When the sun shines and your belly is rumbling you’ll want to enjoy these locations with great fare and amazing views - from beautiful lakes to busy downtowns. We recommend you call ahead for availability when dining alfresco in Northwest Indiana.
Michigan City, Indiana
For a great place to relax and watch the sunset on Lake Michigan in Michigan City, visit Sunset Grille at Washington Park. Sip on fun cocktails, a local craft beer or Hoosier wines while you enjoy light bites and the sunset from the rooftop. The rooftop patio has plenty of seating and live entertainment throughout the season. Visitors to the beach can enjoy concessions during the day and stick around for sunsets when the rooftop opens at 4:00 p.m.
There is plenty of cozy places on the porches or patios at Shady Creek Winery to enjoy the views of their beautiful grounds. Try a shareable plate of their fresh salads, sandwiches, flatbreads or pizza along with their tasty wine selection. On Fridays and Sundays, you can enjoy live music on the patio, too.
Valparaiso, Indiana
Enjoy sitting outside in the garden, sipping on a variety of wines at Anderson's Winery in Valparaiso. There's plenty of room to spread out and on weekend afternoons in the summer you can listen to live music. Snack on flatbreads, paninis or some cheese while you try and find your favorite wine.
At Four Corners Winery and Wedding Venue, relax on their peaceful property in the country. Sit on the deck overlooking the vineyards with family and friends. Try some new wines while snacking on shareable items like baked spinach and artichoke skillet, a picnic cheese box, flatbreads or a caramel apple dipping box. They even put up igloos so you can sit outdoors in the colder months, too!
Crown Point, Indiana
In downtown Crown Point, many of the restaurants around the square offer outdoor dining right on the sidewalk, but there are a couple that let you view the busy downtown from slightly different vantage points.
Provecho's patio is in a pathway between buildings with a great view of the courthouse. Enjoy their Latin American and Spanish culinary specialties along with some tasty drinks! They also have igloos set up on the patio in the winter.
At Station 21, you can get a bird's eye view of the square from their patio off the second floor. Try some of their favorites like their ahi tuna tacos, lake perch, florentine alfredo, pot roast sandwich or Mama's mini meatloaf.
While most locations around the square have views of the courthouse, Ramen District is actually located inside the courthouse, with its patio outdoors on the west side. Enjoy a variety of noodle and rice creations while surrounded by the trees and lawn of the courthouse. You can still watch the world go by, but at a bit of a distance.
Cedar Lake, Indiana
Take a seat indoors to admire Cedar Lake through the windows, take a seat on the patio or enjoy a cocktail at the “boat bar.” Lighthouse Restaurant offers diners a relaxing atmosphere, steaks, pasta and seafood. While their steak is their signature dish, you can enjoy red grouper, salmon, perch and weekly specials. Sit back and watch the sunset just over the lake to the west.
For more outdoor dining options, check out our outdoor dining page here.
