A Coffee Lover's Guide to Lake County's Best Cafes and Coffee Shops

If there is one thing I have learned in my years in the 219, it is that Lake County knows its coffee. We have indie roasters, cozy cafes tucked into historic storefronts, and a growing coffee culture that rivals anything you would find in Chicago. Whether you need a quiet corner to work, a place to catch up with a friend, or just a really good pour-over, here is where to find it.

I spent a few weeks visiting, sipping, and taking notes. Here is the result: a completely subjective, thoroughly caffeinated guide to the best coffee shops in Lake County.

Crown Point

Sip Coffee House & Artisan Cafe

Right on the Crown Point courthouse square, Sip Coffee House is everything you want in a downtown cafe. Exposed brick walls, local art rotating on the walls, and a menu of espresso drinks, teas, and fresh-baked goods. The outdoor patio is prime people-watching real estate on a Saturday morning. They also have a second location in Cedar Lake. It is the kind of place where the baristas know the regulars by name, and the coffee is consistently excellent.

Smalltown Coffee Company

Smalltown Coffee Company is a relative newcomer to the Crown Point scene, and they have made an impression fast. They roast their own beans in small batches, and the attention to detail shows. The space is clean and modern, with a focus on the coffee itself. If you are the type of person who wants to know exactly where your beans came from and how they were roasted, this is your spot.

Refuge Cafe

Refuge Cafe on North Main is the kind of place you go when you need a warm drink and a quiet hour. It has a cozy, lived-in feel with soft seating, good natural light, and a menu that goes beyond pastries into full breakfast and lunch territory. Their avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches are as good as the coffee.

Steamwhistle Coffee Roasters

Steamwhistle is where Crown Point goes for serious coffee. They roast on-site and the whole place smells like freshly ground beans. The industrial aesthetic fits the craft-roaster vibe, and their espresso drinks are among the best in the county. Grab a bag of beans to take home and you will be set for the week.

Main Street Cafe

Main Street Cafe is the old-school option and a Crown Point institution. It is not a third-wave coffee shop, and it does not pretend to be. What it is, is a classic American cafe with good coffee, great pancakes, and the kind of friendly service that keeps people coming back for decades. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.

Munster

Just Be Coffee Roasters

Just Be Coffee Roasters in Munster's Fisher Street district is the real deal. They roast their own beans and serve a menu of thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brews. The space is open and inviting, with plenty of seating for working or catching up with friends. Their seasonal cold brew flavors keep me coming back all summer long.

Bean Me Up Roastery & Cafe

Bean Me Up is a Munster gem. Located near Centennial Park, it is the perfect stop before or after a walk around the lake. The owners are passionate about coffee and it shows in every cup. They also roast their own beans, and the cafe has a warm, welcoming energy that makes you want to stay for another round.

Schererville & Highland

Twin Beans Coffee (Schererville)

Twin Beans Coffee on Route 41 in Schererville is the spot when you need good coffee in a hurry. They serve a full espresso menu with creative specialty drinks, and the drive-through makes it easy to grab a latte on your way to work. The quality punches above its weight for a quick-service spot.

Sip Coffee House (Highland)

The Highland outpost of the Sip Coffee House family brings the same artsy, community-focused energy to Jewett Avenue. Local art on the walls, good music playing, and a menu of espresso drinks and teas that hits every time. It is a great place to settle in for an afternoon of work or a relaxed weekend catch-up.

Eatery 41 (Highland)

Eatery 41 on Indianapolis Boulevard is more of a breakfast spot that takes its coffee seriously. The coffee is fresh and well-made, and it pairs perfectly with their hearty breakfast menu. If you are looking for a morning meeting spot or a weekend breakfast with a good cup of joe, this is your place.

Cafe Fresco (Crown Point)

Cafe Fresco sits right on the corner of the courthouse square and offers a distinctly European sidewalk cafe experience. The espresso is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the patio seating puts you right in the middle of downtown Crown Point's energy. On a warm summer morning there is no better spot to watch the town come to life.

Coffee Shop Etiquette, 219 Style

A few things I have learned from years of cafe-hopping in Lake County. Tip your barista, especially if they made you something fancy. If you are planning to work for a few hours, buy a second drink or a pastry. And please, put your phone away when you are with someone. These spots are about connection as much as caffeine.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions