Ballard's in the Atrium - Annie Fairfax

One of the best dining experiences in all of Indiana, Ballard’s in the Atrium inside the historic West Baden Springs Hotel offers diners a beautiful and unique dining experience, and a menu full of some of the most delightful cuisine in the state.

Ballard’s in the Atrium

Location: West Baden Springs, Indiana
Address: Inside West Baden Springs Hotel
8538 W Baden Ave
West Baden Springs, IN 47469
Food Type: Modern American
Dining Experience: Indoor
Price: $50+ per person
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations: Not Required
Special Diets: Pescatarian, Gluten Free

Let me start this off by saying I consider myself something of an expert when it comes to fine dining. We typically enjoy at least one meal at a Michelin Starred restaurant when we visit a city known for its cuisine, and we love to explore new and interesting cuisines, and dishes, within the confines of our pescatarian diets. The state of Indiana isn’t famous for its cuisine in the way that California, Maine, or New York are, but part of my job is discovering wonderful places to eat and sharing them with all of you, so that wherever your travels take you, you’ll know the best places to eat in each state, country, or continent. I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the meal we had at Ballard’s in the Atrium inside West Baden Springs luxury hotel was one of the best I’ve ever had, and I don’t say that lightly.

I have eaten a lot of salmon in my time, in fact it’s one of my favorite things to eat, because it’s so versatile and can be experienced in a myriad of forms like sushi and sashimi or barbecued, grilled, or steamed. I’ve even had fermented salmon dishes, salmon cheeses, and salmon jerky, so believe me when I tell you that the Sesame Salmon Salad I had here was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t believe how perfectly the flavors of the salad and light Asian-inspired dressing balanced the savory, almost buttery flavor of the expertly seared slab of salmon. Set upon a bed of crisp Napa cabbage, julienned vegetables, and crunchy snap peas and topped with sesame seeds, sliced cashews, this salad was delicately covered with just the right amount of honey miso vinaigrette. I have literally not stopped talking about how amazing this salad was since we had this meal!

My husband had the portobello gyro sandwich, which was stuffed full of meaty, fire roasted portobello mushroom slices, cucumbers, spinach, feta, hummus and olives with cilantro yogurt, he raved about how tasty his sandwich was as well. I actually didn’t end up even trying his dish because I was so focused on my incredible salad, which is something I never do. Once he had a bite of my salmon and salad, he couldn’t believe how good it was either and ended up ordering one later that night for dinner, when I may or may not have had a second salad too.

We shared a gorgeous homemade tomato basil bisque with fresh puréed vegetables and a toasted French baguette. This soup was absolutely phenomenal as well, and we quickly devoured it. My only regret about eating here was that I’m now hooked on it, yet I live almost seven hours away! Sometimes, life just isn’t fair, but hopefully my dear readers who find themselves in the area, or enjoying a wonderful getaway at French Lick Resort or West Baden Springs Hotel will now know to make the stop here and dine under the hotels impressive, historic dome amongst statues and ferns.

Safe Travels!

xAnnie Fairfax
Follow Me for More: @AnnieFairfax

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One Comment

This place sounds fantastic, and your photos are gorgeous. I live about 3 hours from here, and I think I will make the drive up here soon, this looks incredible!

– Stephanie