A local’s guide to Michigan City, Indiana
What to eat?
Here’s our favorite Michigan City, Indiana recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Approachable food that’s so good, you’ll be dreaming of it on your drive home.
A favorite of ours to start the day is Lakeshore Coffee & Café. If you're headed to the beach, hitting the outlets, or just having a lazy morning, it’s the perfect little "grab and go" spot with some of the best coffee in Michigan City. Grab a flaky pastry or a quick breakfast sandwich to toss in your bag before you hit the Indiana Dunes. It’s local, easy, laid-back, and way better than any drive-thru you’ll find on the way.
A neighborhood staple just a few blocks from the beach is Dune Billies Beach Cafe. Giving off that perfect, laid-back beach town vibe, the menu is packed with all the brunch favorites and massive breakfast burritos. You absolutely have to grab one of their fresh, scratch-made pastries (we are total suckers for their cinnamon rolls). It's an incredibly easy spot for families to enjoy a casual meal out on the porch and just watch the day pass by.
The Standard is the ultimate spot to grab a sub before or after hitting the lake. Located in a cool converted gas station on Route 12, it’s a hidden gem that serves up fresh-sliced meats on Turano bread. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic "No Sharks" gear and local artisan gifts, making it way more than just a sandwich shop. Since they're usually only open until the late afternoon, it’s our go-to for a quick, high-quality lunch to toss in the cooler for a beach day.
If we’ve had a long day out in the sun, a favorite to hit is Carlson’s Drive-In. Around since 1947, this vintage carhop experience is a spot where every local has a memory. We love it because it feels like time slows down and everything is made to order. You absolutely have to try their famous, scratch-made root beer served in a giant frosted mug alongside a basket of hot crinkle fries and a double cheeseburger. It is guaranteed to hit the spot every single time.
For a true local experience, Ritz Klub Tavern is the quintessential Michigan City dive bar. This long-standing neighborhood staple is famous for its "Ritz burger," cold beer, and no-frills, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a regular. Whether you're stopping in for a late lunch or a casual evening drink, it’s a reliable go-to for anyone looking to escape the tourist crowds and see where the locals actually hang out.
For a classic, no-frills pizza night, we always look to Albano’s Pizza. A long-standing staple in town, it’s the perfect place to keep dinner simple with excellent, tavern-cut thin crust pizzas and an old-school menu. You can dine in, but we think it’s best enjoyed back at your rental. Just call in your order, grab a hot, cheesy pie, and head back to relax. It’s a nostalgic local favorite that can feed a hungry crowd with zero fuss.
Where to drink?
Looking for an ice cold beer, or a craft cocktail in Michigan City? We know just the spot.
If you want a spot with character that isn't a tourist trap, you have to check out Swells a Dive Bar. It’s tucked away right on Highway 12 and has that perfect, unpretentious "neighborhood hangout" energy. It’s exactly what you want in a local dive, cold drinks, a super friendly staff, and a chill atmosphere that’s great for unwinding after a day at the dunes. One of our favorite places to grab a drink and have a pizza on a cool summer night.
Burn 'Em Brewing has transformed a former industrial space into a massive, welcoming taproom with a killer outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot to grab a flight of their unique, experimental beers and enjoy some of the best food in town. Always buzzing with a mix of locals and visitors, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of Michigan City's craft scene after a day at the beach. Plus, it’s totally kiddo and doggo friendly!
Right in the heart of downtown, The Nightingale is the place to go for moody, expertly crafted cocktails. It has a cozy, elevated vibe that feels worlds away from a standard bar, making it the perfect spot for a slow drink and great conversation. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just looking for a stylish nightcap, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the more sophisticated side of Michigan City's nightlife.
What to see?
Often called a "Midwestern playa," Michigan City and the South Shore are packed with everything you need for high-energy adventures or your laziest days of the year. Below are a few ways we like to relax and enjoy the sun.
Washington Park Beach is the absolute place to be for a classic Michigan City summer day. Centrally located right downtown and just minutes from all the local shops and restaurants, it’s where you want to bring your chairs and coolers to set up camp for the entire day. Whether you're climbing the massive dunes for a panoramic view of the lighthouse or just soaking in the sun from the shoreline, this is the heart of the action. It’s the perfect home base for a full day of fun and sand with easy access to everything the city has to offer.
We recommend starting at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center in Porter. It’s the best place to get your bearings, chat with a ranger, and grab a map before heading into the massive expanse of the National Park or the adjacent State Park. If you’re feeling ambitious, you have to try the "3-Dune Challenge"—a legendary 1.5-mile trek over the three highest dunes that rewards you with insane lake views. For something more low-key but equally beautiful, the West Beach 3-Loop Trail offers a great mix of boardwalks and shoreline, or you can wander through the property and picnic at Chellberg Farm.
Looking for property management or rentals in Michigan City?
If you are looking to book a care free vacation stay or want to maximize your local real estate investment without the headache, Wishbone Property Management is here to help!
Led by local experts Katie and Deanna, Wishbone brings unparalleled local perspective, proactive communication, and over 25 years of hands-on experience to the short-term vacation rental market. We provide meticulous property preparation, five star guest support, and deep-rooted local vendor partnerships. Because of this, we care for every home as if it were our own.
You might want to book a family getaway near the lake. Or you might want to partner with a management team that truly knows the Northwest Indiana dunes and beach communities. Either way, reach out to Wishbone Property Management today.