By The Galecki Financial Management Team
At Galecki Financial Management, we’re proud to be a Fee-Only financial advisor firm. Our services are specifically designed to help our clients pursue a strong financial future.
But let’s be honest—life isn’t only about numbers! Based in Fort Wayne, we also like to explore the thriving food scene. After all, having a solid financial strategy enables you to enjoy life’s little pleasures, like tasty meals.
This article takes a break from finance talk and explores some of our favorite Fort Wayne eateries. Our team has collected their suggestions for a variety of cuisines and settings to accommodate all tastes and price ranges.
Bring your appetite and join us for a delectable tour of some of Fort Wayne’s finest restaurants!
Tequila Restaurant & Cantina
Submitted by Brady McArdle, Alex Martin, and Nicole Thieme
Craving authentic Mexican food in Fort Wayne? Tequila Restaurant & Cantina is the spot for you. Brothers Raúl and Benjamín Velazquez opened this restaurant with the goal of showcasing their Mexican background. To include rich flavors in every dish, they use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
With dishes like their famous guacamole served at the table, to filling quesadillas and crunchy taco salads, Tequila’s menu has something for everyone. Reviewers gush over the hearty servings, warm environment, and attentive service, making it the ideal place for a laid-back and satisfying Mexican dining experience.
Hideout 125
Submitted by Nicole Thieme and Lisa Vinson
At Hideout 125, a Fort Wayne landmark honoring the end of Prohibition, travel back in time to the glamor of the Roaring Twenties. Established in 2014, this restaurant and bar with a prohibition motif provides a sophisticated haven with a modern touch. Speakeasy vibes are the main theme, including vintage decor, cozy seating, and low lighting.
Yet Hideout 125 is about more than just the setting. They take great pride in utilizing premium ingredients to offer a mouthwatering menu, with an emphasis on steaks, seafood, and other delicious meals. A great drink combination for every meal is guaranteed with their extensive bar menu, which offers beautifully blended artisan cocktails paired with an exceptional range of wines. For a classy dining experience or to celebrate a particular event, Hideout 125 offers an evening of exquisite food and classic charm.
Cork ’N Cleaver
Submitted by Kevin Broad-White and Lisa Vinson
Established in Fort Wayne, Cork ’N Cleaver is not your typical steakhouse. This beloved local spot has a cozy, welcoming ambiance that’s perfect for a special occasion or a laid-back evening out. The menu offers a wide range of options, with their signature juicy steaks as well as fresh seafood and a crowd-pleasing prime rib.
Even better than the main course is their famous salad bar, which is piled high with tempting toppings, fresh greens, and house-made dressings. Cork ’N Cleaver offers a consistently delectable dining experience that has Fort Wayne locals coming back for more, all with attentive service and a commitment to quality.
Paula’s on Main
Submitted by Nicole Thieme
Well-known for its unique setting and quality ingredients, Paula’s on Main provides a laid-back atmosphere with an emphasis on seafood. Their motto: “If the fish were any fresher, they’d be swimming.”
Along with traditional fare like chowder and salads, you can also enjoy fresh oysters, lobster, and steaks. You may even bring a taste of Paula’s home with you thanks to their dedicated fresh fish store. Popular for both lunchtime meals and nighttime trips, Paula’s on Main serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
The Oyster Bar
Submitted by Melanie Colwell
With more than 130 years of operation, The Oyster Bar is a culinary Fort Wayne landmark steeped in history. First established in 1888, it’s a local favorite due to its traditional tavern ambiance and emphasis on fresh seafood. The Oyster Bar menu serves delicious oysters (of course), scallops, and a variety of seafood treats while preserving its historic charm. They also serve steaks and other mouthwatering options to satisfy non-seafood aficionados.
With daily lunch specials and a full bar, The Oyster Bar is a great option for celebratory dinners, casual weekday lunches, or just hanging out with friends for a drink on their patio.
Casa Ristoranti Italiano
Submitted by Chloe Blythe and Kevin Broad-White
For more than 40 years, the family-run Casa Ristoranti Italiano has been providing traditional Italian fare. With four locations throughout the city, its easygoing and welcoming ambiance is ideal for a fun get-together or a casual family supper. A broad range of Italian classics are available on their menu, including veal marsala and lasagna, as well as wood-fired pizzas, generous portions of pasta, and fresh salads.
Casa Ristoranti has a wide variety of dishes to suit every taste, from hearty chicken alfredo to lighter selections like caprese salad. With vegetarian and gluten-free dishes available as well as a full bar, Casa Ristoranti aims to be a warm, inclusive place where anybody can enjoy a little taste of Italy in Fort Wayne.
Partner With Professionals
While we do enjoy Fort Wayne’s restaurant scene, our greatest priority remains providing clients with worry-free wealth management. As a Fee-Only financial advisor firm, our team is committed to providing our personalized financial planning services on a Fee-Only basis, which means we are always—and only—looking out for your interests.
To schedule a meeting with Galecki Financial Management, call (260) 436-8525 or email [email protected].
About Galecki Financial Management
At Galecki Financial Management, we help individuals and families confidently pursue their financial goals. We’re anything but a business-as-usual wealth management firm. We’re different. Friendly. Casual. And really good listeners. Indeed, that’s a big part of what makes us different. Everything we do is based on what we hear from you, because our experienced team of professionals specializes in comprehensive financial planning, cash flow analysis, IRA rollovers, financial services, money management, estate planning, retirement planning, and advising. We help you identify your short- and long-term goals, and then we work together to pursue them. Lastly, and most importantly, we’re Fee-Only, meaning we’re only compensated for our time. Our only incentive is to help you succeed.