Well, this is both complicated and simple. Or, it may be the other way around. I have been coming to Carmel, Indiana, for about 14 years, an ironic result of traveling the globe and marrying a ‘Hoosier’ (for those in other places, this is a designation of the local population)… (incidentally, you know many Hoosiers, including Vonnegut, Michael Jackson, a fictional archaeologist, and most American astronauts…. And half your medicines). Anyway, as an original Hungarian and honorary occasional Hoosier I have to admit to not having tried the pork tenderloin of Indiana until this evening, though have had the opportunity to both cook and eat through most of wienerschnitzel variations of Europe and far far beyond.
Ok, so O’Toole’s is not Lawrence of Arabia, but I have eaten here innumerable times in over a decade of visits but never had the the tenderloin.
I did tonight.
It is not Wienerschnitzel. It is … different, and good. It is very very good.
It is.. Hoosiernitzel.
It does not come with a wedge of lemon, but it should, because - as in its ancestor - the acid cuts through the fat and salt to brighten up the cutlet, which is left about twice the thickness of its antecedent: A perfect expression of tenderized porcine love.
Noticing that somewhere on the menu existed a white gravy, I asked for a side in case it was necessary should the cutlet be less than my refined and pretentious tastebuds could tolerate, but it was perfect, though in the opposite direction whence the lemon drew so strongly.
The service was kind, prompt, excellent, and the prices reasonable as always.
Hoosiernitzel… It is a thing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Copeland
Had a tenderloin, fries, and tots - and they were all so good! The atmosphere was a bit dark, and had a lot of areas and levels, but the people were nice and friendly. Can't wait to get back to try another menu item!
Got the chicken fingers, they were tender, juicy, delicious and were solid pieces of chicken. Not the pureed and pressed type you get at some places.
Service was not over the top, but it was adequate.
It seems like more of a sit down restaurant with an older crowd. They're only open during the weekdays and close at 8 and 9 depending on the day.
Overall a good experience, thanks!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Cheryl Lamb
I was seated quickly. The atmosphere was homey and quiet. For my entree, I had the chicken velvet soup. It had a little kick to it and the amount of chicken in this creamy soup was excellent. It was very filling. I also had a piece of Wick's sugar cream pie. It had a good amount of whipped cream and was creamy yet not too sweet. The service was great as well - Thank You Caitlin!
Recommended dishes: Chicken Velvet Soup, Sugar Cream Pie
Richard Sexson
My wife and I moved to Carmel in 1981 and when Dooley's opened a few years later, we started going there. They had great food and it became a regular spot for us for a long time. At some point, it kind of dropped off our radar screen but last night we visited and had such a wonderful experience. It is definitely back on our radar screen. I had the Louisiana Chicken salad and my wife had the Irish Stew (which I tasted, of course). Both were to die for. The entire menu is jammed with interesting items. For me, it will be hard not to get the same Louisiana Chicken salad but hope to try other things as well. We aren't young anymore and we plan to start ordering salads early in the day and pick them up to have later for dinner. I hope this place stays around forever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Higginbotham
Delicious. Great service. I recommend the tenderloin sandwiche and fried mushrooms!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marie Taylor
Love love love this place. The best chicken velvet soup ever! The tenderloin sandwich is AMAZING!
Great food and great service! 5/5 would highly recommend
Tenderloin Tuesday as always great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Great food. Friendly staff. Fair price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Go here for tenderloin Tuesday. Good food reasonable prices. Thank you Caitlin for your service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Well, this is both complicated and simple. Or, it may be the other way around. I have been coming to Carmel, Indiana, for about 14 years, an ironic result of traveling the globe and marrying a ‘Hoosier’ (for those in other places, this is a designation of the local population)… (incidentally, you know many Hoosiers, including Vonnegut, Michael Jackson, a fictional archaeologist, and most American astronauts…. And half your medicines).
Anyway, as an original Hungarian and honorary occasional Hoosier I have to admit to not having tried the pork tenderloin of Indiana until this evening, though have had the opportunity to both cook and eat through most of wienerschnitzel variations of Europe and far far beyond.
Ok, so O’Toole’s is not Lawrence of Arabia, but I have eaten here innumerable times in over a decade of visits but never had the the tenderloin.
I did tonight.
It is not Wienerschnitzel. It is … different, and good. It is very very good.
It is.. Hoosiernitzel.
It does not come with a wedge of lemon, but it should, because - as in its ancestor - the acid cuts through the fat and salt to brighten up the cutlet, which is left about twice the thickness of its antecedent: A perfect expression of tenderized porcine love.
Noticing that somewhere on the menu existed a white gravy, I asked for a side in case it was necessary should the cutlet be less than my refined and pretentious tastebuds could tolerate, but it was perfect, though in the opposite direction whence the lemon drew so strongly.
The service was kind, prompt, excellent, and the prices reasonable as always.
Hoosiernitzel… It is a thing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a tenderloin, fries, and tots - and they were all so good! The atmosphere was a bit dark, and had a lot of areas and levels, but the people were nice and friendly. Can't wait to get back to try another menu item!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Very good food and pleasant staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Velvet Soup, Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
The grilled meatloaf is great! The tenderloin and cole slaw are very good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Velvet Soup, Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Sugar Cream Pie
The breaded tenderloin is A+! Huge, crispy, tender, with a big slice of real, ripe tomato! Fries are hand-cut and can be ordered without salt!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Great food. Old time atmosphere. Friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Velvet Soup, Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Tater Tots, Fried Biscuits with Apple Butter, Sugar Cream Pie, Cobbler
Restaurantji Recommends
Got the chicken fingers, they were tender, juicy, delicious and were solid pieces of chicken. Not the pureed and pressed type you get at some places.
Service was not over the top, but it was adequate.
It seems like more of a sit down restaurant with an older crowd. They're only open during the weekdays and close at 8 and 9 depending on the day.
Overall a good experience, thanks!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
I was seated quickly. The atmosphere was homey
and quiet. For my entree, I had the chicken velvet soup. It had a little kick to it and the amount of chicken in this creamy soup was excellent. It was very filling. I also had a piece of Wick's sugar cream pie. It had a good amount of whipped cream and was creamy yet not too sweet. The service was great as well - Thank You Caitlin!
Recommended dishes: Chicken Velvet Soup, Sugar Cream Pie
My wife and I moved to Carmel in 1981 and when Dooley's opened a few years later, we started going there. They had great food and it became a regular spot for us for a long time. At some point, it kind of dropped off our radar screen but last night we visited and had such a wonderful experience. It is definitely back on our radar screen. I had the Louisiana Chicken salad and my wife had the Irish Stew (which I tasted, of course). Both were to die for.
The entire menu is jammed with interesting items. For me, it will be hard not to get the same Louisiana Chicken salad but hope to try other things as well.
We aren't young anymore and we plan to start ordering salads early in the day and pick them up to have later for dinner. I hope this place stays around forever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious. Great service. I recommend the tenderloin sandwiche and fried mushrooms!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love love love this place. The best chicken velvet soup ever! The tenderloin sandwich is AMAZING!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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