You may wonder why a British-Dutch Amsterdammer has spent several weeks of her life in Michigan City, Indiana. Its neighbour, Chicago, gets all the tourists for obvious reasons, but few non-American visitors make their way east along the shores of Lake Michigan to Michigan City and Long Beach. And yet, after spending an afternoon swimming, sunbathing and relaxing by the lake on near-deserted, sun-drenched sands, it’s hard to understand why.
Ok, I’ll admit – I’m biased. Mr Foodie grew up in Michigan City, and I first visited his extended family there for part 3 of our ludicrously elaborate international wedding. I’ve been back several times since, and on each occasion I discover more and more to love about the place. Yes, you have to avoid the chains of Chili’s, Applebee’s and Olive Garden. And the over-enthusiastic air conditioning which Americans seem to love. But there are plenty of independent restaurants, bars and breweries to keep you interested in between water sports on Lake Michigan. Here are a few of my favourite Michigan City food finds…
7 of the Best Restaurants in Michigan City, Indiana
Jamaican restaurant in Indiana: Cool Runnings
Anyone who grew up in the ’90s will undoubtedly get “Jamaica, we have a bobsled team!” stuck in their heads as soon as they enter Cool Runnings – a Jamaican joint named (in case it wasn’t obvious yet) after the 1993 film of the same name. Their signature jerk chicken is fantastic, with extra sauce on the side for those who like it super-spicy. All the mains come with rice & peas, plus another side of your choice – think green beans, mac ’n cheese and other soul food. If you’re taking it easy, order a Red Stripe beer to take down the heat. Or if you’re not working the next day, try the Wray & Ting – an insanely strong cocktail made with over-proof Jamaican rum. Two’s your max!
Brunch at the beach: Dune Billies
Just along the railway line from Cool Runnings is beach café Dune Billies – a perfect spot for brunch before you hit the lake. Admittedly, it’s not on the lakefront exactly, but if you wander over the dunes it won’t take you long to get there. Think luxurious eggs Benedict, giant breakfast burritos, banging Reuben sandwiches – all the American classics as well as some healthier options for those trying for that beach body. Take the kids, take your dog, or just take yourself and a good book – all are welcome.
Mexican in Michigan City: Mucho Mas
There’s not a city in America where you can’t seem to find good Mexican food – or Cali-Mex food, as Mucho Mas says it serves. And this place does some of the best tacos in Michigan City. Three tacos will set you back just under $12, and they come one of four ways (you can mix and match): Mexi-style with corn tortillas, Cali-style with flour tortillas, veggie-style for a vegetarian version, or surf-style for the pescatarians. I loved the chorizo tacos with salsa verde, but was also a big fan of the fish tacos with achiote sauce. I’d happily go back and try them all.
Coffee and bagels: Fluid Coffee Roasters
Officially the most hipster place in Michigan City’s historic Uptown Arts District, Fluid Coffee Roasters will brew you a proper cortado while you listen to their (slightly too loud) soundtrack of cool. If you’re hungry, Fluid also makes a decent everything bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
BBQ in Indiana: Wagner’s Ribs
For proper BBQ pork ribs in northern Indiana, you need to drive about 20 minutes west to Porter. But it’s worth it to discover Wagner’s Ribs – widely reported to the best BBQ joint in the area. Their ribs theoretically come three ways, but I couldn’t discern much difference between them: in all cases, the meat is deliciously charred on the outside, tender but still with some bite on the inside, and the sauce is sticky and sweet (you can get it on the side or slathered straight over the ribs). I liked their sides too: the coleslaw is pimped up with kale, while the onion rings are delicately floured and perfectly fried. Wagner’s mixes up a mean spicy Bloody Mary, too.
(Note that Wagner’s requires its customers to be over the age of 21 – we discovered this to our peril having tried and failed to take Mr Foodie’s tween niece and nephew there for lunch.)
Breweries in Michigan City: Shoreline and Burn ’Em Brewing
Michigan City boasts two breweries, both producing some delightful American craft beers. Burn ‘Em Brewing is in a rather industrial location along the highway (the aircon is aggressive, so bring layers), but I enjoyed their Bavarian-style wheat beer, dubbed Krankenwagen. Closer to the city centre is the gigantic Shoreline Brewery, serving everything from fruity, hoppy American IPAs to malty, dark Scottish-style ales. Both breweries also offer food, which is essentially America’s answer to pub grub. No complaints, but I wouldn’t go there solely for the food either – if that makes sense.