Paid for by Syd’s Fine Foods
Syd’s Fine Foods has been a part of Noblesville’s community for nearly 80 years. The newest addition to Syd’s has been there since mid-March of this year, and his arrival marks a turning point in the restaurant. But don’t get too worried — the atmosphere of Syd’s is going nowhere.
David Crutchfield is the executive chef at Syd’s and The Bulldog, both owned by Crutchfield’s longtime friend Brian Knoderer. Knoderer and Crutchfield want to make Syd’s known not just as a beloved dive bar, but for having the best bar food in Hamilton County.
“We started making some small changes, making more things from scratch, and hopefully by fall our new menu will be a little bit more reflective of that so that we can start that evolution of the kitchen here at Syd’s,” Crutchfield says. “I don’t think we’re gonna change the type of food, because again, it’s a dive bar and we want to embrace that culture,” Crutchfield says. “We’ll never have a $40 steak or $50 steak.”
Crutchfield assures patrons that classics like the pork tenderloin aren’t going anywhere, and that there will be more additions than subtractions. One such addition is the express lunch menu, meant to get patrons their food within 10 minutes of ordering. Its unique, quick items include the pork tenderloin slider, quarter-pound cheeseburger and (Crutchfield’s personal favorite) the buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich.
“I mean this is the restaurant business, don’t overthink it. Let’s make it simple. Let’s make it about the food because that’s what this is all about. It’s about the food. It’s not about Dave, it’s not about Brian — it’s about the food,” Crutchfield says.
Another addition is Syd’s catering option. Food options include spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, charcuterie board, beer buckets and much more.
“But again as we grow and we get the word out, hopefully people will see that hey you know what, I can get a nice $18 steak at Syd’s and it’s good,” Crutchfield says.
The business is about the food, but the atmosphere comes from the people. With Syd’s long history comes employees who’ve worked at Syd’s for over 20 years.
“This is truly one of the funnest jobs I’ve had. Going from structure, structure, structure to Wild West,” Crutchfield says. “I can’t say enough good things about the employees here. I mean I really can’t, and I hate to be nice, but that’s just the truth.”
To celebrate Syd’s 80th birthday, Crutchfield will be pulling out old menus from decades past and bringing back some old menu items. Crutchfield has partnered with Banter’s Butcher Shop to provide locally butchered steaks for the celebration. More festivities will come out on Syd’s website as August approaches.
To keep connected with Syd’s, check out the website sydsfinefoods.com, follow Syd’s on social media or call 317-773-6132. Visit Syd’s at 808 Logan St., Noblesville.
