The Flippin Cow

The Flippin Cow

Rooster and I have paid many visits to The Flippin Cow. Therefore, I have mentioned this restaurant in previous blogs I’ve penned about our visits to Elkhart, Indiana. I decided to write a review about this restaurant now that businesses are reopening due to closures during COVID-19’s social distancing. #Flippin Cow #Elkhart #Indiana #Simoton Lake #Maui Wowie #Smoked Bacon Brisket Grilled Cheese

“I’ve had enough of this. We need to get out of here,” Rooster said after he finished working on one of his projects. We both knew where we wanted to go. So, The Flippin Cow in Elkhart, Indiana, became our adventure destination. Businesses across the state of Indiana are opening their doors, but Rooster and I have been staying home. The world is a scary place for old people these days. A killer virus is out to infect us, there is rioting in the streets, and not to mention the murder hornets and sandstorms from the Sahara Desert. Still. We need to venture out into the world since we’re too young to retire. In any event, we’ll need to go back to work soon, so we might as well jump back into life with a trip to The Flippin Cow in Elkhart, Indiana.

 

How we discovered the Flippin Cow

The eating establishment on the banks of Simoton Lake is one of Rooster and my favorite places to dine in the Elkhart area. The restaurant was recommended to us by an employee at the local Indian motorcycle dealership. We asked if they had any recommendations about where we could find a good meal in the area. The mechanic suggested The Flippin Cow. Indeed, Rooster and I were happy he did. We enjoyed a fantastic hamburger while watching boats out on the lake. We have returned many times, but not since COVID-19 brought all of our lives to a screeching halt.

 

History of the Flippin Cow

The Flippin Cow was built in 2000 on the banks of Simoton Lake and operated under the name of Robie’s. Then the restaurant became The Sandbar for a short time in 2002. It was known as the Lakeshore Grill from 2002 until 2012 when Cam Snyder purchased the establishment. He developed the idea of creating a burger bar with the only lakefront dining in the Elkhart area. Thus, the Flippin Cow was born. Rooster and I are glad the man came up with the idea. We make the trip north to the Flippin Cow regularly. During the writing of this blog, Rooster suggested we go to the Flippin Cow today for a Maui Wowie. My husband can’t get enough of the place.

 

What we ordered on our visit

Rooster and I didn’t think about calling ahead to see if The Flippin Cow opened up due to the COVID-19 closure. We traveled the 107 miles with the hope of getting a good hamburger in the back of our minds. We stopped at the Indian Motorcycle dealer in Elkhart to check out the new bikes. Unfortunately, we can’t afford a new Indian, but it’s always fun to window shop. Therefore, our hearts soared when we pulled into a full parking lot at the Flippin Cow, knowing they had opened for business. We might go home without a motorcycle, but at least we’d leave Elkhart with a full stomach. A smiling face server greeted us at the door and showed us to a table in a dining area with wide-open screens, letting in the cool breeze off the lake.

Ethan Paterson brought us our menus. It’s rumored young people aren’t returning to work because of the extra six-hundred dollars they are making from unemployment. The Flippin Cow will have Ethan until August because he goes back to attend classes at a university in Indianapolis. This personable young man made our visit to the Flippin Cow an enjoyable experience. Ethan provided efficient and friendly service. Plus, he had an exciting story about returning to school in the middle of the pandemic.  Rooster ordered the Maui Wowie, but I decided to be adventurous and order the Smoked Bacon Brisket Grilled Cheese. Both of our sandwiches were excellent.

Mollys personal restaurant rating system

A score of five being the best and one the worst.

Food quality- The Flippin Cow receives a five. The food tasted as good as it did before COVID-19.

Cost- Rooster didn’t complain, so the Flippin Cow gets a five here as well.

Atmosphere- Rooster and I love to dine by the water. Even though we sat in the backroom, it felt like we were outside on the lake, only without the bugs because of the large open screened window. The Flippin Cow gets a five here.

Service-Ethan was the best. I rate the service as a five.

Cleanliness- This restaurant practiced all of the suggestions made to keep its customers safe. The restroom was spotless. They even went to the trouble of installing new tabletops to ensure proper sanitation. This restaurant rates five for its cleanliness.

Décor- A meal at The Flippin Cow is always a fascinating experience. It is like eating on the lake even if you come in the middle of winter. I loved the bicycle hanging from the ceiling. I give it a five here as well.

In Conclusion

What can I say? We love the place. Rooster even brought a new passenger home with us. The miniature wooden cow will go in our collection. If you are ever in the Elkhart, Indiana area stop by the Flippin Cow for a hamburger. Tell them The Henhouse Lady sent you.

 

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana, who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures click here.

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