What should I order at Great Lakes Cafe?
Great Lakes Cafe
Corned Beef Hash
Specifically called out as highly recommended by one reviewer, suggesting it is a standout breakfast item worth trying.
Pancakes
Mentioned as fluffy and part of a delicious breakfast, making them a well-liked choice among diners.
Chicken Sandwiches
Described as delicious, juicy, and not dry, with good flavor; one of the clearest specific lunch recommendations in the reviews.
Fries
Praised for being seasoned well, not greasy or burnt, and a good side to the sandwiches.
Potato Soup
Called good by a reviewer and mentioned alongside other well-liked lunch items.
BLT
Included in a highly positive lunch review and directly recommended by the diner who ordered it.
Ham, Cheese Sandwich
Recommended as part of a satisfying lunch order, paired with soup and fries and described positively.
Jalapeno Tuna Melt
Mentioned as part of a lunch that everyone enjoyed, making it a recommended sandwich choice.
Spinach Feta Omelette
Specifically noted in a positive meal review and enjoyed by the group, making it a strong breakfast recommendation.
Turkey Sausage Croissant With Egg And Cheese
Described as delicious, huge, buttery, and flaky, with a generous portion and great value.
Two Eggs And Chopsteak Breakfast
Praised as huge and packed with flavor, with every bite described as delicious.
Omelettes
Mentioned positively as part of a satisfying breakfast spread, with good overall quality and generous portions.
Homemade Hashbrowns
Highlighted for being served hot and enjoyed with pancakes, adding to the appeal of the breakfast.
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM to 1 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 AM to 1 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM to 1 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM to 1 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM to 1 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Great Lakes Cafe
Great Lakes Cafe is a restaurant in Gary, Indiana that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, with categories listed as restaurant, breakfast restaurant, and Spanish restaurant. Reviewers consistently praise the welcoming staff, especially the owner and servers, along with generous portions, reasonable prices, and strong breakfast items like hash browns, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and bacon. The cafe is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, and it is noted for great coffee and a local specialty. It is also popular with solo diners and groups, and many reviews mention that it is tucked near an industrial area off the beaten path.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Great Lakes Cafe known for?
It is especially known for breakfast plates and friendly service, with reviews repeatedly calling out hash browns, biscuits and gravy, crispy bacon, and fluffy pancakes. Many guests also mention generous portions and coffee that stays topped off, which makes it a popular stop for a filling meal.
What dishes are most recommended at Great Lakes Cafe?
Reviewers most often recommend the corned beef hash, two eggs and chopsteak breakfast, jalapeno tuna melt, and the BLT or ham and cheese sandwich with soup and fries. Other frequently praised items include hash browns, biscuits and gravy, turkey sausage croissant with egg and cheese, and spinach feta omelette.
What is the atmosphere like at Great Lakes Cafe?
The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and quiet, with several reviews describing it as quaint, cute, and homey with eclectic decor and fun signs. It works well for solo diners, groups, and travelers stopping through Gary, especially because the staff makes people feel welcome quickly.
Is Great Lakes Cafe good value?
Yes, the cafe is in the $10 to $20 range and reviewers repeatedly call the prices reasonable or super reasonable. One family of five said they had a big breakfast with leftovers for $42, and another review called the portion on a turkey sausage croissant huge and a great value for the price.
Is Great Lakes Cafe easy to stop at while traveling through Gary?
Yes, many reviews say it is off the highway or off the beaten path near the industrial area, but worth seeking out for a road-trip meal. Guests mention plenty of parking, quick service, and a good breakfast or lunch stop before continuing on toward Chicago, Cleveland, or Harbor Country.
Is parking available at Great Lakes Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Great Lakes Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, Great Lakes Cafe is good for kids.
Restaurants like Great Lakes Cafe in Gary
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