A Taste of Tradition: Discover The Brown House in Auburn, Indiana

The Brown House Introduce

The Brown House is more than just a place to grab a cone; it's a cherished local institution located right in the heart of Auburn, Indiana. For decades, this charming spot has been a go-to destination for families, friends, and anyone with a craving for classic American food and delightful ice cream. What started as a simple hot dog stand has grown into a beloved community fixture, proudly serving multiple generations of Hoosiers. The Brown House has a rich history rooted in the local community, making it a true gem. The current owners, Parker and Erica Klein, who both have hospitality degrees from Purdue University, have lovingly maintained its traditions while also introducing new and exciting menu items. This unique blend of old and new is exactly what makes The Brown House special.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the welcoming atmosphere and the red cherry sign that has become a familiar landmark. The menu offers a wide variety of options, from savory to sweet, ensuring there's something for every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a decadent dessert, The Brown House has you covered. They have earned a reputation for their quality ingredients and house-made specialties, from their hand-breaded tenderloins to their custom “dirty sodas.” It's a place where you can create new memories while honoring the traditions that have made it a local favorite for years.

The Brown House is located at 100 E Ensley Ave, Auburn, IN 46706, USA. Its location is easily accessible for both locals and those passing through the area. While some customers have noted that the drive-thru and parking lot can be a little tricky, they all agree that it's worth the small inconvenience. There's on-site parking available for customers, making it convenient for those who wish to walk up to the window or enjoy their treats at the outdoor seating. The restaurant’s spot on East Ensley Avenue places it in a convenient part of town, not far from other local attractions and businesses. Its walk-in, drive-in, and drive-up classification makes it a versatile and easy option for a quick bite or a relaxed outing.

The Brown House is more than just a destination; it's also a part of the rich culinary culture of Indiana. It has been recognized as a stop on several of the Indiana Foodways Alliance's trails, including the "Tenderloin Lovers Trail," the "Soda-licious Trail™," and the "I Scream for Ice Cream Trail™." This recognition speaks to the quality and unique offerings that the restaurant provides, making it a true highlight of the state's food scene. The owners, who took over in 2019, are committed to keeping this legacy alive, ensuring that The Brown House remains a delicious and dependable part of the Auburn community for years to come.

The Brown House offers a diverse range of services to cater to every kind of craving. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

Dine-In and Drive-Thru: The restaurant operates as a classic walk-up, drive-in, and drive-up American fare eatery, offering both windows for ordering and outdoor seating for those who want to relax. There is no indoor seating. The drive-thru is a popular option for customers on the go.
Full Menu and Specials: Beyond their famous ice cream, The Brown House serves a wide array of meals, including burgers, hand-breaded tenderloins, coney dogs, and dinner baskets. They also feature daily and weekly specials, such as Coney Dog Wednesday, Hamburger Thursday, and rotating specials on Fridays and Saturdays. They have also been known to offer special items like mac and cheese bites and chicken parmesan sandwiches.
Auburn Handcrafted Ice Cream Co.: The Brown House is home to Auburn Handcrafted Ice Cream Co., a local, super-premium, small-batch ice cream company. Their ever-changing flavors are available in pints, offering a unique and high-quality dessert experience. This is in addition to their classic soft-serve custard, shakes, malts, floats, and sundaes.
Custom Drinks and "Dirty Pops": The shop has a large selection of custom sodas and "dirty pops," which are sodas mixed with various syrups and creams. Customers can create their own combinations or try popular concoctions like a Coca-Cola with chocolate. They also have a popular "Indiana Sunburn" shake, a specialty made with vanilla custard, strawberries, and lemonade.
Foodmobile: The Brown House also operates a Foodmobile, a food truck available for private and public events in DeKalb and Noble counties. This allows them to bring their delicious food, fountain drinks, and handcrafted ice cream to special occasions, from parties to charity events, with customizable menu options.

The Brown House is known for several unique features and highlights that set it apart from other local eateries. Here are a few things that make this place special:

Rich History: The Brown House has been a staple in Auburn since 1949. Originally a hot dog stand, it has evolved over the years while maintaining its small-town charm and commitment to quality. The building sits on the site of the old weighing scales for the Hoodelmeier Coal Company, adding a touch of historical significance.
Handcrafted and House-Made Items: A significant highlight is their commitment to house-made food. The hand-breaded tenderloins, house-made pork BBQ, and custom coney sauce are all fan favorites. The handcrafted ice cream from Auburn Handcrafted Ice Cream Co. further emphasizes their dedication to creating high-quality, unique products for their customers.
Dog-Friendly Atmosphere: For pet owners, The Brown House is a welcoming place. They are dog-friendly and have outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal with your leashed pup. They even offer special "pup cups" for their four-legged visitors, making it a great spot for the entire family.
Famous Crushed Ice: According to local lore, The Brown House has the "best ice in DeKalb County." Their crushed ice is a popular feature in their fountain drinks and "dirty pops," adding a refreshing touch that customers rave about.
Unique Dessert Options: In addition to traditional ice cream, they offer a wide range of specialty desserts, including "Duesies" (custard blended with toppings), floats, and unique loaded brownies. The variety of sweet treats ensures that every visit can be a new and exciting experience.

For more information or to place an order, you can contact The Brown House using the following details:

Address: 100 E Ensley Ave, Auburn, IN 46706, USA
Phone: (260) 925-2466

The Brown House is an ideal choice for locals in Indiana for several reasons. First and foremost, it's a place steeped in tradition and history. Many residents have grown up with The Brown House, and it serves as a nostalgic and comforting reminder of their childhoods. The continuity of its presence in the community, from its days as a hot dog stand to its modern-day offerings, makes it a true local treasure.

Its diverse menu, which includes both savory American classics and an extensive list of desserts, makes it a perfect stop for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a simple ice cream treat after a long day, The Brown House has something to satisfy everyone. The fact that it's part of the Indiana Foodways trails also highlights its role in the state's unique culinary landscape, making it a destination that all Hoosiers can be proud of.

Finally, The Brown House's commitment to quality, from its handcrafted ice cream to its house-made sandwiches, ensures that locals are getting a premium product from a business that truly cares about its community. It's a friendly, professional, and delicious place that perfectly captures the spirit of a small-town Indiana eatery.

The Brown House Vibe

Regular Hours - Beverages
Ice Water US$0.50
Large Drink (20oz) US$2.25
Coca-cola products with our famous crushed ice the best ice in dekalb county
Med Drink (16oz) US$1.75
Small Drink (12oz) US$1.75
Coca-cola products with our famous crushed ice the best ice in dekalb county
Super Cup Of Ice US$0.75
Super Drink (32oz) US$3.00
Coca-cola products with our famous crushed ice the best ice in dekalb county

Regular Hours - Burgers & Sandwiches
BLT US$5.00
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato served on toast.
Breaded Chx Sandwich US$5.00
Breaded Chicken Filet served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... so you choose what you would like on it,.
Breaded Tenderloin US$7.50
Handbreaded Tenderloin served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... so you choose what you would like on it.
Buffalo Chicken US$5.75
Breaded Chicken Filet topped with Mozzarella Cheese and Buffalo sauce served on a toasted bun.
Burger US$5.50
Our 1/4 pound burger served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... you choose what you would like on it.
Chicken Bacon Ranch US$7.00
Breaded Chicken Filet topped with mozzarella cheese, bacon, and ranch served on a toasted bun.
Chicken Parmesan US$6.00
Breaded Chicken Filet topped with mozzarella & marinara served on a toasted bun.
Double Burger US$8.00
Two of our 1/4 pound burgers served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... you choose what you would like on it.
Fish N' Chips US$9.00
2 pieces of fried cod served with a handful of fries.
Fish Sandwich US$7.50
2 pieces of fried cod served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain.. so you choose what you would like on it.
Grilled Cheese US$3.00
Classic Grilled Cheese! Sandwich comes plain... so you choose what you would like on it.
Grilled Chx Sandwich US$7.00
Grilled Chicken Filet served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... you choose what you would like on it.
Grilled Tenderloin US$7.50
Grilled Tenderloin served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... so you choose what you would like on it.
Ham Sandwich US$4.25
Ham Sandwich served either on toast or toasted bun, your choice. Sandwich comes plain... so you choose what you would like on it.
Pizza Burger US$6.00
An itlalian seasoned burger topped with mozzarella cheese. Served on a toasted bun. You choose if you would like any additonal toppings.
Pork BBQ US$5.50
Our hosuemade pulled pork BBQ served on a toasted bun. Sandwich comes plain... so you choose what you would like on it.
BH Melt US$8.00
Smash Burger - Cheese - Grilled Onion - Bacon - Brown House Sauce - On Toast

Regular Hours - Custard
Baby Custard US$2.75
Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist of creamy soft serve custard.
Large Custard US$4.00
Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist of creamy soft serve custard.
Medium Custard US$3.25
Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist of creamy soft serve custard.
Pint Custard US$7.00
16oz of our Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist of creamy soft serve custard.
Pup Cup US$2.50
Vanilla Soft Serve Custard served with a Bone!
Quart Custard US$10.00
32oz of our Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist of creamy soft serve custard.
Small Custard US$2.75
Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist of creamy soft serve custard.

Regular Hours - Dinner Baskets
Chicken Strip Basket US$11.00
4 Chicken Strips, Fries, Cole Slaw, Dinner Roll and your choice of dipping sauce.
Fish Basket US$11.00
3 pieces of fried Cod, Fries, Cole Slaw, Dinner Roll and your choice of dipping sauce.
Shrimp Basket US$11.00
6 Butterfly Fried Shrimp, Fries, Cole Slaw, Dinner Roll and your choice of dipping sauce.
Seafood Basket US$14.00
Basket includes: Grouper, Shrimp, Scallops, and Hushpuppies. Served with Fries and Cole Slaw.

Regular Hours - Dogs
Coney Dog US$2.75
Grilled Hot Dog, Mustard, our housemade Coney Sauce, & Chopped Onions served on a steamed bun. (Wednesday- Coneys are our special. $2 each)
Corn Dog US$2.75
Hot dog coated with a homestyle, honey-sweetened cornbread batter friend for a golden brown finish. (tuesday's corn dogs are our special. $2 each)
Hot Dog US$2.75
Grilled Hot Dog on a steamed bun. (Wednesdays- Hot Dogs are our special. $2 each)
Sauce Bun US$2.75
Our housemade coney sauce served on a steamed bun. (Wednesday- Sauce Buns are our special. $2 each)
Spanish Dog US$2.75
Grilled Hot Dog with our housemade Coney Sauce served on a steamed bun. (Wednesday- Spanish Dogs are our special. $2 each)

Regular Hours - Duesy
Large Duesy US$8.00
Custard blended with your choice of topping or candy. (Served in 20oz cup)
Medium Duesy US$7.00
Custard blended with your choice of topping or candy. (Served in 16oz cup)
Small Duesy US$6.00
Custard blended with your choice of topping or candy. (Served in 12oz cup)

Regular Hours - Floats
Large Float US$5.00
Creamy vanilla soft serve custard topped with pop of your choice.
Medium Float US$4.50
Creamy vanilla soft serve custard topped with pop of your choice.
Small Float US$4.00
Creamy vanilla soft serve custard topped with pop of your choice.
Super Float US$8.00
Creamy vanilla soft serve custard topped with pop of your choice.

Regular Hours - Old-Fashioned
Large Old Fashioned US$5.00
Your favorite flavor mixed with soda water and vanilla custard. Topped with more custard and soda water. Kind of like a float. (20oz)
Medium Old Fashioned US$4.50
Your favorite flavor mixed with soda water and vanilla custard. Topped with more custard and soda water. Kind of like a float. (16oz)
Small Old Fashioned US$4.00
Your favorite flavor mixed with soda water and vanilla custard. Topped with more custard and soda water. Kind of like a float. (12oz)
Super Old Fashioned US$8.00
Your favorite flavor mixed with soda water and vanilla custard. Topped with more custard and soda water. Kind of like a float. (32oz)

Regular Hours - Shakes & Malts
Indiana Sunburn US$6.00
A medium (16oz) speciality shake made with our Vanilla Custard blended with strawberries and lemonade. Topped with Whipped Cream.
Large Shake US$5.00
Our creamy vanilla ice cream blended with your choice of flavor. 20oz
Medium Shake US$4.50
Our creamy vanilla ice cream blended with your choice of flavor. 16oz
Shake Of The Week US$4.50
Different flavor each week. Always a medium (16oz) shake. Click to find out current flavor.
Small Shake US$4.00
Our creamy vanilla ice cream blended with your choice of flavor. 12oz
Super Shake US$9.00
Our creamy vanilla ice cream blended with your choice of flavor. 32oz

Regular Hours - Sides
Cheese Curds US$5.25
Side of fried battered cheese curds.
Coleslaw US$2.50
Side of our housemade coleslaw.
Coney Cheese Fries US$7.00
Basket of Fries with Coney Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.
French Fries US$3.00
Side of straight cut french fries.
Greens Beans US$4.50
Side of fried green beans.
Hot Pepperjack Bites US$6.00
A side of fried and breaded gooey hot pepperjack cheese bites.
Mac & Cheese Bites US$5.50
Side of battered & fried mac & cheese bites.
Mozz Sticks US$5.25
Side of 4 mozzarella sticks.
Mushrooms US$4.25
Side of fried breaded mushrooms.
Onion Rings US$4.00
Side of fried battered onion rings.
Pickle Chips US$4.50
Side of fred breaded pickle chips.
Pint Cole Slaw US$8.00
A pint (16oz) of our housemade cole slaw. Perfect to share.
Pint Coney Sauce US$19.00
A Pint (16oz) of our housemade coney sauce!
Pint Potato Salad US$8.00
A pint (16oz) of our housemade potato salad. Perfect to share.
Potato Salad US$2.50
Side of our housemade potato salad.
Corn Nugs US$4.50
Side of fried battered sweet corn nuggets.
Tator Tots US$3.00
Side of fried tator tots.

Regular Hours - Soups & Salads
House Salad US$10.00
Romaine Lettuce, Eggs, Red Onion, Cucumber, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese and Croutons. Topped with your choice of breaded chicken, grilled chicken, or ham.

Regular Hours - Sundaes
Banana Fluffenutter US$7.00
Vanilla Custard - Marshmallow Sauce - Peanut Butter Sauce - Sliced Banana's - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Chocolate Overload US$7.50
Chocolate Custard - Chocolate Sauce - Oreos- Chocolate Chunks - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Classic Brownie US$7.50
Vanilla Custard - Hot Fudge - Warm Fudge Brownie Pieces - Crushed Peanuts - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Hot Banana US$7.50
Vanilla Custard - Hot Fudge - Sliced Bananas - Whipped Cream- Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Kid's Sundae US$5.00
Chocolate/Vanilla Twist Custard - Chocolate Sauce - Oreo's - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry - Sprinkles (Served in 12oz cup)
Mediuml Create Your Own Sundae US$7.50
Create Your Own Sundae! Choose Soft Serve Custard (Vanilla, Chocolate, or Twit) & your toppings. Served in 16oz cup.
Moose Tracks US$7.50
Vanilla Custard - Hot Fudge - Peanut Butter - Reeses Peanut Butter Cups - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Peanut Butter Explosion US$7.50
Vanilla/Chocolate Twist Custard - Peanut Butter Sauce - Reeses Peanut Butter Cups - Reeses Pieces - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
S'mores Sundae US$7.00
Vanilla/Chocolate Twist Custard - Hot Fudge - Marshmallow Sauce - Graham Crackers - Mini Marshmallow - Chocolate Chips - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Small Create Your Own Sundae US$5.50
Create Your Own Sundae! Choose Soft Serve Custard (Vanilla, Chocolate, or Twit) & your toppings. Served in 12oz cup.
Strawberry Cheesecake US$7.50
Vanilla Custard - Strawberry Topping - Cheesecake Bites - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
The Split US$7.50
Vanilla Custard - Chocolate Sauce - Pineapple - Strawberry- Sliced Banana's - Whipped Cream - Crushed Peanuts- Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Turtle Sundae US$7.50
Vanilla Custard - Chocolate Sauce - Caramel - Caramel filled Chocolate Turtles - Pecans - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)
Zebra US$7.00
Chocoalate/Vanilla Twist Custard - Hot Fudge - Marshmallow Sauce - Oreo's - Whipped Cream - Candy Cherry (Served in 16oz cup)

Regular Hours - Dirty Soda
Cherry Grenade US$3.00
Coke- Cherry - Vanilla Cream
Chocolate Spark US$3.00
Coke - Chocolate - Vanilla Cream
Cream Soda US$3.00
Soda Water - Vanilla - Vanilla Cream
CYO Dirty Soda US$3.00
Pick your Soda & your flavor
Egg Cream US$3.00
Soda Water - Chocolate - Vanilla Cream
Golden Peach US$3.00
Coke - Peach - Vanilla Cream
Island Pibb US$3.00
Mr. Pibb - Coconut - Vanilla Cream
Mr. Raspberry US$3.00
Mr. Pibb - Black Raspberry- Vanilla Cream
Orange Dream US$3.00
Soda Water - Orange - Vanilla Cream
Pibb's Sweetheart US$3.00
Mr. Pibb - Strawberry - Vanilla Cream
Ruby Rush US$3.00
Red Creme Soda - Vanilla - Vanilla Cream
Strawberry Fizz US$3.00
Soda Water - Strawberry - Vanilla Cream
Cherry Limade US$3.50
Sprile - Cherry - Lime - Vanilla Cream
Coco Lime Rush US$4.00
Root Beer - Lime - Vanilla - Coconut - Vanilla Cream

The Brown House Details

Service options
Delivery
Drive-through
In-store pick-up
Takeaway

Popular for
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet

Crowd
Family friendly

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

The Brown House Photos

The Brown House Location

The Brown House

Indiana DeKalb County Auburn East Ensley Avenue

100 E Ensley Ave, Auburn, IN 46706, USA

The Brown House Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 409 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This is truly a gem of a find! Super quaint little place. The ice cream drinks are eclectic. The food was solid, nothing too fancy. The mac and cheese bites were tasty! I really enjoyed the chick parm sandwich. Parking lot-drive through is tricky but it’s worth it!
March 30 · Danielle Humphrey
I've been going there since I've been a little kid when I was a kid it was a hot dog stand and now they goteverything all kinds of fancy pop you can order a Coke with chocolate in it they have a whole bunch of dirty pops they'll mix for you it's well worth going to.
May 11 · Brandy Brockhaus
Somethings are as they were before the new management and other things r not. The coney's sauce tastes different now and the mustard o er powers the sauce and onions. The onions used to be little and now they are huge. Will not ever order them again. The last two times they have been like this and my husband agreed.
June 15 · Shelley Mack
The New Brown House Melt is so good! Amazing quality at a good price! Ordered ahead online quick and easy, and left shortly after to pickup it up and it was hot and ready! French fries perfectly crispy! I have not had carryout that was as good as this was by the time I got it home in a long time! Brown house for the win!
April 09 · Auburn Brewing Company
We love the Brown House! We keep going back at least once a week! Their ice cream combos are everything and that deluxe cheeseburger just hits different! Local fan - Local fave!
May 30 · Cassandra Flynn