Fat Burrito Bar and Grill

Jumped online and looked for some reviews of local restaurants in Chesterton, Indiana, a little…read moretown adjacent to Indiana dunes national Park. Found a couple promising choices and we settled on northside diner. And it was a great choice. Inside it has that quirky retro 50s, nostalgic feel. Memorabilia and art around the small building. Standout performances by the service staff. As it should have been, it was extremely busy on a Saturday morning. There also happened to be a festival in town. Which may have even subtracted from the amount of people waiting to get a booth, as there were some food trucks and other activities going on. But that being said, we sat at the little counter and ordered your basic breakfast with eggs and bacon and toast plus some biscuits and gravy and I was pleased that I didn't order the full-size biscuits and gravy because the half size was as big as a normal size at other restaurants. Gravy was full flavor, not gritty at all, and there was more than adequate amounts of sausage. Sometimes you have to play hunt the sausage, which is just a scary statement. I had ordered an extra well-done sausage patty just in case I needed to cut up more and had it. But I would've been OK without. Happy with our choices plus a tremendous value. Highly recommend anyone coming into the Indiana dunes area looking for a great breakfast value I believe the place closes at 1 o'clock, so keep that in mind. Now we were there on a Saturday so please check hours. Enjoy.

We were headed home after a 3-week road trip and needed one last place for breakfast. What a…read morefabulous find!! Cute little diner, with great food and such nice, pleasant people!! It was busy, so we sat at the counter, and "Ti" (not sure how she spelled it) and her assistant Haley gave us excellent service, and then Ti's Mom came out and talked with us. What a friendly, positive place for good food! Highly recommend!

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Sunrise Family Restaurant

4.0(89 reviews)

2.8 mi

Such a great little diner. Great service food and atmosphere. Would love to come back on my next…read moretime through. Everything on the menu looked amazing.

We had an amazing breakfast here. The service here was phenomenal. Our coffee was refilled…read moreconstantly and food came out very quick. The Tennessee omelette was great. I'd love for this to be in our home town.

Lunch Menu 9-8-2025

Breakfast Menu 9-8-2025

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3 country eggs.

Third Coast Spice Cafe

3.9(197 reviews)

2.8 mi

Food tasty. Service is ridiculous. I'm watching right now one girl's on her phone another one is…read moreeating toast food is sitting up there getting cold. At one point there were six of them standing there and I could see the food getting cold on the warmer

It was our first and last time going here. The food is ok but needs to be seasoned, the omelette…read morewas very bland. One of our orders was burnt and had to be sent back. The fact that they thought this was ok to serve was ridiculous. Service is decent. Definitely overpriced for the quality and amount of food.

French Toast

Corned beef hash with and biscuit on the side

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2 guest 4 waters ?

Tiger Lily

4.4(107 reviews)

1.5 mi

Service is good. I sometimes feel they might appreciate more help…read more I miss my tea selections. Not as many as before. I wish that 1/2 orders of the avocado toast were available. I think the food is good and will still continue to come.

Lovely little find during a trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. Service was outstanding, food was…read moredelicious (we loved that there were vegan and "regular" options!), and the restaurant was exceptionally clean (as in, we both couldn't stop talking about how spotless it was). I'm sad this isn't in my area, but next time we visit we would love to come back!

Seating area

Vegan Pub sandwich and Italian pasta with watermelon probiotic soda.

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Interior

Joe's Bread

4.7(32 reviews)

2.3 mi

This is a neighborhood coffee house diner. Cute little neighborhood coffee house and not a huge…read morebreakfast lunch menu but many choices. The counter attendant was not very friendly and could have been more welcoming. Has many natural products and homemade items for sale inside which I like. Very good food and coffee. Small dining area inside with tables & chairs and some booths. Nice small home town feel.

Joe's bread looked good on paper - great menu, impeccable reviews, good location with adequate…read moreseating, etc. We came in for breakfast on a Monday. Ticket for four people was a hundred bucks and change. Four entrees, four drinks. Coffee was decent. The food was awful. The croque madame was, apparently, made by someone who had never eaten one. The sandwich was stone cold with the saddest little drizzle of what I can only imagine was fully congealed béchamel that had been piped on and maybe popped in a toaster oven for fifteen seconds. The egg on top was cooked over hard. Why even put that sandwich on the menu if you're going to execute it so poorly? The crepes were gummy, the avocado on the green goddess salad was mealy somehow. We just ate what we could of our meal and left. I would give this place a miss. If they're going to charge what they do, they need to fix the food.

View of front

Menu - Since I Cldnt Find Anythg online Hope 2Help Other!. Taste TBD!. Service was Very Nice though!.

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Cherries & Berries

4.3(28 reviews)

2.8 mi

A really nice place with cute, friendly vibes near the Indiana Dunes... and one that packs a LOT of…read morefood into your order, and top-notch quality too. Everything tasted delicious. I got the titular pancake, the "Cherries & Berries", and I now get why the restaurant owes its name to that item. The waitress was really friendly, but going here on Labor Day I got a feeling the workers were dealing with a lot of customers and under a little stress. To be fair, I asked a lot for my order so I get it, so not a criticism at them at all. Overall, highly recommended.

Really great breakfast place! It was quiet when we got there early in a Monday morning while…read moretraveling. Service was great - Donna was very kind and attentive! Our food was really good, generous portions! Clean and cute decor too!

Dining area

Mickey Mouse pancakes and bacon from the kids menu

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Cute decor in the dining area

Red Cup Cafe & Deli

4.3(161 reviews)

2.4 mi

Such a curated, cozy coffee shop with some of the best quality coffee around. The staff is…read moreincredibly friendly, and you can genuinely tell there's a great culture behind the counter. The owner is clearly involved and supportive of their team, which makes the whole place feel even more welcoming. Definitely a spot worth coming back to!

Being in the food industry for nearly 30 years I was disappointed with how many health codes were…read morebeing violated.

Smoked turkey and bacon wrap

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Root & Bone

4.0(38 reviews)

0.0 mi

This is a great find! The atmosphere is casual and inviting. It was right across from the hotel and…read moreconvenient. I had the "meatloaf" which was brisket/short rib combined with a nice sauce on top. Absolutely delicious. It came with mashed potatoes/gravy and bacon green beans. They use the fresh green beans that "squeak" when you bite into them. Full bar with some hard to find bourbons. I will definitely be back!

I admit, I checked out the restaurants in the area before we arrived on our 4 day stay and I knew…read morethis had to be one of our stops. Anytime else do that? Funny enough, we had visited a sister restaurant by the same owners in Miami a few years ago and loved it. The menu was different (more seafood based) but the vibe was the same...laid back, fun and in a super cute setting. We sat in the bar area and we're there for happy hour. Honestly folks, you can't beat the happy hour prices for both food or drinks. I went with a glass of wine and hubby had a beer on draft. We decided on fried pickles because who doesn't love them? I know fried pickles and wine... Not the most common combo but that's how I role. For our entrees we both had chicken. And let me tell you, it was cooked perfectly. The crispy skin was amazing! You shouldn't be shocked that I ate the skin, I had just finished fried pickles so I knew there would be nothing healthy about this meal!! The biscuit was also very good. And did I mention the happy hour prices... Bonus!! Our waitress was the bartender and she was so great. She was warm and friendly and made our great experience even better! I actually complimented her for her service, she was so above and beyond and was surprised to learn she hasn't worked there that long. I think her name was Michelle, but sadly I waited a few weeks to write this review and now I'm not positive (def not an Elite move).

Shrimp & Grits

Peach Smash

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Brussel Sprouts

Round the Clock Restaurant - Chesterton

3.6(91 reviews)

1.2 mi

Food was decent. A simple omelette. Service was good. Price…read morehas gotten out of control. $3 for a cup of coffee. $13 for a simple omelette. With tip, my breakfast cost just over $19. I understand costs are going up. But there is also greed in the mix. Round the clock, you have updated your food menu and quality has gotten better. But price does not align with the upgrade.

fully repeatable in service and food quality. everything I…read morehave ordered has been good to great. We rat there more than any other local spot. Never been disappointed.

Dining room.

Patty Melt with fries

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Walleye Basket

Peggy Sue's Diner

3.5(82 reviews)

2.4 mi

Stopped in for brunch while traveling, and so happy we did - Peggy Sue's is a cute and cozy…read morefamily-friendly diner with service that feels like family. The space is cozy and fun with travel- themed decor, and the food is fresh, delicious, and perfect comfort staples at a reasonable price. Highly recommend the skillets - the Spicy Chorizo was excellent and I also super enjoyed the Porky Pig Skillet with extra vegetables. Can say I never had sausage gravy on a skillet before and it was perfectly balanced. It's a fan-favorite for a reason! Also, the biscuits are light and fluffy and delicious. Will definitely come again if in the area - bonus is the cute little downtown and park to walk a bit afterwards if you eat too much.

A classic small town diner with classic diner food. Breakfast and lunch. It's been open in one…read moreincarnation or the other for many decades. It's a fixture in Downtown Chesterton, such as it is. Often busy with locals. It's diner food at a good price. Not huge but adequate portions, but most customers really do not need to eat huge portions anyway. (There is an obesity epidemic in this country!). Service is usually good. Parking in back and on the street. Air conditioned. Coffee is standard diner coffee that one finds in thousands of similar joints and most restaurants (robusta beans- the cheap stuff), which lacks flavor although it is hot. If you doctor your coffee, makes no difference since you can't taste the coffee anyway. I opt for orange juice or ice tea usually. Has a bench out front if you want to sit for a spell. It's been awhile since I checked out the restroom (there is a comment on that), so I do want to survey as that is what the cooks and wait staff use- and it's important that the facilities be spotless with soap, towels, etc., to avoid disease vectors migrating into the food from the cook or servers' hands. They do not have "bussers", so your waitress will be handling your food and the last customers' dirty dishes, which is a common restaurant money-saving practice that I do not think should be allowed anywhere. We've got immigrants who need work, so let's get them a job instead of chasing them with masked men.

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Richard A.

Elite 25

127

303

3 years ago

Fat Burrito in Chesterton: A Flavorful Mexican Feast Close to Home Our recent visit to Fat Burrito in Chesterton was an exciting discovery, especially given its convenient location less than a mile from our home. This place is a treasure trove of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering dishes that are as flavorful as they are satisfying. Our culinary journey began with two wonderfully tasty margaritas, setting the stage for the delicious meal ahead. For my entree, I chose the Birria tacos, a dish that was both rich in flavor and perfectly seasoned. My wife opted for the Al Hombre, a delightful combination of grilled chicken, poblano peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, all melding together in a symphony of taste. What stood out, apart from the food, was the value - with each dish being well priced, averaging around $16 per person. The affordability coupled with the quality of the food makes Fat Burrito a fantastic dining option. The restaurant itself was impressively clean, including the restrooms, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. The staff were not only friendly but also super fast, adding to the overall positive experience. read more

Marty C.

5 years ago

The service was good, the food was great and the drinks were excellent!! Really enjoyed my experience and will definitely be back again!

Jeremy C.

11 months ago

10 10 would recommend the workers are great and the food is just so delicious come here

Lexi W.

4 years ago

The food is great, the staff is great. All around great restaurant. Great fajitas! (:

Fat Burrito Bar and Grill - mexican - Updated September 2026

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El Jimador 5

4.0

(8 reviews)

My husband and I came here for the first time tonight. Our waiter was kind, funny and very…read morepersuasive lol! Our dinners were great! We had the Camarones El Diablo and they definitely brought the heat! The chicken enchiladas were fantastic as well. Our margaritas and Sangria were on pint - we will definitely be back!

As the date of posting this review, I have only been here once. I ordered the combination fajitas,…read moresteak chicken and shrimp. Food was just "OK" nothing spectacular or great to rave about. I felt that the food lacked seasoning. Atmosphere was OK. But service was slow, also a weird experience (did not have just one dedicated waiter taking care of me), they kept switching back-and-forth between two or three waiters. And when would ask for something they would say be right back and then would never return with what I asked for. Had to make the request to someone else and then that person would bring the item. It was just a weird experience. I will probably go back and give them another try, it may have just been an "off day" for them. IDK ‍

Veleros

4.2

(107 reviews)

On a recent trip to see my brother, they took me to this place which is their new favorite. I loved…read morethe vibe and decor. My sister-in-law isn't an outdoorsy person, so we ate inside. I would have enjoyed the lovely patio, but it also looked like it was about to rain! Our server was very nice and gave some excellent recommendations. Instead of chips and salsa, we were served their potato flautas. It was a nice change of pace. I usually fill up on chips and salsa and can't finish my main entree. For the table, my brother ordered a house special entree - Mariscada Valero's - which is a variety of sautéed seafood served with tortillas. It was perfect for sharing with our four person group. For my main dish, I ordered the skirt steak tacos with coconut rice on the side. I love coconut and I love rice. Who knew they go together so well! The skirt steak was cooked perfectly. I had my leftovers for breakfast and the skirt steak was still tender! I did try the lobster tacos (my sister-in-law's favorite). They were yummy - although a bit spicy. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it! Overall, we were really happy with everything. I will definitely make it a point to come here on my next visit!

Good food, cold beer, and great service. How could you go wrong here? Prices were average, and the…read morefood was better than average. We sat at the bar, but there are plenty of tables/chairs inside and out to sit at. We will definitely be back.

Big Time Burgers & Brew

4.2

(154 reviews)

The burgers are fantastic. I ordered a burger & sweet potato fries, but I also got an order of the…read morePhilly cheese steak egg rolls & onion rings to go. The burger was awesome. It was called The Big Time Burger. And believe you me, it was named appropriately!!! High quality beef, mushrooms, onions and cheese...all cooked to perfection. I'm talking melt in your mouth goodness. But.....try the sweet potato fries and you will NEVER go back to regular french fries! The appetizers are also good, but you will need to share as the burgers are MASSIVE! The Wife had the Hot Honey Chicken sandwich with Parmesan fries. It was huge and had the best taste and flavor to it. We sat at the bar and had a drink while we waited for the food. The place was pleasantly busy and had a good vibe. This place definitely did not disappoint. The prices were reasonable and service was good as well. Great burgers, unique drink and appetizer selection, and friendly staff,( especially Julian and Eli), make this a must visit if you're anywhere near Portage, Indiana! I'm so glad that I live near this place!

Stopped here for lunch. I got the cheeseburger and hand cut fries. The burger was juicy and well…read moreseasoned. It was piled high with cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. Came with a steakknife in the burger. The fries were also pretty good. My waitess was very nice. The food came out quickly. Overall, I really enjoyed my lunch.

Tacoverse

3.6

(10 reviews)

Welcomed with a friendly smile! Food was tasty. Who'd a thought fried avocado would work? Fried…read morecauliflower was also good. Great array of fountain drinks; mocktails were really good. Music was loud but can't figure why it wasn't busy at lunchtime on a Saturday.

In my original review during opening week, I noted initial prep issues but promised to give…read moreTacoverse a second chance. We returned around 1:30 PM for a dine-in visit at the former Pizza Hut on Indian Boundary Rd. We had to call to get in since the front door was locked, and the ice machine was empty-minor hiccups, but the staff and manager face-to-face were attentive, welcoming, and great to deal with. Bright space, great logo design, and easy kiosks. Huge food execution improvement overall! Portions are noticeably larger, toppings are fresh, sauces/ cotija cheese are well-balanced, and they run good promos like their July deals and receipt discounts.

Mi Querido Pueblito

3.9

(11 reviews)

One of few restaurants open after the storms. Had late…read morelunch. They were slammed! Looking forward to returning after everything else returns to normal! Friendly staff and great Chimichanga at fair price!

Friendly service but food was just ok. Had the taco dinner…read morewith a chicken , steak and beef taco. All 3 were underwhelming and lacking flavor. The tortillas smelled of oil. The chips and salsa were good.. the salsas seem to be homemade? Wife had tostada dinner. Same the beef lacked flavor .., We also had the guac. That as acceptable.

Tocayos

4.1

(57 reviews)

Had 4 tacos, "al pastor" is not Al pastor, tasted more like pulled pork, Barbacoa was good, asada…read morewas ok. Food was tasty, hot and served fresh. I'll return.

I Doordashed from this place for the first time a few days ago and I honestly, with how well priced…read moreeverything is(especially for doordash) I didn't have super high hopes. But let me tell you, expectations were met. I ordered the quesabirria tacos and beef nachos. Both things arrived incredibly fresh and well packaged. The portions were just right and the flavors were well done. I know that it may seem like a trivial thing, but my sour cream and guac were still cold on my nachos when it arrived lol. That makes a difference to me! Thank you for a lovely meal! I will absolutely order again! If you live in the area, give them a go! I think you'll be a repeat customer like myself! 10/10

Santo Taco

4.3

(94 reviews)

Taco Tuesday will never be the same for these Chicago guys who love good tacos and Lucha Libre…read more Life is God. Family. Tacos. Lucha Libre. Santo Tacos is the new temple of tacos. We drove a long way to get there and we were - initially - put off by the appearance. It kind of looks like a strip mall fast food joint appropriating the Lucha Libre legend El Santo. We walked in - not expecting much and walked out full of great food and great company. This is a must visit for Lucha fans and taco lovers. My last Birria taco was in Puerto Rico at a little hole in the wall that made their name on Birria tacos. I decided to see if this little joint in Valparaiso could compete. I warned Chantal (our server and occasional photographer) that I had high hopes for the Birria. She was unfazed. She knew. She was confident. We started with a nacho plate with salsa and guacamole and warm cheese sauce. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We stuffed out faces as we marveled at the décor. We discussed who was who in which poster and which masks were in our personal collections. When Chantal brought the three tacos to the table, it was clear to see they were of the highest quality, perhaps even better than Puerto Rico. The spices were blended perfectly. The meat was moist and the tortilla was soft where it needed to be and crunchy where it was supposed to be. Fresh food always elevates the dining experience. This food was all fresh and well prepared. I have been having bad luck with smoked jalapenos lately so I only ate half of it. It was also quite good, but I know the danger that lurks in a smoked jalapeno. My buddy got a burrito - it was a monster. He and I have eaten many Mexican dinners before or after a Lucha Libre show. He tends to eat with moderation. Not this time, he destroyed that burrito talking between bites about how good it was. We had Chantal take some pictures around the restaurant at various spots. We're two corny old guys having fun with our hobbies (tacos and Lucha Libre). She was very patient and accommodating - doing everything in her power to get the best pictures she could for us. When the service is five star and the food is five star - the only problem is the distance. We will be back - of course - but sadly not every Tuesday as we'd like.

First off the server said he couldn't serve me a margarita because he was not licensed. As I…read moreordered my water, I set my arms on the table which was very sticky. He came back with water. No chips? I said I needed a minute and he said "you don't want to order appetizers?" I said no. Really!! No chips and a waiter than can't take a drink order...at a Mexican restaurant?!?!? Then dirty tables to boot!!! I walked out!

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Wonderful service in a bright clean establishment! Breakfast…read moreEggs Benedict prepared perfectly with hash browns all so fresh! Will definitely be back to try more offerings!!! Thanx!

Fantastic restaurant! Love how the whole building was remodeled from the dark interior of the…read moreprevious business to the light, joyful interior. The food was beyond incredible, fresh, hot, and fast even on a busy Friday morning. Our server was impeccable with prompt service and checking in on all her tables routinely. Will definitely be coming back - especially for the apple pie French toast.

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