It’s back for its 41st year….the Don Quijote Wild Game Dinner. The legendary dinner that bags them from Chicago, Indianapolis, and parts unknown. Don Quijote Wild Game Dinner is April 19th | 2026 Edition
You’ll find 20 different species, including fresh alligator meat and kangaroo.
Annual event — Valparaiso, Indiana
The wildest night in Northwest Indiana is back.
For over three decades, Don Quijote has turned one extraordinary evening into a culinary adventure unlike anything else in the region. This year’s Wild Game Buffet brings it all back — exotic meats, Spanish wine, and the kind of dinner you’ll still be talking about next spring.
A tradition born from passion
Chef and owner Carlos Rivero started the Wild Game Buffet the same way he does everything — from the heart. What began as a birthday dinner tradition for his daughter grew into the most anticipated annual food event in Porter County. Guests drive in from Chicago, Indianapolis, and beyond for the chance to experience it.
Carlos and his co-owner Elena Jambrina, both natives of Spain, bring the same hospitality and precision to this one wild night that they bring to every meal at Don Quijote’s table. You won’t just eat well — you’ll be welcomed like family.
“We want people to know what they’re eating. We tell people on the buffet line not to fill up too much — but by the time you get through the line, your plate is full anyway.”
— Carlos Rivero, Chef & Co-owner, Don Quijote
What’s on the table
Each year the menu features over 20 varieties of expertly prepared exotic meats — all freshly sourced and served hot from the kitchen through the night. Past menus have included some genuinely adventurous options: Kangaroo
Alligator and Crocodile
Ostrich
Elk
Venison
Wild boar
Duck
Geese
The exact lineup changes each year — that’s part of the excitement. What you can count on: every dish is prepared with the care and Spanish culinary sensibility that Don Quijote has built its reputation on since 1985. Paired with Spanish wine, it’s an experience no steakhouse can match.
The Perfect Pairing: Aperol Spritz with Spanish Cava and Wild Game
A Don Quijote Aperol Spritz made with Spanish Cava is the perfect companion to a rich wild game banquet because it brings balance, brightness, and refreshment to every bite. Wild game dishes tend to be bold, savory, and deeply flavorful, often with earthy or smoky notes.
The crisp bubbles of Cava combined with the light citrus bitterness of Aperol cut through that richness, cleansing the palate and keeping each course feeling fresh instead of heavy. The result is a drink that does not compete with the food, but elevates it, making every dish more enjoyable from the first bite to the last.
Not just dinner — an event
Live music fills the room as guests make their way through the buffet. The atmosphere is festive, warm, and unmistakably Don Quijote — candlelit, welcoming, with that signature European cafe feeling that has made this corner of Lincolnway beloved for 40 years.
This is the kind of night where adventurous first-timers become regulars, and regulars bring their friends. If you’ve been meaning to try it for years, this is the year to stop waiting.
Reserve your seat before they’re gone.
Seating is by reservation only and fills up fast. Don’t miss the wildest buffet in Northwest Indiana.
Location119 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Phone(219) 462-7976
Reservations required
What Does Alligator Meat Taste Like
Fresh Alligator Meat
Did you know that the lean alligator meat is very popular in the South, and in the Bayou, it is known as the chicken of the swamp? Many Americans consider alligators better than prime rib, especially those who love Cajun and Creole cooking. But actually, the alligator is the other white meat! Alligator is eaten where alligators are widely found: Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana. Those are the only states where alligator hunting is legal and where alligator farms can be found.
So, a bit less scared about eating alligator meat? We have some more good news: alligator meat is also healthy! Yes, who knew this scary beast could be good for you? For a special treat, pair it with Spanish Rioja Wine!
What does kangaroo taste like?
Delicious Kangaroo Meat
No, it doesn’t taste like chicken. But does it taste quite like steak?
Kangaroo meat is gamey; some foodies even prefer it to lamb and steak for its tenderness and flavor. It tends to have a stronger flavor than beef or lamb, and even though it is very lean meat, it’s not tough like venison can sometimes be.
Kangaroo meat is incredibly nutritious! It’s high in protein (slightly higher than beef), iron, and zinc, and even offers omega-3s, an essential nutrient usually associated with fish.
Kangaroo is also a very lean meat with less than 2 percent fat. Thanks to its low-fat, high-protein content, it has become a popular option for fitness fanatics looking to cut calories and build muscle.
Fun fact: Some people include kangaroo as their only meat source in an otherwise vegetarian diet, and are known as ‘kangatarians’.
Do I need Reservations to Attend the Wild Game Dinner?
Yes! Wild Game attracts foodies from all over the Midwest. It is considered by many to be one of the best Culinary Events of the Year. Combined with Chef Carlos authentic Spanish traditions and remarkable wine cellar, this is an event you’ll always cherish. Call family and friends and make your reservations today!
NOTE: Reservations for this event must be made by calling 219-462-7976, as our website reservations are not set for Sunday Hours.
