. Highly recommended. A+ food and service.
(4)
Evan F.
Came here on a business lunch and was told to get the breaded tenderloin sandwich as it is a staple of Indiana and it was great! The sandwich was huge, the meat tender, and the breading crispy. For a group of 12 we were taken care of very quickly and our food arrived almost immediately. Our waitresses were very good about frequent refills and when there was a mixup with side orders they rectified the issue quickly. I will certainly be returning on my own.
(4)
Chris G.
Sort of indifferent about Nickel Plate. I run hot and cold here - sometimes good, sometimes not. In general a decent place to grab lunch - good local place with character that isn't a chain. Ordered a cobb salad on last visit - avocado was not good at all. I know - why get the salad at Nickel Plate (live and learn). Either way - the remaining salad was OK. The waitress was polite and efficient - the hostess really didn't want to be there. I've been successful with some sandwiches and others not so much (buffalo chicken was terribly dry before). I will stop by again for lunch sometime but won't go out of my way to get here.
(3)
Shawn R.
Excellent food, I had the grilled blacken Mahi-Mahi with fries, coleslaw, coffee, and spinach dip. The Maui-Mahi a.k.a. common dolphinfish, or dorado en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma… was delicious and the coleslaw was fun. I bought a kick-ass shirt for a reasonable price $18 and the hostess was a total doll. I love the place and feel like I should give it five stars but that would slightly devalue my five star rating.
(4)
Scott C.
Listen, it just isn't great. I know it's a staple of Fishers with a funky, old-school ambience, but how long can you just get by on having been there a while? At some point it needs to be about service and quality and both can tend to come up short. The first thing that was noticeable last time I visited was the reek of smoke from the bar. The word "dirty" jumped to mind. And short of sitting on the patio while the garage doors are open, there's no escaping it. As for the food..."eh". I suppose the tenderloin is as good as it gets. Nothing is particularly delicious here. There's no leaving and craving a dish. At this point, there are too many better places in Fishers to warrant stopping by. The apparent fact (based on another comment) that this is a makeshift Steelers bar only makes it worse.
(3)
Brandon C.
This is by far the worst bar in the area. Service, decor, and unwillingness to accommodate patrons will be there down fall.
(1)
Meredith S.
I was not floored by the deliciousness of the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill. It was fine, teetering on the line of being good, but didn't quite compleeeetely teeter for me. Good selection of beer. Sub par bar food. We split the breadsticks which I thought were going to be way better than they were. They weren't that great. I'm sorry, but when you say that you have cheese stuffed breadsticks, I'm expecting heaven. I did not receive heaven. I received a good day on Earth which everyone knows isn't the same thing. Boyfriend and I split a chicken salad sandwich. Also, wasn't that great. Like I said, there wasn't anything bad about this place - there just wasn't anything show stopping either. Since I don't really live in the Fishers area, I highly doubt I'll go back, but who knows!
(3)
John F.
Cozy and storied atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Great outdoor patio. The beer list could be a bit more extensive given the location and it's obvious billing as a pub. It just didn't measure up to other area pubs. The food is slightly above average. However, you can count on consistency. If you find a favorite on the menu you will get what you like each and every time. This is certainly the type of establishment that breeds loyalty and regulars. A true gem of the neighborhood.
(4)
Erica G.
The waitress knew it was my first time so she made a few recommendations. The pork tenderloin is their specialty . They make their own ranch and honey mustard dressing as well as their breading recipe. The mushroom appetizer was just right. Super hot, light breading, and served with their home made ranch. I tried the chicken salad melt for my meal and would try something else the next time. It had a ton of onions in it and a seasoning that my palate didn't totally care for but I can't put my finger on it. I was impressed that you could tell it was fresh made and used real chicken, not something from a can. My boyfriend had the pulled pork and cup of chili and loved it. He needed some extra BBQ sauce and they were happy to bring it. The waitress was a little flighty. She would bring a drink refill but not stay long enough for us to as for more napkins as an example. It happened a few times and you could tell she was already thinking about the next table she was taking drinks to. We sat in their patio area and they had enough heaters out there to keep everyone comfortable on a December day.
(3)
Richard B.
Its been in fishers forever...this is a great local eatery. You have to be a regular some food is great and others...not so much!!! Tenderloin, stew, fries, burgers, fish & chips, chicken fingers are amazing. Top shelf nachos are top notch possibly the best nachos ever. I would not recommend any of the finer dining items, steak, I don't even recall what is on that part of the menu I have been eating at the Nickel Plate for 20 years.
(4)
Jim W.
Short and simple. GREAT wings and I am wing snob.
(4)
D h.
Review is for the bar only, not the general restaurant. Number one given the bar area itself is very nice. Classic bar with a beautiful bar back. The bar itself is on the west wall with the hightop table seating opposite. The bar Area is fairly small and can get extremely packed good choices of beers and the food at nickel plate is very good. A great place to grab a few drinks and dinner.
(4)
Joe I.
I stopped in to watch the second half of NBA game 7 Brooklyn and Toronto. It had been sometime since I'd visited the Nickel Plate, and I remembered how much I liked the bar. I love the brick walls and the way the bar runs the length of the back wall. The waitress, Lori, was excellent, and did a great job taking care of me. I ordered the Hobo Stew. $5.99. The Hobo Stew reminded me more of Vegetable soup than stew. The beef was tender but the broth was thin and runny. The roll that came with the stew was stale. I won't order Hobo Stew again. I gave four stars, because of I really like the bar and the service staff.
(4)
Adrienne G.
My husband and I have been talking about coming here for at least six months and a couple of weeks ago, we finally stopped in. It was a busy Friday night and we had about a 20-30 minute wait. The hostess was very polite but seemed completely frazzled/overwhelmed. She still did her job and got everyone seated in a timely manner. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was friendly and did her job well. For dinner we both ordered their "award winning" breaded tenderloin with fries on the side. The tenderloin was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, not too thin and not too thick. The fries were hot and crispy. All I have to say is come hungry because the portions were huge. But buyer beware, their fries are not included in their regular sides, they are an extra $0.99 to substitute. They had many other items on their menu that looked delicious, so I am sure that we will be back.
(4)
Mike G.
Finally doing my reviews of the Tenderloin Search! So far Nickel is still leading! If you try it here, do it with a pretzel bun and coleslaw. The combo is just right. Again the formula works, flavorful food, good prices, great wait staff. Keep it up.
(4)
Ben H.
We went here on a Sunday, and while it wasn't dead, it was fairly busy and I am simply stunned at how fast the service was.I was looking for a good burger, and that's exactly what I found here. I forget the name of the meal I ordered, but it was a burger with bacon, mushrooms, and a lot of cheese. Just deliciousness. The appetizer of the stuffed mozzarella sticks were awesome, and it really wasn't that bad of a value for the amount of food you get here. Great staff, very fast service, and a pretty cool environment for a good American burger.
(5)
Victoria F.
We ordered the nachos and they were terrible. Just a plate of chips with a big skin of poorly melted warm cheese which we had to tear apart with our fingers (didn't receive silverware for ten minutes). Server was inattentive. We had to ask for silver and water refills. There was a dusty dead fly on the window sill next to our table (right at hubby's eye level). Disappointing even at this price point. The only redeeming factor was the tenderloin. But a decent tenderloin is available most anywhere.
(2)
Alex M.
So far I am in love with the Nickelplate! Just moved to the area and have already been here twice. Tried the tenderloin sandwich on the recommendation of other Yelpers and wasn't disappointed...it was delicious! The service is very attentive and our food was served quickly. Even though it's close to the road, the outdoor seating area is nice and a good change from the inside of the restaurant which is pretty dark. This place is on our go-to list in Fishers for good food and atmosphere.
(5)
Lea G.
I like this palce. Not my fave but it deserves a good review. It seems to be a local hang-out spot and has a good name in the community. I do like to go as a last stop beore heading home from time-to-time.
(3)
Jeff D.
Go for what you know. As I've tried to improve my diet I've steered clear of fried foods whenever possible. I don't recommend that plan here. Come here for the breaded tenderloin or a burger and maybe add the fried mac & cheese wedges if you're feeling decadent. Then stop. Go home fat and happy. Last night I made the mistake of trying a healthier option - fish tacos. You know how all your friends who won't eat fish talk about it being slimy and gross? That's what these were. They topped it with the same cream-based coleslaw that they offer as a side. Yep, creamy 'slaw and slimy fish. Came with out-of-the-bag tortilla chips and the world's smallest cup of salsa. So what I'm saying is this is a great casual place where you come for comfort food and nothing else. Got it? Oh, and come on Sundays in the fall if you're a Steelers fan (and I am) because this is THE Steelers bar on the north side.
(3)
Nina J.
Stopped in on a busy Friday night and snagged a wobbly little table in the bar. Server patient, prompt. The train depot brings a unique atmosphere to what seems, essentially, to be a local bar. Lots of locals in bar watching games, but the place is still friendly to new faces. Cowboy chili's got a kick, but it's not crybaby chili. Clam chowder's filled with smooth, fresh seafood flavor. Hobo Stew is like a pot roast dinner in soup form - all fresh cut veggies, no canned stuff here. $4.50 house wine special included a very good moscato that usually doesn't make it onto a house wine list in other places. Flat 12 was $6 on tap. Kid's menu and separate dining area make this an okay spot to bring the family that doesn't feel like eating at a chain restaurant.
(3)
Amy L.
I had a good experience. I went with a friend on a Tuesday evening. We sat, the waitress came over shortly afterwards to get our drink orders and since we weren't yet ready to put in our food order, she came back a few minutes later. There was a tv in my direction and a tv behind me my friend could see. It wasn't very long and our food was served. I had the breaded chicken sandwich. I like that it came with a cup of mayo so I can put on as much or as little as I like. My only two dislikes were that the mustard and ketchup were in the old glass bottles and that the fries were $1 extra if you wanted to get them instead. But at least they informed you of that on the menu. The waitress was good and checked on us a couple of times and was timely in refreshing our drinks. Overall I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and the service.
(4)
Scott L.
This place is dear to me as it's the first place me and my now wife went to on a lunch date. I've stopped in for years hear for a couple things. They have the best breaded tenderloin in the city hands down. The atmosphere is pleasant yet can be a bit noisy from time but not overbearing. I also really enjoy their strawberry chicken salad. These are the only two things I've ever had on the menu, but they have always been superb. It's a little on the pricy side, but I've never had bad service or a bad meal here.
(4)
Jason B.
Nickel plate is an excellent restaurant with an unfortunate name. Unfortunate simply because of how my brain works. I read it as nickelback every time. Nickelback = bad. Nickel plate = good. Don't let my defective brain confuse you. I went here on a friday lunch. I saw the veggie melt on their menu and it made me wish there was a proper vegetarian patty melt, which was one of my favorite foods when I ate meat. I gave it a try, half excited to try something I have never had, half sad because I knew it wouldn't be a patty melt. Remember my defective brain from earlier in this review? It struck again. The veggie melt was not only excellent, but there were enough flavors from the rye bread and the cheese to be a very good substitute for my beloved patty melts from the past. There are probably other vegetarian options here, but I don't care. I will get the veggie melt every time. There was a fairly odd old person vibe. By that I mean, at nearly 32, I was one of just a handful of people dining there that didn't experience WW2 in person. Maybe there was an early bird special I didn't know about, or maybe those old people just have awesome taste, just like me. Parking is behind the building and is ample. Getting out of the parking lot is another story. Turning left onto 116th is nearly impossible. It's quicker to turn right, then U at the light or turn around in a parking lot on the south side of the road.
(4)
Meagan B.
I was here for lunch last summer, but it's not too bad for a hole in the wall. The beer selection could be better and it's your typical American bar food kinda place. Good if you're in the area and don't want to travel far it will do.
(3)
Kristine S.
We are new to fishers indiana, and thought we'd try a local restaurant, we all ordered our meat medium only for it to come out well done and unable to eat. The waitress was unprofessional and only offered us $10 off our entire bill. Not good enough, we won't go back. Being from Phoenix we expect more on terms of service.
(1)
Bob H.
I'm telling you - THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN! Sweetie swears by the chicken tenders w/ honey mustard sauce. After gutting through someone else's tenderloin recently, I had to come back to get a good one to restore my faith in the Indiana Breaded Tenderloin sandwich. 7:00pm - their parking was packed. Had to park at the ice cream shoppe a block east and hoof it back. Waited all of - 90 seconds for a table, an entire minute and a half!!! - waited all of 8 minutes to get our orders. Perfectly prepared and solidly reaffirmed as the IN breaded tenderloin leader for my unofficial competition. And this is why it's a consistent standby for us - been coming here for 23 years.
(5)
Kate D.
Came here for the Pork Tenderloins. They were great. The rest of the menu was nothing speical, but all the food on the table was decent bar food. The bar had a good neighborhood and family feel. Our drinks were never empty, and the service was friendly.
(3)
Sarah C.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner earlier this evening. While having a job in Fishers, it's nice to try local restaurants that are close to my job. Everyone in my group had heard of this place, but had not tried it before. Sadly, the best part of the experience was the people with me and my Stella. The service was below par and their credit card "issue" at the end of the meal (which caused us to have to wait an extra 20 minutes) was a little ... annoying. We were planning on heading to a concert down the street and were late due to their service flaws. But, I did not have any problem with my fish and chips selection. That combination of food can always turn my mood around.
(3)
Travis T.
Worst experience I have had at any restaurant. Our server gave one of my friends my cherry coke, then when the food came out, gave a different friend my food and I had to wait an extra ten to fifteen minutes for my food while alley friends were eating theirs. Besides the incompetent oompah loompah waitress, the food was pretty bland. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Matt K.
This is the local Pittsburgh Steelers bar. Visit on an NFL Sunday and you would think you're in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Leave your Peyton Manning jersey at home. Burgers are good, but otherwise it's pretty typical bar fare. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Could use a TV upgrade though. Get some HD up in there. Go Steelers!
(4)
Dawn H.
Wish the waitress would have understood the menu better to make recommendations. And she did not know the difference in the beers. But the food, beer and price were all good.
(3)
Angela W.
Love the Nickel Plate! The kids love the appetizers-especially the fried mushrooms and railroad ties! Breaded tenderloins are just like I remember when we made them in a little restaurant in Kempton. The chicken tenders are one of the favorites for the kids. We always have to take them home. The chef salad is huge and fresh. The ranch dressing is homemade and delicious. Great service! My son was craving the Nickle Plate when he was in Afghanistan. It's the first place he wants to go when he gets home.
(5)
Karla D.
I had been hearing about this place for months from family and friends, so I decided to try it. Overall, the service was great, but their "famous" tenderloin sandwich had so much fat, I was only able to eat about a quarter of it... I tried to go back, thinking perhaps it was that ONE time, but it happened all over again. Next time I'll get a burger!
(3)
Maisha L.
Went for lunch for the first time today. It's a fairly small menu, mostly standard pub food. I got a cup of their "famous" Hobo Stew. Basically a chunky beef vegetebale soup; it was severely lacking in flavor. I rarely salt my food and this needed tons of it. My friend ordered a taco salad and and I got something called a Chicken Salad Melt. Ok, my fault for not thoroughly reading the menu, but when they brought my sandwich it was basically cold chicken salad on "grilled" (toasted) bread. Huh? Since when is a cold sandwich with no cheese on it called a melt? My friend said her taco salad was bland; in dire need of seasoning. The amount of salt and pepper she used was hilarious. I sent my (non) melt back and got the breaded pork tenderloin. It was ok, maybe my tastebuds where still recovering from the previous disappointment. What can I say? The iced tea was good? The service was great and the waitress didn't seem to hate me for my change of order, but I can't say I would ever go back. I left with a belly full of meh.
(2)
Catherine K.
Hands down, my favorite chicken fingers, especially with the honey mustard. I know I've eaten other things here over the years, but once I tried the chicken fingers, it was all over. The bar area is smoking and the smoke tends to filter out to the rest of the restaurant. That's not cool. I enjoy the indoor/outdoor space when the weather's nice. Service is usually quick and efficient. Very busy lunch spot.
(4)
Matthew N.
Good food, good service. The tenderloin and bison burger are my favorite menu items. A unique setting in an old train depot.
(4)
Joe M.
Been here a few time and only had the fried tenderloin.....it's about the best one I've ever had! Excellent!
(5)
Randy B.
I hate chicken fingers. I love the Nickel's chicken fingers. 'Nuf said.
(5)
Ryan H.
I'm amazed at all of the good reviews. As a chef, I try to rate restaurants on how much effort the kitchen puts forth to produce great food...not using pre-made items. This place missed the mark...big time. A group of four of us tried things like catfish, ribeye, chicken breast and a bison burger. They were okay at best. There are plenty of other great options nearby. This guy here won't be back unless it's just enjoying their decent atmosphere and being able to smoke at their bar.
(2)
Brad W.
Do NOT get the nachos as an appetizer. Even the waitresses recommend against it. That being said, most other food is decent. Not nearly as good as some other places like Scotty's, but it's a good atmosphere and nicely priced.
(4)
Alexis G.
As a vegetarian visiting from arugula country (i.e. the east coast) I was a little nervous about my trip to Indiana. We checked out Yelp for a good place to eat near Carmel, IN and found this spot. We got there pretty late on a Friday night and were seated right away. There were some people in the bar but it wasn't packed. Quite a few families had come after the Fishers football game so that gave the place a nice local feel. We ate outside on their covered patio which was a real treat. Our waitress and the hostess who sat us were both incredibly friendly and nice. We didn't order any drinks but the waitress didn't seem to mind. She was very attentive and the food came out really quickly. I started with the soft pretzel appetizer (YUM! I can never resist a soft pretzel) and then I had the spinach sandwich for dinner. I was really surprised to see such a creative vegetarian option on the menu-- and it didn't disappoint. I even took the other half home (filled up on pretzels!) and heated it up the next day to munch on. Friendly service, good food, good prices.
(4)
Ryan W.
This place has so much potential to be a local fav, but most of the food is bland and overpriced. When stacked up next to similar joints like Chatham Tap or Scotty's Brewhouse, there really is no comparison.
(2)
Casey R.
Excellent tenderloin! Seriously, one of the best ever!
(4)
Kelly M.
I love the nickle plate. The other day, my love handed the keys of his stick shift car and asked if i'd drive to the Nickle Plate - he recently taught me to drive it. We made it safely to the restaurant without me killing the engine. As a reward, I ordered a nickle plate burger, no bun. They don't have a gluten free menu and if you are super sensitive, i don't recommend it, but for me, there isn't a better burger out there. The waitress made an effort to check the labels of the spices in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit safer and made up for the chilly reception from the hostess. Upon leaving, i handed the keys back to my love...turns out the other reason he wanted me to practice driving was because he didn't remember how to get there.
(4)
Chuck C.
This is a joint that has grown up some! It has lost some of it charm in doing so and that is what stopped 5 star's. The Nickel Plate WAS a bar that has become a GRILL! What dose that mean, the price's have gone up, that's all. It's still a joint and will always be a joint I hope. The food is what it is, food that you eat with a beer or two(may be more) and nothing more Pub Grub at it's best. Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chain's!
(4)
Scott L.
Great place for lunch. Chicken fingers are great and they have one of the best Tenderloins around!
(4)
K M.
The bison burger was OK but little meat on big bun. Cheese was $.50 extra. Fruit was a side choice so I asked for it and the waitress said they were out. This was 6:15 on a weeknight. No other veggie or fruit sides are available so I asked to sub a side salad. I was told it was an extra $2, even though they were out of any other options. The waitress wouldn't even ask the manager. Very overpriced for the quality of food and service.
(1)
Christopher R.
The nick is definitely one of my favorite joints in fishers. Great open patio area with the roll up windows to enjoy the summer breeze along with your frosty cold one. If you fancy the breaded tenderloin, you will not leave disappointed.
(4)
Dan G.
In and out in less than an hour at lunchtime = good (or I guess not busy). Reuben was hot and served quickly - nothing special there - typical restaurant fries. Wife had lime chicken sandwich. Looked pretty good. I think it's crazy that they still let people smoke in the bar during lunch up there in Fishers, but at least they had a separate closed-off patio that was non-smoking. No complaints here.
(3)
Carey D.
Nickel Plate is a good place to head for lunch. The menu isn't anything too special, but everything I've had there has been good-- burgers, chicken wraps, grilled cheese, tenderloins, etc. I like the atmosphere because it feels kinda cozy. The service has never been anything to rave about it, but I haven't had a horrid experience with it either. If you're on 116th Street at lunchtime and just feel like eating good American food but don't want to head to any of the chain restaurants, I recommend visiting Nickel Plate.
(4)
Maisha L.
Went for lunch for the first time today. It's a fairly small menu, mostly standard pub food. I got a cup of their "famous" Hobo Stew. Basically a chunky beef vegetebale soup; it was severely lacking in flavor. I rarely salt my food and this needed tons of it. My friend ordered a taco salad and and I got something called a Chicken Salad Melt. Ok, my fault for not thoroughly reading the menu, but when they brought my sandwich it was basically cold chicken salad on "grilled" (toasted) bread. Huh? Since when is a cold sandwich with no cheese on it called a melt? My friend said her taco salad was bland; in dire need of seasoning. The amount of salt and pepper she used was hilarious. I sent my (non) melt back and got the breaded pork tenderloin. It was ok, maybe my tastebuds where still recovering from the previous disappointment. What can I say? The iced tea was good? The service was great and the waitress didn't seem to hate me for my change of order, but I can't say I would ever go back. I left with a belly full of meh.
(2)
Randy B.
I hate chicken fingers. I love the Nickel's chicken fingers. 'Nuf said.
(5)
Anne H.
Great food! My family loves to eat here and for those of you who like ranch their homemade dressing is fantastic. Try the chicken strips.
(4)
Sarah C.
When I want a good breaded tenderloin, I seem to find myself here. However, I am indifferent on how I feel about everything else. The service is usually good and everyone is friendly, including the hostesses. But as other Yelpers have stated, their food is just ok. I have had a chance to taste other menu items and they weren't spectacular, causing me to stick with my old trusted breaded tenderloin everytime. They have a cool garage door style patio on the side of the building and it fills up quickly in nice weather, so that's a plus. They offer several tvs inside, usually on different sports. One of my biggest peeves here, is their local beer selection. They only offer a few local choices and seem to concentrate more on domestic beer and having drink specials thru the week, like margaritas and such. I would love to have a good local beer with my meal but usually just opt for diet coke because the beer menu is that boring. Meh.
(3)
Julie P.
I used to live in this area. We were pretty much regulars here. Best chicken fingers ever. I know chicken fingers sounds boring but they are damn good. Not premade frozen over battered. Fresh. Juicy. The service is great too. My lemonade glass never went below half full. It's good to be back to the Plate! My server was Liz. Ask for her by name!
(5)
Alex W.
I can't recall ever being in Fishers for a long long time, and was impressed with the area. I like that there is a bit of a Main St USA feel and lots of new construction around. We were able to be seated on the patio, as requested, immediately and were promptly greeted by our waitress. The beer selection didn't really wow me, I went with one of my standard local go-to's. We ordered their version of poutine since my friend had it recently and was dying to have it again. It was good, but not great. We barely had time to dig into the poutine before our main courses arrived. While I appreciate good/quick service, this was almost too fast. I'd recommend any sandwich with the pretzel bun, or by itself. Or getting something to dip into the house honey mustard. That honey mustard was great! Overall, a cool place that I wouldn't mind returning to.
(4)
Brooke K.
As a staple in Fishers, this place is flowing over with potential to be a 5 star hot spot. There is so much charm and character here including many of the original architectural features from the 1800's. The outdoor patio is a really nice addition for warmer weather. Service is fast and friendly. However, it's missing the mark with its food & drink offerings. Everything was ok but not great. When I think of a local bar & grill I automatically think locally sourced meats & beers on draft. I didn't find that here. I ordered the Bison Burger $9.99 & added fries for $.99 and my husband had the Nickle Plate Burger $7.99 and added fries. We were hoping to find a juicy burger with a bounty of perfectly seasoned fries. What we got was on the dry side and lacking in flavor. Both of us agreed the food quality for what you paid for was just... Meh. This is a great spot and I think a little sprucing of the menu & the addition of local beers on draft would make a world of difference. Maybe I will return and try the tenderloin and enjoy the patio....perhaps?
(3)
Steve S.
Love this place! This place is one of just a couple that really represents Fishers. It's an old train depot turned bar/restaurant so there's a lot of character and a great atmosphere. Recommend the tenderloin, burgers (bison is a great choice) and the club. The chicken fingers are great too and you shouldn't be ashamed to order them as an adult! Great bar area, dining area and patio area that looks out into 116th street and the railroad tracks. Definitely check it out while in town.
(5)
Evan F.
Came here on a business lunch and was told to get the breaded tenderloin sandwich as it is a staple of Indiana and it was great! The sandwich was huge, the meat tender, and the breading crispy. For a group of 12 we were taken care of very quickly and our food arrived almost immediately. Our waitresses were very good about frequent refills and when there was a mixup with side orders they rectified the issue quickly. I will certainly be returning on my own.
(4)
Chris S.
We stopped in for lunch on the weekend with our young girls. The wait staff was very friendly and the place was very busy. We love the atmosphere and the "local" feel. The food is pretty good, nothing to jump up and down about but the experience was a good one and we would return for sure.
(3)
Joseph Z.
Got spot in heart of downtown Fishers. Good selection of items and reasonably priced. Good and quick service.
(4)
Megan L.
Meh. Food is mediocre, service is mediocre. Kind of a nice environment if you sit on the patio in the summer, but other than that, not much special here.
(2)
Chris G.
Sort of indifferent about Nickel Plate. I run hot and cold here - sometimes good, sometimes not. In general a decent place to grab lunch - good local place with character that isn't a chain. Ordered a cobb salad on last visit - avocado was not good at all. I know - why get the salad at Nickel Plate (live and learn). Either way - the remaining salad was OK. The waitress was polite and efficient - the hostess really didn't want to be there. I've been successful with some sandwiches and others not so much (buffalo chicken was terribly dry before). I will stop by again for lunch sometime but won't go out of my way to get here.
(3)
Shawn R.
Excellent food, I had the grilled blacken Mahi-Mahi with fries, coleslaw, coffee, and spinach dip. The Maui-Mahi a.k.a. common dolphinfish, or dorado en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma… was delicious and the coleslaw was fun. I bought a kick-ass shirt for a reasonable price $18 and the hostess was a total doll. I love the place and feel like I should give it five stars but that would slightly devalue my five star rating.
(4)
Scott C.
Listen, it just isn't great. I know it's a staple of Fishers with a funky, old-school ambience, but how long can you just get by on having been there a while? At some point it needs to be about service and quality and both can tend to come up short. The first thing that was noticeable last time I visited was the reek of smoke from the bar. The word "dirty" jumped to mind. And short of sitting on the patio while the garage doors are open, there's no escaping it. As for the food..."eh". I suppose the tenderloin is as good as it gets. Nothing is particularly delicious here. There's no leaving and craving a dish. At this point, there are too many better places in Fishers to warrant stopping by. The apparent fact (based on another comment) that this is a makeshift Steelers bar only makes it worse.
(3)
Brandon C.
This is by far the worst bar in the area. Service, decor, and unwillingness to accommodate patrons will be there down fall.
(1)
Meredith S.
I was not floored by the deliciousness of the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill. It was fine, teetering on the line of being good, but didn't quite compleeeetely teeter for me. Good selection of beer. Sub par bar food. We split the breadsticks which I thought were going to be way better than they were. They weren't that great. I'm sorry, but when you say that you have cheese stuffed breadsticks, I'm expecting heaven. I did not receive heaven. I received a good day on Earth which everyone knows isn't the same thing. Boyfriend and I split a chicken salad sandwich. Also, wasn't that great. Like I said, there wasn't anything bad about this place - there just wasn't anything show stopping either. Since I don't really live in the Fishers area, I highly doubt I'll go back, but who knows!
(3)
John F.
Cozy and storied atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Great outdoor patio. The beer list could be a bit more extensive given the location and it's obvious billing as a pub. It just didn't measure up to other area pubs. The food is slightly above average. However, you can count on consistency. If you find a favorite on the menu you will get what you like each and every time. This is certainly the type of establishment that breeds loyalty and regulars. A true gem of the neighborhood.
(4)
Erica G.
The waitress knew it was my first time so she made a few recommendations. The pork tenderloin is their specialty . They make their own ranch and honey mustard dressing as well as their breading recipe. The mushroom appetizer was just right. Super hot, light breading, and served with their home made ranch. I tried the chicken salad melt for my meal and would try something else the next time. It had a ton of onions in it and a seasoning that my palate didn't totally care for but I can't put my finger on it. I was impressed that you could tell it was fresh made and used real chicken, not something from a can. My boyfriend had the pulled pork and cup of chili and loved it. He needed some extra BBQ sauce and they were happy to bring it. The waitress was a little flighty. She would bring a drink refill but not stay long enough for us to as for more napkins as an example. It happened a few times and you could tell she was already thinking about the next table she was taking drinks to. We sat in their patio area and they had enough heaters out there to keep everyone comfortable on a December day.
(3)
Richard B.
Its been in fishers forever...this is a great local eatery. You have to be a regular some food is great and others...not so much!!! Tenderloin, stew, fries, burgers, fish & chips, chicken fingers are amazing. Top shelf nachos are top notch possibly the best nachos ever. I would not recommend any of the finer dining items, steak, I don't even recall what is on that part of the menu I have been eating at the Nickel Plate for 20 years.
(4)
Jim W.
Short and simple. GREAT wings and I am wing snob.
(4)
D h.
Review is for the bar only, not the general restaurant. Number one given the bar area itself is very nice. Classic bar with a beautiful bar back. The bar itself is on the west wall with the hightop table seating opposite. The bar Area is fairly small and can get extremely packed good choices of beers and the food at nickel plate is very good. A great place to grab a few drinks and dinner.
(4)
Joe I.
I stopped in to watch the second half of NBA game 7 Brooklyn and Toronto. It had been sometime since I'd visited the Nickel Plate, and I remembered how much I liked the bar. I love the brick walls and the way the bar runs the length of the back wall. The waitress, Lori, was excellent, and did a great job taking care of me. I ordered the Hobo Stew. $5.99. The Hobo Stew reminded me more of Vegetable soup than stew. The beef was tender but the broth was thin and runny. The roll that came with the stew was stale. I won't order Hobo Stew again. I gave four stars, because of I really like the bar and the service staff.
(4)
Adrienne G.
My husband and I have been talking about coming here for at least six months and a couple of weeks ago, we finally stopped in. It was a busy Friday night and we had about a 20-30 minute wait. The hostess was very polite but seemed completely frazzled/overwhelmed. She still did her job and got everyone seated in a timely manner. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was friendly and did her job well. For dinner we both ordered their "award winning" breaded tenderloin with fries on the side. The tenderloin was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, not too thin and not too thick. The fries were hot and crispy. All I have to say is come hungry because the portions were huge. But buyer beware, their fries are not included in their regular sides, they are an extra $0.99 to substitute. They had many other items on their menu that looked delicious, so I am sure that we will be back.
(4)
Mike G.
Finally doing my reviews of the Tenderloin Search! So far Nickel is still leading! If you try it here, do it with a pretzel bun and coleslaw. The combo is just right. Again the formula works, flavorful food, good prices, great wait staff. Keep it up.
(4)
Ben H.
We went here on a Sunday, and while it wasn't dead, it was fairly busy and I am simply stunned at how fast the service was.I was looking for a good burger, and that's exactly what I found here. I forget the name of the meal I ordered, but it was a burger with bacon, mushrooms, and a lot of cheese. Just deliciousness. The appetizer of the stuffed mozzarella sticks were awesome, and it really wasn't that bad of a value for the amount of food you get here. Great staff, very fast service, and a pretty cool environment for a good American burger.
(5)
Victoria F.
We ordered the nachos and they were terrible. Just a plate of chips with a big skin of poorly melted warm cheese which we had to tear apart with our fingers (didn't receive silverware for ten minutes). Server was inattentive. We had to ask for silver and water refills. There was a dusty dead fly on the window sill next to our table (right at hubby's eye level). Disappointing even at this price point. The only redeeming factor was the tenderloin. But a decent tenderloin is available most anywhere.
(2)
Alex M.
So far I am in love with the Nickelplate! Just moved to the area and have already been here twice. Tried the tenderloin sandwich on the recommendation of other Yelpers and wasn't disappointed...it was delicious! The service is very attentive and our food was served quickly. Even though it's close to the road, the outdoor seating area is nice and a good change from the inside of the restaurant which is pretty dark. This place is on our go-to list in Fishers for good food and atmosphere.
(5)
Lea G.
I like this palce. Not my fave but it deserves a good review. It seems to be a local hang-out spot and has a good name in the community. I do like to go as a last stop beore heading home from time-to-time.
(3)
Rick G.
This is one of the best restaurants in Fishers? Then the folks in Fishers have no taste buds at all. Seriously. I'm a pretty easy guy to please. I don't expect much. Good food, good service, and fair (And, seriously, I DO mean fair, not cheap...I don't mind paying) prices is all I ask. Three pitches, three strikes for Nickel Plate in my book. When your food is served in a puddle of grease....by a surly waitress, this is not a place I'll spend my money. 'nuff said.
(1)
Ross D.
Poor service. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wasn't busy at all. Waitress only checked on us once after we received our food. Food was average. Won't be returning back to this establishment.
(1)
The Yelp-inator W.
Pub food...Tenderloin sandwich lacked flavor.....the french dip looked like the best thing to get. but it might lack flavor too. No real desire to return to this place.
(3)
Alexander S.
I went once and will never return. I arrived your usual itch-it was sunday and had no beer in the apt-and decided to be experimental and try NP. I had passed by it many times before. It seemed like one of those places that middle class white folk go to be nostalgic about being working class or something. The wood paneling, bricks and dusty bottles all add to the sense of a time past, kinda like the sandlot. This is not to mention the staff. It was your usual restaurant/plantation labor setup: hispanic workers in kitchen popping their heads out every once and a while while your white staff gets cozy with the regulars. The one thing that really bothered me about this place was the way the bar smelled, like an old sponge that you just refuse to throw away because you are too lazy or cheap to get a new one. I brought this up with the bartender and he said it was the old septic. Well, I guess I would have to get used to smelling an old sponge while drinking here: I think I would rather get a new one.
(1)
Tony A.
Some friends brought me and my family here for lunch. Walking in, it looked and smelled like any old bar, but the food here is amazing! Our orders ranged from a strawberry salad to catfish. I didn't hear too much conversation during lunch, which means (at least with my family) the food was so good, they couldn't stop eating to talk. My buddy Jay told me during the Football season, this was the place to be if your a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I'll take your word for it Jay. Highly recommended. A+ food and service.
(4)
Jeff D.
Go for what you know. As I've tried to improve my diet I've steered clear of fried foods whenever possible. I don't recommend that plan here. Come here for the breaded tenderloin or a burger and maybe add the fried mac & cheese wedges if you're feeling decadent. Then stop. Go home fat and happy. Last night I made the mistake of trying a healthier option - fish tacos. You know how all your friends who won't eat fish talk about it being slimy and gross? That's what these were. They topped it with the same cream-based coleslaw that they offer as a side. Yep, creamy 'slaw and slimy fish. Came with out-of-the-bag tortilla chips and the world's smallest cup of salsa. So what I'm saying is this is a great casual place where you come for comfort food and nothing else. Got it? Oh, and come on Sundays in the fall if you're a Steelers fan (and I am) because this is THE Steelers bar on the north side.
(3)
Nina J.
Stopped in on a busy Friday night and snagged a wobbly little table in the bar. Server patient, prompt. The train depot brings a unique atmosphere to what seems, essentially, to be a local bar. Lots of locals in bar watching games, but the place is still friendly to new faces. Cowboy chili's got a kick, but it's not crybaby chili. Clam chowder's filled with smooth, fresh seafood flavor. Hobo Stew is like a pot roast dinner in soup form - all fresh cut veggies, no canned stuff here. $4.50 house wine special included a very good moscato that usually doesn't make it onto a house wine list in other places. Flat 12 was $6 on tap. Kid's menu and separate dining area make this an okay spot to bring the family that doesn't feel like eating at a chain restaurant.
(3)
Amy L.
I had a good experience. I went with a friend on a Tuesday evening. We sat, the waitress came over shortly afterwards to get our drink orders and since we weren't yet ready to put in our food order, she came back a few minutes later. There was a tv in my direction and a tv behind me my friend could see. It wasn't very long and our food was served. I had the breaded chicken sandwich. I like that it came with a cup of mayo so I can put on as much or as little as I like. My only two dislikes were that the mustard and ketchup were in the old glass bottles and that the fries were $1 extra if you wanted to get them instead. But at least they informed you of that on the menu. The waitress was good and checked on us a couple of times and was timely in refreshing our drinks. Overall I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and the service.
(4)
Jason B.
Nickel plate is an excellent restaurant with an unfortunate name. Unfortunate simply because of how my brain works. I read it as nickelback every time. Nickelback = bad. Nickel plate = good. Don't let my defective brain confuse you. I went here on a friday lunch. I saw the veggie melt on their menu and it made me wish there was a proper vegetarian patty melt, which was one of my favorite foods when I ate meat. I gave it a try, half excited to try something I have never had, half sad because I knew it wouldn't be a patty melt. Remember my defective brain from earlier in this review? It struck again. The veggie melt was not only excellent, but there were enough flavors from the rye bread and the cheese to be a very good substitute for my beloved patty melts from the past. There are probably other vegetarian options here, but I don't care. I will get the veggie melt every time. There was a fairly odd old person vibe. By that I mean, at nearly 32, I was one of just a handful of people dining there that didn't experience WW2 in person. Maybe there was an early bird special I didn't know about, or maybe those old people just have awesome taste, just like me. Parking is behind the building and is ample. Getting out of the parking lot is another story. Turning left onto 116th is nearly impossible. It's quicker to turn right, then U at the light or turn around in a parking lot on the south side of the road.
(4)
Meagan B.
I was here for lunch last summer, but it's not too bad for a hole in the wall. The beer selection could be better and it's your typical American bar food kinda place. Good if you're in the area and don't want to travel far it will do.
(3)
Kristine S.
We are new to fishers indiana, and thought we'd try a local restaurant, we all ordered our meat medium only for it to come out well done and unable to eat. The waitress was unprofessional and only offered us $10 off our entire bill. Not good enough, we won't go back. Being from Phoenix we expect more on terms of service.
(1)
Bob H.
I'm telling you - THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN! Sweetie swears by the chicken tenders w/ honey mustard sauce. After gutting through someone else's tenderloin recently, I had to come back to get a good one to restore my faith in the Indiana Breaded Tenderloin sandwich. 7:00pm - their parking was packed. Had to park at the ice cream shoppe a block east and hoof it back. Waited all of - 90 seconds for a table, an entire minute and a half!!! - waited all of 8 minutes to get our orders. Perfectly prepared and solidly reaffirmed as the IN breaded tenderloin leader for my unofficial competition. And this is why it's a consistent standby for us - been coming here for 23 years.
(5)
Kate D.
Came here for the Pork Tenderloins. They were great. The rest of the menu was nothing speical, but all the food on the table was decent bar food. The bar had a good neighborhood and family feel. Our drinks were never empty, and the service was friendly.
(3)
Sarah C.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner earlier this evening. While having a job in Fishers, it's nice to try local restaurants that are close to my job. Everyone in my group had heard of this place, but had not tried it before. Sadly, the best part of the experience was the people with me and my Stella. The service was below par and their credit card "issue" at the end of the meal (which caused us to have to wait an extra 20 minutes) was a little ... annoying. We were planning on heading to a concert down the street and were late due to their service flaws. But, I did not have any problem with my fish and chips selection. That combination of food can always turn my mood around.
(3)
Travis T.
Worst experience I have had at any restaurant. Our server gave one of my friends my cherry coke, then when the food came out, gave a different friend my food and I had to wait an extra ten to fifteen minutes for my food while alley friends were eating theirs. Besides the incompetent oompah loompah waitress, the food was pretty bland. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Matt K.
This is the local Pittsburgh Steelers bar. Visit on an NFL Sunday and you would think you're in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Leave your Peyton Manning jersey at home. Burgers are good, but otherwise it's pretty typical bar fare. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Could use a TV upgrade though. Get some HD up in there. Go Steelers!
(4)
Dawn H.
Wish the waitress would have understood the menu better to make recommendations. And she did not know the difference in the beers. But the food, beer and price were all good.
(3)
Angela W.
Love the Nickel Plate! The kids love the appetizers-especially the fried mushrooms and railroad ties! Breaded tenderloins are just like I remember when we made them in a little restaurant in Kempton. The chicken tenders are one of the favorites for the kids. We always have to take them home. The chef salad is huge and fresh. The ranch dressing is homemade and delicious. Great service! My son was craving the Nickle Plate when he was in Afghanistan. It's the first place he wants to go when he gets home.
(5)
Karla D.
I had been hearing about this place for months from family and friends, so I decided to try it. Overall, the service was great, but their "famous" tenderloin sandwich had so much fat, I was only able to eat about a quarter of it... I tried to go back, thinking perhaps it was that ONE time, but it happened all over again. Next time I'll get a burger!
(3)
Catherine K.
Hands down, my favorite chicken fingers, especially with the honey mustard. I know I've eaten other things here over the years, but once I tried the chicken fingers, it was all over. The bar area is smoking and the smoke tends to filter out to the rest of the restaurant. That's not cool. I enjoy the indoor/outdoor space when the weather's nice. Service is usually quick and efficient. Very busy lunch spot.
(4)
Matthew N.
Good food, good service. The tenderloin and bison burger are my favorite menu items. A unique setting in an old train depot.
(4)
Joe M.
Been here a few time and only had the fried tenderloin.....it's about the best one I've ever had! Excellent!
(5)
Alexis G.
As a vegetarian visiting from arugula country (i.e. the east coast) I was a little nervous about my trip to Indiana. We checked out Yelp for a good place to eat near Carmel, IN and found this spot. We got there pretty late on a Friday night and were seated right away. There were some people in the bar but it wasn't packed. Quite a few families had come after the Fishers football game so that gave the place a nice local feel. We ate outside on their covered patio which was a real treat. Our waitress and the hostess who sat us were both incredibly friendly and nice. We didn't order any drinks but the waitress didn't seem to mind. She was very attentive and the food came out really quickly. I started with the soft pretzel appetizer (YUM! I can never resist a soft pretzel) and then I had the spinach sandwich for dinner. I was really surprised to see such a creative vegetarian option on the menu-- and it didn't disappoint. I even took the other half home (filled up on pretzels!) and heated it up the next day to munch on. Friendly service, good food, good prices.
(4)
Ryan W.
This place has so much potential to be a local fav, but most of the food is bland and overpriced. When stacked up next to similar joints like Chatham Tap or Scotty's Brewhouse, there really is no comparison.
(2)
Ryan H.
I'm amazed at all of the good reviews. As a chef, I try to rate restaurants on how much effort the kitchen puts forth to produce great food...not using pre-made items. This place missed the mark...big time. A group of four of us tried things like catfish, ribeye, chicken breast and a bison burger. They were okay at best. There are plenty of other great options nearby. This guy here won't be back unless it's just enjoying their decent atmosphere and being able to smoke at their bar.
(2)
Brad W.
Do NOT get the nachos as an appetizer. Even the waitresses recommend against it. That being said, most other food is decent. Not nearly as good as some other places like Scotty's, but it's a good atmosphere and nicely priced.
(4)
Scott L.
This place is dear to me as it's the first place me and my now wife went to on a lunch date. I've stopped in for years hear for a couple things. They have the best breaded tenderloin in the city hands down. The atmosphere is pleasant yet can be a bit noisy from time but not overbearing. I also really enjoy their strawberry chicken salad. These are the only two things I've ever had on the menu, but they have always been superb. It's a little on the pricy side, but I've never had bad service or a bad meal here.
(4)
Casey R.
Excellent tenderloin! Seriously, one of the best ever!
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Fri Coat Check : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
William N.
Cool little place. I like the covered patio seating that's all windows and has the garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. My date and I went the other night. First off, the hostess had an attitude problem. She gave us a table right near the front door that had a lot of traffic. When I asked if there was another table we could have (the place was maybe 1/3 full at best), she gave a look of "how dare you bother me". She took us to a much better table and made me wonder why she didn't take us to any other table than the one she first took us to. Our waitress was really good and that made up for the hostess. The prices were alright and their menu selection is typical bar food but they did have buffalo burgers, so I tried that out. The burger wasn't that warm when it got to the table and the french fries were horribly cold. I'd give their food a D+. I am willing to try this place again as our waitress was nice and the liked the feel of the place. Next time I'll set my expectations much lower and will hopefully be suprised.
(3)Jen T.
This was a our very first meal in Fishers after moving from California, and we were not disappointed. I recommend the grilled chicken salad that has the strawberries and bluu cheese- order the balsamic vinaigrette with it. My husband had the French Dip. Both were really good and we will definitely be back. All the staff was really friendly and the patio atmosphere was nice.
(4)Anne H.
Great food! My family loves to eat here and for those of you who like ranch their homemade dressing is fantastic. Try the chicken strips.
(4)Sarah C.
When I want a good breaded tenderloin, I seem to find myself here. However, I am indifferent on how I feel about everything else. The service is usually good and everyone is friendly, including the hostesses. But as other Yelpers have stated, their food is just ok. I have had a chance to taste other menu items and they weren't spectacular, causing me to stick with my old trusted breaded tenderloin everytime. They have a cool garage door style patio on the side of the building and it fills up quickly in nice weather, so that's a plus. They offer several tvs inside, usually on different sports. One of my biggest peeves here, is their local beer selection. They only offer a few local choices and seem to concentrate more on domestic beer and having drink specials thru the week, like margaritas and such. I would love to have a good local beer with my meal but usually just opt for diet coke because the beer menu is that boring. Meh.
(3)Julie P.
I used to live in this area. We were pretty much regulars here. Best chicken fingers ever. I know chicken fingers sounds boring but they are damn good. Not premade frozen over battered. Fresh. Juicy. The service is great too. My lemonade glass never went below half full. It's good to be back to the Plate! My server was Liz. Ask for her by name!
(5)Alex W.
I can't recall ever being in Fishers for a long long time, and was impressed with the area. I like that there is a bit of a Main St USA feel and lots of new construction around. We were able to be seated on the patio, as requested, immediately and were promptly greeted by our waitress. The beer selection didn't really wow me, I went with one of my standard local go-to's. We ordered their version of poutine since my friend had it recently and was dying to have it again. It was good, but not great. We barely had time to dig into the poutine before our main courses arrived. While I appreciate good/quick service, this was almost too fast. I'd recommend any sandwich with the pretzel bun, or by itself. Or getting something to dip into the house honey mustard. That honey mustard was great! Overall, a cool place that I wouldn't mind returning to.
(4)Brooke K.
As a staple in Fishers, this place is flowing over with potential to be a 5 star hot spot. There is so much charm and character here including many of the original architectural features from the 1800's. The outdoor patio is a really nice addition for warmer weather. Service is fast and friendly. However, it's missing the mark with its food & drink offerings. Everything was ok but not great. When I think of a local bar & grill I automatically think locally sourced meats & beers on draft. I didn't find that here. I ordered the Bison Burger $9.99 & added fries for $.99 and my husband had the Nickle Plate Burger $7.99 and added fries. We were hoping to find a juicy burger with a bounty of perfectly seasoned fries. What we got was on the dry side and lacking in flavor. Both of us agreed the food quality for what you paid for was just... Meh. This is a great spot and I think a little sprucing of the menu & the addition of local beers on draft would make a world of difference. Maybe I will return and try the tenderloin and enjoy the patio....perhaps?
(3)Alexandrea P.
Service and atmosphere were ok-food awful! The bread sticks were flavorless and dry. I did not know there was more bad marinara sauce until I dined here. Salad was okay, hubby's brisket was nothing social. $65 bucks for 4 drinks, 2 meals and the worst stuffed breadsticks I've ever had.
(2)Steve S.
Love this place! This place is one of just a couple that really represents Fishers. It's an old train depot turned bar/restaurant so there's a lot of character and a great atmosphere. Recommend the tenderloin, burgers (bison is a great choice) and the club. The chicken fingers are great too and you shouldn't be ashamed to order them as an adult! Great bar area, dining area and patio area that looks out into 116th street and the railroad tracks. Definitely check it out while in town.
(5)Scott L.
This place is dear to me as it's the first place me and my now wife went to on a lunch date. I've stopped in for years hear for a couple things. They have the best breaded tenderloin in the city hands down. The atmosphere is pleasant yet can be a bit noisy from time but not overbearing. I also really enjoy their strawberry chicken salad. These are the only two things I've ever had on the menu, but they have always been superb. It's a little on the pricy side, but I've never had bad service or a bad meal here.
(4)Alexis G.
As a vegetarian visiting from arugula country (i.e. the east coast) I was a little nervous about my trip to Indiana. We checked out Yelp for a good place to eat near Carmel, IN and found this spot. We got there pretty late on a Friday night and were seated right away. There were some people in the bar but it wasn't packed. Quite a few families had come after the Fishers football game so that gave the place a nice local feel. We ate outside on their covered patio which was a real treat. Our waitress and the hostess who sat us were both incredibly friendly and nice. We didn't order any drinks but the waitress didn't seem to mind. She was very attentive and the food came out really quickly. I started with the soft pretzel appetizer (YUM! I can never resist a soft pretzel) and then I had the spinach sandwich for dinner. I was really surprised to see such a creative vegetarian option on the menu-- and it didn't disappoint. I even took the other half home (filled up on pretzels!) and heated it up the next day to munch on. Friendly service, good food, good prices.
(4)Ryan W.
This place has so much potential to be a local fav, but most of the food is bland and overpriced. When stacked up next to similar joints like Chatham Tap or Scotty's Brewhouse, there really is no comparison.
(2)Casey R.
Excellent tenderloin! Seriously, one of the best ever!
(4)Kelly M.
I love the nickle plate. The other day, my love handed the keys of his stick shift car and asked if i'd drive to the Nickle Plate - he recently taught me to drive it. We made it safely to the restaurant without me killing the engine. As a reward, I ordered a nickle plate burger, no bun. They don't have a gluten free menu and if you are super sensitive, i don't recommend it, but for me, there isn't a better burger out there. The waitress made an effort to check the labels of the spices in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit safer and made up for the chilly reception from the hostess. Upon leaving, i handed the keys back to my love...turns out the other reason he wanted me to practice driving was because he didn't remember how to get there.
(4)Chuck C.
This is a joint that has grown up some! It has lost some of it charm in doing so and that is what stopped 5 star's. The Nickel Plate WAS a bar that has become a GRILL! What dose that mean, the price's have gone up, that's all. It's still a joint and will always be a joint I hope. The food is what it is, food that you eat with a beer or two(may be more) and nothing more Pub Grub at it's best. Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chain's!
(4)Evan F.
Came here on a business lunch and was told to get the breaded tenderloin sandwich as it is a staple of Indiana and it was great! The sandwich was huge, the meat tender, and the breading crispy. For a group of 12 we were taken care of very quickly and our food arrived almost immediately. Our waitresses were very good about frequent refills and when there was a mixup with side orders they rectified the issue quickly. I will certainly be returning on my own.
(4)Chris S.
We stopped in for lunch on the weekend with our young girls. The wait staff was very friendly and the place was very busy. We love the atmosphere and the "local" feel. The food is pretty good, nothing to jump up and down about but the experience was a good one and we would return for sure.
(3)Joseph Z.
Got spot in heart of downtown Fishers. Good selection of items and reasonably priced. Good and quick service.
(4)Megan L.
Meh. Food is mediocre, service is mediocre. Kind of a nice environment if you sit on the patio in the summer, but other than that, not much special here.
(2)Chris G.
Sort of indifferent about Nickel Plate. I run hot and cold here - sometimes good, sometimes not. In general a decent place to grab lunch - good local place with character that isn't a chain. Ordered a cobb salad on last visit - avocado was not good at all. I know - why get the salad at Nickel Plate (live and learn). Either way - the remaining salad was OK. The waitress was polite and efficient - the hostess really didn't want to be there. I've been successful with some sandwiches and others not so much (buffalo chicken was terribly dry before). I will stop by again for lunch sometime but won't go out of my way to get here.
(3)Shawn R.
Excellent food, I had the grilled blacken Mahi-Mahi with fries, coleslaw, coffee, and spinach dip. The Maui-Mahi a.k.a. common dolphinfish, or dorado en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma… was delicious and the coleslaw was fun. I bought a kick-ass shirt for a reasonable price $18 and the hostess was a total doll. I love the place and feel like I should give it five stars but that would slightly devalue my five star rating.
(4)Scott C.
Listen, it just isn't great. I know it's a staple of Fishers with a funky, old-school ambience, but how long can you just get by on having been there a while? At some point it needs to be about service and quality and both can tend to come up short. The first thing that was noticeable last time I visited was the reek of smoke from the bar. The word "dirty" jumped to mind. And short of sitting on the patio while the garage doors are open, there's no escaping it. As for the food..."eh". I suppose the tenderloin is as good as it gets. Nothing is particularly delicious here. There's no leaving and craving a dish. At this point, there are too many better places in Fishers to warrant stopping by. The apparent fact (based on another comment) that this is a makeshift Steelers bar only makes it worse.
(3)Brandon C.
This is by far the worst bar in the area. Service, decor, and unwillingness to accommodate patrons will be there down fall.
(1)Meredith S.
I was not floored by the deliciousness of the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill. It was fine, teetering on the line of being good, but didn't quite compleeeetely teeter for me. Good selection of beer. Sub par bar food. We split the breadsticks which I thought were going to be way better than they were. They weren't that great. I'm sorry, but when you say that you have cheese stuffed breadsticks, I'm expecting heaven. I did not receive heaven. I received a good day on Earth which everyone knows isn't the same thing. Boyfriend and I split a chicken salad sandwich. Also, wasn't that great. Like I said, there wasn't anything bad about this place - there just wasn't anything show stopping either. Since I don't really live in the Fishers area, I highly doubt I'll go back, but who knows!
(3)John F.
Cozy and storied atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Great outdoor patio. The beer list could be a bit more extensive given the location and it's obvious billing as a pub. It just didn't measure up to other area pubs. The food is slightly above average. However, you can count on consistency. If you find a favorite on the menu you will get what you like each and every time. This is certainly the type of establishment that breeds loyalty and regulars. A true gem of the neighborhood.
(4)Erica G.
The waitress knew it was my first time so she made a few recommendations. The pork tenderloin is their specialty . They make their own ranch and honey mustard dressing as well as their breading recipe. The mushroom appetizer was just right. Super hot, light breading, and served with their home made ranch. I tried the chicken salad melt for my meal and would try something else the next time. It had a ton of onions in it and a seasoning that my palate didn't totally care for but I can't put my finger on it. I was impressed that you could tell it was fresh made and used real chicken, not something from a can. My boyfriend had the pulled pork and cup of chili and loved it. He needed some extra BBQ sauce and they were happy to bring it. The waitress was a little flighty. She would bring a drink refill but not stay long enough for us to as for more napkins as an example. It happened a few times and you could tell she was already thinking about the next table she was taking drinks to. We sat in their patio area and they had enough heaters out there to keep everyone comfortable on a December day.
(3)Richard B.
Its been in fishers forever...this is a great local eatery. You have to be a regular some food is great and others...not so much!!! Tenderloin, stew, fries, burgers, fish & chips, chicken fingers are amazing. Top shelf nachos are top notch possibly the best nachos ever. I would not recommend any of the finer dining items, steak, I don't even recall what is on that part of the menu I have been eating at the Nickel Plate for 20 years.
(4)Jim W.
Short and simple. GREAT wings and I am wing snob.
(4)D h.
Review is for the bar only, not the general restaurant. Number one given the bar area itself is very nice. Classic bar with a beautiful bar back. The bar itself is on the west wall with the hightop table seating opposite. The bar Area is fairly small and can get extremely packed good choices of beers and the food at nickel plate is very good. A great place to grab a few drinks and dinner.
(4)Adrienne G.
My husband and I have been talking about coming here for at least six months and a couple of weeks ago, we finally stopped in. It was a busy Friday night and we had about a 20-30 minute wait. The hostess was very polite but seemed completely frazzled/overwhelmed. She still did her job and got everyone seated in a timely manner. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was friendly and did her job well. For dinner we both ordered their "award winning" breaded tenderloin with fries on the side. The tenderloin was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, not too thin and not too thick. The fries were hot and crispy. All I have to say is come hungry because the portions were huge. But buyer beware, their fries are not included in their regular sides, they are an extra $0.99 to substitute. They had many other items on their menu that looked delicious, so I am sure that we will be back.
(4)Mike G.
Finally doing my reviews of the Tenderloin Search! So far Nickel is still leading! If you try it here, do it with a pretzel bun and coleslaw. The combo is just right. Again the formula works, flavorful food, good prices, great wait staff. Keep it up.
(4)Ben H.
We went here on a Sunday, and while it wasn't dead, it was fairly busy and I am simply stunned at how fast the service was.I was looking for a good burger, and that's exactly what I found here. I forget the name of the meal I ordered, but it was a burger with bacon, mushrooms, and a lot of cheese. Just deliciousness. The appetizer of the stuffed mozzarella sticks were awesome, and it really wasn't that bad of a value for the amount of food you get here. Great staff, very fast service, and a pretty cool environment for a good American burger.
(5)Victoria F.
We ordered the nachos and they were terrible. Just a plate of chips with a big skin of poorly melted warm cheese which we had to tear apart with our fingers (didn't receive silverware for ten minutes). Server was inattentive. We had to ask for silver and water refills. There was a dusty dead fly on the window sill next to our table (right at hubby's eye level). Disappointing even at this price point. The only redeeming factor was the tenderloin. But a decent tenderloin is available most anywhere.
(2)Alex M.
So far I am in love with the Nickelplate! Just moved to the area and have already been here twice. Tried the tenderloin sandwich on the recommendation of other Yelpers and wasn't disappointed...it was delicious! The service is very attentive and our food was served quickly. Even though it's close to the road, the outdoor seating area is nice and a good change from the inside of the restaurant which is pretty dark. This place is on our go-to list in Fishers for good food and atmosphere.
(5)Joe I.
I stopped in to watch the second half of NBA game 7 Brooklyn and Toronto. It had been sometime since I'd visited the Nickel Plate, and I remembered how much I liked the bar. I love the brick walls and the way the bar runs the length of the back wall. The waitress, Lori, was excellent, and did a great job taking care of me. I ordered the Hobo Stew. $5.99. The Hobo Stew reminded me more of Vegetable soup than stew. The beef was tender but the broth was thin and runny. The roll that came with the stew was stale. I won't order Hobo Stew again. I gave four stars, because of I really like the bar and the service staff.
(4)Lea G.
I like this palce. Not my fave but it deserves a good review. It seems to be a local hang-out spot and has a good name in the community. I do like to go as a last stop beore heading home from time-to-time.
(3)Rick G.
This is one of the best restaurants in Fishers? Then the folks in Fishers have no taste buds at all. Seriously. I'm a pretty easy guy to please. I don't expect much. Good food, good service, and fair (And, seriously, I DO mean fair, not cheap...I don't mind paying) prices is all I ask. Three pitches, three strikes for Nickel Plate in my book. When your food is served in a puddle of grease....by a surly waitress, this is not a place I'll spend my money. 'nuff said.
(1)Ross D.
Poor service. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wasn't busy at all. Waitress only checked on us once after we received our food. Food was average. Won't be returning back to this establishment.
(1)The Yelp-inator W.
Pub food...Tenderloin sandwich lacked flavor.....the french dip looked like the best thing to get. but it might lack flavor too. No real desire to return to this place.
(3)Alexander S.
I went once and will never return. I arrived your usual itch-it was sunday and had no beer in the apt-and decided to be experimental and try NP. I had passed by it many times before. It seemed like one of those places that middle class white folk go to be nostalgic about being working class or something. The wood paneling, bricks and dusty bottles all add to the sense of a time past, kinda like the sandlot. This is not to mention the staff. It was your usual restaurant/plantation labor setup: hispanic workers in kitchen popping their heads out every once and a while while your white staff gets cozy with the regulars. The one thing that really bothered me about this place was the way the bar smelled, like an old sponge that you just refuse to throw away because you are too lazy or cheap to get a new one. I brought this up with the bartender and he said it was the old septic. Well, I guess I would have to get used to smelling an old sponge while drinking here: I think I would rather get a new one.
(1)Tony A.
Some friends brought me and my family here for lunch. Walking in, it looked and smelled like any old bar, but the food here is amazing! Our orders ranged from a strawberry salad to catfish. I didn't hear too much conversation during lunch, which means (at least with my family) the food was so good, they couldn't stop eating to talk. My buddy Jay told me during the Football season, this was the place to be if your a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I'll take your word for it Jay. Highly recommended. A+ food and service.
(4)Jeff D.
Go for what you know. As I've tried to improve my diet I've steered clear of fried foods whenever possible. I don't recommend that plan here. Come here for the breaded tenderloin or a burger and maybe add the fried mac & cheese wedges if you're feeling decadent. Then stop. Go home fat and happy. Last night I made the mistake of trying a healthier option - fish tacos. You know how all your friends who won't eat fish talk about it being slimy and gross? That's what these were. They topped it with the same cream-based coleslaw that they offer as a side. Yep, creamy 'slaw and slimy fish. Came with out-of-the-bag tortilla chips and the world's smallest cup of salsa. So what I'm saying is this is a great casual place where you come for comfort food and nothing else. Got it? Oh, and come on Sundays in the fall if you're a Steelers fan (and I am) because this is THE Steelers bar on the north side.
(3)Nina J.
Stopped in on a busy Friday night and snagged a wobbly little table in the bar. Server patient, prompt. The train depot brings a unique atmosphere to what seems, essentially, to be a local bar. Lots of locals in bar watching games, but the place is still friendly to new faces. Cowboy chili's got a kick, but it's not crybaby chili. Clam chowder's filled with smooth, fresh seafood flavor. Hobo Stew is like a pot roast dinner in soup form - all fresh cut veggies, no canned stuff here. $4.50 house wine special included a very good moscato that usually doesn't make it onto a house wine list in other places. Flat 12 was $6 on tap. Kid's menu and separate dining area make this an okay spot to bring the family that doesn't feel like eating at a chain restaurant.
(3)Amy L.
I had a good experience. I went with a friend on a Tuesday evening. We sat, the waitress came over shortly afterwards to get our drink orders and since we weren't yet ready to put in our food order, she came back a few minutes later. There was a tv in my direction and a tv behind me my friend could see. It wasn't very long and our food was served. I had the breaded chicken sandwich. I like that it came with a cup of mayo so I can put on as much or as little as I like. My only two dislikes were that the mustard and ketchup were in the old glass bottles and that the fries were $1 extra if you wanted to get them instead. But at least they informed you of that on the menu. The waitress was good and checked on us a couple of times and was timely in refreshing our drinks. Overall I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and the service.
(4)Jason B.
Nickel plate is an excellent restaurant with an unfortunate name. Unfortunate simply because of how my brain works. I read it as nickelback every time. Nickelback = bad. Nickel plate = good. Don't let my defective brain confuse you. I went here on a friday lunch. I saw the veggie melt on their menu and it made me wish there was a proper vegetarian patty melt, which was one of my favorite foods when I ate meat. I gave it a try, half excited to try something I have never had, half sad because I knew it wouldn't be a patty melt. Remember my defective brain from earlier in this review? It struck again. The veggie melt was not only excellent, but there were enough flavors from the rye bread and the cheese to be a very good substitute for my beloved patty melts from the past. There are probably other vegetarian options here, but I don't care. I will get the veggie melt every time. There was a fairly odd old person vibe. By that I mean, at nearly 32, I was one of just a handful of people dining there that didn't experience WW2 in person. Maybe there was an early bird special I didn't know about, or maybe those old people just have awesome taste, just like me. Parking is behind the building and is ample. Getting out of the parking lot is another story. Turning left onto 116th is nearly impossible. It's quicker to turn right, then U at the light or turn around in a parking lot on the south side of the road.
(4)Meagan B.
I was here for lunch last summer, but it's not too bad for a hole in the wall. The beer selection could be better and it's your typical American bar food kinda place. Good if you're in the area and don't want to travel far it will do.
(3)Kristine S.
We are new to fishers indiana, and thought we'd try a local restaurant, we all ordered our meat medium only for it to come out well done and unable to eat. The waitress was unprofessional and only offered us $10 off our entire bill. Not good enough, we won't go back. Being from Phoenix we expect more on terms of service.
(1)Bob H.
I'm telling you - THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN! Sweetie swears by the chicken tenders w/ honey mustard sauce. After gutting through someone else's tenderloin recently, I had to come back to get a good one to restore my faith in the Indiana Breaded Tenderloin sandwich. 7:00pm - their parking was packed. Had to park at the ice cream shoppe a block east and hoof it back. Waited all of - 90 seconds for a table, an entire minute and a half!!! - waited all of 8 minutes to get our orders. Perfectly prepared and solidly reaffirmed as the IN breaded tenderloin leader for my unofficial competition. And this is why it's a consistent standby for us - been coming here for 23 years.
(5)Kate D.
Came here for the Pork Tenderloins. They were great. The rest of the menu was nothing speical, but all the food on the table was decent bar food. The bar had a good neighborhood and family feel. Our drinks were never empty, and the service was friendly.
(3)Sarah C.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner earlier this evening. While having a job in Fishers, it's nice to try local restaurants that are close to my job. Everyone in my group had heard of this place, but had not tried it before. Sadly, the best part of the experience was the people with me and my Stella. The service was below par and their credit card "issue" at the end of the meal (which caused us to have to wait an extra 20 minutes) was a little ... annoying. We were planning on heading to a concert down the street and were late due to their service flaws. But, I did not have any problem with my fish and chips selection. That combination of food can always turn my mood around.
(3)Travis T.
Worst experience I have had at any restaurant. Our server gave one of my friends my cherry coke, then when the food came out, gave a different friend my food and I had to wait an extra ten to fifteen minutes for my food while alley friends were eating theirs. Besides the incompetent oompah loompah waitress, the food was pretty bland. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Matt K.
This is the local Pittsburgh Steelers bar. Visit on an NFL Sunday and you would think you're in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Leave your Peyton Manning jersey at home. Burgers are good, but otherwise it's pretty typical bar fare. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Could use a TV upgrade though. Get some HD up in there. Go Steelers!
(4)Dawn H.
Wish the waitress would have understood the menu better to make recommendations. And she did not know the difference in the beers. But the food, beer and price were all good.
(3)Angela W.
Love the Nickel Plate! The kids love the appetizers-especially the fried mushrooms and railroad ties! Breaded tenderloins are just like I remember when we made them in a little restaurant in Kempton. The chicken tenders are one of the favorites for the kids. We always have to take them home. The chef salad is huge and fresh. The ranch dressing is homemade and delicious. Great service! My son was craving the Nickle Plate when he was in Afghanistan. It's the first place he wants to go when he gets home.
(5)Karla D.
I had been hearing about this place for months from family and friends, so I decided to try it. Overall, the service was great, but their "famous" tenderloin sandwich had so much fat, I was only able to eat about a quarter of it... I tried to go back, thinking perhaps it was that ONE time, but it happened all over again. Next time I'll get a burger!
(3)Maisha L.
Went for lunch for the first time today. It's a fairly small menu, mostly standard pub food. I got a cup of their "famous" Hobo Stew. Basically a chunky beef vegetebale soup; it was severely lacking in flavor. I rarely salt my food and this needed tons of it. My friend ordered a taco salad and and I got something called a Chicken Salad Melt. Ok, my fault for not thoroughly reading the menu, but when they brought my sandwich it was basically cold chicken salad on "grilled" (toasted) bread. Huh? Since when is a cold sandwich with no cheese on it called a melt? My friend said her taco salad was bland; in dire need of seasoning. The amount of salt and pepper she used was hilarious. I sent my (non) melt back and got the breaded pork tenderloin. It was ok, maybe my tastebuds where still recovering from the previous disappointment. What can I say? The iced tea was good? The service was great and the waitress didn't seem to hate me for my change of order, but I can't say I would ever go back. I left with a belly full of meh.
(2)Catherine K.
Hands down, my favorite chicken fingers, especially with the honey mustard. I know I've eaten other things here over the years, but once I tried the chicken fingers, it was all over. The bar area is smoking and the smoke tends to filter out to the rest of the restaurant. That's not cool. I enjoy the indoor/outdoor space when the weather's nice. Service is usually quick and efficient. Very busy lunch spot.
(4)Matthew N.
Good food, good service. The tenderloin and bison burger are my favorite menu items. A unique setting in an old train depot.
(4)Joe M.
Been here a few time and only had the fried tenderloin.....it's about the best one I've ever had! Excellent!
(5)Randy B.
I hate chicken fingers. I love the Nickel's chicken fingers. 'Nuf said.
(5)Ryan H.
I'm amazed at all of the good reviews. As a chef, I try to rate restaurants on how much effort the kitchen puts forth to produce great food...not using pre-made items. This place missed the mark...big time. A group of four of us tried things like catfish, ribeye, chicken breast and a bison burger. They were okay at best. There are plenty of other great options nearby. This guy here won't be back unless it's just enjoying their decent atmosphere and being able to smoke at their bar.
(2)Brad W.
Do NOT get the nachos as an appetizer. Even the waitresses recommend against it. That being said, most other food is decent. Not nearly as good as some other places like Scotty's, but it's a good atmosphere and nicely priced.
(4)Scott L.
Great place for lunch. Chicken fingers are great and they have one of the best Tenderloins around!
(4)Christopher R.
The nick is definitely one of my favorite joints in fishers. Great open patio area with the roll up windows to enjoy the summer breeze along with your frosty cold one. If you fancy the breaded tenderloin, you will not leave disappointed.
(4)Dan G.
In and out in less than an hour at lunchtime = good (or I guess not busy). Reuben was hot and served quickly - nothing special there - typical restaurant fries. Wife had lime chicken sandwich. Looked pretty good. I think it's crazy that they still let people smoke in the bar during lunch up there in Fishers, but at least they had a separate closed-off patio that was non-smoking. No complaints here.
(3)Carey D.
Nickel Plate is a good place to head for lunch. The menu isn't anything too special, but everything I've had there has been good-- burgers, chicken wraps, grilled cheese, tenderloins, etc. I like the atmosphere because it feels kinda cozy. The service has never been anything to rave about it, but I haven't had a horrid experience with it either. If you're on 116th Street at lunchtime and just feel like eating good American food but don't want to head to any of the chain restaurants, I recommend visiting Nickel Plate.
(4)K M.
The bison burger was OK but little meat on big bun. Cheese was $.50 extra. Fruit was a side choice so I asked for it and the waitress said they were out. This was 6:15 on a weeknight. No other veggie or fruit sides are available so I asked to sub a side salad. I was told it was an extra $2, even though they were out of any other options. The waitress wouldn't even ask the manager. Very overpriced for the quality of food and service.
(1)William N.
Cool little place. I like the covered patio seating that's all windows and has the garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. My date and I went the other night. First off, the hostess had an attitude problem. She gave us a table right near the front door that had a lot of traffic. When I asked if there was another table we could have (the place was maybe 1/3 full at best), she gave a look of "how dare you bother me". She took us to a much better table and made me wonder why she didn't take us to any other table than the one she first took us to. Our waitress was really good and that made up for the hostess. The prices were alright and their menu selection is typical bar food but they did have buffalo burgers, so I tried that out. The burger wasn't that warm when it got to the table and the french fries were horribly cold. I'd give their food a D+. I am willing to try this place again as our waitress was nice and the liked the feel of the place. Next time I'll set my expectations much lower and will hopefully be suprised.
(3)Jen T.
This was a our very first meal in Fishers after moving from California, and we were not disappointed. I recommend the grilled chicken salad that has the strawberries and bluu cheese- order the balsamic vinaigrette with it. My husband had the French Dip. Both were really good and we will definitely be back. All the staff was really friendly and the patio atmosphere was nice.
(4)Alexandrea P.
Service and atmosphere were ok-food awful! The bread sticks were flavorless and dry. I did not know there was more bad marinara sauce until I dined here. Salad was okay, hubby's brisket was nothing social. $65 bucks for 4 drinks, 2 meals and the worst stuffed breadsticks I've ever had.
(2)Kelly M.
I love the nickle plate. The other day, my love handed the keys of his stick shift car and asked if i'd drive to the Nickle Plate - he recently taught me to drive it. We made it safely to the restaurant without me killing the engine. As a reward, I ordered a nickle plate burger, no bun. They don't have a gluten free menu and if you are super sensitive, i don't recommend it, but for me, there isn't a better burger out there. The waitress made an effort to check the labels of the spices in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit safer and made up for the chilly reception from the hostess. Upon leaving, i handed the keys back to my love...turns out the other reason he wanted me to practice driving was because he didn't remember how to get there.
(4)Chuck C.
This is a joint that has grown up some! It has lost some of it charm in doing so and that is what stopped 5 star's. The Nickel Plate WAS a bar that has become a GRILL! What dose that mean, the price's have gone up, that's all. It's still a joint and will always be a joint I hope. The food is what it is, food that you eat with a beer or two(may be more) and nothing more Pub Grub at it's best. Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chain's!
(4)Scott L.
Great place for lunch. Chicken fingers are great and they have one of the best Tenderloins around!
(4)K M.
The bison burger was OK but little meat on big bun. Cheese was $.50 extra. Fruit was a side choice so I asked for it and the waitress said they were out. This was 6:15 on a weeknight. No other veggie or fruit sides are available so I asked to sub a side salad. I was told it was an extra $2, even though they were out of any other options. The waitress wouldn't even ask the manager. Very overpriced for the quality of food and service.
(1)Christopher R.
The nick is definitely one of my favorite joints in fishers. Great open patio area with the roll up windows to enjoy the summer breeze along with your frosty cold one. If you fancy the breaded tenderloin, you will not leave disappointed.
(4)Dan G.
In and out in less than an hour at lunchtime = good (or I guess not busy). Reuben was hot and served quickly - nothing special there - typical restaurant fries. Wife had lime chicken sandwich. Looked pretty good. I think it's crazy that they still let people smoke in the bar during lunch up there in Fishers, but at least they had a separate closed-off patio that was non-smoking. No complaints here.
(3)Carey D.
Nickel Plate is a good place to head for lunch. The menu isn't anything too special, but everything I've had there has been good-- burgers, chicken wraps, grilled cheese, tenderloins, etc. I like the atmosphere because it feels kinda cozy. The service has never been anything to rave about it, but I haven't had a horrid experience with it either. If you're on 116th Street at lunchtime and just feel like eating good American food but don't want to head to any of the chain restaurants, I recommend visiting Nickel Plate.
(4)Brooke K.
As a staple in Fishers, this place is flowing over with potential to be a 5 star hot spot. There is so much charm and character here including many of the original architectural features from the 1800's. The outdoor patio is a really nice addition for warmer weather. Service is fast and friendly. However, it's missing the mark with its food & drink offerings. Everything was ok but not great. When I think of a local bar & grill I automatically think locally sourced meats & beers on draft. I didn't find that here. I ordered the Bison Burger $9.99 & added fries for $.99 and my husband had the Nickle Plate Burger $7.99 and added fries. We were hoping to find a juicy burger with a bounty of perfectly seasoned fries. What we got was on the dry side and lacking in flavor. Both of us agreed the food quality for what you paid for was just... Meh. This is a great spot and I think a little sprucing of the menu & the addition of local beers on draft would make a world of difference. Maybe I will return and try the tenderloin and enjoy the patio....perhaps?
(3)Alexandrea P.
Service and atmosphere were ok-food awful! The bread sticks were flavorless and dry. I did not know there was more bad marinara sauce until I dined here. Salad was okay, hubby's brisket was nothing social. $65 bucks for 4 drinks, 2 meals and the worst stuffed breadsticks I've ever had.
(2)Chris S.
We stopped in for lunch on the weekend with our young girls. The wait staff was very friendly and the place was very busy. We love the atmosphere and the "local" feel. The food is pretty good, nothing to jump up and down about but the experience was a good one and we would return for sure.
(3)Joseph Z.
Got spot in heart of downtown Fishers. Good selection of items and reasonably priced. Good and quick service.
(4)Megan L.
Meh. Food is mediocre, service is mediocre. Kind of a nice environment if you sit on the patio in the summer, but other than that, not much special here.
(2)Anne H.
Great food! My family loves to eat here and for those of you who like ranch their homemade dressing is fantastic. Try the chicken strips.
(4)Sarah C.
When I want a good breaded tenderloin, I seem to find myself here. However, I am indifferent on how I feel about everything else. The service is usually good and everyone is friendly, including the hostesses. But as other Yelpers have stated, their food is just ok. I have had a chance to taste other menu items and they weren't spectacular, causing me to stick with my old trusted breaded tenderloin everytime. They have a cool garage door style patio on the side of the building and it fills up quickly in nice weather, so that's a plus. They offer several tvs inside, usually on different sports. One of my biggest peeves here, is their local beer selection. They only offer a few local choices and seem to concentrate more on domestic beer and having drink specials thru the week, like margaritas and such. I would love to have a good local beer with my meal but usually just opt for diet coke because the beer menu is that boring. Meh.
(3)Julie P.
I used to live in this area. We were pretty much regulars here. Best chicken fingers ever. I know chicken fingers sounds boring but they are damn good. Not premade frozen over battered. Fresh. Juicy. The service is great too. My lemonade glass never went below half full. It's good to be back to the Plate! My server was Liz. Ask for her by name!
(5)Alex W.
I can't recall ever being in Fishers for a long long time, and was impressed with the area. I like that there is a bit of a Main St USA feel and lots of new construction around. We were able to be seated on the patio, as requested, immediately and were promptly greeted by our waitress. The beer selection didn't really wow me, I went with one of my standard local go-to's. We ordered their version of poutine since my friend had it recently and was dying to have it again. It was good, but not great. We barely had time to dig into the poutine before our main courses arrived. While I appreciate good/quick service, this was almost too fast. I'd recommend any sandwich with the pretzel bun, or by itself. Or getting something to dip into the house honey mustard. That honey mustard was great! Overall, a cool place that I wouldn't mind returning to.
(4)William N.
Cool little place. I like the covered patio seating that's all windows and has the garage doors that open up when the weather is nice. My date and I went the other night. First off, the hostess had an attitude problem. She gave us a table right near the front door that had a lot of traffic. When I asked if there was another table we could have (the place was maybe 1/3 full at best), she gave a look of "how dare you bother me". She took us to a much better table and made me wonder why she didn't take us to any other table than the one she first took us to. Our waitress was really good and that made up for the hostess. The prices were alright and their menu selection is typical bar food but they did have buffalo burgers, so I tried that out. The burger wasn't that warm when it got to the table and the french fries were horribly cold. I'd give their food a D+. I am willing to try this place again as our waitress was nice and the liked the feel of the place. Next time I'll set my expectations much lower and will hopefully be suprised.
(3)Jen T.
This was a our very first meal in Fishers after moving from California, and we were not disappointed. I recommend the grilled chicken salad that has the strawberries and bluu cheese- order the balsamic vinaigrette with it. My husband had the French Dip. Both were really good and we will definitely be back. All the staff was really friendly and the patio atmosphere was nice.
(4)Steve S.
Love this place! This place is one of just a couple that really represents Fishers. It's an old train depot turned bar/restaurant so there's a lot of character and a great atmosphere. Recommend the tenderloin, burgers (bison is a great choice) and the club. The chicken fingers are great too and you shouldn't be ashamed to order them as an adult! Great bar area, dining area and patio area that looks out into 116th street and the railroad tracks. Definitely check it out while in town.
(5)Rick G.
This is one of the best restaurants in Fishers? Then the folks in Fishers have no taste buds at all. Seriously. I'm a pretty easy guy to please. I don't expect much. Good food, good service, and fair (And, seriously, I DO mean fair, not cheap...I don't mind paying) prices is all I ask. Three pitches, three strikes for Nickel Plate in my book. When your food is served in a puddle of grease....by a surly waitress, this is not a place I'll spend my money. 'nuff said.
(1)Ross D.
Poor service. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wasn't busy at all. Waitress only checked on us once after we received our food. Food was average. Won't be returning back to this establishment.
(1)The Yelp-inator W.
Pub food...Tenderloin sandwich lacked flavor.....the french dip looked like the best thing to get. but it might lack flavor too. No real desire to return to this place.
(3)Alexander S.
I went once and will never return. I arrived your usual itch-it was sunday and had no beer in the apt-and decided to be experimental and try NP. I had passed by it many times before. It seemed like one of those places that middle class white folk go to be nostalgic about being working class or something. The wood paneling, bricks and dusty bottles all add to the sense of a time past, kinda like the sandlot. This is not to mention the staff. It was your usual restaurant/plantation labor setup: hispanic workers in kitchen popping their heads out every once and a while while your white staff gets cozy with the regulars. The one thing that really bothered me about this place was the way the bar smelled, like an old sponge that you just refuse to throw away because you are too lazy or cheap to get a new one. I brought this up with the bartender and he said it was the old septic. Well, I guess I would have to get used to smelling an old sponge while drinking here: I think I would rather get a new one.
(1)Tony A.
Some friends brought me and my family here for lunch. Walking in, it looked and smelled like any old bar, but the food here is amazing! Our orders ranged from a strawberry salad to catfish. I didn't hear too much conversation during lunch, which means (at least with my family) the food was so good, they couldn't stop eating to talk. My buddy Jay told me during the Football season, this was the place to be if your a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I'll take your word for it Jay. Highly recommended. A+ food and service.
(4)Evan F.
Came here on a business lunch and was told to get the breaded tenderloin sandwich as it is a staple of Indiana and it was great! The sandwich was huge, the meat tender, and the breading crispy. For a group of 12 we were taken care of very quickly and our food arrived almost immediately. Our waitresses were very good about frequent refills and when there was a mixup with side orders they rectified the issue quickly. I will certainly be returning on my own.
(4)Chris G.
Sort of indifferent about Nickel Plate. I run hot and cold here - sometimes good, sometimes not. In general a decent place to grab lunch - good local place with character that isn't a chain. Ordered a cobb salad on last visit - avocado was not good at all. I know - why get the salad at Nickel Plate (live and learn). Either way - the remaining salad was OK. The waitress was polite and efficient - the hostess really didn't want to be there. I've been successful with some sandwiches and others not so much (buffalo chicken was terribly dry before). I will stop by again for lunch sometime but won't go out of my way to get here.
(3)Shawn R.
Excellent food, I had the grilled blacken Mahi-Mahi with fries, coleslaw, coffee, and spinach dip. The Maui-Mahi a.k.a. common dolphinfish, or dorado en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma… was delicious and the coleslaw was fun. I bought a kick-ass shirt for a reasonable price $18 and the hostess was a total doll. I love the place and feel like I should give it five stars but that would slightly devalue my five star rating.
(4)Scott C.
Listen, it just isn't great. I know it's a staple of Fishers with a funky, old-school ambience, but how long can you just get by on having been there a while? At some point it needs to be about service and quality and both can tend to come up short. The first thing that was noticeable last time I visited was the reek of smoke from the bar. The word "dirty" jumped to mind. And short of sitting on the patio while the garage doors are open, there's no escaping it. As for the food..."eh". I suppose the tenderloin is as good as it gets. Nothing is particularly delicious here. There's no leaving and craving a dish. At this point, there are too many better places in Fishers to warrant stopping by. The apparent fact (based on another comment) that this is a makeshift Steelers bar only makes it worse.
(3)Brandon C.
This is by far the worst bar in the area. Service, decor, and unwillingness to accommodate patrons will be there down fall.
(1)Meredith S.
I was not floored by the deliciousness of the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill. It was fine, teetering on the line of being good, but didn't quite compleeeetely teeter for me. Good selection of beer. Sub par bar food. We split the breadsticks which I thought were going to be way better than they were. They weren't that great. I'm sorry, but when you say that you have cheese stuffed breadsticks, I'm expecting heaven. I did not receive heaven. I received a good day on Earth which everyone knows isn't the same thing. Boyfriend and I split a chicken salad sandwich. Also, wasn't that great. Like I said, there wasn't anything bad about this place - there just wasn't anything show stopping either. Since I don't really live in the Fishers area, I highly doubt I'll go back, but who knows!
(3)John F.
Cozy and storied atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Great outdoor patio. The beer list could be a bit more extensive given the location and it's obvious billing as a pub. It just didn't measure up to other area pubs. The food is slightly above average. However, you can count on consistency. If you find a favorite on the menu you will get what you like each and every time. This is certainly the type of establishment that breeds loyalty and regulars. A true gem of the neighborhood.
(4)Erica G.
The waitress knew it was my first time so she made a few recommendations. The pork tenderloin is their specialty . They make their own ranch and honey mustard dressing as well as their breading recipe. The mushroom appetizer was just right. Super hot, light breading, and served with their home made ranch. I tried the chicken salad melt for my meal and would try something else the next time. It had a ton of onions in it and a seasoning that my palate didn't totally care for but I can't put my finger on it. I was impressed that you could tell it was fresh made and used real chicken, not something from a can. My boyfriend had the pulled pork and cup of chili and loved it. He needed some extra BBQ sauce and they were happy to bring it. The waitress was a little flighty. She would bring a drink refill but not stay long enough for us to as for more napkins as an example. It happened a few times and you could tell she was already thinking about the next table she was taking drinks to. We sat in their patio area and they had enough heaters out there to keep everyone comfortable on a December day.
(3)Richard B.
Its been in fishers forever...this is a great local eatery. You have to be a regular some food is great and others...not so much!!! Tenderloin, stew, fries, burgers, fish & chips, chicken fingers are amazing. Top shelf nachos are top notch possibly the best nachos ever. I would not recommend any of the finer dining items, steak, I don't even recall what is on that part of the menu I have been eating at the Nickel Plate for 20 years.
(4)Jim W.
Short and simple. GREAT wings and I am wing snob.
(4)D h.
Review is for the bar only, not the general restaurant. Number one given the bar area itself is very nice. Classic bar with a beautiful bar back. The bar itself is on the west wall with the hightop table seating opposite. The bar Area is fairly small and can get extremely packed good choices of beers and the food at nickel plate is very good. A great place to grab a few drinks and dinner.
(4)Joe I.
I stopped in to watch the second half of NBA game 7 Brooklyn and Toronto. It had been sometime since I'd visited the Nickel Plate, and I remembered how much I liked the bar. I love the brick walls and the way the bar runs the length of the back wall. The waitress, Lori, was excellent, and did a great job taking care of me. I ordered the Hobo Stew. $5.99. The Hobo Stew reminded me more of Vegetable soup than stew. The beef was tender but the broth was thin and runny. The roll that came with the stew was stale. I won't order Hobo Stew again. I gave four stars, because of I really like the bar and the service staff.
(4)Adrienne G.
My husband and I have been talking about coming here for at least six months and a couple of weeks ago, we finally stopped in. It was a busy Friday night and we had about a 20-30 minute wait. The hostess was very polite but seemed completely frazzled/overwhelmed. She still did her job and got everyone seated in a timely manner. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was friendly and did her job well. For dinner we both ordered their "award winning" breaded tenderloin with fries on the side. The tenderloin was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, not too thin and not too thick. The fries were hot and crispy. All I have to say is come hungry because the portions were huge. But buyer beware, their fries are not included in their regular sides, they are an extra $0.99 to substitute. They had many other items on their menu that looked delicious, so I am sure that we will be back.
(4)Mike G.
Finally doing my reviews of the Tenderloin Search! So far Nickel is still leading! If you try it here, do it with a pretzel bun and coleslaw. The combo is just right. Again the formula works, flavorful food, good prices, great wait staff. Keep it up.
(4)Ben H.
We went here on a Sunday, and while it wasn't dead, it was fairly busy and I am simply stunned at how fast the service was.I was looking for a good burger, and that's exactly what I found here. I forget the name of the meal I ordered, but it was a burger with bacon, mushrooms, and a lot of cheese. Just deliciousness. The appetizer of the stuffed mozzarella sticks were awesome, and it really wasn't that bad of a value for the amount of food you get here. Great staff, very fast service, and a pretty cool environment for a good American burger.
(5)Victoria F.
We ordered the nachos and they were terrible. Just a plate of chips with a big skin of poorly melted warm cheese which we had to tear apart with our fingers (didn't receive silverware for ten minutes). Server was inattentive. We had to ask for silver and water refills. There was a dusty dead fly on the window sill next to our table (right at hubby's eye level). Disappointing even at this price point. The only redeeming factor was the tenderloin. But a decent tenderloin is available most anywhere.
(2)Alex M.
So far I am in love with the Nickelplate! Just moved to the area and have already been here twice. Tried the tenderloin sandwich on the recommendation of other Yelpers and wasn't disappointed...it was delicious! The service is very attentive and our food was served quickly. Even though it's close to the road, the outdoor seating area is nice and a good change from the inside of the restaurant which is pretty dark. This place is on our go-to list in Fishers for good food and atmosphere.
(5)Lea G.
I like this palce. Not my fave but it deserves a good review. It seems to be a local hang-out spot and has a good name in the community. I do like to go as a last stop beore heading home from time-to-time.
(3)Jeff D.
Go for what you know. As I've tried to improve my diet I've steered clear of fried foods whenever possible. I don't recommend that plan here. Come here for the breaded tenderloin or a burger and maybe add the fried mac & cheese wedges if you're feeling decadent. Then stop. Go home fat and happy. Last night I made the mistake of trying a healthier option - fish tacos. You know how all your friends who won't eat fish talk about it being slimy and gross? That's what these were. They topped it with the same cream-based coleslaw that they offer as a side. Yep, creamy 'slaw and slimy fish. Came with out-of-the-bag tortilla chips and the world's smallest cup of salsa. So what I'm saying is this is a great casual place where you come for comfort food and nothing else. Got it? Oh, and come on Sundays in the fall if you're a Steelers fan (and I am) because this is THE Steelers bar on the north side.
(3)Nina J.
Stopped in on a busy Friday night and snagged a wobbly little table in the bar. Server patient, prompt. The train depot brings a unique atmosphere to what seems, essentially, to be a local bar. Lots of locals in bar watching games, but the place is still friendly to new faces. Cowboy chili's got a kick, but it's not crybaby chili. Clam chowder's filled with smooth, fresh seafood flavor. Hobo Stew is like a pot roast dinner in soup form - all fresh cut veggies, no canned stuff here. $4.50 house wine special included a very good moscato that usually doesn't make it onto a house wine list in other places. Flat 12 was $6 on tap. Kid's menu and separate dining area make this an okay spot to bring the family that doesn't feel like eating at a chain restaurant.
(3)Amy L.
I had a good experience. I went with a friend on a Tuesday evening. We sat, the waitress came over shortly afterwards to get our drink orders and since we weren't yet ready to put in our food order, she came back a few minutes later. There was a tv in my direction and a tv behind me my friend could see. It wasn't very long and our food was served. I had the breaded chicken sandwich. I like that it came with a cup of mayo so I can put on as much or as little as I like. My only two dislikes were that the mustard and ketchup were in the old glass bottles and that the fries were $1 extra if you wanted to get them instead. But at least they informed you of that on the menu. The waitress was good and checked on us a couple of times and was timely in refreshing our drinks. Overall I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and the service.
(4)Scott L.
This place is dear to me as it's the first place me and my now wife went to on a lunch date. I've stopped in for years hear for a couple things. They have the best breaded tenderloin in the city hands down. The atmosphere is pleasant yet can be a bit noisy from time but not overbearing. I also really enjoy their strawberry chicken salad. These are the only two things I've ever had on the menu, but they have always been superb. It's a little on the pricy side, but I've never had bad service or a bad meal here.
(4)Jason B.
Nickel plate is an excellent restaurant with an unfortunate name. Unfortunate simply because of how my brain works. I read it as nickelback every time. Nickelback = bad. Nickel plate = good. Don't let my defective brain confuse you. I went here on a friday lunch. I saw the veggie melt on their menu and it made me wish there was a proper vegetarian patty melt, which was one of my favorite foods when I ate meat. I gave it a try, half excited to try something I have never had, half sad because I knew it wouldn't be a patty melt. Remember my defective brain from earlier in this review? It struck again. The veggie melt was not only excellent, but there were enough flavors from the rye bread and the cheese to be a very good substitute for my beloved patty melts from the past. There are probably other vegetarian options here, but I don't care. I will get the veggie melt every time. There was a fairly odd old person vibe. By that I mean, at nearly 32, I was one of just a handful of people dining there that didn't experience WW2 in person. Maybe there was an early bird special I didn't know about, or maybe those old people just have awesome taste, just like me. Parking is behind the building and is ample. Getting out of the parking lot is another story. Turning left onto 116th is nearly impossible. It's quicker to turn right, then U at the light or turn around in a parking lot on the south side of the road.
(4)Meagan B.
I was here for lunch last summer, but it's not too bad for a hole in the wall. The beer selection could be better and it's your typical American bar food kinda place. Good if you're in the area and don't want to travel far it will do.
(3)Kristine S.
We are new to fishers indiana, and thought we'd try a local restaurant, we all ordered our meat medium only for it to come out well done and unable to eat. The waitress was unprofessional and only offered us $10 off our entire bill. Not good enough, we won't go back. Being from Phoenix we expect more on terms of service.
(1)Bob H.
I'm telling you - THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN! Sweetie swears by the chicken tenders w/ honey mustard sauce. After gutting through someone else's tenderloin recently, I had to come back to get a good one to restore my faith in the Indiana Breaded Tenderloin sandwich. 7:00pm - their parking was packed. Had to park at the ice cream shoppe a block east and hoof it back. Waited all of - 90 seconds for a table, an entire minute and a half!!! - waited all of 8 minutes to get our orders. Perfectly prepared and solidly reaffirmed as the IN breaded tenderloin leader for my unofficial competition. And this is why it's a consistent standby for us - been coming here for 23 years.
(5)Kate D.
Came here for the Pork Tenderloins. They were great. The rest of the menu was nothing speical, but all the food on the table was decent bar food. The bar had a good neighborhood and family feel. Our drinks were never empty, and the service was friendly.
(3)Sarah C.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner earlier this evening. While having a job in Fishers, it's nice to try local restaurants that are close to my job. Everyone in my group had heard of this place, but had not tried it before. Sadly, the best part of the experience was the people with me and my Stella. The service was below par and their credit card "issue" at the end of the meal (which caused us to have to wait an extra 20 minutes) was a little ... annoying. We were planning on heading to a concert down the street and were late due to their service flaws. But, I did not have any problem with my fish and chips selection. That combination of food can always turn my mood around.
(3)Travis T.
Worst experience I have had at any restaurant. Our server gave one of my friends my cherry coke, then when the food came out, gave a different friend my food and I had to wait an extra ten to fifteen minutes for my food while alley friends were eating theirs. Besides the incompetent oompah loompah waitress, the food was pretty bland. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Matt K.
This is the local Pittsburgh Steelers bar. Visit on an NFL Sunday and you would think you're in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Leave your Peyton Manning jersey at home. Burgers are good, but otherwise it's pretty typical bar fare. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Could use a TV upgrade though. Get some HD up in there. Go Steelers!
(4)Dawn H.
Wish the waitress would have understood the menu better to make recommendations. And she did not know the difference in the beers. But the food, beer and price were all good.
(3)Angela W.
Love the Nickel Plate! The kids love the appetizers-especially the fried mushrooms and railroad ties! Breaded tenderloins are just like I remember when we made them in a little restaurant in Kempton. The chicken tenders are one of the favorites for the kids. We always have to take them home. The chef salad is huge and fresh. The ranch dressing is homemade and delicious. Great service! My son was craving the Nickle Plate when he was in Afghanistan. It's the first place he wants to go when he gets home.
(5)Karla D.
I had been hearing about this place for months from family and friends, so I decided to try it. Overall, the service was great, but their "famous" tenderloin sandwich had so much fat, I was only able to eat about a quarter of it... I tried to go back, thinking perhaps it was that ONE time, but it happened all over again. Next time I'll get a burger!
(3)Maisha L.
Went for lunch for the first time today. It's a fairly small menu, mostly standard pub food. I got a cup of their "famous" Hobo Stew. Basically a chunky beef vegetebale soup; it was severely lacking in flavor. I rarely salt my food and this needed tons of it. My friend ordered a taco salad and and I got something called a Chicken Salad Melt. Ok, my fault for not thoroughly reading the menu, but when they brought my sandwich it was basically cold chicken salad on "grilled" (toasted) bread. Huh? Since when is a cold sandwich with no cheese on it called a melt? My friend said her taco salad was bland; in dire need of seasoning. The amount of salt and pepper she used was hilarious. I sent my (non) melt back and got the breaded pork tenderloin. It was ok, maybe my tastebuds where still recovering from the previous disappointment. What can I say? The iced tea was good? The service was great and the waitress didn't seem to hate me for my change of order, but I can't say I would ever go back. I left with a belly full of meh.
(2)Catherine K.
Hands down, my favorite chicken fingers, especially with the honey mustard. I know I've eaten other things here over the years, but once I tried the chicken fingers, it was all over. The bar area is smoking and the smoke tends to filter out to the rest of the restaurant. That's not cool. I enjoy the indoor/outdoor space when the weather's nice. Service is usually quick and efficient. Very busy lunch spot.
(4)Matthew N.
Good food, good service. The tenderloin and bison burger are my favorite menu items. A unique setting in an old train depot.
(4)Joe M.
Been here a few time and only had the fried tenderloin.....it's about the best one I've ever had! Excellent!
(5)Randy B.
I hate chicken fingers. I love the Nickel's chicken fingers. 'Nuf said.
(5)Ryan H.
I'm amazed at all of the good reviews. As a chef, I try to rate restaurants on how much effort the kitchen puts forth to produce great food...not using pre-made items. This place missed the mark...big time. A group of four of us tried things like catfish, ribeye, chicken breast and a bison burger. They were okay at best. There are plenty of other great options nearby. This guy here won't be back unless it's just enjoying their decent atmosphere and being able to smoke at their bar.
(2)Brad W.
Do NOT get the nachos as an appetizer. Even the waitresses recommend against it. That being said, most other food is decent. Not nearly as good as some other places like Scotty's, but it's a good atmosphere and nicely priced.
(4)Alexis G.
As a vegetarian visiting from arugula country (i.e. the east coast) I was a little nervous about my trip to Indiana. We checked out Yelp for a good place to eat near Carmel, IN and found this spot. We got there pretty late on a Friday night and were seated right away. There were some people in the bar but it wasn't packed. Quite a few families had come after the Fishers football game so that gave the place a nice local feel. We ate outside on their covered patio which was a real treat. Our waitress and the hostess who sat us were both incredibly friendly and nice. We didn't order any drinks but the waitress didn't seem to mind. She was very attentive and the food came out really quickly. I started with the soft pretzel appetizer (YUM! I can never resist a soft pretzel) and then I had the spinach sandwich for dinner. I was really surprised to see such a creative vegetarian option on the menu-- and it didn't disappoint. I even took the other half home (filled up on pretzels!) and heated it up the next day to munch on. Friendly service, good food, good prices.
(4)Ryan W.
This place has so much potential to be a local fav, but most of the food is bland and overpriced. When stacked up next to similar joints like Chatham Tap or Scotty's Brewhouse, there really is no comparison.
(2)Casey R.
Excellent tenderloin! Seriously, one of the best ever!
(4)Kelly M.
I love the nickle plate. The other day, my love handed the keys of his stick shift car and asked if i'd drive to the Nickle Plate - he recently taught me to drive it. We made it safely to the restaurant without me killing the engine. As a reward, I ordered a nickle plate burger, no bun. They don't have a gluten free menu and if you are super sensitive, i don't recommend it, but for me, there isn't a better burger out there. The waitress made an effort to check the labels of the spices in the kitchen, which made me feel a bit safer and made up for the chilly reception from the hostess. Upon leaving, i handed the keys back to my love...turns out the other reason he wanted me to practice driving was because he didn't remember how to get there.
(4)Chuck C.
This is a joint that has grown up some! It has lost some of it charm in doing so and that is what stopped 5 star's. The Nickel Plate WAS a bar that has become a GRILL! What dose that mean, the price's have gone up, that's all. It's still a joint and will always be a joint I hope. The food is what it is, food that you eat with a beer or two(may be more) and nothing more Pub Grub at it's best. Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chain's!
(4)Scott L.
Great place for lunch. Chicken fingers are great and they have one of the best Tenderloins around!
(4)K M.
The bison burger was OK but little meat on big bun. Cheese was $.50 extra. Fruit was a side choice so I asked for it and the waitress said they were out. This was 6:15 on a weeknight. No other veggie or fruit sides are available so I asked to sub a side salad. I was told it was an extra $2, even though they were out of any other options. The waitress wouldn't even ask the manager. Very overpriced for the quality of food and service.
(1)Christopher R.
The nick is definitely one of my favorite joints in fishers. Great open patio area with the roll up windows to enjoy the summer breeze along with your frosty cold one. If you fancy the breaded tenderloin, you will not leave disappointed.
(4)Dan G.
In and out in less than an hour at lunchtime = good (or I guess not busy). Reuben was hot and served quickly - nothing special there - typical restaurant fries. Wife had lime chicken sandwich. Looked pretty good. I think it's crazy that they still let people smoke in the bar during lunch up there in Fishers, but at least they had a separate closed-off patio that was non-smoking. No complaints here.
(3)Carey D.
Nickel Plate is a good place to head for lunch. The menu isn't anything too special, but everything I've had there has been good-- burgers, chicken wraps, grilled cheese, tenderloins, etc. I like the atmosphere because it feels kinda cozy. The service has never been anything to rave about it, but I haven't had a horrid experience with it either. If you're on 116th Street at lunchtime and just feel like eating good American food but don't want to head to any of the chain restaurants, I recommend visiting Nickel Plate.
(4)Maisha L.
Went for lunch for the first time today. It's a fairly small menu, mostly standard pub food. I got a cup of their "famous" Hobo Stew. Basically a chunky beef vegetebale soup; it was severely lacking in flavor. I rarely salt my food and this needed tons of it. My friend ordered a taco salad and and I got something called a Chicken Salad Melt. Ok, my fault for not thoroughly reading the menu, but when they brought my sandwich it was basically cold chicken salad on "grilled" (toasted) bread. Huh? Since when is a cold sandwich with no cheese on it called a melt? My friend said her taco salad was bland; in dire need of seasoning. The amount of salt and pepper she used was hilarious. I sent my (non) melt back and got the breaded pork tenderloin. It was ok, maybe my tastebuds where still recovering from the previous disappointment. What can I say? The iced tea was good? The service was great and the waitress didn't seem to hate me for my change of order, but I can't say I would ever go back. I left with a belly full of meh.
(2)Randy B.
I hate chicken fingers. I love the Nickel's chicken fingers. 'Nuf said.
(5)Anne H.
Great food! My family loves to eat here and for those of you who like ranch their homemade dressing is fantastic. Try the chicken strips.
(4)Sarah C.
When I want a good breaded tenderloin, I seem to find myself here. However, I am indifferent on how I feel about everything else. The service is usually good and everyone is friendly, including the hostesses. But as other Yelpers have stated, their food is just ok. I have had a chance to taste other menu items and they weren't spectacular, causing me to stick with my old trusted breaded tenderloin everytime. They have a cool garage door style patio on the side of the building and it fills up quickly in nice weather, so that's a plus. They offer several tvs inside, usually on different sports. One of my biggest peeves here, is their local beer selection. They only offer a few local choices and seem to concentrate more on domestic beer and having drink specials thru the week, like margaritas and such. I would love to have a good local beer with my meal but usually just opt for diet coke because the beer menu is that boring. Meh.
(3)Julie P.
I used to live in this area. We were pretty much regulars here. Best chicken fingers ever. I know chicken fingers sounds boring but they are damn good. Not premade frozen over battered. Fresh. Juicy. The service is great too. My lemonade glass never went below half full. It's good to be back to the Plate! My server was Liz. Ask for her by name!
(5)Alex W.
I can't recall ever being in Fishers for a long long time, and was impressed with the area. I like that there is a bit of a Main St USA feel and lots of new construction around. We were able to be seated on the patio, as requested, immediately and were promptly greeted by our waitress. The beer selection didn't really wow me, I went with one of my standard local go-to's. We ordered their version of poutine since my friend had it recently and was dying to have it again. It was good, but not great. We barely had time to dig into the poutine before our main courses arrived. While I appreciate good/quick service, this was almost too fast. I'd recommend any sandwich with the pretzel bun, or by itself. Or getting something to dip into the house honey mustard. That honey mustard was great! Overall, a cool place that I wouldn't mind returning to.
(4)Brooke K.
As a staple in Fishers, this place is flowing over with potential to be a 5 star hot spot. There is so much charm and character here including many of the original architectural features from the 1800's. The outdoor patio is a really nice addition for warmer weather. Service is fast and friendly. However, it's missing the mark with its food & drink offerings. Everything was ok but not great. When I think of a local bar & grill I automatically think locally sourced meats & beers on draft. I didn't find that here. I ordered the Bison Burger $9.99 & added fries for $.99 and my husband had the Nickle Plate Burger $7.99 and added fries. We were hoping to find a juicy burger with a bounty of perfectly seasoned fries. What we got was on the dry side and lacking in flavor. Both of us agreed the food quality for what you paid for was just... Meh. This is a great spot and I think a little sprucing of the menu & the addition of local beers on draft would make a world of difference. Maybe I will return and try the tenderloin and enjoy the patio....perhaps?
(3)Steve S.
Love this place! This place is one of just a couple that really represents Fishers. It's an old train depot turned bar/restaurant so there's a lot of character and a great atmosphere. Recommend the tenderloin, burgers (bison is a great choice) and the club. The chicken fingers are great too and you shouldn't be ashamed to order them as an adult! Great bar area, dining area and patio area that looks out into 116th street and the railroad tracks. Definitely check it out while in town.
(5)Evan F.
Came here on a business lunch and was told to get the breaded tenderloin sandwich as it is a staple of Indiana and it was great! The sandwich was huge, the meat tender, and the breading crispy. For a group of 12 we were taken care of very quickly and our food arrived almost immediately. Our waitresses were very good about frequent refills and when there was a mixup with side orders they rectified the issue quickly. I will certainly be returning on my own.
(4)Chris S.
We stopped in for lunch on the weekend with our young girls. The wait staff was very friendly and the place was very busy. We love the atmosphere and the "local" feel. The food is pretty good, nothing to jump up and down about but the experience was a good one and we would return for sure.
(3)Joseph Z.
Got spot in heart of downtown Fishers. Good selection of items and reasonably priced. Good and quick service.
(4)Megan L.
Meh. Food is mediocre, service is mediocre. Kind of a nice environment if you sit on the patio in the summer, but other than that, not much special here.
(2)Chris G.
Sort of indifferent about Nickel Plate. I run hot and cold here - sometimes good, sometimes not. In general a decent place to grab lunch - good local place with character that isn't a chain. Ordered a cobb salad on last visit - avocado was not good at all. I know - why get the salad at Nickel Plate (live and learn). Either way - the remaining salad was OK. The waitress was polite and efficient - the hostess really didn't want to be there. I've been successful with some sandwiches and others not so much (buffalo chicken was terribly dry before). I will stop by again for lunch sometime but won't go out of my way to get here.
(3)Shawn R.
Excellent food, I had the grilled blacken Mahi-Mahi with fries, coleslaw, coffee, and spinach dip. The Maui-Mahi a.k.a. common dolphinfish, or dorado en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma… was delicious and the coleslaw was fun. I bought a kick-ass shirt for a reasonable price $18 and the hostess was a total doll. I love the place and feel like I should give it five stars but that would slightly devalue my five star rating.
(4)Scott C.
Listen, it just isn't great. I know it's a staple of Fishers with a funky, old-school ambience, but how long can you just get by on having been there a while? At some point it needs to be about service and quality and both can tend to come up short. The first thing that was noticeable last time I visited was the reek of smoke from the bar. The word "dirty" jumped to mind. And short of sitting on the patio while the garage doors are open, there's no escaping it. As for the food..."eh". I suppose the tenderloin is as good as it gets. Nothing is particularly delicious here. There's no leaving and craving a dish. At this point, there are too many better places in Fishers to warrant stopping by. The apparent fact (based on another comment) that this is a makeshift Steelers bar only makes it worse.
(3)Brandon C.
This is by far the worst bar in the area. Service, decor, and unwillingness to accommodate patrons will be there down fall.
(1)Meredith S.
I was not floored by the deliciousness of the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill. It was fine, teetering on the line of being good, but didn't quite compleeeetely teeter for me. Good selection of beer. Sub par bar food. We split the breadsticks which I thought were going to be way better than they were. They weren't that great. I'm sorry, but when you say that you have cheese stuffed breadsticks, I'm expecting heaven. I did not receive heaven. I received a good day on Earth which everyone knows isn't the same thing. Boyfriend and I split a chicken salad sandwich. Also, wasn't that great. Like I said, there wasn't anything bad about this place - there just wasn't anything show stopping either. Since I don't really live in the Fishers area, I highly doubt I'll go back, but who knows!
(3)John F.
Cozy and storied atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Great outdoor patio. The beer list could be a bit more extensive given the location and it's obvious billing as a pub. It just didn't measure up to other area pubs. The food is slightly above average. However, you can count on consistency. If you find a favorite on the menu you will get what you like each and every time. This is certainly the type of establishment that breeds loyalty and regulars. A true gem of the neighborhood.
(4)Erica G.
The waitress knew it was my first time so she made a few recommendations. The pork tenderloin is their specialty . They make their own ranch and honey mustard dressing as well as their breading recipe. The mushroom appetizer was just right. Super hot, light breading, and served with their home made ranch. I tried the chicken salad melt for my meal and would try something else the next time. It had a ton of onions in it and a seasoning that my palate didn't totally care for but I can't put my finger on it. I was impressed that you could tell it was fresh made and used real chicken, not something from a can. My boyfriend had the pulled pork and cup of chili and loved it. He needed some extra BBQ sauce and they were happy to bring it. The waitress was a little flighty. She would bring a drink refill but not stay long enough for us to as for more napkins as an example. It happened a few times and you could tell she was already thinking about the next table she was taking drinks to. We sat in their patio area and they had enough heaters out there to keep everyone comfortable on a December day.
(3)Richard B.
Its been in fishers forever...this is a great local eatery. You have to be a regular some food is great and others...not so much!!! Tenderloin, stew, fries, burgers, fish & chips, chicken fingers are amazing. Top shelf nachos are top notch possibly the best nachos ever. I would not recommend any of the finer dining items, steak, I don't even recall what is on that part of the menu I have been eating at the Nickel Plate for 20 years.
(4)Jim W.
Short and simple. GREAT wings and I am wing snob.
(4)D h.
Review is for the bar only, not the general restaurant. Number one given the bar area itself is very nice. Classic bar with a beautiful bar back. The bar itself is on the west wall with the hightop table seating opposite. The bar Area is fairly small and can get extremely packed good choices of beers and the food at nickel plate is very good. A great place to grab a few drinks and dinner.
(4)Joe I.
I stopped in to watch the second half of NBA game 7 Brooklyn and Toronto. It had been sometime since I'd visited the Nickel Plate, and I remembered how much I liked the bar. I love the brick walls and the way the bar runs the length of the back wall. The waitress, Lori, was excellent, and did a great job taking care of me. I ordered the Hobo Stew. $5.99. The Hobo Stew reminded me more of Vegetable soup than stew. The beef was tender but the broth was thin and runny. The roll that came with the stew was stale. I won't order Hobo Stew again. I gave four stars, because of I really like the bar and the service staff.
(4)Adrienne G.
My husband and I have been talking about coming here for at least six months and a couple of weeks ago, we finally stopped in. It was a busy Friday night and we had about a 20-30 minute wait. The hostess was very polite but seemed completely frazzled/overwhelmed. She still did her job and got everyone seated in a timely manner. After we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was friendly and did her job well. For dinner we both ordered their "award winning" breaded tenderloin with fries on the side. The tenderloin was fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, not too thin and not too thick. The fries were hot and crispy. All I have to say is come hungry because the portions were huge. But buyer beware, their fries are not included in their regular sides, they are an extra $0.99 to substitute. They had many other items on their menu that looked delicious, so I am sure that we will be back.
(4)Mike G.
Finally doing my reviews of the Tenderloin Search! So far Nickel is still leading! If you try it here, do it with a pretzel bun and coleslaw. The combo is just right. Again the formula works, flavorful food, good prices, great wait staff. Keep it up.
(4)Ben H.
We went here on a Sunday, and while it wasn't dead, it was fairly busy and I am simply stunned at how fast the service was.I was looking for a good burger, and that's exactly what I found here. I forget the name of the meal I ordered, but it was a burger with bacon, mushrooms, and a lot of cheese. Just deliciousness. The appetizer of the stuffed mozzarella sticks were awesome, and it really wasn't that bad of a value for the amount of food you get here. Great staff, very fast service, and a pretty cool environment for a good American burger.
(5)Victoria F.
We ordered the nachos and they were terrible. Just a plate of chips with a big skin of poorly melted warm cheese which we had to tear apart with our fingers (didn't receive silverware for ten minutes). Server was inattentive. We had to ask for silver and water refills. There was a dusty dead fly on the window sill next to our table (right at hubby's eye level). Disappointing even at this price point. The only redeeming factor was the tenderloin. But a decent tenderloin is available most anywhere.
(2)Alex M.
So far I am in love with the Nickelplate! Just moved to the area and have already been here twice. Tried the tenderloin sandwich on the recommendation of other Yelpers and wasn't disappointed...it was delicious! The service is very attentive and our food was served quickly. Even though it's close to the road, the outdoor seating area is nice and a good change from the inside of the restaurant which is pretty dark. This place is on our go-to list in Fishers for good food and atmosphere.
(5)Lea G.
I like this palce. Not my fave but it deserves a good review. It seems to be a local hang-out spot and has a good name in the community. I do like to go as a last stop beore heading home from time-to-time.
(3)Rick G.
This is one of the best restaurants in Fishers? Then the folks in Fishers have no taste buds at all. Seriously. I'm a pretty easy guy to please. I don't expect much. Good food, good service, and fair (And, seriously, I DO mean fair, not cheap...I don't mind paying) prices is all I ask. Three pitches, three strikes for Nickel Plate in my book. When your food is served in a puddle of grease....by a surly waitress, this is not a place I'll spend my money. 'nuff said.
(1)Ross D.
Poor service. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Wasn't busy at all. Waitress only checked on us once after we received our food. Food was average. Won't be returning back to this establishment.
(1)The Yelp-inator W.
Pub food...Tenderloin sandwich lacked flavor.....the french dip looked like the best thing to get. but it might lack flavor too. No real desire to return to this place.
(3)Alexander S.
I went once and will never return. I arrived your usual itch-it was sunday and had no beer in the apt-and decided to be experimental and try NP. I had passed by it many times before. It seemed like one of those places that middle class white folk go to be nostalgic about being working class or something. The wood paneling, bricks and dusty bottles all add to the sense of a time past, kinda like the sandlot. This is not to mention the staff. It was your usual restaurant/plantation labor setup: hispanic workers in kitchen popping their heads out every once and a while while your white staff gets cozy with the regulars. The one thing that really bothered me about this place was the way the bar smelled, like an old sponge that you just refuse to throw away because you are too lazy or cheap to get a new one. I brought this up with the bartender and he said it was the old septic. Well, I guess I would have to get used to smelling an old sponge while drinking here: I think I would rather get a new one.
(1)Tony A.
Some friends brought me and my family here for lunch. Walking in, it looked and smelled like any old bar, but the food here is amazing! Our orders ranged from a strawberry salad to catfish. I didn't hear too much conversation during lunch, which means (at least with my family) the food was so good, they couldn't stop eating to talk. My buddy Jay told me during the Football season, this was the place to be if your a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I'll take your word for it Jay. Highly recommended. A+ food and service.
(4)Jeff D.
Go for what you know. As I've tried to improve my diet I've steered clear of fried foods whenever possible. I don't recommend that plan here. Come here for the breaded tenderloin or a burger and maybe add the fried mac & cheese wedges if you're feeling decadent. Then stop. Go home fat and happy. Last night I made the mistake of trying a healthier option - fish tacos. You know how all your friends who won't eat fish talk about it being slimy and gross? That's what these were. They topped it with the same cream-based coleslaw that they offer as a side. Yep, creamy 'slaw and slimy fish. Came with out-of-the-bag tortilla chips and the world's smallest cup of salsa. So what I'm saying is this is a great casual place where you come for comfort food and nothing else. Got it? Oh, and come on Sundays in the fall if you're a Steelers fan (and I am) because this is THE Steelers bar on the north side.
(3)Nina J.
Stopped in on a busy Friday night and snagged a wobbly little table in the bar. Server patient, prompt. The train depot brings a unique atmosphere to what seems, essentially, to be a local bar. Lots of locals in bar watching games, but the place is still friendly to new faces. Cowboy chili's got a kick, but it's not crybaby chili. Clam chowder's filled with smooth, fresh seafood flavor. Hobo Stew is like a pot roast dinner in soup form - all fresh cut veggies, no canned stuff here. $4.50 house wine special included a very good moscato that usually doesn't make it onto a house wine list in other places. Flat 12 was $6 on tap. Kid's menu and separate dining area make this an okay spot to bring the family that doesn't feel like eating at a chain restaurant.
(3)Amy L.
I had a good experience. I went with a friend on a Tuesday evening. We sat, the waitress came over shortly afterwards to get our drink orders and since we weren't yet ready to put in our food order, she came back a few minutes later. There was a tv in my direction and a tv behind me my friend could see. It wasn't very long and our food was served. I had the breaded chicken sandwich. I like that it came with a cup of mayo so I can put on as much or as little as I like. My only two dislikes were that the mustard and ketchup were in the old glass bottles and that the fries were $1 extra if you wanted to get them instead. But at least they informed you of that on the menu. The waitress was good and checked on us a couple of times and was timely in refreshing our drinks. Overall I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and the service.
(4)Jason B.
Nickel plate is an excellent restaurant with an unfortunate name. Unfortunate simply because of how my brain works. I read it as nickelback every time. Nickelback = bad. Nickel plate = good. Don't let my defective brain confuse you. I went here on a friday lunch. I saw the veggie melt on their menu and it made me wish there was a proper vegetarian patty melt, which was one of my favorite foods when I ate meat. I gave it a try, half excited to try something I have never had, half sad because I knew it wouldn't be a patty melt. Remember my defective brain from earlier in this review? It struck again. The veggie melt was not only excellent, but there were enough flavors from the rye bread and the cheese to be a very good substitute for my beloved patty melts from the past. There are probably other vegetarian options here, but I don't care. I will get the veggie melt every time. There was a fairly odd old person vibe. By that I mean, at nearly 32, I was one of just a handful of people dining there that didn't experience WW2 in person. Maybe there was an early bird special I didn't know about, or maybe those old people just have awesome taste, just like me. Parking is behind the building and is ample. Getting out of the parking lot is another story. Turning left onto 116th is nearly impossible. It's quicker to turn right, then U at the light or turn around in a parking lot on the south side of the road.
(4)Meagan B.
I was here for lunch last summer, but it's not too bad for a hole in the wall. The beer selection could be better and it's your typical American bar food kinda place. Good if you're in the area and don't want to travel far it will do.
(3)Kristine S.
We are new to fishers indiana, and thought we'd try a local restaurant, we all ordered our meat medium only for it to come out well done and unable to eat. The waitress was unprofessional and only offered us $10 off our entire bill. Not good enough, we won't go back. Being from Phoenix we expect more on terms of service.
(1)Bob H.
I'm telling you - THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BREADED TENDERLOIN! Sweetie swears by the chicken tenders w/ honey mustard sauce. After gutting through someone else's tenderloin recently, I had to come back to get a good one to restore my faith in the Indiana Breaded Tenderloin sandwich. 7:00pm - their parking was packed. Had to park at the ice cream shoppe a block east and hoof it back. Waited all of - 90 seconds for a table, an entire minute and a half!!! - waited all of 8 minutes to get our orders. Perfectly prepared and solidly reaffirmed as the IN breaded tenderloin leader for my unofficial competition. And this is why it's a consistent standby for us - been coming here for 23 years.
(5)Kate D.
Came here for the Pork Tenderloins. They were great. The rest of the menu was nothing speical, but all the food on the table was decent bar food. The bar had a good neighborhood and family feel. Our drinks were never empty, and the service was friendly.
(3)Sarah C.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner earlier this evening. While having a job in Fishers, it's nice to try local restaurants that are close to my job. Everyone in my group had heard of this place, but had not tried it before. Sadly, the best part of the experience was the people with me and my Stella. The service was below par and their credit card "issue" at the end of the meal (which caused us to have to wait an extra 20 minutes) was a little ... annoying. We were planning on heading to a concert down the street and were late due to their service flaws. But, I did not have any problem with my fish and chips selection. That combination of food can always turn my mood around.
(3)Travis T.
Worst experience I have had at any restaurant. Our server gave one of my friends my cherry coke, then when the food came out, gave a different friend my food and I had to wait an extra ten to fifteen minutes for my food while alley friends were eating theirs. Besides the incompetent oompah loompah waitress, the food was pretty bland. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Matt K.
This is the local Pittsburgh Steelers bar. Visit on an NFL Sunday and you would think you're in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Leave your Peyton Manning jersey at home. Burgers are good, but otherwise it's pretty typical bar fare. Prices are reasonable for what you get. Could use a TV upgrade though. Get some HD up in there. Go Steelers!
(4)Dawn H.
Wish the waitress would have understood the menu better to make recommendations. And she did not know the difference in the beers. But the food, beer and price were all good.
(3)Angela W.
Love the Nickel Plate! The kids love the appetizers-especially the fried mushrooms and railroad ties! Breaded tenderloins are just like I remember when we made them in a little restaurant in Kempton. The chicken tenders are one of the favorites for the kids. We always have to take them home. The chef salad is huge and fresh. The ranch dressing is homemade and delicious. Great service! My son was craving the Nickle Plate when he was in Afghanistan. It's the first place he wants to go when he gets home.
(5)Karla D.
I had been hearing about this place for months from family and friends, so I decided to try it. Overall, the service was great, but their "famous" tenderloin sandwich had so much fat, I was only able to eat about a quarter of it... I tried to go back, thinking perhaps it was that ONE time, but it happened all over again. Next time I'll get a burger!
(3)Catherine K.
Hands down, my favorite chicken fingers, especially with the honey mustard. I know I've eaten other things here over the years, but once I tried the chicken fingers, it was all over. The bar area is smoking and the smoke tends to filter out to the rest of the restaurant. That's not cool. I enjoy the indoor/outdoor space when the weather's nice. Service is usually quick and efficient. Very busy lunch spot.
(4)Matthew N.
Good food, good service. The tenderloin and bison burger are my favorite menu items. A unique setting in an old train depot.
(4)Joe M.
Been here a few time and only had the fried tenderloin.....it's about the best one I've ever had! Excellent!
(5)Alexis G.
As a vegetarian visiting from arugula country (i.e. the east coast) I was a little nervous about my trip to Indiana. We checked out Yelp for a good place to eat near Carmel, IN and found this spot. We got there pretty late on a Friday night and were seated right away. There were some people in the bar but it wasn't packed. Quite a few families had come after the Fishers football game so that gave the place a nice local feel. We ate outside on their covered patio which was a real treat. Our waitress and the hostess who sat us were both incredibly friendly and nice. We didn't order any drinks but the waitress didn't seem to mind. She was very attentive and the food came out really quickly. I started with the soft pretzel appetizer (YUM! I can never resist a soft pretzel) and then I had the spinach sandwich for dinner. I was really surprised to see such a creative vegetarian option on the menu-- and it didn't disappoint. I even took the other half home (filled up on pretzels!) and heated it up the next day to munch on. Friendly service, good food, good prices.
(4)Ryan W.
This place has so much potential to be a local fav, but most of the food is bland and overpriced. When stacked up next to similar joints like Chatham Tap or Scotty's Brewhouse, there really is no comparison.
(2)Ryan H.
I'm amazed at all of the good reviews. As a chef, I try to rate restaurants on how much effort the kitchen puts forth to produce great food...not using pre-made items. This place missed the mark...big time. A group of four of us tried things like catfish, ribeye, chicken breast and a bison burger. They were okay at best. There are plenty of other great options nearby. This guy here won't be back unless it's just enjoying their decent atmosphere and being able to smoke at their bar.
(2)Brad W.
Do NOT get the nachos as an appetizer. Even the waitresses recommend against it. That being said, most other food is decent. Not nearly as good as some other places like Scotty's, but it's a good atmosphere and nicely priced.
(4)Scott L.
This place is dear to me as it's the first place me and my now wife went to on a lunch date. I've stopped in for years hear for a couple things. They have the best breaded tenderloin in the city hands down. The atmosphere is pleasant yet can be a bit noisy from time but not overbearing. I also really enjoy their strawberry chicken salad. These are the only two things I've ever had on the menu, but they have always been superb. It's a little on the pricy side, but I've never had bad service or a bad meal here.
(4)Casey R.
Excellent tenderloin! Seriously, one of the best ever!
(4)