Ken Thompson

kthompson@jconline.com

O'Bryan's Nine Irish Brothers restaurant is known for its traditional Irish fare such as Shepherd's Pie and Guinness Stew.

Now the pub that has locations in West Lafayette, Lafayette and Indianapolis has a new reputation: makers of the Best Breaded Tenderloin in Indiana.

That title was bestowed upon Nine Irish Brothers on Friday afternoon by USA TODAY and 10best.com. Nine Irish Brothers edged Nick's Kitchen in Huntington for top honors in a readers poll.

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"It's nice to have that reflection on our food quality and our loyal base of patrons," co-owner Matt Rose said. "A lot of people who we view as family, they view us as family, too. We try our best to do well and be part of the community."

Co-owner Jerry O'Bryan and Rose organized a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter. It turns out their efforts reached beyond North America.

"I have a friend in Japan who said he's been voting for us every day," Rose said. "Actually, we've had an uptick in tenderloin sales since the contest began. People would say, 'I've never had it,' so they tried it and voted for it. We've gotten a great response."

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While not giving any secrets away, Rose said the breading of the Nine Irish Tenderloin is what makes the Nine Irish Brothers sandwich stand out in a crowded field of nominees that included TC's Restaurant and Tavern in Battle Ground, The Tick Tock Tavern, Triple XXX Family Restaurant and Grindstone Charley's.

It turns out that having the Best Breaded Tenderloin in Indiana wasn't even the biggest news of the week for the O'Bryan family, which celebrated the birth of a granddaughter on Thursday.

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The top 10

The Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in Indiana as chosen by USA TODAY readers:

1. O'Bryan's Nine Irish Brothers — Lafayette.

2. Nick's Kitchen — Huntington.

3. The Mug — Greenfield.

4. C.R. Heroes Family Pub — Fishers.

5. Mr. Dave's Restaurant — North Manchester.

6. The Tie Dye Grill — Indianapolis.

7. Steer In Diner — Indianapolis.

8. Oasis Diner — Plainfield.

9. The Friendly Tavern — Zionsville.

10. Nickel Plate Bar & Grill — Fishers.

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