In Indiana, the pork tenderloin sandwich isn’t just bar food—it’s practically part of the state’s identity. The best versions are oversized, perfectly crispy, juicy in the center, and just a little over-the-top in the most satisfying way. It’s a simple idea done with serious pride.
If you’re chasing that ideal balance of crunchy breading and tender pork, these 11 restaurants deliver every time. Each one brings its own take, but the payoff is always worth it. Come hungry, because the portion sizes are legendary—and the bun almost never stands a chance.
1. Nick’s Kitchen (Huntington)
Start with the legend, because Nick’s Kitchen is the kind of place that makes a pork tenderloin feel bigger than lunch. The sandwich lands with that classic Indiana look: a hand-breaded cutlet stretched far beyond the bun, crisp at the edges and still invitingly juicy in the center.
You can tell right away this is the version many people picture when they talk about the state’s signature sandwich. What I like most here is the balance…