Sweetly Stitched Images, Northwest Indiana Photographer

If you’re planning a trip to the Indiana Dunes National Park, you’ll want to know where to eat after a day of hiking the dunes, exploring the beach, or strolling downtown. Luckily, Chesterton, Indiana has an incredible food scene that surprises many first-time visitors. From cozy Italian cafés to eclectic burger joints, here are some of the best restaurants near the Indiana Dunes to add to your list.

Joe’s Bread – Coffee & Healthy Bites in Chesterton

For your morning fuel, Joe’s Bread is a must. This coffee shop is known for its wholesome ingredients and baked goods that taste as good as they look. They proudly serve coffee sourced from local roasters, and the menu leans toward the fresh, healthy side…think flavorful sandwiches, pastries, and breakfast staples that are anything but ordinary. It’s the perfect place to start your day in Chesterton before heading out to the Indiana Dunes trails.

Joe’s Bread is located at 225 S Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN 46304

Photos by Sweetly Stitched Images

Red Cup Café – Local Art & the Best Egg Sandwich in Town

Right in the heart of downtown Chesterton, across from the charming town gazebo, you’ll find Red Cup Café…a colorful, welcoming spot that feels like the town’s living room (think Central Perk vibes for all of you Friends fans out there). Owner Laura fills the walls with artwork from local artists, giving the café a creative, ever-changing charm. The chalkboard menu proudly declares the “Best Egg Sandwich in Town,” and it truly lives up to the claim. Pair it with one of their homemade baked goods and a seasonally inspired specialty coffee drink (the names are as fun as the flavors), and you’ve got the perfect Chesterton breakfast stop before exploring the Indiana Dunes.

Red Cup Cafe is at 115 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304

Photos by Sweetly Stitched Images

Wagner’s Ribs – A Local Chesterton Staple

If you ask locals for the best barbecue in Chesterton, Indiana, most will point you straight to Wagner’s Ribs. Their ribs are famous for being tender, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, but there’s one thing to note: Wagner’s is 21+ only, so plan to leave the kids at home for this one.

Wagner’s Ribs can be found at 361 Wagner Road, Porter, IN 46304

Root & Bone – Comfort Food with Style

Southern comfort food meets Instagram-worthy decor at Root & Bone. Their fried chicken and savory grits are hands-down some of the best in the region. Beyond the menu, the space is playfully decorated with things like saucers and cutting boards on the walls and bathrooms labeled in vintage typewriter font. If you’re looking for a unique, memorable place to eat near the Dunes, Root & Bone is it.

Root & Bone is located at 600 Gateway Blvd., Chesterton, IN 46304

Photos by Sweetly Stitched Images

Lucrezia Café – Cozy Italian in Chesterton

Nestled inside a historic old house, Lucrezia is one of the most popular restaurants in Chesterton. This Italian café has a warm, cozy vibe and is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or gathering with friends. Their martinis are some of the best in town, and the menu features Italian classics with a local twist.

Visit Lucrezia at 428 S calumet Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304

Running Vines Winery – Wine & Pizza in Downtown Chesterton

Located right in downtown Chesterton at the corner of Calumet and Broadway, Running Vines is a wine lover’s dream. They’re known for their pizza of the month, seasonal drinks, flights, & even creative mocktail options, making it a fun spot whether you drink wine or not. The space is always decorated beautifully for the season, which makes every visit feel festive.

Running Vines Winery is at 101 Broadway Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304

Photos by Sweetly Stitched Images

Octave Grill – Eclectic Burgers Near the Dunes

If eclectic burgers are your thing, Octave Grill is a must-visit. They use tall grass beef and build out a menu of inventive burger combinations that will leave you planning your next trip back. What makes Octave especially memorable is its quirky, vintage vibe of mismatched plates, unique salt and pepper shakers at each table, and an overall atmosphere that feels playful and one-of-a-kind.

Octave Grill is located at 105 S Calumet Rd., Chesterton, IN 46304

Third Coast Spice Café – Breakfast & Lunch Favorite

Breakfast and lunch lovers, take note: Third Coast Spice Café is legendary. Nearly everything is locally sourced, organic, and often cooked in ghee, which gives their dishes an unforgettable richness. The flavors here are bold and thoughtful & nothing on the menu feels ordinary. Add in a staff that’s consistently kind and attentive, and you’ve got a spot that many consider the best breakfast in Chesterton, Indiana.

Visit Third Coast Spice Cafe at 761 Indian Boundary Rd., Ste 6, Chesterton, IN 46304

Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill – Casual & Flavorful

If you’re craving Mediterranean flavors, Lemon Tree is a fun, fast-casual option with big personality. Built in a former Subway sandwich shop, the layout lets you pick your base, protein (like chicken or steak shawarma), and toppings. Don’t skip the house-made sauces…the spicy yogurt is a fan favorite. It’s the sister restaurant to Third Coast Spice Café and is open for lunch and early dinner.

Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill is located at 356 Indian Boundary Rd., Chesterton, IN 46304

Final Thoughts: Where to Eat in Chesterton, Indiana

Chesterton may be a small town near the Indiana Dunes National Park, but its food scene punches far above its weight. From cozy Italian cafés and eclectic burger joints to health-conscious breakfasts and unforgettable barbecue, these local spots give you a true taste of Chesterton’s character which is warm, creative, and full of flavor.

If you’re planning your trip to the Indiana Dunes and wondering where to eat in Chesterton, this list is the perfect starting point. As someone who’s lived here most of my life, I hope you will enjoy the quaint beauty, take in the slowness, and arts…and of course savor the flavors! And don’t forget to check out my beautiful heirloom photo sessions if you are looking to capture the joy of your family during your vacation at Sweetly Stitched Images.