Great Lakes Cafe

I was warmly welcomed in to the cafe and had a wonderful chat with the owner! I can in a stranger and left as a friend. My breakfast was great and the coffee flowed freely. I liked everything about my visit from the music to the food. I will definitely be back!

I stopped by Great Lakes Café for the first time today and had a fantastic experience! I ordered a turkey sausage croissant with egg and cheese to go, and let me just say — it was delicious! The croissant was huge, buttery, and flaky, and the portion was definitely a great value for the price. What really stood out, though, was the amazing customer service. Cindy, who took my order (and who I later found out is the owner!), was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She asked if it was my first time visiting, gave great menu recommendations, and even shared that she’s been running this location for 31 years — a true testament to quality and consistency. This place is a hidden gem with great food, warm hospitality, and a cozy vibe. You can dine in or take your order to go like I did, but either way, you’re in for a treat. I’ll definitely be back!

I stopped by Great Lakes Cafe in Gary, Indiana, and it felt like stepping into a cozy, hometown diner. The breakfast menu was extensive, and I opted for the chicken fried steak, which was hearty and flavorful. The service was warm and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The atmosphere was casual and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal. However, the seating area was a bit cramped, which might be a concern during peak hours. Overall, it's a great spot for a satisfying breakfast or lunch

Incredible family owned restaurant. Stopped by on a road trip and we are so glad we bypassed the chain restaurants. The atmosphere is fun and quirky. The food is good. I enjoyed the house dressing and my daughter loved the pancakes. The best part is the family who owns and operates it!! Such nice and welcoming people. 😀

We were passing through and found this place to stop. The breakfast was very good and its really cool looking inside. The people there were so nice and gave us some places to try and advice for our Chicago visit.

Great Lakes Diner is a true gem for anyone who appreciates hearty food served with a warm smile. From the moment you walk in, the friendly staff makes you feel right at home. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, their welcoming attitude sets a tone of comfort and care that's hard to find elsewhere. The breakfast here is exceptional — perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, golden hash browns, and fluffy pancakes that hit the spot every time. It's clear the kitchen takes pride in getting the classics just right. The coffee is always hot and fresh, making it the perfect start to any day. A standout on the menu, surprisingly, is their split pea soup. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, it tastes like something lovingly made in a home kitchen. The texture is just right — thick but not heavy — and it's seasoned beautifully. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out. Great Lakes Diner combines great food, genuine hospitality, and cozy charm in a way that keeps you coming back. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or lingering over coffee, it’s the kind of place that quickly feels like a favorite.

On our way through town and stopped for a quick lunch. They were very hospitable and I highly recommend the patty melt.

Simple hearty food with a slice of warm hospitality. We were passing through the area on our way to the Indiana Dunes National Park and we were recommended some additional attractions to visit. Would highly recommend.

The most welcoming restaurant ! Celebrated my daughter's special day here. Food was fantastic...service spot on...and the Owner was simply lovely ! Can't wait to come back !

This is a great place for a casual meal. The food was absolutely delicious, and the restaurant was spotless. Staff was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was really relaxing. I will definitely come back soon.

This business is close to my work and it always offers tried and true food for lunch. No matter what I get it is a substantial amount of food and I feel satiated. I love the fact that they have soda in the coolers so you can take an extra pop with you if you want. I like grabbing stuff to go. The lemon rice soup is my favorite here. You cannot top the service as the owners are there and super friendly. All the staff is really nice. As far as ambience it's cute because it just looks like an old time diner, it's a place where men from the Mills and from the courthouse and all other surrounding areas come for a quick bite to eat. Their breakfast is really good too. I enjoy having their breakfast potatoes and ask them to be well done.

Great food. Better people. Miss Cindy and the ladies working are too kind. All the food is home made and feels like your mom made it for you before you go out for the day. Definitely stop here for the home town diner vibes and get you some good food.

What a find! So glad we stopped here! Retro diner atmosphere, with well-prepared menu options. Our server Krissy, was friendly, funny, and very helpful! Whether you're on a diner-tour, or just passing through, stop here. They also do amazing breakfasts!!

Off the beaten path is accurate... The road to Great Lakes Cafe is rugged but worthwhile! Driving into the parking lot is sort of like playing minesweeper on Windows 98. Its also fun to watch the trucks drive under the bridges, with very little room to spare. The cafe is awesome and the service is great. Prices are what you'd expect, and the place has plenty of character. Reminds me of an 80's movie off a highway truck stop, and the ambiance does not disappoint! If you're looking for a good place to grab some breakfast & feel nostalgic, it doesn't get much better!

Great place off the beaten path. Good serving sizes, good prices, good staff...can't ask for more!!

Good food decent prices the owner is a sweetheart. Beautiful Eggs, Duffy pancakes and the bacon was made just rite

Food came out super fast! Service was quick and very caring. The whole vibe made me feel comfortable and cozy. Definitely coming back for my pre beach adventures. A hidden gem.

Awesome food awesome service awesome prices Amazing people. Thank you great lakes for feeding us mill workers

This is the place they have in mind when they talk about hidden gems. Only wish they had more expanded hours, but I get it.

Cynthia and Jesse are wonderful and the food is always delicious! I love that it's situated by the steel mill too. Here's this charming little diner directly next to industrial steel. Hidden gem!

"Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations" As a morning person breakfast is a sacred meal to me. So it makes sense that the journey here felt like a pilgrimage to the holy mecca. When you arrive you immediately know this is a hallowed place, deserving every ounce of your reverence. All your senses, sight, scent, sound, touch, and taste (and in that order) come alive and everything feels warm and fuzzy. I was traveling from California to visit my Mom in Illinois. After catching a Dead and Company show in Noblesville we decided to make the trek up to see Lake Michigan. I'm a nature girl in my heart of hearts but the real star of the show that day was the chicken fried steak and eggs. The savory flavors spill onto your lips like a prayer that echo a resounding "hallelujah"! You can feel the love that is alive in the chef and it's bigger than the Great Lake of Michigan. Bigger than all the lakes and oceans combined!!! The food came out in a to go box which I thought was really smart because it eliminates the need to ask for one once you've finished your meal. But there was no "to-go" about this box. I finished every bite without hesitation or even a consideration for my waistline. To not finish it would have been sacrilegious. Treat yourself to heaven on earth at the Great Lakes Cafe. The only sin you may have to confess for after is gluttony :)

Great diner in an industrial area. Great service. Nice ambiance. Food was good, basic, but good. Very affordable.

Excellent food and VERY accommodating owner who allowed me to get some soup shortly after she had closed!

We were in the area for the day looking for a good lunch stop. We were not disappointed. I got the breakfast special and my college got a burger. Great good, great hospitality and great prices.

Good food. Attended a bridal shower there and food was good. Would definitely return.

Wanted to visit Indiana for a few days and wanted to start off with a good breakfast so this place fit the bill. Entered address on Google Maps and something was off. The streets do not match gps at all. I went under a spooky, run down looking area. Lucky my hub saw this sign that said Great Lakes Cafe. Made a right turn and saw a truck pit ahead and the spot on my right. Decorated nicely on the outside. Ample parking. When I opened the door 2 ladies immediately spoke to me. They were nice. Told us to sit anywhere we wanted, which we did by the window. Our server came by in less than a minute. Took order and was friendly, cool, funny. The place is decorated like a museum. Love it. I ordered the chicken fried steak which tasted good, got potatoes and they were soft and tasty, egg whites were good. The coffee was tasty, wished they had flavored creamer. Bathroom was average, could use some updating and some smell goods but despite that, food was good, service was great. Spoke with owner and was given a nice reusable bag. Got hugs and kisses from the staff. What a nice start to me wondering Indiana.

Def off the beaten path but well worth it. The staff were so friendly and the food fantastic and fast. Classic diner type menu with some twists. Lemon rice soup is a must.

Always great for breakfast and for lunch your seated and served quick as shit. If your late getting back to work that's your fault

Had a little honeymoon spot on Miller beach, came here to eat breakfast and was beyond impressed with the warm-ness of staff and quality of food. "I've never enjoyed eggs so much" - my fiancé. Definitely a diamond in the rough (':

Excellent customer service and excellent food. The owners are always pleasant to speak with. This food fueled me through my undergrad and now on my second Master's, I'm so happy to still be eating here. They remember my order from years ago!! I've been going to other businesses for decades and I can't get 1/18th the customer service and appreciation I receive on every single visit from Great Lakes. The food is homestyle, fresh, plentiful, and the customer service is unmatched. Seat yourself, you're home.

It's getting closer and closer to the time of my eventual move to Gary. Looking for breakfast spots in the area Great Lakes Cafe seemed to be well reviewed. So it definitely peaked my interest. I made a mention to D and he was game to try it out. In fact he knew the area where it was though he had never been. It is off a beaten path though thankfully there were a couple signs that guides you the rest of the way. The restaurant is in the parking lot off to the right just before the gate station to a local plant. So walking in you definitely get that 'old school diner' experience. Jessica introduced herself quickly as she was cleaning some tables and told us to sit anywhere. She was very friendly as was the owner who took the time to chat with D and I. You get the sense that they are genuinely interested in knowing a little bit about all customers that come in to dine. Even the main cook (who I believe is one of the owners as well) came out to chat for a brief spell. Very nice family oriented business. I ordered their pancakes (3) with 2 scrambled eggs and 3 pieces of bacon. The price was reasonable at $7. D always likes to have a Monte Cristo sandwich which they didn't have but told D they would make one for him. That was a definite plus that they would custom cook that. The fries he had with it were very well seasoned and had a nice crunch to it. You really didn't need any ketchup with them. Jessica was very attentive to check in on us at appropriate times. She even asked later if I needed water after almost finishing up on the pancakes. That was good of her to anticipate that without me asking. So dare I say I think I found our future breakfast spot. D and I definitely will be back. Now finding a good sushi spot might be more of a challenge (but that's more for me)...*LOL*.

Couldn't have asked for a better breakfast experience! Traveling out of Chicago and needed a bite to eat. Saw the Yelp reviews and they were right on target! We were a little concerned as we drove there as it seemed a bit off the beaten path, but when we arrived at this gem, we were literally greeted with a "Hi and Welcome come on in!" We ordered the chicken fried steak, 1/2 truckers breakfast (biscuits and gravy, eggs and meat) and pancakes. We cleaned our plates and I have to say, I kept stealing bites of pancake from my son's plate they were so good. The price for our 3 meals and drinks was quite reasonable, $32. While we ate, the owners both came and asked how everything was. One of the owners engaged in a conversation with our 9 year old. She couldn't have been any sweeter and more genuine. Our server was very pleasant and our food came out quickly. During our time there, several regulars came in to eat and one of them even took several orders to go. We can honestly say that if we have the chance to stop by here again on our travels, we absolutely will! We even have a Tee Shirt as a remembrance!

Very good food . Breakfast all day. Very good service. Plan to go back also will do the carry out

Today I had country fried steak with scrambled eggs with cheese ordered a super soft fresh biscuit on the side! The steak was perfect the biscuit was super soft delicious cheesy eggs I cannot wait to come back! All of the ladies are super friendly and kind of that work there everyone has an upbeat awesome attitude! They serve breakfast and lunch options as well I don't think you cannot enjoy anything here! Acquaint unique fresh Fast breakfast lunch spot!

Nothing like this lovely place with so much character and great service, always with a friendly smile.

My first visit here was awesome. It's a "gem" in a hidden place as most gems are. It has a clean, bright and friendly atmosphere. The staff was very welcoming and totally professional. The atmosphere takes me back to the days of diners and malt shops. They use the silver creamers and still have the sugar containers. No packets. This was a great experience. Chef Ramsey. Jr.

Very nice little place with a super friendly staff. The food is well priced and very tasty! I had the corn beef hash and eggs and the potatoes very good size for the price. It is hidden from everyone so it takes a minute to find it. Good thing for smart phones with maps. I will come back and bring more people to show where good food and a friendly staff is. I don't mind driving out of the way for good service and a meal.

This place is truly a hidden gem of The Region. It's family owned and has been serving the community for a rock solid 17+ years. From cookies to Country Fried Steak...close your eyes and chose from the menu- any decision will be phenomenal. The decor is warm, kitschy-creative, and most inviting even on the dreariest of winter days. Food is promptly served and everyone has a great sense of humor. (P.S. The soups are also amazing! Especially the split pea.)

Nice cozy place.. With old world charm..!! Friendly staff, great food choices and taste..

Great diner option close to the Skyway (note: it's north of the 90 Toll Road - you won't find it on Mississippi south of it) Loved the soup, egg salad sandwich, and the owners/servers. Want to try more of the specials next time but will give them the benefit of the doubt with 5 stars until the next update.

Great little off the beaten path restaurant with excellent food and a super friendly staff. I have never had anything from here that wasn't delicious. Keep up the good work ladies.

Best omelette I think I've ever had. Great service! So glad I pulled off the 90 and stopped here.

Fantastic breakfast and amazing lunch. Service is always perfect. My group has been coming here for years and we will never stop because it is so good.

Best breakfast ever! Corned beef hash, omelettes, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, hash-browns, coffee - all first class. Even better was the service and wonderful people - especially Cindy the owner. Decor is funny and whimsical and baklava and pies are great to go. It's a perfect place to stop on the way to or from Chicago/Michigan - or from anywhere else. We plan on coming back as many times as we can!!!

Pains me to write this but low end food quality and skimpy serving sizes seems to be the new standard. Ordered the "steelworker" omelet this morning. Still listed on their menu as "5 eggs with ham, bacon, sausage and cheese". I've had this before and yeah it should have been a huge, meaty brick of food, like you'd think. Instead, I was served an obvious 3 egg omelet with very little meat (and most of that was ham), one squirt of Velveeta, and the whole thing purposely spread around and plated to try and fool me that it was a huge omelet. WTF?? In addition to the $11 price (includes some potatoes and a piece of toast) for eggs/meat I didn't get, I didn't appreciate the deception. You know I've both cooked and eaten omelets before and I know what 3 eggs looks like! They must think their customers are totally clueless-- Sadly, the omelet wasn't even that great, had no real flavor. It's hard to mess up eggs but if they're using that cheap premixed junk that comes in a cardboard box then that would explain things. I can't completely blame the chef--the place is family owned and the head waitress and owner's wife are both normally around and see the food that leaves the kitchen--they must be good with it. As a long time/20yr customer loyalty has prevented me from posting here before. This morning was the last straw though, sorry. Sad to see the place going downhill, doubt I'll be back. Good luck.

Cute little diner. Stopped in for a late breakfast while driving through Gary Good service and good food.

The two women who were working there were not only incredibly nice, very generous (they gave us free t-shirts because they liked us), but also very knowledgeable about Gary, Indiana. Being from out of town, it was nice to get the scoop from some local residents. The pancakes were very good! Better than I would expect by leaps and bounds! And I consider myself to be a pancake connoisseur - I've eaten the best of the best - Polly's in NH and Clinton Street in NYC. These were not quite there - but they were pretty damn amazing! I never had Chicken fried Steak before. But holy hot damn - what a pleasure to consume! If steak is better than chicken, which it almost always is - then clearly fried Steak would be better than Fried Chicken? I'm not sure of that for sure, it was pretty outstanding. The eggs were cooked perfectly - which is also a rare thing for a diner - usually the yolks don't run as they should... but they sure did here. And the coffee, which is possibly the most important element to breakfast, was also quite good.

Excellent service great food and waitress was very friendly and attentive. Very homey atmosphere a must come to location great breakfast. Restaurant very decorative . The owner is very sweet.

The perfect place to meet for an intimate meeting! Food is absolutely the "bomb" -- had the garbage omelette, biscuits & gravy, pancakes! Yummy yummy!!!! Followed it up with warm apple pie!!!! Delish! Looking forward to being here again!

Service was quick and outstanding. Was attentive and friendly. Food was great. Decor was very interesting, lots of charm. This place was out of the way but worth it.

Hard to find but once you do, you are in for a treat! Everything i tasted was amazing. I had a French toast bacon egg and cheese. Hit the savory and sweet combo spot! We got the home fries crispy and with onions. Onions really set the bar high and even better with hot sauce. I tastes the home fries with no onions also and they didn't even compare. Corned beef and hash was so good also! I would definitely go back if I am in the area. Was disappointed the next day though because they were closed!!

This place is amazing and the food is delicious. A bit off the beaten path, but well worth it and the owners treat you like family. If you get a chance, try the hungry man's or the steel workers omelette, they are the best!

Best pit stop imaginable for the start of a family road trip from Chicago to upstate NY for a college graduation. Excellent food- beautiful eggs, ridiculously good biscuits and gravy. Cindy and her family have created a warm, fun hub for their community and travelers. We departed with an unexpected gift of mugs and a sweet for the road in a GLD tote. Thank you, for making this milestone trip memorable from the first hour. We will be back!!

We were a bit worried because thought we were lost but LOVED the cafe as soon as we walked in! Quaint and SO friendly! Food was so fast and wonderful! Even made 2 grumpy opinionated teenagers happy:-)

This my 1st review I have ever written. I think they deserve it. We live 45 minutes away. Because of the 5 stars & all the great reviews, we decided to try it. As all the reviews said, this place did not dissappoint us. Worth the drive through the area neighborhood. Upon arriving, we asked customers leaving, how was it? They said it was awesome. And they were right. Staff was very friendly, helpful, polite, & very welcoming. Food was great. Would definitly go out of my way to come back.

Have been here twice now and if driving through will def stop again. Wait staff over the top friendly, service great, portions are big but not obnoxious and food is made with care. This is just plain ol' good food at a good price served with a smile.

When I need a home cooked lunch Great Lakes Cafe is the place me! Burgers are good, patty melts with bacon are Great! Soups are delicious and club sandwiches are perfect compliment. When you're dragging and need some good cooking, go to Great Lakes