The Overlook Restaurant

http://www.theoverlook.com/
Leavenworth, Indiana

Has anyone been? Any opinions?

The food is not outstanding, but it's not bad. The last time we went I had the meatloaf and my wife had the fried chicken. They were both fine but neither were the best we ever had. The draw is the view, which is great, and the drive which can be even better. If we have a wet snow that clings to the trees this winter, drive to the Overlook by going the old way through Corydon and you won't be disappointed.

Re: The Overlook Restaurant
by Scott Endres » Sat Jan 02, 2010 11:06 am

The food is not outstanding, but it's not bad. The last time we went I had the meatloaf and my wife had the fried chicken. They were both fine but neither were the best we ever had. The draw is the view, which is great, and the drive which can be even better. If we have a wet snow that clings to the trees this winter, drive to the Overlook by going the old way through Corydon and you won't be disappointed.

I agree with everything that Scott said except you need to cross out "The last time we went I had the meatloaf and my wife had the fried chicken." and insert "The last time I went I had the pork chops."

The view is its draw and the suggestion about driving through Corydon to get there is right on!

IIRC they used to offer fried pork-brain sandwiches.

The food is not outstanding, but it's not bad. The last time we went I had the meatloaf and my wife had the fried chicken. They were both fine but neither were the best we ever had. The draw is the view, which is great, and the drive which can be even better. If we have a wet snow that clings to the trees this winter, drive to the Overlook by going the old way through Corydon and you won't be disappointed.

Ditto ditto and ditto from me as well. I've eaten there several times and it was OK. The view was the draw and it didn't disappoint.

I have a relative in the process of buying the place and he wanted me to get opinions of people from "uptown". Any suggestions about how to improve the food or atmosphere would be welcomed. He wants the draw to be the food, not just the view. I went Sat. to sample some of the food and found it pretty good. The atmosphere was horrible. It reminded me of a funeral home.

The atmosphere was horrible. It reminded me of a funeral home.

Funny, but all too true. I was only there once for a late breakfast and the food was "adequate" and the service quite good with the exception the hostess who was, how shall I say; "unsmiling". The place is in need of renovation/updating as it reminded me of the places we ate during family vacations circa 1960.

I wish your friend success as we can always use another dining destination here in Harrison County. Keep us posted.

BP

A well decorated interior is needed. Get rid of all the generic atmosphere and at least give it it's own look. Either a lodge, or something contemporary, maybe tasteful antiques to make it look like someone's home. Now it just looks utilitarian.
Update the menu with some dishes that will make the drive out there worth it. I know you'll want to keep your local regulars but attracting an outside audience can only help. Is there a liquor license? Can you add a decent wine/beer list? Maybe even feature local winery options from places like Turtle Run or local beers.

One more thing....I'm not sure if the current owners do this or not, but the location would be perfect for an al fresco option.

A well decorated interior is needed. Get rid of all the generic atmosphere and at least give it it's own look. Either a lodge, or something contemporary, maybe tasteful antiques to make it look like someone's home. Now it just looks utilitarian.
Update the menu with some dishes that will make the drive out there worth it. I know you'll want to keep your local regulars but attracting an outside audience can only help. Is there a liquor license? Can you add a decent wine/beer list? Maybe even feature local winery options from places like Turtle Run or local beers.

Yes, there is a liquor license. I am semi helping with the beer list. I have them on board for a BBC and NABC draft rotation and I have been in contact with Roger. They are looking at adding local wines from the various wine trails in the area.

One more thing....I'm not sure if the current owners do this or not, but the location would be perfect for an al fresco option.

Al freso on the deck is going to happen.

Justin-
As you may have noticed from my recent "rant" on restaurant wine pricing, a well priced, and diverse, wine list is an important aspect of any restaurant IMO. Now here's an idea ....

Rather than relying on the distributors or owners to decide which wines make the cut for the list (aside from the local options mentioned earlier), how about having a pre-opening wine off-line at the restaurant for a few forumites, invite the distributor(s) to bring in their portfolios and have the group provide feedback on the wines? You get consumer feedback and the customers get a sneak preview of the new restaurant. I'd gladly volunteer to participate . We might even get Robin out to the wilderness again for such a worthy cause.

BP

Justin, we're on it from this end and I'll get you the information you need about wholesale arrangements.

I personally endorse the local wine option, too.

[Robin Garr]

We might even get Robin out to the wilderness again for such a worthy cause.

It might work!

Justin-
As you may have noticed from my recent "rant" on restaurant wine pricing, a well priced, and diverse, wine list is an important aspect of any restaurant IMO. Now here's an idea ....

Rather than relying on the distributors or owners to decide which wines make the cut for the list (aside from the local options mentioned earlier), how about having a pre-opening wine off-line at the restaurant for a few forumites, invite the distributor(s) to bring in their portfolios and have the group provide feedback on the wines? You get consumer feedback and the customers get a sneak preview of the new restaurant. I'd gladly volunteer to participate . We might even get Robin out to the wilderness again for such a worthy cause.

BP

That is an excellent idea, but the logistics of that type of event at this point in time might be difficult. If any of the "wine people" would like to make recommendations I'll certainly pass them along, as no one involved has a great taste for wine. I'm thinking they will be looking for bottles that sell between $15-$40.

On a side note: I can see why some places around town only serve "swill" beer; it is hard to find info on where to purchase craft beer on the wholesale level.

There's a lot of good hunting up that way and I'm pretty sure I've seen farmed deer around there too. Maybe you could add some game/venison to the menu, at least seasonally. It just seems more local/original than chicken teriyaki.