The chicken bacon and Swiss sandwich at The Square is very popular.

Text and Photos
By Loren Shaum
Guest Columnist

COLUMBIA CITY — Since 1888, Columbia City has been the Whitley County seat. Today, it’s the home of, arguably, the best outdoor market in the area during the summer. Two farmer friends, Goldwood Gardens and the Old Loon Farm are frequent venders. Their unique stories are in Farmers in Lake Country, available at Lake Country stores.

Columbia City also has other interesting spots to check-out. Let’s take a look!

The Square

New ownership took over this downtown hot-spot on the court house square in 2018, and it hasn’t missed a beat. This comfortable, convenient location hasn’t changed the menu much since our last visit.

There are still 12 starters, and the onion rings might be the best ever! The crunchy onions are coated with a fantastic beer batter and are worth every bite. Be careful, you can eat too many!

The nachos also remain a starter favorite. This massive platter is definitely a sharable!

A former church is home to The Shops at the Sanctuary and The Old World Cafe

There’s always a daily soup and a choice of eight salads. These salads are huge — even the house salad. Try the Italian vinaigrette. It’s spot-on.

Sandwiches and burgers are The Square’s specialty. A couple of the more popular are the chicken, bacon and Swiss sandwich with a honey mustard dressing, the black and blue burger and the pork tenderloin. They also offer lighter fare including chicken and tuna salad sandwiches. On one visit, I enjoyed the chicken salad sandwich and would have it again.

All sandwiches come with house-made potato chips, which are decadent. I could eat a plate full!

The dinner section has everything anyone might want for an entrée. Included are pasta, Mexican, seven steak options (including prime rib), seafood and their signature baby back ribs. For the young and old, the menu includes a kid’s section and a senior section.

More On The Square

In the same block is Blue Moon Bakery. This family-owned bakery is only open on Wednesday and Saturday. The remainder of the week is spent baking breads and pastries. Recently they created a highly unusual maple-bourbon-bacon jam doughnut that sold-out quickly.

A short distance away is Chapman’s Brewing Company. Founded in 2012, they offer craft brews at multiple tap rooms in Northeast Indiana.

Off The Square

Just south is the 11th Frame — a bar that features baskets, sandwiches, sides, Pap’s Pizza and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer for $2.75 a bottle.

Just a block north is The Shops at The Sanctuary in the old First Presbyterian Church. There’s everything in here including the kitchen sink — even a wooden one. In the basement is the Old-World Cafe and Fudge. They specialize in breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch and fudge. Their chocolate covered strawberries are decadent, when available!

There’s also the Thomas Marshall home (former U.S. Vice President) and the historical museum on the same street.

Further north is the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center — a playground full of aquatic toys. It’s a perfect place to wear-out your kids!

Just west of the court house square is, perhaps, the Columbia City icon! Since 1971, The Nook has been serving Coney-style grub. The Johnston’s hole-in-the wall is about 10-feet wide with a counter and a couple small tables. Behind the counter is a small grill and various necessary appliances that serves as the kitchen. They have been serving their menu of Coney dogs, corn dogs, burgers, tenderloins, chicken, fish and even sizzler steak to regulars and strangers that continue to roll-in. Often there is a line out the door waiting for a spot at the bar or a table.

With the sandwiches, you can choose from their signature chili (when in season), fries, onion rings shakes and sundaes. We can attest that the burgers and dogs are notably exceptional.

A great way to enjoy Columbia City is to go on a summer Saturday and stroll through the farmers market, do lunch at The Square, checkout the antiques, quaff a cold one at Chapman’s, then slam a Coney dog at The Nook.

You couldn’t have a better day!