I will say it plainly: Lake County does breakfast right. There is something about the morning meal in the 219 that hits different. Maybe it is the no-fuss diners that have been flipping pancakes for decades. Maybe it is the farm-to-table spots drawing from local produce. Maybe it is the Greek-inspired breakfast joints that put feta in your omelet and baklava on your French toast. Whatever it is, breakfast here is a meal worth waking up for.
Whether you are craving a towering stack of buttermilk pancakes, a quiet coffee-and-pastry morning, or a full farm-to-table brunch on the courthouse square, this guide has you covered. These are the breakfast and brunch spots I send my friends to.
The Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Lake County
From Highland to Crown Point to Schererville, here is where to start your morning in the 219.
Sophia's Famous Pancakes
Highland9344 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN
The name says it all. Sophias Famous Pancakes serves up towering stacks of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, creative French toast, omelets big enough to share, and the kind of hearty breakfast that fuels a Lake County Saturday. The Highland location has a loyal following and the wait on weekend mornings tells you everything you need to know. Cash only at some locations, so come prepared.
Les Cafe Pancake House
Highland2708 Highway Ave, Highland, IN
Les Cafe is the kind of cozy, neighborhood breakfast spot that feels like a secret. Fresh-baked pastries, perfectly cooked eggs, and a warm, unpretentious vibe. Their omelets are outstanding, the coffee keeps coming, and the service is fast and friendly. A 4.4-star gem tucked away in Highland.
Toast & Jam
Schererville7311 Mallard Ln, Schererville, IN
A modern brunch spot in Schererville that has quickly become a local favorite. Creative breakfast and lunch dishes with fresh ingredients and seasonal specials. Their avocado toast, breakfast bowls, and house-made jams are worth the trip. 4.2 stars and climbing.
Purple Steer Restaurant
Highland8601 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN
A classic American diner that has been serving Highland for years. Purple Steer does breakfast the old-fashioned way: generous portions, fast service, and the kind of eggs-and-bacon breakfast that fuels a Lake County Saturday. A no-fuss, reliable spot that feels like stepping back in time.
Square Roots
Crown Point108 N Main St, Crown Point, IN
A farm-to-table gem right on the Crown Point courthouse square. Square Roots serves a seasonal brunch menu on weekends with locally sourced ingredients. Their brunch bowls, farm-fresh scrambles, and house-baked goods pair perfectly with a walk around the historic square after your meal.
Cafe Stelios Breakfast Restaurant
Merrillville7454 Broadway, Merrillville, IN
A Broadway staple for breakfast lovers. Cafe Stelios serves Greek-inspired breakfast dishes alongside classic American favorites. Their gyro omelet and baklava French toast are the kind of creative breakfast mashups that make mornings interesting. Generous portions, friendly service, and a loyal customer base.
Brothers Breakfast & Lunch
Merrillville1800 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN
Brothers is exactly what you want from a breakfast spot: consistent, friendly, and satisfying. The menu covers all the classics from pancakes and waffles to eggs Benedict and breakfast skillets. A reliable choice for a no-surprises, great-tasting morning meal.
Sip Coffee House
Highland2815 Jewett Ave, Highland, IN
For those mornings when you want something lighter, Sip Coffee House in Highland serves excellent coffee drinks, fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and acai bowls. A cozy, relaxed spot with a 4.4-star rating and a loyal local following. Perfect for a quiet morning with a book or a working brunch.
4 Tips for the Best Breakfast Experience
Go Early on Weekends
The best brunch spots in Lake County fill up fast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Aim for 8:00-8:30 AM if you want to avoid the rush, especially at Sophia's in Highland and Toast & Jam in Schererville.
Plan Your Route
Highland has the highest concentration of great breakfast spots along Indianapolis Blvd and Ridge Road. Crown Point's courthouse square is another breakfast hub with Square Roots and nearby cafes.
Bring Cash
Some of the best old-school breakfast diners in Lake County are still cash-only (Sophia's Famous Pancakes included). Check ahead or hit the ATM before you go.
Weekday Breakfast is Sleeper Hit
Breakfast at Purple Steer or Les Cafe on a Tuesday morning is a completely different (and much quieter) experience than the weekend rush. The food is just as good, and you will have the place to yourself.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Sophia's Famous Pancakes in Highland is the classic choice for towering stacks and family-friendly breakfast
- ✓ Toast & Jam in Schererville brings a modern brunch vibe with seasonal ingredients and house-made jams
- ✓ Square Roots in Crown Point serves farm-to-table brunch right on the historic courthouse square
- ✓ Les Cafe Pancake House in Highland is a cozy hidden gem with fresh-baked pastries and outstanding omelets
- ✓ Go early on weekends and bring cash to some of the best old-school diners
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best breakfast spot in Lake County?
It depends on what you are looking for. Sophia's Famous Pancakes in Highland is the classic choice for big, satisfying stacks of pancakes. Toast & Jam in Schererville is the go-to for a modern brunch with seasonal ingredients. Square Roots in Crown Point offers farm-to-table brunch on the historic courthouse square. Each has its own vibe, so try them all.
Are there healthy brunch options in Lake County?
Yes. Square Roots in Crown Point serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes with plenty of lighter options. Toast & Jam in Schererville has excellent breakfast bowls and avocado toast. Sip Coffee House in Highland offers acai bowls and breakfast sandwiches with fresh ingredients.
What breakfast spots in Lake County are best for families?
Sophia's Famous Pancakes in Highland is very family-friendly with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. Purple Steer in Highland is another great option for families with its classic diner menu and fast service. Brothers Breakfast & Lunch in Merrillville also has a family-friendly vibe with a menu that appeals to all ages.
Where can I get breakfast near the Crown Point courthouse square?
Square Roots on North Main Street is the best breakfast spot right on the courthouse square, serving farm-to-table brunch on weekends. For a classic diner breakfast, Schoop's at 1124 N Main St is a local institution for burgers but also serves a solid breakfast. The Crown Point Farmers Market on Saturday mornings also has fresh-baked goods and breakfast options.
Do any Lake County breakfast spots serve brunch on weekdays?
Most breakfast spots in Lake County serve breakfast all day, every day. Purple Steer, Les Cafe Pancake House, Cafe Stelios, and Brothers Breakfast & Lunch are all open for breakfast during the week. Square Roots brunch is primarily a weekend offering, so check their hours for weekday availability.
Great breakfast is one of the many reasons people love living in Lake County. If you are thinking about making the 219 your home and want to find a neighborhood near all the best morning spots, I can help. Let's connect.
More food guides: Dining & Restaurants Guide, Coffee Lover's Guide, and Craft Brewery Trail.