Every once in a while, I visit a joint just because I get a gut feeling. There’s no rhyme or reason, and I’ve been pretty lucky following the serendipitous route.

Add Rough Draft Taproom, 1833 N. Wells St., to the list. 

You can’t help but be intrigued by the place. The all-black building is anchored in a classic North Wells Street building at the intersection of Archer Street. If you know of Headwaters Church on the old YWCA campus, it is just to the west of it.

We first talked about Rough Draft when it opened in April. It’s a taproom because it boasts top local microbrews, but it also functions as a pizza parlor and coffee shop. 

That title brings it into focus, but it is still too narrow. There are baked goods, pizza, and breakfast sandwiches — they open at 8 a.m., after all. 

What strikes me most is how well Rough Draft does it all. It’s relaxed, fun, upbeat, and eclectic without being a big deal. 

As you venture inside, you find a few guys clutching a draft beer and others snacking on a baked treat while playing cards. In the next room, there are a sofa and huge cattle horns on the wall. A few couples have gathered. Another young family with toddlers is enjoying a meal. 

The biggest thing that got to me was how comfortable it is. There’s no pre-fab formula. You can come for a quick stop or hang out for hours, banging away on your laptop. With board games and books readily accessible, you could easily spend the day there — which is kind of the idea set forth by owners Kyle and Kaylie Snodgrass. 

And everyone fits in.

The pizza by Legalize Marinara was beyond belief. The pepperoni and bacon were crisp. And the cheese was thick and gooey. And just like the place itself, we opted for a non-traditional Mexican Coca-Cola and a bottle of Jarritos fruit punch, and all for less than $20.

Even my persnickety 14-year-old daughter loved it. That isn’t easy. She’s not impressed by gimmicks, but she warmed up quickly. Before we were done she said we needed to visit again soon. 

Consider that a seal of approval. 

The bottom line: Rough Draft simply does what it does at a reasonable price in a comfortable, friendly setting. No need to brag or boast. It’s cool either way. 

Nick’s Kitchen cuts back hours

It’s going to be a little bit harder to get a famous hand-breaded Hoosier tenderloin at Nick’s Kitchen at 506 N. Jefferson Blvd. in Huntington. 

According to their Facebook page, the store is eliminating evening hours. The post said they are struggling to staff later hours, so for now it is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. 

Nick’s has been cooking since 1908 and has been featured on the Travel Channel and PBS.

Cookie shop opens in Decatur

There’s a new sweet treat in Decatur. True Cookie Bakery is now open at 208 W. Monroe St., owned by Susan True. 

Of course, cookies are the focus, but there will also be cookie dough and cakes in a jar or cone. There will also offer freeze-dried candies and organic ingredients. 

For now, it’s open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

SweetArt workshop open to children

Country Kitchen SweetArt, 4621 Speedway Dr.,will host a Creative Kids SweetArt workshop Saturday, Aug. 19, at 10:30 a.m.

It’s a chance to decorate an assortment of sweets, including cupcakes, chocolate, and cookies. The event is open to all children 2 years and older, but those younger than 9 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Check out Calhoun Street restaurants

While you’re checking out Open Streets on Sunday, Aug. 20, be sure to take a break from all the activities to grab a bite at one restaurants along the Calhoun Street Corridor from noon-4 p.m.

Of course there will be food trucks and vendors along the route, but it’s also a chance to check out classic Fort Wayne restaurants like Brick Street Grill, Dash-In, Saigon Restaurant, 816 Pint & Slice, Welch’s Ale House, Tall Rabbit Cafe, Fortezza, Conjure Coffee, and West Coast Grille.

Downtown fast-food eateries vandalized

Two downtown fast-food restaurants were recently vandalized. 

Authorities say a man threw rocks at the Wendy’s at 1021 S. Clinton St., and at Burger King just down the block at 324 E. Jefferson Blvd. on Saturday, Aug. 5, causing significant damage and requiring windows and doors to be boarded up. 

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.