The best restaurants in Lake County

“Health-conscious chain featuring blended drinks in varied flavors with fruits & veggies.”

“Council Oak Steaks and Seafood brings the splurge-worthy stuff, from expertly prepared cuts and seafood to an award-winning wine selection with boutique Old World and New finds. When you want a proper grown-up dinner that actually feels special, this is where to linger, toast, and savor.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 11, 2026

“Squigi's Pizza of Highland is a family-run fixture for over 23 years where the owners are hands-on and the dough and sauce are made fresh daily. Expect Grande mozzarella, fresh mushrooms never canned, and pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches that taste like someone actually cares.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods.”

“When you're craving real-deal soul food without dirtying a single pan, Kelly's Soul Kitchen comes through with crispy fried chicken, collards, grits, even a Monte Cristo and that turkey chop sandwich locals whisper about. Portions are generous, prices friendly, and the vibe is firm, funny, and friendly.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes, steaks & margaritas in a casual, festive setting.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Purple Steer Restaurant is the kind of no-fuss diner that wins you over with breakfast all day, juicy burgers, and their signature Original Melting Pot. If you know, you know... the lemon rice soup is a daily must, with homemade favorites rotating to keep things cozy and interesting.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 2, 2026

“Longtime chain known for its pizzas, pastas & other Italian staples served in a casual setting.”

“Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.”

“Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.”

“Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high-energy vibe serving burgers & American classics.”

“Contemporary eatery with booth & outdoor seating dishing up Italian, Greek & American grub.”

“Around-the-clock eatery serving typical American breakfast, lunch & dinner options in unfussy digs.”

“Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.”

“Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.”

“Casual, lofty eatery adorned with murals & serving hearty helpings of traditional Italian fare.”

“Longtime chain known for its pizzas, pastas & other Italian staples served in a casual setting.”

“Veteran burger joint with counter seating also whipping up other American grub & milkshakes.”

“Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.”

“Steaks, chops, seafood & pasta dishes are prepared at this sophisticated local institution.”

“Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.”

“Maple and Yolk turns Northwest Indiana mornings into something you actually look forward to, with fluffy pancakes, waffle flights, perfectly poached eggs, and artisanal coffee in a cozy, sunlit room.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Longtime chain known for its pizzas, pastas & other Italian staples served in a casual setting.”

“Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Fast-food chain serving signature beef, chicken & fish sliders, plus extras such as onion rings.”

“When you want a hot, made-to-order sub that actually tastes like something, Penn Station Sandwiches brings the sizzle with hearth-baked bread, USDA Choice steak, and all the fixings made in full view. Grab fresh-cut fries cooked in peanut oil and a hand-squeezed lemonade to complete the move.”

From the Crown Point newsletter, September 13, 2026

“For a low-fuss, high-flavor dinner in Lake Station, Mazamitla Lake Station nails the classics, from carne asada tacos and pozole to hearty chimichangas and fajitas. Locals rave about the house salsas, kids can keep it simple with tacos or quesadillas, and micheladas or cocktails make the perfect wind-down after work.”

From the Hobart newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Playful eatery with multiple trains, an arcade & a comfort-food menu of sandwiches & shakes.”

“Local, counter-serve fast-food chain, for fried & grilled sandwiches, hot dogs & burgers.”

“Whether you're team thin or thick, J & J's Pizza Shack of Hobart nails that family-owned comfort with high-quality ingredients and Grande cheese from Wisconsin. The Kitchen Sink is a crowd-pleaser, but wings, oven-hot sandwiches, pasta and salads keep weeknights easy, leftovers likely.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 3, 2026

“Casual restaurant bar serving seafood & steak dishes, including surf & turf combos.”

“BBQ meat plates, hearty sides & desserts, plus craft cocktails & beer, served in an upbeat setting.”

“Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.”

“Bakery chain specializing in whole-grain breads & muffins made with Montana wheat.”

“Sometimes you just need that unmistakable slider fix, and White Castle delivers with beef, chicken, and fish sliders plus crispy onion rings that disappear too fast. Perfect for a quick bite or a shareable batch on the way home from work, practice, or errands.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“American breakfast & lunch, including pancakes, burgers & mac 'n' cheese, in an airy, modern space.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Elis Golden Apple Restaurant and Pancake House does unfussy American right with breakfast served all day, rotating specials that follow the seasons, and the chef trying new dishes just to keep things fun. Reliable from morning to night, plus catering when you want the spread without the stress.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Whether you're craving a perfectly cooked steak, Cajun pasta that actually brings some heat, or those spicy chicken potato rolls everyone talks about, Fahrenheit Two Twelve delivers big flavor without the fuss.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Long-standing local chain eatery known for Italian beef sandwiches, plus pizza, burgers & salads.”

“Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.”

“TD's Express Pizza serves big-flavor, fresh-dough pies that taste like a guaranteed touchdown, plus throwback sides like Bosco sticks, tacos, and pizza puffs. A close-by Griffith staple with menu specials, it’s an easy weeknight go-to for Schererville folks who want satisfying pizza without overthinking dinner.”

From the Schererville newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Health-conscious chain featuring blended drinks in varied flavors with fruits & veggies.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.”

“Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.”

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Family-owned pizza joint since 1979 with old-school American & Italian standards & outdoor seating.”

“Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods.”

“Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.”

“Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea.”

“Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.”

“Crown Point lifers already know, but if you haven't in a while, Aurelio's Pizza of Crown Point still nails the pizzas, pastas, and Italian comfort classics, served casual since 1959. Solid for carryout, a relaxed sit down, or letting them cater your next get-together.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Midwestern chain serving thin-crust, deep-dish & stuffed pies, plus other fast fare.”

“Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes, steaks & margaritas in a casual, festive setting.”

“Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.”

“Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.”

“Old-timey 24-hour diner & bakery offering a huge menu of classic comfort eats & desserts.”

“When you want a legit thin or thick crust without the fuss, J & J's Pizza Shack delivers the goods with the famed Kitchen Sink pie, crispy wings, and hot sandwiches. Easy online ordering, consistent flavor, and neighborhood vibes make it a clutch weeknight fix around here.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Counter-serve, industrial-chic chain restaurant known for build-your-own pizzas.”

“Easygoing eatery & bakery chain serving up all-day comfort food & signature pies.”

“Chophouse serving steak & seafood in a classy space with exposed-brick walls & a vintage bar area.”

“Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.”

“Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea.”

“Counter-serve outlet for breakfast and coffee, sandwiches, soups and salads.”

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

“Just over the state line in Hammond, El Quetzal Restaurant turns out hearty tacos and burritos alongside a real-deal Guatemalan menu, perfect for when you want brunch-y comfort and bold flavor in one place. Easygoing vibe, generous portions, and food that hits the spot after a long morning of being a grown-up.”

From the Merrillville newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Greek-style eatery for breakfast items, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches and other comfort fare.”

“Longtime chain known for its pizzas, pastas & other Italian staples served in a casual setting.”

“Popular breakfast spot that's been around since 2003, serving omelets, waffles, pancakes and more.”

“Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.”

“Fast-food chain serving signature beef, chicken & fish sliders, plus extras such as onion rings.”

“Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.”

“Craving a no-fuss breakfast that actually fills you up?”

From the Gary newsletter, August 31, 2026

“White Castle nails the nostalgia and the quick fix with signature beef, chicken, and fish sliders, plus onion rings that always seem to disappear too fast.”

From the Crown Point newsletter, September 12, 2026

“A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.”

“Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.”

“Casual, family-friendly spot for Mexican meals, beer, and cocktails, plus karaoke.”

“Cozy steakhouse serving comfort food such as ribs and margaritas, plus kids' meals.”

“Casual Mexican spot with staples like tacos, quesadillas and burritos, plus fish dishes.”

“Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.”

“Chain eatery specializing in thick-crust pizzas, also offering sides & desserts.”

“Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.”

“Upscale pub grub is on offer at this relaxed hangout with TVs, cocktails, and live entertainment.”

“El Changarrito brings a true taste of Mexico to the neighborhood, perfect for when you want something satisfying without overthinking dinner. Check the menu, order online, and enjoy the kind of reliable, tasty comfort that turns a random Tuesday into a small victory.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Smokin Glaze BarBeQue leans on smoke and seasoning so solid you don’t need sauce, with rib tips, spare ribs, and smoked chicken plus sides like sweet potato fries and fried mushrooms that hit the spot. When weeknights get busy, order online or through DoorDash or Uber Eats.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Casual American seafood restaurant known for dishes such as Walt's Favorite Shrimp Platter and cheddar bay biscuits.”

“From hefty Chicago-style pies to legit Italian beef, Miller Pizza Co. nails that craveable, no-fuss dinner you can share or hoard. Self-service dine-in is open, and if the couch is calling, they make carry-out and delivery ridiculously easy to order online.”

From the Gary newsletter, October 12, 2026

“Beggars Pizza does it the Gary way, with thin crust, deep dish, and stuffed pies layered with a heavy hand of mozzarella and finished with their homemade savory sauce or a unique tomato blend. Back it up with BP Wings, mozzarella sticks, or the BBQ Chicken pie and call it a weeknight win.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Whether you're craving a jumbo 20-inch pie, saucy wings, a gyro platter, or even catfish with fries, Samia Pizza keeps it real with crowd-pleasing comfort food that hits the spot. Great for last-minute game nights or when the house vote is split... everyone wins here.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 27, 2026

“Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.”

“From morning bagels with spreads to lunchtime burgers and stacked sandwiches, Clutch Bagels and Spreads keeps Miller Beach and the rest of Gary happily fueled. Swing back later for their Detroit style pizza, because some days you deserve carbs at every meal.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 21, 2026

“El Norteño keeps it simple and satisfying with no-fuss Mexican staples, especially the pork and steak that taste like somebody’s abuela is running the line. When you want a quick, tasty fix without overthinking dinner, this casual spot hits the mark.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 28, 2026

“Gary folks, when you need a quick reset that actually tastes good, Juice Jung Cafe nails it with fresh juices, creamy smoothies, hot eats, supplements, and cold treats. They keep it simple, flavorful, and local, plus they can handle events and catering when your crew gets thirsty.”

From the Gary newsletter, September 26, 2026

“Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.”

“Mexican option with burritos, steak and tacos, along with margaritas and beer.”

“Casual, family-friendly eatery known for stone-baked pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches and beer.”

“Easygoing, strip-mall outlet serving classic Mexican dishes from tacos to fajitas in casual digs.”

“From meticulously prepared assorted sushi platters to hibachi combination plates and creative rolls, Kumo nails the fresh, high-quality thing without getting fussy. The floral-inspired room sets an easygoing vibe, and online ordering means Schererville weeknights just got a whole lot tastier.”

From the Hammond newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Casual spot (bar area out front) serving pizza, burgers, wings and fried chicken.”

“When you want no-fuss comfort with serious portions, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant keeps it classic with fajitas, taco and burrito dinners, asador plates, and shareable botanas, plus new seasonal dishes. Serving Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana since 1967, it’s a reliable go-to for family nights and friend meetups.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Whether you’re craving a quick sushi roll, hibachi plates, or classic Chinese takeout, Yamato keeps it fast, casual, and tasty. They focus on fresh ingredients and online ordering that usually has your food ready in about 20 minutes... perfect for low-effort weeknights in the Region.”

From the Schererville newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Classic northern Italian dishes, plus martinis & wine, served in a Victorian mansion.”

“Pizzeria chain serving classic thin-crust pies, pasta & sandwiches in a relaxed setting.”

“Italian eatery serving chicken parmigiana, seafood lasagna, and other familiar dishes in a casual atmosphere.”

“Strip-mall restaurant serving up traditional Mexican entrees & margaritas in a festive atmosphere.”

“Veteran mainstay serving casual pub eats alongside microbrews from Crown Brewing.”

“Breakfast and lunch favorite known for authentic burritos and tacos.”

“Long-standing local chain eatery known for Italian beef sandwiches, plus pizza, burgers & salads.”