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                     The Mystique of Ambrosini's

   Since 1948, Ambrosini's Restaurant has been an integral part of Terre Haute.  
It is our goal to carry on the long tradition: fine Italian-American cuisine and spirits
served in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

   The walls surrounding you as you dine hold more than a century of secrets.  
Thomas Kinser, a contractor remembered for building the original Knights of
Columbus building at South 9th and Ohio Streets, is credited with erecting this
Italianate building in the 1880s.

   The land upon which it rests was part of Curtis Gilbert's 120-acre estate.  Gilbert,
one of Terre Haute's founders, was first Vigo County Clerk and Recorder,
postmaster and in 1839, acting Mayor.  The park across Fourteenth Street is now
Gilbert Park, though it also has been known since its dedication as City Park and
Steeg Park (after the Mayor who championed its existence in 1900).

   Frederick Hoffman, a local restauranteur, owned the first business in the east half
of these premises. By 1889 - over 100 years ago - a German beer garden was located
here, which ultimately became Ahrens' Beer Garden.   Its proprietor was William
Ahrens.

   Ahrens' Beer Garden had a character of its own - perhaps establishing the warmth
which the building, designated as a "Notable" structure by the Indiana Historic Sites
& Structures inventory, seems to exude.  According to newspaper reports, dancing
was available and there were "girls in the back".

   Ahrens and Hoffman sold the building to Fritz Leucht, who conducted a restaurant,
bar and delicatessen for many years.   German wieners with homemade mustard,
huge dill pickles from a large glass bottle on the bar and plenty of beer were regular
fare.   Other "homemade products" were available during Prohibition.   Meanwhile,
the west half of present-day Ambrosini's was occupied by barber shops.   Next door
was Schwartz & Kipple Bakery.   The smell of freshly baked goods permeated the area.

   "Unser Fritz" and his son operated at this location into the 1940s.   In 1948, Louise
Ambrosini and her son Albert, leased the property.   Louise had already established
a reputation for Italian foods at another Terre Haute location.   Soon after her arrival
here, she and Albert introduced another Italian dish to the public.   Few had heard
of it.   Its name:   PIZZA.

   So, in 1949, Ambrosini's served Terre Haute's first pizza.   It has been made here
ever since.   The original unique recipe, widely sought but rarely copied, is available
to order here or carry out.

  The Ambrosini's business expanded and so did their restaurant.   In 1958 Louise
and Albert acquired the west premises, which is now our "Family Room".   Lefty
and Sharon Compton operated Ambrosini's from the late 1960s to about 1971.
Bob and Shirley Maehling and Kenny Hayes maintained the tradition through 1985.
Tom and Barb Harp co-inspired the refurbishing of the interior in 1986, and were in
partnership with Mike and Becky McCormick.   Later Tom and Barb moved out
of the state and sold their partnership to Mike and Becky.   Due to their hectic
schedules they decided to close the doors in September of 1992.

  Steve and Kathy Smith reopened the restaurant in January of 1994.   Although the
decor has changed, we want to carry on the tradition of a family owned and operated
Ambrosini's.   The Italian-American tradition will continue, along with some recipes
of their own.

  The sound of trolleys, the cheer of the crowd at Old Athletic Park, and the voices of
Gene Debs, Claude Bowers, and Colonelo Dick Thompson have been silenced; the
smell of baked bread has been replaced.   But the traditions established in this
restaurant, and the East Central Historic District surrounding it, are being maintained.  
Thanks for your patronage.

Steve and Kathy Smith