"Tonight on Kevin's Diner Shannon and I were in Fowler Indiana late this afternoon visiting our son John. After our visit it was time for dinner so we decided to dine in at the.... 100 Mile Rib and Chop House. THEIR STORY The building was built in the early 1900’s and opened as a gas station. In the 1940’s, the Chesterton family began serving food and it evolved into a full service restaurant. We are located in the quaint town of Fowler off of US Hwy #52 in northwest Indiana. Before I-65 was built, in the late 60’s, every car travelling between Chicago and Indianapolis had to go through the town of Fowler and right in front of the restaurant. Located 100 miles south of Chicago and 100 miles north of Indianapolis.it quickly acquired its name. Over the past 20 years, proprietors John and Julie Hoskins have upgraded the restaurant, while at the same time, keeping the small town, friendly atmosphere intact. There is a fully stocked bar while also offering a separate family dining room. Great food fills the menu with daily lunch specials, dinner entrees, sandwiches and prime rib on weekend evenings. Of course, fresh-cut angus steaks, ribs and bone-in pork chops round out our large menu. The exterior of the restaurant was more like a house than a restaurant. But as you enter the building through a small foyer it opened up into a large family dining room with a lounge on the other side of the wall of the family room. The owner John Hoskins tiny little office was to the left of the foyer and he was there doing some book work. I visited with him briefly and he told me some of the history of the restaurant. He was a very nice and friendly man. We seated ourselves in the lounge and Elizabeth a polite waitress immediately provided us with menus and took our drink order. After looking over the menu Shannon decided on the 12 oz Ribeye accompanied with a side salad and sweet potato with water to drink. I ordered from the sandwich menu and went with the Heater Burger and fries. The Heater is a good name for this burger! It is a 1/2 pound angus buger with a thin slice of spicy salami, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños and horseradish. It definitely lived up to it's name by providing me with a sinus clearing and spicy dining experience. I enjoyed every bite and definitely needed the french fries and two Arni Palmers to ease the heat. Shannon said her steak was cooked perfectly and was a wonderful and tasty chunk of beef. She enjoyed her salad and said the sweet potato was great. She likes her sweet potato with just a small pat of butter. As for myself I won't even touch a sweet potato unless it is slathered in about a cup of butter and brown sugar with marshmallows melted over the top. I definitely don't want no run of the mill sweet potato! She gave me a couple bites of her steak and it was definitely tasty with just a small amount of seasoning. Overall we had a very good dining experience. The staff was great and John (the owner) walked by our table to make sure we were happy with our meal. Our total bill was $33 tip. A very good value for Friday night dinner. I bet this place was something back in the 50s and 60s! Think of all the people who have passed through traveling between the Windy and the Circle. That's trucker cb talk for Chicago and Indianapolis. 5 stars for the 100 Mile Rib and Chop House Until next time Bon appetit"
