FORTVILLE — The Taxman Indiana Brasserie and Tap Room opened its doors on Fortville’s Main Street recently, a few months later than originally planned but all the better for it, its owners said.
“We were very pleased with the end result,” co-owner Nathan Huelsebusch said. The project expanded in scope, he said, as it grew beyond the building at 35 S. Main St. to incorporate the structure immediately to the north.
The restaurant opened with 11,000 square feet of space, including two levels of seating, bars on both floors, and an area on the second floor that can be rented for special events.
Huelsebusch said the project cost about $1.5 million; the menu includes traditional and unique food offerings, from burgers and tenderloins to smoked beef cheek and traditional Belgian liege waffles.
Taxman serves 16 beers on tap — ones brewed at Taxman Gastropub in Bargersville — as well as craft cocktails.
The restaurant conducted a soft opening Friday, Aug. 4, and officially opened Friday, Aug. 11, using the time in between to tweak its menu and prepare for business.
At dinnertime Aug. 11, a steady stream of customers filed through the doors; it was already the second visit for many of them.
“I had beef brisket, and she had the venison burger,” said Tim Brattain, who described what he and his wife, Pam, ordered the week before.
He said they both live in Noblesville and work in Greenfield, so they pass the restaurant often.
The food was “really good — really, really good,” Brattain said, and the space has “a great ambiance. They did a great job on the building.”
Bob and Milda Sterrett said Friday was their third time eating at Taxman.
“They just keep adding stuff,” Milda said.
Bob said the restaurant is just the latest addition to what is a revitalized Main Street.
Leah Huelsebusch, Nathan’s wife and a co-owner, said local residents and business owners — even other dining establishments — have been very encouraging and supportive.
“The community has been awesome — we’ve received a different flower or plant every day,” she said, pointing to one from FoxGardin Kitchen and Ale. “I think it’s nice, because I think more means more (for everyone).”
Taxman is located at 29 S. Main St. It is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. It is closed Mondays.
IF YOU GO
What: The Taxman Indiana Brasserie and Tap Room
Where: 29 S. Main St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. It is closed Mondays.
