A Southern Indiana Classic: The Chicken Place in Ireland, IN

If you find yourself in Jasper, head west to the rural town of Ireland, Indiana and grab a bite at The Chicken Place. It’s a local institution built on decades of tradition and a passion for hearty, home-style cooking. Since opening its doors in 1948, this beloved spot has become synonymous with some of the best fried chicken in southern Indiana. 

Standing The Test Of Time 

Originally known as Leinenbach Café, The Chicken Place has stood the test of time by staying true to its roots. The original chicken recipe, developed by the Leinenbach family and handed down through generations, remains the cornerstone of the menu, a secret formula you won’t find anywhere else. Under current owner Chris Himsel, the restaurant continues to honor that family heritage, serving up meals with a sense of nostalgia and genuine Midwestern hospitality.

More Than Just Chicken

While fried chicken steals the spotlight, The Chicken Place’s menu is diverse and satisfying. Diners can choose from traditional chicken portions, quarter, half, or white meat dinners, as well as chicken strips, wings, and a variety of appetizers. Unique menu items like gizzards, livers, and hearts are offered for the adventurous eater, often playfully grouped under names like “Organ Trail.” Sides are classic and comforting: German fries, slaw, mashed potatoes, and more round out the hearty meal.

Beer lovers will appreciate the 20-ounce schooners on draft, a perfect complement to crispy chicken and lively conversation. The relaxed environment makes The Chicken Place ideal for family dinners, casual nights out, or stop-ins after a long day, but be sure to arrive early. On many evenings, the kitchen reaches its chicken limit before the night is through, and regulars will tell you that it sells out pretty quickly.

Community Favorite with a Loyal Following

Over the years, locals and visitors alike have praised The Chicken Place for its flavor, portion sizes, and friendly service. Many diners describe their chicken as “just like grandma used to make,” and loyal customers often return year after year, some for over five decades. The overwhelming consensus celebrates The Chicken Place as a must-try dining destination in Dubois County.

For anyone touring southern Indiana or exploring local eateries off the beaten path, The Chicken Place offers a genuine taste of Hoosier tradition, one crispy bite at a time.

Plan Your Visit

The Chicken Place sits in the small town of Ireland, just west of Jasper in Dubois County on State Road 56. It is open for dinner only: Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 3:30 to 9 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Go early in the evening, because the kitchen often hits its chicken limit and sells out before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Chicken Place

Where is The Chicken Place?

The Chicken Place is in Ireland, Indiana, just west of Jasper in Dubois County, along State Road 56 in southwest Indiana.

What is on the menu at The Chicken Place?

Fried chicken is the star, available as quarter, half, and white-meat dinners, along with chicken strips and wings. Adventurous eaters go for the “Organ Trail” of gizzards, livers, and hearts. Sides include German fries, slaw, and mashed potatoes, plus 20-ounce beer schooners on draft.

How long has The Chicken Place been open?

Since 1948, when Amos Leinenbach opened it as the Leinenbach Café. It still uses the original secret family chicken recipe and is run today by owner Chris Himsel.

What are The Chicken Place's hours?

The Chicken Place is open for dinner only: Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 3:30 to 9 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. The kitchen often sells out of chicken before closing, so arrive early.

Is The Chicken Place worth the drive?

For fried-chicken fans, yes. Locals have returned for decades, and it is a classic Dubois County stop for anyone touring southern Indiana.

Make a day of it with our guides to Jasper, Indiana and Dubois County.