If you’re driving down I-74 between Indianapolis and Cincinnati, it’s easy to blink and miss the turn-off for Batesville. That would be a mistake. Right in the center of town sits a building that looks like it was plucked out of a Bavarian village and dropped into the Indiana cornfields.
The Sherman.
Most people still call it the Sherman House Restaurant Batesville Indiana, though the name technically shortened a few years back. It’s a massive, half-timbered Tudor structure that feels heavy with history. You can almost smell the centuries of sauerbraten and woodsmoke before you even pull into the gravel lot.
Honestly, the place has a vibe that’s hard to replicate. It’s not a corporate "themed" restaurant. It’s the real deal, dating back to 1852.
But there’s a lot of confusion about what’s actually going on with the place these days. Is it open? Is it a hotel? Do they still serve that legendary fried chicken? Let’s get into the weeds of what makes this Indiana landmark tick and why it’s managed to survive when so many other historic inns crumbled.
The Civil War Connection (And Why the Name Changed)
A lot of folks assume the place was always called The Sherman. It wasn't. When German immigrant Johann Brinkmann built it in 1852, he called it the Brinkmann House. It was a modest frame building geared toward people coming off the railroad.
Then the Civil War happened.
In 1865, Brinkmann renamed the hotel to honor General William Tecumseh Sherman and the 83rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry. It was a patriotic move that stuck for over 150 years. Imagine the stories those yellow poplar girders could tell—some of them are 90 feet long and still holding up the structure today.
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The 2015 Scare
For a while there, we almost lost it. In January 2015, the Sherman House abruptly closed. The town was devastated. It felt like the heart of Batesville had stopped beating.
For two years, the building sat quiet.
Thankfully, Georg Heringer, a developer with actual Bavarian roots, stepped in. He saw the potential that others missed. He didn't just slap a coat of paint on it; he did a full-scale restoration. He brought back the 1953 murals by Harold Hancock and updated the 22 boutique rooms to actually be, well, comfortable.
What’s the Current Status?
As of 2026, the status of the Sherman has been a bit of a rollercoaster. There was some chatter recently about the property being back on the market. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, there were reports of potential buyers and redevelopment plans for the surrounding "Bier Hall" and factory space.
Basically, the hotel and restaurant are still operating, but the ownership situation has been fluid. Mayor John Irrgang has been vocal about keeping it a "cornerstone" of the community.
If you're planning a trip, it's always smart to call ahead, but the Sherman House Restaurant Batesville Indiana remains the town's primary "gathering place of generations."
The Layout You Need to Know
The building is a bit of a maze. You've got:
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- The 1852 Historic Dining Room: This is where you go for the "fancy" dinner. Think white tablecloths and those incredible hand-painted murals of Vienna.
- The Black Forest Bar: Dark wood, cozy, and perfect for a pint of German lager.
- The Biergarten & Bier Hall: This is the newer addition (circa 2019). It’s more casual, often has live music, and feels like a genuine German festival.
The Food: What to Actually Order
Let's talk about the menu. If you go to a German-inspired inn in rural Indiana and order a Caesar salad, that's on you.
You go here for the heavy hitters.
The Sherman Slammer is the local legend. It’s shaved roast beef, bacon, and melted horseradish cheddar on rye. It comes with au jus that’s salty enough to cure a hangover. It’s messy. It’s glorious.
Then there’s the German fare. The schnitzel is consistently solid, but don't sleep on the liver and onions. I know, I know—liver is polarizing. But people drive from three counties away specifically for the way they prep it here. It’s tender, not grainy, and smothered in enough onions to make you forget you're eating organ meat.
The Raspberry Festival Legacy
Older Hoosiers probably remember the Raspberry Festival they used to hold every July. While the massive festivals of the 90s have evolved, you can still find nods to that heritage on the dessert menu. If there’s Black Forest cake available, get it.
The "Haunted" Reputation
Is it haunted? Depends on who you ask.
The Sherman has been around since before the Civil War ended, so it’s seen some things. Local lore talks about the "Old Woman in the Rocking Chair" and the sound of footsteps in the hallways late at night.
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Some guests in the upstairs boutique rooms have reported hearing music when no one is playing any. Whether it's ghosts or just the sound of a 170-year-old building settling, it adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place where you want to stay in Room 20 or 21 just to see if the rumors are true.
Why This Place Actually Matters
In a world of Applebee’s and Marriott Courtyards, the Sherman is an anomaly. It’s a survivor.
It represents the German-American backbone of Southeast Indiana. Batesville exists because of the furniture industry and the railroad, but the Sherman provided the social glue. It’s where deals were signed and where every local kid had their graduation dinner.
You don't just go there for a meal; you go there to sit inside a piece of living history.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're making the trek to the Sherman House Restaurant Batesville Indiana, here’s the game plan:
- Book a Room: The 22 boutique rooms are all different. No cookie-cutter layouts. Ask for one with the original timber beams exposed.
- Check the Biergarten Schedule: In the warmer months, the outdoor area is where the energy is. They often have local bands that turn the whole downtown into a party.
- Don't Rush: This isn't fast food. The service is friendly, but it’s "small-town Indiana" speed. Relax. Order a Paulaner.
- Explore Downtown: You’re within walking distance of Liberty Park and some decent local shopping. Batesville is surprisingly walkable for a town its size.
The Sherman isn't perfect. No 170-year-old building is. It’s drafty in spots, the ownership changes can be confusing, and the menu sometimes struggles to balance "old world" with "modern palate." But honestly? That’s why it’s worth visiting. It’s authentic, it’s weird, and it’s uniquely Indiana.
Next time you're on the highway, take the exit. Grab a Sherman Slammer. Sit under those Hancock murals and just soak it in. Places like this won't be around forever, so appreciate them while they're still serving.
Check the official website for current kitchen hours before you head out, as they can shift depending on the season and staffing. If you're coming with a large group, the private dining rooms (like the Rhine Room) are worth booking in advance.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify current dining hours via The-Sherman.com before traveling.
- Call 812-934-1000 to inquire about specific weekend live music lineups in the Biergarten.
- Request a tour of the historic murals if the dining room isn't at peak capacity; the staff is usually happy to share the history.