Fifi’s Lunch Box: Terre Haute’s Best Hidden Restaurant Gem

You might be wondering where the best food in Terre Haute can be found. As a travel writer who’s explored hidden gems across the globe, I can confidently say it’s inside a tiny spot known as Fifi’s Lunch Box. And while this Terre Haute restaurant may be small, the portions and tastes are bigger than life!

About Fifi’s Lunch Box Restaurant

Owners Claudine Dollinger and Jacqueline Ruff have their hands full when it comes to owning their own business in Terre Haute, Indiana. And anyone who owned Fifi’s Lunch Box would be busy. Considering that the tiny space fills up faster at lunchtime than Grand Central Station, it’s hard not to wonder what they’re doing right.

Meet the Owners: From Corporate Life to Culinary Dreams

The respective 50 and 45-year-olds started this Terre Haute restaurant as a Plan B to their corporate office jobs. A bold move for anyone in the steady income of corporate life, following a dream is always an ambitious adventure – and a risky one at that. But when you couple good food with good business sense, you’re sure to hit a home run. And Fifi’s definitely has.

The daring duo didn’t have any restaurant background before starting their food business. Imagine that! Beginning their journey in a food truck 10 years ago, they decided to go all the way by opening this popular place in Indiana’s charming southern town.

With some of the most amazing tastes you’ll ever have in the Midwest, Fifi’s is truly a gem in the rough. While Terre Haute does have some unique restaurants, none compare quite like this ‘Lunch Box.’ And the portions just add to the bang for your buck. Heaping over plates, you’ll find BBQ pulled pork cheesy fries, pounds of beef in your Ada Burger, and chocolate dripping down chocolate chip cookie milkshakes. The latter of which should be a law to eat before leaving the city.Fifi’s Lunch Box Menu Review: Must-Try Dishes

Now onto the highlight of this restaurant review – the food. Because, after all, it’s the most important part when discovering hidden culinary gems. The food is without question the best I have had in all of Indiana thus far. There was nothing on that menu that I ordered that my mouth did not water over, or that I didn’t want to keep eating.

In fact, I couldn’t stop myself from having more bites of everything – even after I was full. And even after I told myself not to have anymore. I kept biting. And tasting. And nibbling. And scarfing. Until finally I had to put the rest of the food in boxes and leave the restaurant. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have left any for the other customers!

Calorie-Dense Comfort Food Paradise

All of their food, for the most part, is an explosion of calories. If you are on a diet, do not go to Fifi’s Lunch Box. Though they may have a couple of healthy options on the menu – salads and such – you’ll still give in to their desserts or their fries… or their milkshakes…

The Famous Donut Burger

And yes, while all of their food is perfect for those wanting to audition for TLC’s most popular television series, the real destroyer is their signature dish: The Donut Burger. What is a donut burger, you may ask? It’s just what it sounds like. A half-pound burger (with cheese) wedged between two square glazed donuts. It might sound amazing. And that’s because it is. I took one bite and needed a cardiologist, though. The burger will send you into a brain tizzy of delight, and that’s its purpose.

HBC Balls: A Local Favorite

One of the most popular items at Fifi’s, and understandably so, are their HBC balls – Hashbrown Casserole Balls. And oh my gosh, yes, they are incredible. I could have eaten just those all day long.

Ada Monster Burger – Our Top Pick

And most popular? It just so happens to be my favorite item as well: The Ada Monster burger. Two slices of toasted bread on top of a ½ pound beef burger with cheese, fried onion rings, HBC balls, condiments and more, packed on top of yet another two slices of toast. Yes, this thing alone is worth coming into Fifi’s for, and that is no exaggeration of the truth.

Desserts and Milkshakes

It’s no surprise that their desserts are just as good as their main courses. With a baker on staff, they prepare their bread and sweets fresh daily at this Terre Haute gem. Can we take a moment to talk about the incredible desserts they offer?

While I may have fawned over the chocolate chip cookie milkshake earlier, their baked goods are just as good. A strawberry cupcake like none other I have ever had in my life, a chocolate glazed donut cake aptly named “Death By Chocolate,” and homemade chocolate chip cookies that will make you cry from joy. All of these and more can be found at Fifi’s, and you may want to skip lunch altogether if you don’t have enough room for everything, just so you can be able to eat the desserts. Just thinking about them makes me want to go back!

Restaurant Atmosphere and Ambiance

It would seem that there couldn’t possibly be more to Fifi’s than the food. But there is. With the retro vibe of their décor and the small space that Fifi’s inhabits, it evokes a charm and cozy feeling before you’ve even eaten. Almost as though you would come back just for the environment instead of for the food. But you will be back for the food. Fifi’s is an addictive habit that one cannot break once you start – and so I would suggest coming prepared with that mentality.

Fifi’s Lunch Box Catering Services

Fifi’s also caters, so if you are looking for some good grub at your next event in the Terre Haute area, look no further than this local gem for your catering needs.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, I cannot wait to go back to this incredible Terre Haute restaurant. But perhaps you can make it there before me! As someone who’s dedicated to showcasing hidden gems that deserve recognition, Fifi’s Lunch Box perfectly embodies what Get Lost with Lisa is all about – discovering those special places that locals love but travelers often miss.

Just make sure that when you stop in, you let them know Lisa sent you! And if you’re planning a trip to Indiana, don’t miss this culinary gem that truly showcases God’s blessing of bringing people together over incredible food.

Have you discovered any hidden restaurant gems in your travels? Share them with us at dontgetlostwithoutme.travel@outlook.com – we love featuring amazing local businesses that deserve recognition!