LaPorte County Restaurants Featured
in Indiana Foodways Alliance Culinary Trails
Indiana Foodways Alliance (IFA) helps foodies and travelers find the Best Local Eateries!
Since 2007, IFA has promoted restaurant trails winding throughout the state that are devoted to certain foods. The organization lists restaurants that serve a specific type of food, lines them up on the map by location, and encourages people to follow the trail, eating their way along. Membership requires restaurants to be locally-owned, and approved through assessments that confirm a level of quality.
Whether pies. tenderloins or ice cream are your go-to food, or something else. there’s likely a trail for it. Following a food trail is a fun way to discover new-to-you establishments, taste some of the most scrumptious food and drinks around and get motivated to explore different communities. Currently, more than 220 member food-and beverage-places in Indiana have been divided into 21 trails and several have won awards.
You can also visit the Indiana Culinary Trails Passport and check-in to the restaurants on each trail to earn rewards.
The following are the Visit Michigan City LaPorte restaurants that were chosen to be part of the trails as all have something delicious and unique to offer to the “foodies” out there. We encourage you to experience them all!
LaPorte Restaurants
Bare Bone Gastropub
518 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350
219.575.7469
www.barebonesgastro.com/
Hours: Mon & Tues closed; Weds-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm
Trails: Hoosier Brews & Farm to Table
A family friendly pub in downtown LaPorte who strive to make quality food from quality ingredients, and focus on making nearly everything from scratch. We do our best to source locally whenever possible and not let anything go to waste! We feature all types of wines, ciders and beers, with a huge focus on our local region beers. We’re proud to support independent craft breweries in our local and surrounding areas. Check out our week and weekend specials, as well as Sunday brunch.
Recommended Dishes: Try the weekly specials posted every Wednesday. Handmade pasta is a fan favorite. We strive to use the most local ingredients possible and are proud to partner with Arturo’s Baked Goods, Artesian Farms, Kajer’s Greens, Burek Farms and Infusco Coffee Roasters.
Appetizer: Charred Cabbage Wedge
Entrée: Double Dipped Roast Beef, Cornmeal Crusted Red Snapper & White Cheddar Pimento Mac n’ Cheese
Desserts: Save room for the housemade desserts
Downtown Delights
702 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350
219.344.5980
Downtowndelightslp.com/
Hours: Sun-Thurs noon-8pm; Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
Trails: I Scream For Ice Cream
A family-friendly self-serve frozen yogurt shop. We proudly serve delicious, premium frozen yogurt made with the finest natural ingredients.
Recommended Dishes: Premium frozen yogurt, smoothies and edible cookie dough. All of your frozen yogurt comes with your choice of assorted toppings. Come on by and try them out for yourself!
Bistro on The Greens
299 W Johnson Rd, LaPorte, IN 46350
219.575.7272
www.bistroonthegreens.com/
Hours: Weds & Thrus 4-8pm; Fri & Sat 4-9pm; Sun 2-7pm; Mon & Tues closed
Trails: A Cut Above, Cultural Cuisine & Here Fishy Fishy
Overlooking the greens of Legacy Hills Golf Course in LaPorte, Indiana, this dynamic addition to the culinary landscape of Northwest Indiana offers a sophisticated spin on comfort food.
Recommended Dishes: Apple Pecan Salad, Louisana Crab Cakes, Seafood Gumbo, Bistro Burgers, Gumbo Ya-Ya & Broken Cod Sandwich
Trattoria Enzo
601 Michigan Ave, LaPorte, IN 46350
219.326.8000
www.trattoriaenzo.com/
Hours: Sun & Mon closed; Tues-Sat 5-9pm
Trails: Cultural Cuisine & Za’ Pizza
Enzo is proudly family owned and operated by Chip and Kelley Steffey. They have over fifty years of restaurant experience between them, and for over fifteen years, they’ve maintained the same staff in the kitchen. It’s this commitment to consistency that has helped shape Trattoria Enzo into the mainstay it is today. When you visit Trattoria Enzo, you know you’ll consistently find great food served by great people.
As a mainstay in downtown LaPorte, Trattoria Enzo is a casual yet upscale Italian dining experience. You’ll find great food and drinks to celebrate that special occasion or just a night out. Whether you’re looking to sample from our wine list, ordering your favorite pasta dish, or considering one of our specials, you can be sure that there’s a little something for everyone at Trattoria Enzo.
Recommended Dishes:
Appetizer: Fried Calamari & Brushchetta
Main Entree: Pizza Alla Enzo, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Parmesean, Shrimp Scampi & Filet Mignon
Dessert: Housemade Canolli
Albano’s Villa
401 J St, LaPorte, IN 46350
219.325.3331
Additional locations: 1612 Franklin St & 6492 Johnson Rd
www.albanosvilla.com/
Hours: Sun-Thurs 4-10pm; Fri & Sat 4pm-midnight
Trails: Za’ Pizza
The Albano’s Villa legend begins with our pizza. Family recipes from Sicily passed through the generations have helped us create a distinct sauce and the perfect crust. Fresh ingredients make it all better. Add your favorite topping, and you have a masterpiece.
And it doesn’t end there. While pizza is the core of our menu, our pasta, sandwiches, and even our tacos are just as unforgettable. Albano’s has been in the same family for more than 50 years, and we are proud that our food has become an institution. Ask anyone who has dined with us – From Michigan City and LaPorte Indiana to San Bernardino, California. Chances are they’ll say Albano’s is their favorite pizza. We cherish the loyalty of our customers and strive to stay that way. The proof is in the pie … And the tacos … And the sandwiches … And the Pasta.
Recommended Dishes: Specialty Pizzas – Taco Pizza, Veggie Pizza & Albano’s Masterpiece
Michigan City Restaurants
Carlon’s Drive In
118 W Coolspring Ave, Michigan City, IN 46360
219.872.0331
www.carlsonsdrivein.com/
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm
Trails: Just Cruisin, Soda-Licious & Between the Buns Burger Trail
Definitely one of the reasons for Carlson’s success is its traditional, homemade and distinctive-tasting root beer. For 75 years the recipe has not changed and is brewed daily. And just like Carlson’s did years ago, that creamy foam-topped root beer is still deliciously served in a tall frosty mug. Carlson’s…Experience a simpler time enhanced by a delightfully varied selection of traditional drive-in cuisine amidst a quaint and reminiscent setting including car hops. Carlson’s is a seasonal drive-in open early February through early October. Laura and Chris Imperato, Carlson’s owners, are keeping time-honored traditions in place. The all-beef, fun-length Eckrich hot dogs, on-site homemade root beer and the recipes for the homemade chili and BBQ pork. Every customer is greeted with a smile, every item is made to order and everybody leaves full and satisfied.
Recommended Dishes: Chicago Style Hot Dog, Housemade Root Beer, Slaw Dog, Double Cheeseburger, Polish Sausage Sandwich & Pork Tenderloin
Patrick’s Grille
4125 S Franklin St, Michigan City, IN 46360
219.873.9401
Patricksgrille.com/
Hours: Sun & Mon closed; Tues & Weds 4-8pm; Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 4-9pm
Trails: A Cut Above, Tasty Tavern, Here Fishy Fishy & Soup, Salad & Sandwich
The restaurant offers weekly features in addition to our regular menu, with fresh seafood or fish every Friday. Choose wines by the bottle or glass from our extensive wine list or enjoy one of the 24 craft beers on tap. Wednesdays choose a specialty cocktail or Saganaki appetizer for just $6. Every Thursday all draft beers are half price from 11am-8pm.
Recommended Dishes: Experience the “Flaming Saganaki”, Ahi Tuna & Romaine & Apple Salad
All Steaks are 21 Day Wet Aged & Hand Trimmed – New York Strip, Ribeye and Filet Mignon in various weights
Shoreline Brewery
208 Wabash St, Michigan City, IN 46360
219.879.4677
www.shorelinebrewery.com/
Food Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-9pm; Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm
Bar Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-midnight; Fri & Sat: 11am-1am
Trails: Hoosier Brews, Tenderloin Lovers & Tasty Tavern
Shoreline Brewery has been serving handcrafted beers at the edge of Lake Michigan since its opening in August of 2005. To this day Shoreline is family-owned and independently run by its original founder and head brewer, Sam Strupeck. With twelve beers always on tap, everyone will find a beer to fall in love with, whether it be the award-winning Beltaine Scottish Ale, the fan-favorite Curse the Goat, or the seasonal Stellar Blue Blueberry Ale.
The globally inspired cuisine at Shoreline ranges from nostalgic and uncomplicated to elaborate and complex. From the small plates such as the Veracruz Fish Tacos to the more filling Grecian Lamb Burger, each bite offers a unique fusion of flavors.
Aged two years in a bourbon or red-wine barrel, the exceptional Barrel Aged Series is the perfect compliment for a meal in the restaurant or at home. The end result of the aging process is a smooth and mellowed, yet robust beer drinking experience.
The unparalleled food, coupled with the ever-growing list of beers, makes Shoreline Brewery the perfect place to refresh yourself after a day at the beach, relax after a day of shopping at the outlets, or meet up with friends after work. Shoreline Brewery is a family-friendly and smoke-free environment.
Recommended Dishes: Coccoli, Baked Soft Pretzel, Hoosier Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Grecian Lamb Burger, Shoreline Fish & Chips &
Prosciutto Chevre & Fig Pizza
Shady Creek Winery
2030 Tryon Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360
219.874.9463
www.shadycreekwinery.com/
Hours: Sun 11am-5pm; Mon & Tues (Kitchen Closed) noon-5pm; Weds & Thurs 11am-7pm; Fri & Sat 11am-8pm
Trails: Wine, Wine Anytime, Za’Pizza & Farm to Table
At Shady Creek, the focus is on fun and relaxation over everything else, and a loyal group of team members, wine club members, and regular guests have made us an award-winning destination.
Shady Creek produces over 30 different wines, including sweet, sparkling, dry white, and dry red wines and we do this by producing wines from grapes gown in their favorite regions. We make Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa County, CA, while our Pinot Grigio hails from Baroda, MI, only 25 minutes from our home in Michigan City, IN.
The winery includes a sprawling, 20-acre wine production facility with patios and porches, fireplaces and a tasting room. The restaurant serves custom-crafted wines, and specialty foods while patrons enjoy live music and local artwork.
Shady Creek has received TripAdvisor awards and in 2019 four of our wines were awarded at the Indy International Competition.
Shady Creek Winery ships directly to consumers in 37 state nationwide and can be ordered online any time of the year.
Recommended Dishes:
Appetizer: Bruschetta Trio & Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Entrée: Sriracha Chicken Pizza, Caprese Grilled Chicken Panini, Crispy Hot Honey Chicken, The Crispy Jerk & Creek Burger
More restaurants to be added to the trails so please check back and to go to our Dining/Nightlife section for a listing of all the delicious culinary options in Visit Michigan City LaPorte.
