If you find yourself in Jasper, head west to the rural town of Ireland, Indiana and grab a bite at The Chicken Place. It is a local institution built on decades of tradition and hearty, home-style cooking. Since opening its doors in 1948, it has become synonymous with some of the best fried chicken in southern Indiana.
Standing the Test of Time
Originally known as the Leinenbach Cafe, The Chicken Place has stayed true to its roots. The original chicken recipe, developed by the Leinenbach family and handed down through generations, is still the cornerstone of the menu, a secret formula you will not find anywhere else. Under current owner Chris Himsel, the restaurant keeps that family heritage going, serving meals with a sense of nostalgia and genuine Midwestern hospitality.
More Than Just Chicken
While fried chicken steals the spotlight, the menu is deep. You can order traditional chicken dinners in quarter, half, or white-meat portions, plus chicken strips, wings, and a range of appetizers. Adventurous eaters go for items like gizzards, livers, and hearts, playfully grouped as the "Organ Trail." Sides are classic and comforting: German fries, slaw, mashed potatoes, and more.
Beer fans will appreciate the 20-ounce schooners on draft, a good match for crispy chicken. The room is relaxed and made for family dinners and casual nights out, but arrive early: on many evenings the kitchen hits its chicken limit and sells out before closing.
A Community Favorite
Locals and visitors have praised The Chicken Place for years for its flavor, portion sizes, and friendly service. Plenty of regulars have been coming back for decades, and it remains a must-try stop in Dubois County for anyone touring southern Indiana.
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, because the kitchen often hits its chicken limit and sells out before closing.
Make a day of it with our guides to Jasper, Indiana and Dubois County.
