At 2 p.m. Fridays, our Kathy Reiser answers restaurant questions. Put her to the test by clicking here or email kreiser@news-gazette.com.
Grabbing a bite with Joey Wright
Each week, we chop it up with the folks responsible for dishing up food around the area. What restaurant should we try next? Let Joey Wright know at jwright@news-gazette.com.
Loughmiller’s in Indianapolis was transformed into a gathering place for Illini fans late last week.
Good timing for the bar — known for its Reuben sandwiches — which was happy to bring in orange-and-blue clad fans for the Big Ten tournament in advance of St. Patrick’s Day Weekend.
Among the fans I talked to before Illinois’ quarterfinal loss to Maryland were Jason Jakstys’ proud parents, Tom and Mary Beth, and their friends Kent and Leslie Carver. Justin and Roland Thomas made the trip from northwest Indiana, with plenty of Illini fans venturing from far and wide.
“We got a call from Joey (Biggs) on (March 10), and they were like we just need an official space,” co-owner DANNY SCOTTEN said. “We’re not renting any space, we’re not doing this or that, we’re just sending all of our people here. And here we are.”
The restaurant will be on the list for Illinois fans should the Illini make a return trip to Indianapolis for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight on March 28-30. Indianapolis will also host the 2026 Final Four.
“Indianapolis is just laid out so well for it,” Scotten said. “Everything is (walkable) to the stadium, tons of bars and restaurants and stuff like that … even when its a hometown team team, its not always a good thing for us. When Butler was in it against Duke a few years ago, Butler people are at home all day.”
