Welcome to Great Lakes Cafe
Great Lakes Cafe, located at 201 Mississippi St in Gary, IN, is a beloved local diner known for its hearty meals and genuine hospitality. From perfectly cooked breakfasts, including crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes, to standout dishes like rich split pea soup, the cafe excels in delivering comfort food that warms the soul. The welcoming staff, praised for their friendly service, creates an inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Guests often rave about the cleanliness and charm of the diner, making it a must-visit stop for both locals and travelers seeking a delightful dining experience.
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201 Mississippi St, Gary, IN 46402, United States Hotline: +1 219-883-5737
Welcome to the charming Great Lakes Cafe, a cozy diner nestled in the heart of Gary, Indiana. Located at 201 Mississippi St, this little gem offers a delightful escape for both locals and travelers alike, providing hearty meals with a side of genuine hospitality. With a phone call to +1 219-883-5737, you can inquire about their seasonal specials or just chat about food!
As you step through the doors of Great Lakes Cafe, you're immediately enveloped by a warm atmosphere where friendly faces greet you. The staff here not only serve food but also create an inviting experience that feels like dining at home. Guests have shared their love for the cafe's well-executed breakfast classics, featuring perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, golden hash browns, and pancakes that are light and fluffy. The coffee? Always hot and freshly brewed, ready to energize your day.
One standout dish, surprisingly, is the split pea soup. Rich and savory, it delivers a comforting experience that reminds you of meals made in a loving home kitchen. The texture is just right—thick but not overwhelming—perfect for warming your soul. Coupled with their expansive breakfast and lunch menu, you’ll find something for everyone, no matter if you're craving a classic omelet or a delicious patty melt, which has also garnered numerous recommendations.
The vibe at Great Lakes Cafe is bolstered by its nostalgic decor, adorned with fun signs and quirky memorabilia that sets a lighthearted tone. It’s easy to feel at home here, where even visitors passing through often leave feeling like part of the family. Reviewers rave about not only the food but the stellar service—names like Cindy have been highlighted for their attentiveness and the ability to make your coffee just the way you like it. It's these little personal touches that keep patrons returning, time and again.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, Great Lakes Cafe serves up satisfying meals in a setting that feels truly welcoming. With a strong commitment to quality, both in food and service, this diner stands out as a must-visit destination in Gary. If you're in the area or just passing through, make sure to stop by and discover what makes this cafe a cherished local favorite. You may find that it becomes a highlight of your journey, just as it has for many others.
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.
Wow , what a step backwards in time to a day where quality food and top notch service was the norm A small cafe with a flare for full flavor and beautifully served food. The staff is amazing and the restaurant is spotlessly clean I’m putting this locally owned restaurant on my regular list!!
I suppose that if you are a local or working with a nearby steel mill then you probably have checked out this place. If you are a traveler or just getting away for the weekend, like we were, then you may have no idea that this place exists. But it is a total Gem and worth a visit! The menu is expansive, but it is a menu that makes sense and focuses on breakfast and lunch. It's not like others that feature items all over the place with everything just of mediocre quality. Of course we didn't eat everything on the menu but we did put together a hodgepodge of items including omelettes, hash browns, toast, and biscuit and juice. The inside is decorated with fun signs and memorabilia, many of which are full of puns. The staff, well they were all amazing. I believe it was Kirsten that was our server and she was the highlight. She hustled and made sure our coffee with always topped off but also maintained that very delicate balance to not top off coffee that have the right concoction of creamer and sweetener inside. Again, unless you live nearby you probably would have no idea that this place exists but if you are reading this review then I can't help but to tell you that you need to visit. 5 out of 5 stars without a doubt.
Came back to area and forgot just how good this restaurant was. The hamburgers were excellent, and the pie was very good.. The owner and wait staff were very friendly , and really wanna make you feel like home.. Thanks for a great lunch...
Extremely friendly staff came in today to get the trucker’s favorite 10/10 so far will be coming back soon. Also the prices are still very low for the quality of food
Very family friendly diner. Cindy waited on us and treated us like royalty. We all had salads and enjoyed the visit very much. We love Cindy.
We were traveling through indiana and SO happy we stopped here the service was excellent and we made some friends here. Cindy and our waitress who made us feel safe and at home. This place is truly worth visiting they really know how to take care of you here. It was honestly the best part of our trip to the dunes. I was surprised by how quickly we got our food! Good prices and the food was DELICIOUS!! we love you guys here and we'll be sure to stop by any time we're in the area. Cindy you made my day!