Hours

Monday	5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday	5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday	5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday	5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday	5:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Photos

Reviews

• Megan Ahlman
  ★ 5

  SO HAPPY we stopped into this family owned and operated restaurant- great stop along the road from Chicago to Cleveland! Lots of food for the price, kid-friendly coloring pages with a focus on water safety, and clean bathrooms. Highly recommend the corned beef hash!
  
  Cynthia and her daughter Jessica were so welcoming. They, along with other diners, recommended a few quick stops to visit in Gary before continuing on our turnpike drive. Thank you all!

• joe sass
  ★ 5

  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!

• Carlotta Mac
  ★ 5

  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!

• Kyryl Zhylin
  ★ 4

  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

• Sara K
  ★ 5

  We swung by this cafe on our way to Chicago from Michigan; Hubby Googled breakfast joints along our route and Great Lakes Cafe popped up and had good reviews so we swung in to feed the family. TBH, I was a bit worried as we were driving to it, it is set in an industrial area with seemingly nothing else around but don't let that fool ya like it did me! The cafe is quaint and cute with an eclectic mix of homey decor. We were greeted and seated with excitement and friendlinessnAll throughout our meal, Cindy and her daughter made us feel so welcome and at home. They made our 5yo's day by proudly displaying her colored artwork too 😊 The food was delicious! Incredibly reasonable prices, our family of 5 ate a big breakfast, with leftovers, for $42 which is unheard of nowadays! Cindy shared a lot of helpful advice for our family traveling to Chicago for the first time and even sent our girls off with their own little personal sack of snacks to keep them busy the remainder of our trip. If we're ever back in the area, we'd go out of our way to stop again - Thank you!