The Bait Shop — Restaurant in Indiana

What a fun, funky, charming place! We were just passing through Valparaiso, on our way back to Ohio after visiting friends in Chicago, and decided to see what restaurants were listed on Google Maps as nearby. When we saw a restaurant called "The Bait Shop," we had to at least have a look.

We were so glad we did. The interior is bright and contemporary, with very cool and intriguing art works on the walls. There is outdoor seating on a lovely front porch with flower baskets on the porch railings.

The menu was varied and interesting, with choices from around $10 up to the highest priced entree, a $35 filet mignon that was (as they say) tender as a mother's heart, cooked absolutely perfectly, and worth every penny. Hubby ordered the Coconut Curry bowl (just $11), and loved it. Based on my taste of his dish, I'd definitely be happy with it, too.

Our server was wonderful - attentive without it ever feeling intrusive. Scott, the owner and chef, was very accommodating of a couple of tweaks I requested to my meal, and we had a great chat with him after our meal about everything from great restaurants to fly fishing. (We were there late afternoon on a Wednesday when it wasn't busy.)

All in all, we'd highly recommend this great little restaurant. We'll make it a destination stop next time we're...

I want to say it was just ok. But it was really less than OK. I thought it would be slightly Asian influenced, but the menu was all very dairy loaded and just too heavy for summer. We had the liver toast, which tasted alright I guess, but the bread was like sandwich bread, served on a plate with a chip on it. Then we had the kale cesar salad that was WAY too overdressed, with the tiniest sliver of anchovy. All I could taste was gobs of dressing! That one was difficult to get through. Then we had the grouper with grits and one hour egg. The fish was dry and overcooked, the grits were so milky and sloppy they took over the entire plate. The egg was an unnecessary afterthought. That $33 dish was just terrible. We also split the burger, and while the beef was delicious and perfectly cooked, the extra patty was too much, as was the overwhelming amount of brie, on top AND between patties. Heavy handed again. The fries were pretty flavorless, while the aoli they served with them was delicious. Service was great, and it's cute (and noisy) but there was no balance with the flavors, and it was just a hot mess and a stomach ache. Side note, the bathroom was...

A minor hiccup in the dining experience last night led to a complimentary dessert from the chef who took it upon himself to offer. So considerate and very much appreciated. I had ordered the filet and it was unforgettable. It was accompanied by pureed beets and brussel sprouts which I don't care for normally, but really loved. I think the meal completely changed my mind about both. My husband had the burger and had high compliments as well. It was an active night, the weather finally had a break and everyone was out. The waitress was busy, but kept a great attitude and presence with us and others. Another server would have been better for the restaurant though, regardless of it's smaller size. It was a lot for any solo server. But maybe there was a call off. Something I would not know. Regardless, I'm very happy they're doing so well. It's a lot of personal dedication and commitment to run such a business and I want everyone in the industry to succeed. Seems like the Bait Shop is doing just...