Veteran-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in the Midwest

by The OpenTable Team

Updated February 10, 2023

Celebrate the diversity of the restaurant industry! These Veteran-owned and -operated restaurants are proud to share their identity — explore spots to support near you.

Panka Peruvian Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (36)

$30 and under

Peruvian

Des Moines

About the restaurant

Peruvian flavors are among the most distinctive in the world. Aji Amarillo peppers add indescribable flavors to many of the most popular Peruvian dishes, over 3,000 colorful varieties of potato are native to Peru, with almost 500 national dishes.
Panka Peruvian Restaurant serves traditional Peruvian dishes being the Lomo saltado the most popular, part Criollo, part Chifa, Criollo meaning mixed influenced, and Chifa is the cuisine in Peru, which blends influences of Chinese ingredients.
At Panka Peruvian Restaurant we like to make you feel like a family like we do in Peru and tell you about our culture and food.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

We’ve been to Panka several times and loved it every time. It’s a cozy, romantic atmosphere with amazing food, cocktails, and wine selection.

Anteprima

4.7

4.7 (3382)

$31 to $50

Italian

Andersonville

About the restaurant

Anteprima's regionally inspired, rustic cooking comes from recipes we've learned in homes throughout Italy. We search the finest ingredients obtainable, buying from local and organic producers whenever possible. Buon appetito!

Top review

RobertM

Dined 7 days ago

Dependably good service, good food, and great drinks. A neighborhood gem

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4.7

4.7 (968)

$30 and under

Vietnamese

West Loop

About the restaurant

Listed as one of the Best New Restaurants by Chicago Magazine, Saigon Sisters Restaurant has captured the attention of both the Chicago food media and dining public with its uniquely innovative approach to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. For lunch, Saigon Sisters is a quick and easy casual stop for traditional and updated Vietnamese street food including: popular pho, banh mi, banh bao and spring rolls.

For dinner, Saigon Sisters offers full-service dining experience with modern culinary flair to the classic Vietnamese street food recipes of owner Mary Nguyen Aregoni. With "downtown" hip, minimalist interior and walls exhibiting original works by local contemporary artists, the unique Asian dining spot goes one step further by offering an impressive beverage selection including wines, artisanal beers, sake and specialty signature cocktails.

Top review

RebeccaP

Dined 1 day ago

Such a friendly place with excellent service and the best Vietnamese food in Chicago!

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Popular dish

Vietnamese Ramen

Neat Kitchen + Bar

4.6

4.6 (673)

$30 and under

American

Westmont

About the restaurant

Neat Kitchen + Bar is just as its name implies, a restaurant and bar. It offers distinctly New American dishes served alongside a wonderful array of craft cocktails, craft beers or choices from our wine list. Open for lunch and dinner, Neat Kitchen + Bar is a modern and hip spot for families, groups of friends or colleagues to gather.

The menu at Neat Kitchen + Bar features an array of wonderful options. From the poutine to the green chili that features tomatillos, slow cooked pork and herbs to the short rib with parsnip puree and black pepper porter demi, diners will find something to delight their palates.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Great menu, lots of variety. Excellent service and quality.

The Parched Pug

4.2

4.2 (75)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Mundelein / Vernon Hills / Libertyville

About the restaurant

We're a fun gastropub for humans with great drink, food and games. We also help our best friends by partnering with local animal rescues in the Libertyville area.

Come experience Lake county's first self-pour craft beer, wine, and cocktail wall! In addition, we offer upscale pub food and family-fun games, including Nanoputt™ and a library of over 200 new and traditional board games.

Join us on our 1900 sqft pet-friendly patio! Bring your dog and let them enjoy a treat on the deck while you relax by the waterfall.

Top review

MarieG

Dined on Nov 17, 2023

Such a fun place with plenty of seating and lots of weekly activities

African Soul

1.0

1 (1)

$30 and under

African

Hanson Park

About the restaurant

COME TASTE AND SEE AFRICA, AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME. WE HAVE WONDERFUL STARTERS INCLUDING PEANUT STEW, OKRA STEW AND MANY MORE. OUR ENTREES ARE EGUSI AND GREENS AND RICE WITH YOUR CHOICE OF MASTERFULLY COOKED MEATS. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES ONE MEAL AND DRINK AND A SPECTACULAR SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Market Table - The Alexander

4.2

4.2 (200)

$50 and over

American

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Market Table will be open for Thanksgiving Day November 23rd, 11 am-3 pm.

Top review

HeidiW

Dined on Nov 23, 2023

The food was delicious. The staff was friendly and very attentive. We enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving at Market Table.

9th Street Bistro

4.9

4.9 (618)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Noblesville

About the restaurant

Neighborhood Bistro offering a diverse menu inspired by seasonal and local ingredients, our small dining room of just nine tables and four bar seats boasts exposed brick & original hardwood floors. Chef Samir & his wife Rachel welcome diners into this intimate space in the heart of Old Town Noblesville.

With a menu that changes every one to two months, a full bar with an ecclectic wine list, craft cocktails & mocktails and local beers on tap, we encourage you to try something new at every visit.

Our concept is globally-inspired Bistro fare - we draw inspiration from our own world travels and places on our bucket list to create dishes that will nourish your body and soul. We care deeply about food and where it comes from. We use fresh, local ingredients whenever it is practical, and make nearly everything from scratch. We are excited to share our food and hospitality with the Noblesville community!

Please Note our HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: 9thstbistro.com/holidays

Top review

ExecCoachvip

Dined 2 days ago

Perfect in every way! The place was jumping Wednesday night- food as always was amazing- we scored... Fried Thing of the Week was brussel sprouts- yummy. Per usual- team is friendly attentive. The best little bistro!

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Popular dish

Apple Cake

Experience

The Ramen Shop: Pop-Up at the Bistro

Iron Horse Bar & Grill - Leawood

4.5

4.5 (93)

$30 and under

American

Leawood

About the restaurant

We reserve approximatley 20% of our tables allowing most seating for Walk-In guests!!!

American Style Scratch Cook Kitchen in a Upscale Casual Dining, High Energy Environment. The eating place "Where Great Food Meets a Great Time," offering LIVE Entertainment 5 Nights week. Others call themselves scratch cook kitchens, but like we always say “You Can’t Fake Fresh

*** PLEASE NOTE WE TRY TO ONLY RESERVE AROUND 20% OF TABLES TO SAVE ROOM FOR WALK IN GUEST. IF YOU DO NOT SEE A RESERVATION AVAILABLE AT YOUR SELECTED TIME PLEASE CALL THE RESTARAUNT FOR SEATING OR WALK IN***

Top review

MikeG

Dined 5 days ago

As always, the service is top notch! Our food came out pretty quick as well. We had a party of 7 and the server was on top of everything. What I love most is, other servers walking by would always stop to ask how we were doing. Will come back here again and again!

HopCat - Detroit

4.4

4.4 (48)

$30 and under

American

Detroit

About the restaurant

Opened on December 13, 2014 (yes, 12/13/14!) in a historic building at the corner of Woodward and Canfield. The Huma Room on the second floor features half of a black 1973 Cadillac Fleetwood mounted behind the wall and an outdoor patio. Located on Woodward Ave, it's easy to jump on the QLine or walk down to Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, or Ford Field.

HopCat was founded on the principles of bringing local craft beer a bit closer to the communities we love. We’re known for our award-wining Cosmik fries, which are beer battered, sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning, and served with a side of warm cheese sauce. From burgers to tacos, our menu offers a range of delicious options.

We live the craft lifestyle - beer, cocktails and even craft food made from scratch. With a dedication to local breweries, sustainability and community engagement, HopCat offers craft beer and great food in a vibrant atmosphere for an inclusive, unforgettable experience.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 30, 2023

It was my first time trying this place and i must say i love everything about it. I got the cowboy burger and will be coming back for another one.

Three Cats Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (375)

$31 to $50

American

Royal Oak

About the restaurant

Three Cats serves American-style cuisine in the form of small plates. Created by Mary Liz Curtin and the late Matt Prentice, Three Cats brings magical menus and delightful dishes to life in a modern and engaging space. The space includes a greeting card shop as well as Michigan and Detroit merchandise.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

Great place for brunch on a Sunday ( it’s so hard to find nice brunch places ) . The staff is friendly and the food is tasty and well presented ! This place will bring a different experience for all ages ! It’s unique !

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Popular dish

Tomato Stack

Popular dish

Smoked Salmon Flatbread

Rudbeckia Winery and Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery

4.6

4.6 (31)

$30 and under

Brewery

Petoskey

About the restaurant

**Now Accepting Igloo Reservations **
We are a brewery, distillery, winery, cidery and kitchen on a beautiful 190-acre farm in Northern Michigan. We're a welcoming place for people of all ages to enjoy community, fun & hospitality in a very special setting. Walk-ins are welcome. We make food & drink uniquely tied to our land. We have over 100 seats on our outside patio. Regulation Bocce Court. Large Group Pavilions.

Conveniently located on South Side of Petoskey of 31 south - Less than 2 miles from Bay Harbor.

Largest Beer/Wine Garden in Northern Michigan - 150 acres.

Verified Brewery Venue on Untappd, Member of the Petoskey Wine Region and the Michigan Brewers Guild.

Call to ask us about Boondocking.

Top review

BethP

Dined on Dec 10, 2022

Our most favorite place to visit while up north. The absolute best owners and staff and I love their beers! Plus they have fabulous Christmas tree ornaments!

Iron Bay Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (128)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Marquette

About the restaurant

Experience excellent food, service, & atmosphere in one of Marquette's most iconic & historic locations!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Brought my grandmother and baby here and the staff were very patient. Food was great!

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4.7

4.7 (261)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Elk River

About the restaurant

Tipsy Chicken is a locally owned and operated scratch kitchen restaurant and bar in Elk River. Here at Tipsy Chicken we will be providing predominantly organic ingredients in our craft cocktails and fun farm style dishes. Serving chicken that is certified organic and certified humane. Freshly squeezing juices daily for our unique twists on tasty cocktails. We strive to offer delicious, healthy and safe food everyone can feel good about in a world full of pesticides, genetically modified and artificially produced everything. Join us Saturdays and Sundays for a delicious and unique brunch menu from 9AM-2PM, Regular menu begins again at 2

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Sep 23, 2023

We came at five pm for Saturday dinner with spouse and two kids. Lovely service, lovely clean food, lovely ambience. Nice beverage choices too. We’ll return for sure. Thank you Tipsy Chicken.

Asador del Sur

4.6

4.6 (553)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Maplewood

About the restaurant

Introducing a unique jewel of Latin American
cuisine here in the Midwest.
Our South American food lovers family comes from Uruguay, Ecuador, but our roots are from everywhere Portugal, Argentina, Brazil bringing an exquisite experience along with a fine selection of Uruguayan Famous wineries and its unique Tannat grapes offering the perfect pair, along with many special Argentinian and Chilean wines with the typical gaucho meat cuts and season with salt in our open fire charbroiled “Asador” accompanied with our famous chimichurri sauce.

Our menu is a blend of carefully planned, but simple dishes made with the best ingredients. Our food is down to earth, much like our atmosphere, creating a relaxing environment where memories are made.” For reservations with stair restrictions please call the restaurant at 314-802-8587 for accommodations.

Top review

DanielC

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

We went for brunch on new year’s day. They’re brunch menu options are diverse, but not overwhelming. Everyone raved about the food quality. We would definitely return.

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Popular dish

Entraña Skirt Steak

Mouth of the South - Old Market

4.5

4.5 (150)

$30 and under

Southern

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mouth of The South, a Southern Restaurant bringing delicious southern flavor to the wonderful area of Omaha, NE. Whether you are craving Southern Cuisine to Cajun Food, we've got mouthwatering steak, seafood, po boys, burgers, gumbo, soups, salads, bar drinks, patio seating & more for everyone in the family to enjoy! If you're looking for a Scratch Kitchen & you're in the mood for Southern food, then Mouth of The South is the perfect place for you, families, or for take out! We'd love to serve you!

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Nov 25, 2023

Great food, great service, very pleasant surprise!

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Taste Of Heaven (Brunch & Bistro)

4.8

4.8 (6)

$30 and under

Soul food

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

When the city's premier lounge and one of the most sought after food trucks team up, a whole vibe is created and Soul Food Sunday Brunch is what you get.

What better way to make your Sunday complete, than having a soul food inspired BRUNCH. Add to that, live music, DJ's, spoken word, comedy, mimosas, hookah and you have Omaha's best choice for spending your Sunday afternoon.

Book your reservation, Bring your friends and family and Be ready for food and a fun time.

Top review

PamelaW

Dined on May 14, 2023

This restaurant is a definite, yes. The food is unbelievably good especially the green beans. We plan to go back for sure!

Alfio's buon cibo

4.9

4.9 (2966)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hyde Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Alfio's Buon Cibo, an award-winning Italian restaurant located in the heart of Hyde Park Square.

Chef Alfio Gulisano leads our chef-driven kitchen and he's dedicated to providing you with the highest quality ingredients, expertly prepared to perfection.
Our menu boasts hand-cut steaks, fresh pasta, and Argentinian flavors that are the perfect touch to Alfio's cooking style.
Pair your meal with one of our 350+ bottles of wine, expertly curated by our three in-house sommeliers.
And don't forget to save room for our house-made desserts and "Chef's Blend" Coffee.

Top off your experience with one of our expertly crafted cocktails, such as the classic Negroni or our Mixologist signature Maple Manhattan. Our upscale atmosphere is perfect for romantic nights out or celebratory dinners with friends and family.

For a high-end steakhouse alternative, Alfio's Buon Cibo is the obvious choice. Come dine with us and experience the best Italian cuisine in Cincinnati.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Anniversary dinner, had wonderful food and very professional service. Reasonably priced for the ambiance, and food level!

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Popular dish

Lobster and Crab Ravioli

4.6

4.6 (2912)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Four simple words comprise Prime Restaurant Cincinnati mission statement
A passion to serve.
It is our sole desire that everything, and we mean everything, that arrives at your table at Prime Restaurants delights you. To that end, we use only the finest, freshest ingredients, masterfully prepared in recipes designed to engage all of your senses.
We invite you to experience steakhouse and seafood dining at its finest, extensive wine selection and outstanding service.
____________________________

Reservations Recommended

Top review

Bubbavip

Dined 2 days ago

Prime is a wonderful restaurant for a pre-theater dinner experience. From the valet parking to the excellently prepared prix-fixe dinners (pork chop and filet) to the festive holiday decorations, everything was perfect.

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Street City Urban Gourmet

4.1

4.1 (575)

$30 and under

American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

We are open!

We offer Carryout and Delivery options including:

Toast App:
https://www.toasttab.com/street-city-pub-hyplz/v2/online-order#!/order

Top review

JoeW

Dined 3 days ago

Really enjoy this resteraunt, pre performance at the Arnoff easy to get to off 75 parking readily available. Service is always fantastic servers know us by name. Food is always very good.

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UrbanStead Cheese Curds

BrightSide-Cleveland

3.9

3.9 (61)

$30 and under

American

Ohio City

About the restaurant

Delicious & nutritious.

Chef Andrew Bower and Kyle Fioretti.

We source all seasonal produce and meats fresh from local, organic Northeast Ohio farms. And every component of every dish is made from scratch using the highest-quality ingredients. Located by the Cleveland staple, The Westside Market. Our atmosphere brings you light, bright and chic accents with a bit of pizzaz. Our extensive wine list features standouts and a captains list of special flavors exclusive to our location.

HOURS:

Wed-Thurs: 4pm-12am
Fri: 4pm-2:30am
Sat: 11am-2:30am
Sun: 11am-6pm

VISIT:

1948 W 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 274-1010

*Reservations available for groups of 10 or more

Top review

KristenW

Dined on Nov 4, 2023

Had a wonderful time and the staff was fantastic! Will be back

Famous Dave's - La Crosse

4.5

4.5 (12)

$30 and under

American

La Crosse

About the restaurant

Famous Dave's is in La Crosse, and has a reputation for its award-winning BBQ. It is also popular because of the quality of the ingredients with almost all dishes being made from scratch. Though the menu at Famous Dave's in La Crosse does emphasize the tasty BBQ options, it is not limited just to the famous ribs. There are chicken and pork selections in addition to alternatives like soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and an array of build your own feasts and combo plates. Kids enjoy a menu of their own and the homemade dessert selections are also one of the reasons for the ongoing success of Famous Dave's in La Crosse.

Top review

DaveC

Dined on Mar 8, 2020

One of my favorite places to go. Can't say enough good things about.

The Mecca

3.6

3.6 (442)

$30 and under

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

We are THE place to watch sports in Milwaukee! Located in the new Fiserv Forum Entertainment District we have recreated the live in-game experience with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment that will make you feel like you are there! The centerpiece of the experience is a 42 foot wide Ultra High Definition screen. Our menu has been created by a team of talented chefs that elevates sports bar fare to a whole new level.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 27, 2023

It was an awesome experience, especially with two small kids. Only issue was food timing requests were not followed and they forgot our appetizer and brought it with entrees instead. Otherwise server Jack was great.

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