The Tennessean was a longtime diner and restaurant in Downtown Evansville, Indiana. The original location opened in 1949 at 313 Locust Street and became one of Downtown Evansville’s most popular places to eat.

The Tennessean was a classic diner, remembered for its long lunch counter, glazed tile walls, hamburgers and Polish sausage. Its customers included Downtown workers, politicians, shoppers and students from the nearby old Central High School.

A second Tennessean opened six years later at 101 N.W. Fifth Street. That location later became the Flying Saucer.

The Locust Street Tennessean remained especially popular during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1987, owners John and Bert Baker began operating it 24 hours a day, making it Downtown Evansville’s only around-the-clock restaurant at the time.

After nearly half a century of serving Downtown Evansville, the original Tennessean closed on March 3, 1996.

Today, The Tennessean is remembered as one of the classic lost restaurants from the era when Downtown Evansville was filled with diners, department stores, theaters and locally owned businesses.

Quick Facts

Name: The Tennessean
First location: 313 Locust Street
Opened: 1949
Second location: 101 N.W. Fifth Street
Known for: Hamburgers, Polish sausage and classic diner food
24-hour service began: 1987
Original location closed: March 3, 1996
Category: Lost Evansville