Where to Eat in Lake County, Indiana
A local's curated guide to the best restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops across the 219.
By Liz Rytel June 19, 2026 14 min read
A local's curated guide to the best restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops across the 219.
Lake County's food scene is one of the 219's best-kept secrets. From upscale Italian and farm-to-table dining on Crown Point's historic square to waterfront brunches on Cedar Lake, nationally acclaimed craft breweries in Munster, and family traditions that stretch back decades — this guide covers the restaurants you need to know.
Lake County has a surprisingly strong fine dining scene for a community its size. These are the spots I recommend when clients ask where to celebrate an anniversary, close on a house, or simply enjoy an exceptional meal.
Crown Point · 302 S Main St · $$
House-made pastas, an extensive wine list, and consistently one of the best fine dining experiences in the 219. A downtown Crown Point institution.
Visit WebsiteMunster · 9601 Calumet Ave · $$$
A Centennial Village staple for perfectly cooked steaks and classic cocktails. White tablecloths, old-school elegance, and consistently excellent service.
Visit WebsiteCrown Point · 10805 Broadway · $$
Creative American cuisine with seasonal menus and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The kind of place where every dish surprises you.
Visit WebsiteCrown Point · 108 N Main St · $$
Farm-to-table dining with a seasonal focus. Local ingredients, creative preparations, and a gorgeous space on the downtown square.
Visit WebsiteThese are the everyday favorites — the places locals return to week after week. From smoky BBQ to waterfront dining, this is where Lake County eats when it's not trying to impress anyone.
Crown Point · 35 W 112th Ave · $
Smoky, saucy, and satisfying. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs — the real deal. A must-visit for any meat lover visiting the 219.
DetailsCrown Point · 201 N Main St · $$
Modern American grill with a great craft cocktail program. Perfect for date night or a weekend dinner downtown.
DetailsSchererville · 1775 US-41 · $$
A Schererville institution since 1929. Classic American comfort food — steaks, seafood, and generational service.
DetailsMunster · 9625 Calumet Ave · $$
Sushi, hibachi, and surf & turf in a sleek Centennial Village setting. One of the go-to spots for Japanese cuisine in Lake County.
DetailsCrown Point · 208 S Main St · $$
Eclectic and unexpected — a chef-driven spot that plays with flavors and presentations. For the adventurous eater.
DetailsCedar Lake · 7501 Constitution Ave · $$
Waterfront dining on Cedar Lake with a laid-back summer vibe. Great for brunch with a view or a casual dinner by the water.
DetailsWant the full restaurant list? Our complete Eats & Drinks page features every restaurant, coffee shop, and brewery in Lake County with full descriptions, addresses, and website links.
The 219 craft beer scene is genuinely one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest. Three Floyds Brewing in Munster is a national destination — their Zombie Dust IPA has a cult following that draws beer lovers from across the country. But the scene goes far beyond one brewery.
Crown Point has Crown Brewing and Off Square Brewing, both on or near the downtown square with great patios and food menus. Malt Brothers Brewing in St. John and Byway Brewing in Highland are newer additions that are growing quickly. Oktoberfest at Crown Brewing in October is one of the 219's signature fall events.
Crown Point · 211 S East St
Craft beer and hearty pub fare right on the square. A Crown Point institution with a great patio and live music nights.
VisitCrown Point · 11000 Delaware Pkwy
Local brewery with a taproom vibe, creative brews, and food that goes beyond typical bar fare.
VisitMunster · 9750 Indiana Pkwy
Nationally acclaimed craft brewery — Zombie Dust IPA has a cult following. A pilgrimage site for craft beer lovers.
VisitSt. John · St. John
A newer addition to the Lake County scene with creative brews and a welcoming taproom.
Crown Point has a surprisingly strong coffee scene — Sip Coffee House for artisan pastries, Steamwhistle Coffee Roasters for purists who want locally roasted beans, Smalltown Coffee Company for cozy vibes, and Cafe Fresco for European-inspired espresso on the square. In Munster, Just Be Coffee Roasters is the go-to for specialty craft coffee.
Don't miss Munster Donut — a 50+ year institution serving fresh old-fashioned donuts daily. It's a true 219 classic and worth the early morning visit.
Common questions about restaurants, breweries, and food in Lake County, Indiana.
It depends on what you're in the mood for, but locals consistently rank Lucrezia Italian Ristorante in Crown Point among the top fine dining experiences in the 219. For steaks, Rosebud Steakhouse in Munster is a classic. Bombers BBQ in Crown Point is a must-visit for smoked meats, and the Lighthouse Restaurant on Cedar Lake offers the best waterfront dining in the area. Crown Point's downtown square alone has over a dozen quality restaurants within walking distance.
Three Floyds Brewing in Munster is nationally acclaimed — their Zombie Dust IPA has a cult following. Crown Brewing and Off Square Brewing are Crown Point staples with great patios and food. Malt Brothers Brewing in St. John and Byway Brewing in Highland are newer additions that are growing fast. The Lake County craft beer scene is genuinely one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest.
Crown Point has one of the strongest coffee scenes in the region with Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe, Steamwhistle Coffee Roasters, Smalltown Coffee Company, and Cafe Fresco all on or near the downtown square. Just Be Coffee Roasters in Munster is a local favorite for specialty craft coffee, and Munster Donut has been serving fresh old-fashioned donuts for over 50 years.
The Lighthouse Restaurant on Cedar Lake is the premier waterfront dining option in Lake County, offering views of the lake with a relaxed summer vibe. Crown Point's downtown square has seasonal outdoor dining throughout warmer months, and several breweries like Crown Brewing and Off Square Brewing have patios perfect for warm-weather meals.
Teibel's Family Restaurant in Schererville has been a family tradition since 1929 with classic American comfort food. Lighthouse Restaurant on Cedar Lake is great for family outings with waterfront views. Crown Point's square has many casual options perfect for families, and Munster's Centennial Village district offers a variety of family-friendly dining along Calumet Avenue.
The food is just the beginning. Let me help you find your place in a Lake County neighborhood you'll love.
(219) 670-3704