Music and food: what better pairing is there? If you’re planning a getaway to the great city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, it likely includes both tasty eats and catchy beats.

Plan the ultimate music-filled Fort Wayne getaway by picking a venue and nearby restaurant for each evening of your stay. I’ve sung at all of these venues and eaten at all of the restaurants, and I can guarantee each night will be one to remember.

Fort Wayne, Indiana Music-Filled Getaway

Copper Spoon + The Embassy

Copper Spoon (formerly Wine Down) has self-serve wines on tap. Using a card, patrons can pour themselves small, medium, or large glasses of dozens of different wines. Coupled with an ever-rotating menu of gourmet appetizers and entrees, you really can’t go wrong. Just make sure to make a reservation if you’re headed here before a show!

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fort Wayne, Indiana

The Embassy is just down the street (about a block away) from Copper Spoon. This spectacular theatre was built in 1928 and has been hosting orchestral performances, touring Broadway musicals, operas, famous bands, and a plethora of other musical acts ever since.

No matter what genre you’re a fan of, there is something for you on the schedule.

Heartland Sings at The Philmore on Broadway, 2016

Trubble Brewing Company + The Philmore

Trubble Brewing Company serves great--you guessed it--beer! This quirky brewery also serves delicious bar fare, like burgers and fries. It’s a small space, so be sure to get there early or call ahead. And if you don’t get enough in the evening, come back for brunch the next morning--you might even see me there.

The Philmore, which is only about a block away from Trubble Brewing, was built in 1923 (apparently building theaters was popular in the 1920s) and is now a venue for a largely local crowd of musicians and events. Come here for a relaxed evening of music, and perhaps a few more drinks (there is a bar). I’ve sung several concerts at the Philmore with Heartland Sings, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the stylish atmosphere and generous, but not overwhelming, size.

 

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Casa Ristorante Italiano + Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

Casa Ristorante Italiano is a local staple. Fort Wayners love it for the homey atmosphere and hearty, homestyle Italian cooking. I can vouch for their delicious salads and truly spectacular chocolate cake.

Right across the street from Casa’s Parnell St. location, you’ll find the sprawling Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. If a big celebrity singer is coming to town, they will likely be performing at the Memorial Coliseum. I sang with Barry Manilow at the Memorial Coliseum a few years back, and it is an enormous stage with a lot of energy!

Check the schedule and see if your favorite band or singer is coming here soon.

Note: This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.