For those who know how to appreciate dining on the outskirts of Hamburg, Indian Fort Inn is likely in their restaurant repertoire for nights out away from the blur of the work week.
Owner Stephanie Shaner purchased the historical property in 2010 and kept the name locals had known since the 1940s, the Indian Fort Inn, of course signifying the stone structure iconic to the front of the restaurant, which dates back to the 18th century.
The fort, used by the Wagner Family to keep protected from potential Native American attacks several hundred years ago, became a part of the land after the stone farmhouse was completed in 1767.
Today, the restaurant spends reverence on the Wagners’ labors, as parts of the stone walls of the home are between its bar and dining sections.
And the heritage of the eras gone by in this rural sweep of Hamburg are evident as soon as footfalls make their way through the door, with Native American reminders in the décor and a country-persuaded yet modern atmosphere.
Hand-cut steaks and prime rib are two big hits when the dinner hour strikes, as Shaner says people avidly love the steak supply at the Indian Fort Inn.
German lasagna — incorporating kielbasa; sauerkraut; cheddar, asiago, and mozzarella cheeses and creamy mushrooms — is one of the most popular “Pastabilities” on the menu.
A one-time round of chocolate bourbon pecan pie made for the Kentucky Derby garnered such applause from restaurant-goers that it soon became a house-famed dessert at the Indian Fort Inn, Shaner says.
And when a mojito is the featured drink, Shaner mixes in mint that she grows in the restaurant’s garden. She is also known to amiably give away handfuls of tomatoes from her plants when they sprout a good yield.
It’s a very peaceful setting outside.
She added an outdoor patio dining area to the grounds last summer, with a bar in the open air, equipped to keep people enjoying their night out in a literal sense.
“It’s a very peaceful setting outside,” she adds about the grassy stretches peppered with plenty of Adirondack-reminiscent chairs by the fire and old wagons.
Even the large wagon wheels decorating the property are authentic – to match the curious history of the Indian Fort Inn.
Shaner caters to parties for graduations, class reunions, birthdays, baby showers, sweet 16 celebrations and other unique reasons to get festive.
And supporting fundraisers through restaurant efforts is also something Shaner says she likes to do.
Shaping the restaurant not just as a place to eat, but as a versatile venue as well, is a part of her long-term goal for the Indian Fort Inn.
In the past, she had Act 1 Productions of Shoemakersville enact a dinner theatre performance of the Hochstetler Massacre of 1757. But nights of great local music are a part of the mix, too, and Shaner is looking to bring comedy to the line-up as well.
BY JENNIFER HETRICK | PHOTOS BY JOANNA BLESSING
