Family Restaurants near Evansville, IN

“Some of my earliest childhood memories are of going to Merry Go Round with my grandparents, where we were always treated with the kind of warmth and hospitality you never forget. I can still remember getting lost in the charm of it all — the diner feel that nodded back to its early days, the carousel horses proudly displayed at every angle, and of course, the unforgettable cooking — especially the spaghetti.

Over the years, we made so many memories there. When my grandma passed away three years ago, I found myself thinking of that place often — how special it was to us both. I couldn’t bring myself to go back, not without her. Merry Go Round wasn’t just a restaurant to her — it was a part of her story. She used to tell me how her own mother once worked there. Her loyalty to that little diner kept our family coming back for generations.

Today, I finally gathered the courage to see if the doors were still open — and to my joy, they were. With my children in hand, off we went. Walking through those doors felt like stepping back home. The familiar warmth met us immediately — smiling faces, genuine hospitality, and that same sense of belonging that I remembered so well. The carousel horse still stood proudly in the center of the diner, just as it had years ago.

We sat down, and our sweet server brought the boys applesauce and crackers. It made me smile remembering eating the same as a child. I showed the boys how to dip their crackers in the applesauce, explaining how it was the perfect little palate cleanser before the spaghetti. And when the spaghetti arrived, it looked exactly as I remembered. But the taste — the taste brought me right back to sitting beside my grandparents laughing around the table.

After all these years, they’ve stayed true to who they are — honoring their history. It’s rare to find that kind of authenticity anymore with great food to back it up.

To our wonderful server with mother-like hospitality, and to the kind man who greeted us with a smile and great conversation and a clear love for the restaurant — thank you. My heart is full again. Today, I felt my grandma with me — and through that meal, I got to have a little piece of her once more. I will make sure to not be a stranger again. THANK YOU.“

“Although the “private” dining room isn’t actually private, yet doable for a party a total of 14. My food delicious and I didn’t hear complaints from others. My only disappointment was the ladies’ room. Certainly not updated since the 50s, 60s, perhaps the 70s. The latch on door wasn’t easy to lock or unlocked…. No longer as vintage within as other areas. A little sad.“

“Like a fancy Danny's. Greeted and seated instantly, the hostess was very sweet and friendly. The food was great, and the portions were good at reasonable prices. The service could have been better, seeing as how I had to ask multiple times for itmes that weren't brought out to us, drink refills, to go boxes, and the check. Regardless of our waitress, we enjoyed our visit and the delicious food.“

“So I go there all the time and they charge 1.00 for a extra plate. You got to be kidding me“