joe sass
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!
… moreC Lewis
This place is worth seeking out. It is off the beaten path nestled next to the industrial area but it’s a hidden gem. Cheerful decor, great food at a good value and very friendly professional service.
… moreCarlotta Mac
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!
… moreKyryl Zhylin
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
… moreBill Mitchell
If any spot deserves to be called a Gary landmark, it’s Great Lakes Café. The food is classic, hearty, and always cooked with care — from breakfast staples to their incredible lunch specials. The place has that welcoming, old-school neighborhood feel that reminds you what community dining is all about.
Beyond the food, what really makes it special are the people. The staff — including some of the most charming and beautiful Greek women you’ll ever meet — treat everyone like family. Their hospitality gives the café its heart and soul.
… moreZack Thomas
It really feels like you are family here, Cindy is awesome. I’m definitely coming back when I can and recommending this place to everyone I can! I got the two eggs and chopsteak breakfast and could barely finish everything! It was fantastic and tasted delicious! I’m going to look forward to working jobs at US Steel just so I can eat here.
… moreJeffrey
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.
… moreAndrea Magee
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.
… moreL. Royster
Great Lakes Cafe is a charming restaurant decorated in a 70s and fishing motif. It is tucked into an area once dominated by the Gary steel mills. Be sure to follow your map app carefully to get there.
The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch. I ordered the Trucker’s burger. It was an amazing half pound paddy full of flavor. It was the best of the three burgers I’ve eaten in the last two weeks. The meat was well cooked and tasted fresh. The fries served with the burger were coated, flavorful, and crispy. A bowl of soup also comes with the meal. This $10 meal far surpassed the $14 burgers I’ve eaten resently. To top things off, service was engaging and excellent.
… moreJose Flores
We found out this little Gem in the middle of no where but don’t get distracted this place is awesome Great customer service food is so good I’m from Chicago but yeah definitely we will come back. Cindy is so nice to us.
… more