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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Gary

American food spots

Familiar, hearty plates are the only thing that feels right. Stick to the classics that never disappoint.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
S & G Waffle shack image 1
S & G Waffle shack image 2
S & G Waffle shack image 3
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Breakfast restaurant

Small breakfast spot with a homey atmosphere and friendly vibe. Lobby stays super clean despite a loud TV that can challenge conversation. Known for exclusive brunch options and quick service, it draws a crowd seeking hearty, well-prepared meals.

Food comes out hot and full of flavor with quick service. The dishes consistently deliver amazing taste and satisfy every time.

Shrimp and grits stand out with rich flavor and perfect texture. Chicken and waffles come with cheese grits, and catfish pairs well with eggs and grits.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is fantastic, with owner's personal attention making you feel at home."

"The food here is always good and fresh."

"The American Food here, especially the shrimp and grits, is super delicious."

Good to know

1

S&G Waffle Shack is open from 6am to 3pm Tuesday through Thursday.

2

The restaurant is primarily geared towards takeout service.

3

Expect quick service with no long wait times for food.

02
Great Lakes Cafe image 1

Old-school diner with nostalgic 1950s decor and a cozy, family-friendly vibe creates a welcoming atmosphere. Quiet and personable energy invites a sense of community and warmth. Regulars enjoy home-style meals and inexpensive prices in a clean, inviting space.

Food comes out fresh and hot with good-sized portions. Every dish is carefully prepared and incredibly tasty.

Biscuits and gravy come out delicious and the chicken fried steak is hearty and flavorful. Breakfast features perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, golden hash browns, and fluffy pancakes. The patty melt also stands out.

People are saying

"The breakfast here feels like home, with a warm, welcoming staff."

"I found the food to be classic, hearty, and always cooked with care."

"The American Food here is served with such a warm and welcoming attitude."

Good to know

1

Breakfast service stops at 11 am.

2

The cafe's hours are from 5 am to 1 pm.

3

The breakfast menu is extensive with great portion sizes.

03
Nephew's Steak & Hoagy image 1

Small sandwich shop buzzes with an upbeat vibe and fresh ingredients. Crowds gather for sweet steak sandwiches and crispy wings, creating a lively, neighborhood-focused atmosphere. Orders are mostly takeout, with affordable prices and a family-owned feel.

Food here is consistently fresh and just right, with every item on the menu tasting delicious. The wait time reflects the care in preparation, making the experience worth it.

Chicken wings stand out with their crispy, well-seasoned breading and a sweet sauce that is highly addictive. The ribeye steak sandwich offers a flavorful and satisfying American classic.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and very flavorful."

"I thought the steak sandwich was fire and not soggy."

"The American food, especially the steak sandwich and wings, is so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait during peak hours for takeout.

2

Parking is available off the Broadway entrance for easy access.

3

They accept both cash and card payments for convenience.

04
Blossom Potatoes image 1

Restaurant offers 67 stuffed potato varieties with soul food flavors like braised oxtail and Cajun chicken. Vibrant atmosphere combines with family-owned, Black-owned pride and friendly, clean space. Menu features gourmet potatoes, cakes, and slushes, attracting diverse guests including truckers.

Food comes out fresh and hot with generous portions. Every dish tastes delicious and satisfying.

Pot roast comes tender and juicy, though portions can vary. Cajun Chicken offers a strong, satisfying flavor. Dishes include chicken wings, loaded potatoes, and steak with Cajun Alfredo sauce.

People are saying

"I thought the food was really good and tasty."

"I loved the homemade lemon pound cake with caramel."

"I'm going back real soon for the American Food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

The eatery is Black-owned and operated by a family.

3

You can drop your trailer at the Pilot or TA off Burr Street.

05
Trendsetters Bar & Grill image 1

Bar and grill with pool tables and big TVs creates a chill, friendly atmosphere. Two dining areas and a patio offer varied seating options. Known for Puerto Rican food and steak tacos, it draws a crowd looking for flavorful dishes and relaxed vibes.

Food features delicious buffalo wings and a wide variety of choices. Quality consistently surpasses expectations with great taste and satisfying options.

Garlic buffalo wings stand out as a flavorful choice. The fish sandwich also earns praise. Nachos here beat those at Adrian's.

People are saying

"I felt like I had been missing out on the Puerto Rican food."

"I found the atmosphere really chill and a nice spot to unwind."

"The American Food here has excellent service."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 1 A.M., ideal for late-night cravings.

2

Expect a wait time of 40-50 minutes for food orders.

3

A 15% tip is automatically added to bills over $30.

06
Lo'Shell's Cajun and Creole Flavors image 1

Small, homey space feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma's house with a warm, welcoming atmosphere despite occasional heat inside. Food offers authentic Cajun flavors with standout dishes like gumbo and peach cobbler. Inconsistent hours and limited dine-in access make takeout with advance ordering the common choice.

Hearty dishes showcase authentic Cajun flavors with fresh ingredients and careful presentation. Seafood gumbo and shrimp chicken alfredo stand out as phenomenal options cooked to perfection.

Menu features Cajun and Creole flavors with dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, smothered chicken, mac and cheese, and jambalaya. Seafood boils and soul food options round out the extensive selection.

People are saying

"The seafood gumbo here is fiery, flavorful, and full of meat."

"The seafood gumbo food was fiery and flavorful."

"The American Food gumbo here is top notch."

Good to know

1

It's best to order ahead of your arrival to ensure you get your meal promptly.

2

The dine-in area appears to be closed during weekday lunch.

3

The restaurant's hours can be inconsistent, so calling ahead is recommended.

07
Jasnakโ€™s image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with bullet-resistant acrylic at the ordering area and a truck-friendly vibe near truck stops. Atmosphere is clean and affordable, with pork-free menu options and generous portions. Drive-thru is convenient but slower than ordering inside, and parking is ample and tidy.

Food comes out fresh and hot with reasonable prices and generous portions. Dishes like the chicken gyro, tacos, and bread mushrooms stand out for their good preparation and flavor.

Patty melts stand out with rich flavor. Loaded fries come with options like steak or chicken and pair well with mac and cheese bites. Philly cheesesteak and chicken nachos on fries add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and well prepared."

"The chicken gyro here is delicious and a lot of food."

"This American food spot's Maxwell pork chop sandwich is exceptional."

Good to know

1

Jasnakโ€™s is open till midnight for late-night dining.

2

The prices at Jasnakโ€™s are reasonable for the portions offered.

3

They offer $2 taco specials on Tuesday.

08
SteelCity CheeseSteaks image 1
Cheesesteak restaurant

Cheesesteak restaurant offers flavorful, meaty sandwiches with excellent fish and wings. The space feels barren and uncooled, with limited seating and a hidden location inside a gas station. Prices are high, and fries or drinks come separately, but food quality stands out.

Food here is consistently cooked to order, always hot and fresh with really good portions. The taste is pure and delicious, often surprising given the simple setting.

Philly cheesesteaks use the same steak as the steak fries, creating a consistent flavor. The Cheeseburger Gyro Philly and chicken wings add variety to the American food options. The Philly cheesesteak with a polish and fries stands out for its impressive taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and awesome."

"I tasted the best Philly cheesesteak I ever had."

"I thought the American Food here was amazing, with flavor on another level."

Good to know

1

Sandwiches do not come with fries; they cost an extra $3.

2

Expect a lunch hour line, especially during peak times.

3

The restaurant shares space with a Marathon gas station, making it hard to find.

09
Kelly's Soul Kitchen image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small, worn-down building hosts a takeout-only soul food spot with a vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibe. Food is cooked fresh, often with tender pot roast and well-prepared greens, attracting down-to-earth people. Menu offers many sides and dishes reminiscent of down south homecooked meals.

Food features freshness and high quality with generous portions like the pot roast served with rice and two sides. Soul food here is consistently delicious and well-priced.

Pot roast comes with a large portion, rice, and two sides. Meatloaf is tender and well cooked, offered in a $6 lunch deal with mashed potatoes. Wings come in several styles like fried and jerk, and sides include cabbage, yams, and cornbread.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and seasoned well."

"The rib tips were so meaty and tender."

"The American Food rib tips were juicy, tender, and generously sauced."

Good to know

1

Kelly's Soul Kitchen operates as a takeout-only establishment.

2

Online ordering is available with a text notification system.

3

The $6 lunch with meatloaf and mashed potatoes is a great deal.

10
Chuck Wheeler's Vienna Beef image 1

Hot dog stand operates in an abandoned mall with a take-out only setup and cash-only payments. Atmosphere feels undesirable amid a nearly deserted shopping plaza. Hot dogs and Polish sausages stand out as regional favorites despite surroundings.

Food offers consistent taste over many years with a focus on fast food style. Quality ranges from just okay to satisfying but shows signs of decline.

Hot dogs and polish dogs stand out with solid flavor. The quality of the hot dogs often draws attention despite the simple setting.

People are saying

"I thought the hot dogs were great American food."

"I thought the hot dogs here were really great."

"The food here is delicious fast food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with no dine-in options available.

2

Only cash payments are accepted; no credit or debit cards.

3

Customers are asked to complete cell calls before ordering.

11
Council Oak Steaks and Seafood image 1

Steak house offers a classy and intimate atmosphere with modern, stylish decor and dimmed lighting that feels separate from the casino. Live music once set it apart, now replaced by DJs, creating a comfortable and quiet dining experience suited for conversation. The space feels upscale and welcoming, fitting for special occasions or a refined night out.

Food includes wagyu steaks, a seafood tower, and desserts. Service is exceptional and food arrives quickly even late at night.

Steaks cooked perfectly stand out here, including the Prime New York strip and ribeye. The crab cakes also deliver solid flavor.

People are saying

"The dinner here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, perfectly prepared, and high quality."

"The American Food here, especially the steak, is cooked exactly as requested."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially before shows, to ensure seating.

2

Expect higher prices, with steaks starting at $75.

3

There is plenty of free parking available and accessible entry.

12
Paige and Charlie's image 1
American restaurant

Small diner with an old school feel and beautiful murals creates a cozy, lively space. Warm, family-oriented vibe welcomes mostly regulars known by name. Outdoor area features 60s and 70s music, adding to the inviting atmosphere.

Food here is consistently delicious and feels like a meal made for royalty. Every bite delivers great flavor and quality.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries stand out with solid flavors. Breakfast offers grits, ham, eggs, and coffee that come together well. The bacon cheeseburger serves hot and satisfying.

People are saying

"I loved my hearty pancake breakfast with good portions."

"I found the food here to be hot and delicious."

"The American Food here feels like family, with super friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The diner is family-friendly, making it a great choice for all ages.

3

Expect generous portions and good value for your money.

13
Get jerked image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers an elegant, vibrant atmosphere with relaxing music and a full bar that hosts events. The space feels clean and inviting, encouraging guests to stay longer. Caribbean flavors stand out with spicy, flavorful tacos and top-tier smoked mac & cheese.

Caribbean cuisine stands out with amazing quality and delicious flavors that consistently satisfy. Food exceeds expectations and ranks among the best in the region.

Jerk chicken features prominently in tacos and nachos, alongside dishes like spring rolls and fried catfish. Mac and cheese serves as a common side, while availability of wings can vary.

People are saying

"The seafood here is seasoned to perfection."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The American Food here is delicious, especially the chicken and fries."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a full bar with a variety of drinks.

14
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana image 1

Spacious casino floor with high ceilings and bright lighting creates an open atmosphere. Live concerts and top-tier entertainment bring electric energy and draw a diverse crowd. Strong cigarette smoke scent is noticeable throughout the venue.

Food features high quality ingredients and offers a steak house with a notable dining experience. Takeout options maintain the same great taste as dine-in meals.

Prime rib draws lines with its rich flavor. Cheeseburgers stand out as best ever. Nachos and the porterhouse with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese also get strong mentions.

People are saying

"I had a lot of fun at this place."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The American food here, especially the prime rib and cheeseburgers, is amazing."

Good to know

1

The outdoor parking area allows for easy access without height restrictions.

2

Parking is generally easy, with plenty of spaces available.

3

The buffet is half off on Wednesdays for those over 55.

15
J's Breakfast Club image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Newly decorated space features smooth jazz music and a write a note, take a note wall that encourages connection. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with a friendly vibe that suits casual dining. Small size creates an intimate setting with a focus on comfort and community.

Food here is decadent and made with fresh ingredients. The place offers a great brunch experience with consistently delicious dishes and attentive service.

Cheesy grits come out creamy and just right. Catfish and grits pair well with toast and eggs. Biscuits and pepper gravy offer a fantastic Southern touch. Shrimp and grits can be customized with mushrooms, peppers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.

People are saying

"The food here is awesome, fresh, and flavorful."

"The biscuits and gravy were amazing for breakfast."

"I had the creamy shrimp and grits with a Bloody Mary."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be difficult to find a spot.

2

The collard green cheese dip is only available on weekends.

3

Expect to pay $8.00 for three chicken wings.

16
Tommy's Philly Steak image 1
Cheesesteak restaurant

Small fast food spot with no indoor seating and hot, stagnant air. Menu features large portions of affordable tacos and seasoned fries with A1 sauce. Atmosphere feels like a hole in the wall with minimal updates.

Food comes out hot and fresh with good seasoning. Portions offer value for the price and the overall taste stays consistent across visits.

Steak nachos stand out with a hearty mix of meat. The cheeseburger offers a typical hood cheeseburger flavor. The ribs lean more toward pulled pork or brisket in texture and fat ratio.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and seasoned well."

"I thought the American food, especially the steak tacos, was very good."

"I thought the Greek food here, especially the gyros, was amazing."

Good to know

1

The combo meals come with a free soda.

2

Tacos and quesadillas cost $3 each.

3

Expect fair portion sizes for the price.

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Gary, Indiana

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