Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern

Artist Larry Johnston

One of the oldest family operated restaurant-bar combinations in Elkhart, Indiana was Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern.  Located on the east side of State Road 19 (Cassopolis St.)  Pete’s was open 7 days per week, serving appetizers, Dinners, Baskets, Soups, Salads, Pizza and Sandwiches. Rib-eye and chopped Steaks, Hamburgers, Italian Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken, Chicken wings and several Seafood plates were among the favorites.

Pete’s was a local favorite for years, so I had to capture it in one of my paintings. It is now called “Re-Pete’s” under new ownership as of 2018.

I hope my painting will keep Pete’s image of one Elkhart’s historic places remembered for years to come.

       Larry Johnston