Sink Your Teeth Into Indianapolis Tenderloin Week June 8-14

Each of the 50 states has its signature dish, and I'd be game to try every one of them. But it might take a minute if I chow down on Indiana's specialty. I only know this because it's true. Only the Ohio River separates me and all of us Kentuckians from a mouthwatering tenderloin sandwich.

Indiana Tenderloins

Just so we're clear, much like barbecue and hot browns in Kentucky, tenderloins are serious business in the Hoosier State. And the bigger the better.

As you might expect, Indiana celebrates its culinary specialty in multiple ways. There are, of course, festivals, and then there's the "Tenderloin Trails," which sounds extraordinary.

Indianapolis Tenderloin Week

Finally, there's Indianapolis Tenderloin Week, which begins on Monday, June 8th, and ends on Sunday, June 14th. Thousands of hungry tenderloin lovers will flock to Circle City next week to take part in the first in a series of Indy "Food Weeks," which are planned throughout 2026.

How Indianapolis Tenderloin Week Works

During Indianapolis Tenderloin Week, participating restaurants across the city will offer their own versions of the Hoosier staple. They'll also trot out exclusive deals during this delectable event. It's also an opportunity for guests, particularly out-of-towners, to really dive in and get to know Indianapolis.

At tenderloinweek.com, take a gander at the 6 Commandments of Tenderloin Week, and devise your plan of attack with the restaurants that will be participating. By the way, there are 16 of them, so that averages out to more than two a day.

In that case, two days next week, if there are guests who plan to hit every participating restaurant, making a tenderloin a breakfast centerpiece will be necessary.

If not, a mid-afternoon snack? Midnight snack? Plan accordingly, and enjoy those tenderloins.