Berne Dining Family Restaurant

I was photographing a cross country meet at Jay County High School, and I remembered that this restaurant wasn't far.

It looked busy, so I figured it must be good.  Sadly, Jinny's down the road in Bryant didn't make me want to return, even though it was recommended.

As I found the front door, there was a large board full of specials.  I'm not sure anyone could remember them since there were probably 20 of them.  As I entered, a man picked up a couple of menus and asked me how many.  I said one and held up a finger since he seemed to have two menus in his hand.  He put down one of the menus and started telling me how it's better to go to a restaurant with someone else and proceeded to give me dating advice.  :-D

Perhaps, it was that I was still a bit wet from being out in the rain for 2+ hours but he sat me as far back as the building went.  Maybe, that's where they put the outsiders when they can put them outside.

As I started with the menu, a waitress came to the table and asked if she could start me with a drink.  As I fumbled for the drinks, she mentioned Pepsi products and I asked for a Diet Mountain Dew (no sugar for me right now).  It wasn't very long and she returned.  Many people were being seated at the time.

I couldn't really decide because there were so many menu selections but chose a Corned Beef on Rye Sandwich.  I asked for Swiss Cheese and Brown Mustard.  "Sorry, but we don't have brown mustard.  We've got regular mustard or Thousand Island Dressing."  I wasn't in the Northeast, but Northeastern Indiana.  Oops.  I told her to please bring yellow mustard.  At least, the sandwich came on rye bread.  She named off a long list of side items, of which the sandwich came with one.  I ordered potato salad, thinking that the Swiss influence of the town might provide something interesting, and I had not had potato salad since my mum died.

It didn't take too long until she brought the food to my table.  I tried the potato salad--it was the most bland I'd had anywhere.  It seemed to be potatoes (Yes, VP Quayle from Indiana, that is the spelling.), mayonnaise, and shredded carrots without a spice of any kind.

The corned beef sandwich was much better with good meat (not from a can, I believe) and a thin slice of cheese.  The bread was also good.  The waitress checked on me once after that.

After finishing, I went to the cash register to pay, and to get change for a tip.  I once again got dating advice.  Since it was slightly more than 24 hours into my day, I think I walked away as he was talking, to deliver the tip to the table, and I then exited.

I think if I return, I'd make different selections, or at least, take some brown mustard with me--and take someone else with me, maybe a huge group of people.  :-D

Berne doesn't have a whole lot of options but this is a good one. The menu is pretty big and varied. Sandwiches and Italian entrees, plus more home cooking type entrees. They have buffets some nights and a salad bar. Bonus points for breakfast all day. I got a grilled cheese, which was quite good, and coleslaw. Wish fries had been an option! They used to have a stir fry on the menu that was really good but it's not anymore. Cheap, quick and friendly service. We'll be back when in Berne!

Probably the best restaurant in Berne. My experience was good food and great service.