Ember and Oak Smokehouse is a hidden consistent gem of the barbecue world in Gary. The rib tips…read moreand grilled/smoke wings are it and are an unapologetically an intense flavor-packed experience that delivered on every level. Ribs are not just "cooked"-they were smoked to perfection, breaking down the tough connective tissue into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth bites. Each piece was exceptionally tender, yet held that signature bouncy, chewy resistance. There was zero dryness here--just pure, smoky collagen-rich tenderness that made the cartilage easy to navigate around. The flavor hit hard from the first bite. The seasoning blend was bold, with a perfect balance of herbs, creating a "low-and-slow" depth that permeated all the way through the meat. The magic, however, was the sauce--a tangy masterpiece with just enough sweet molasses to create a sticky, caramelized bark. The tanginess cut perfectly through the fatty richness of the pork, leaving a lingering, savory heat that keeps you reaching for another piece. I keep creeping up on Ember and Oak and each time, meat and fries consistently seasoned, prepared cooked with an abundance of love.

When I am out in Gary I try my hardest to support a local business in miller. My dad and I were…read moredriving around stumbled on Ember and Oak Smokehouse. When we walked in there were a few people waiting so I said this has to be good. They do have a wide range of items. It is a take out place there isn't seating. I wanted the Turkey KTMB which is the signature item but they were out of turkey tips. I ordered the Build Your Own Combo with Fried chicken and chicken tips which came with fries with Wildwood. I also got spaghetti and Mac and cheese. My dad got the salmon burger with sweetwood on the fries. The Wings were very salty to a point that I couldn't finish the wing. The Fries and Chicken tips were very good and I really enjoyed the sauce. The spaghetti was good to me but I can see how some wouldn't enjoy it because it had a sweet sauce. The Mac and Cheese was not good to me. My dad enjoyed his Salmon Burger. He felt that his Fries were a little drowned in sauce. Price point I think it was a little over price as our meal cost about $85. I do still want to try the turkey tips Soon

My sister and I decided to check out Golden Gloves after years of seeing local friends speak highly…read moreof it. We gave them a shot and they did not disappoint. Everything was delicious and we contemplated placing another order. The seafood fried rice was of real seafood in every bite. Shrimp, crab, claws. The wings were fried perfectly and they were golden. We will def be going back again when we're home. Be sure to order online or you won't be able to get your food. They gave us a time to pick up our food and they were punctual. You just pick up and go, no seating. It's worth the money.

This space packs as much of a crowd as it does flavor! There is always a line to get in since the…read morePandemic as social distancing is practiced. This restaurant is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. You must place your order online and NOT in the restaurant. You can order on a Thursday nite for a Friday pick up. But, you will still have to wait in line. In my opinion their practice needs more organization. For the internet challenged, its a bit of a hassle trying to locate the menus or place an order. On one site, you can not view the menu unless you are placing an order. On another site, you can not place an order. Please do not call, the phone rings forever. Its frustrating. I am not speaking for myself, but for my mom and others that are not used to ordering this way. On to the food, like I mentioned earlier it packs a flavor punch! My husband had the honey bbq wings and said they were delicious. As for me, every chance I get I'm going for the non traditional meal. I chose a baked potato that took me two days to eat; broccoli cheese, steak, shrimp and a fried lobster tail! On a potato! Yes, it was good. Go to menu-pix and type in any restaurant's name if you just want to see what is offered.

Great food, fast delivery, friendly staff. Small spot, but good things do come small packagesread more

Went here visiting my sis in Indiana…read more Got a quarter BBQ chicken. Maybe the Phillies are better but this was just ok at best. Service was fine. Ok place but I wouldn't go there again.

10/10 I love this place. Their jerk egg rolls are so good. I honestly have loved everything I've…read moreordered from them. The service is great the ladies are always so welcoming and friendly. If you are ever in Munster definitely recommend checking them out.

Visited Vons Vittles for their Sunday Soul Bowls. They have a fairly limited menu. Pretty pricey…read more(I think I paid about $26 or something like that). Service was okay. Not bad, but nothing that really stood out. Got two bowls. Got home and my order wasn't right. Just never went back. The taste of the food was fine, but for the price, I know of at least 2-3 soul food restaurants with outstanding food for a lot less. I should also mention that during the week they offer sandwiches, loaded baked potatoes, salads and egg rolls. I went on another occasion and bought a few egg rolls (one was the Reuben (or something like that). It came with like a sweet and sour sauce or something similar. I asked for another type of sauce and the lady acted like she was annoyed. I gave them a couple of chances and felt a little let down both times.

This was our first visit, and I'll admit the discount coupon we had was a major influencer to try…read morethem. My wife was put off a bit when she noticed the sign on the counter warning that "you will be waiting several minutes for your food" but I asked her "do you want fast fish or good fish?". As to that I don't think we actually waited even 5 minutes after we ordered. My wife is not big on fish, she always puts tartar sauce all over it. BUT she does taste the fillets first. We got the catfish (takeout) and after she sampled a piece, she put her tartar sauce back in the fridge! I had taken Jolly's up on their suggestion to let them add their "lemon pepper blend" seasoning before the breading, and WOW that makes some really good catfish. Yes, everything is breaded fresh here, and cooked to order, nothing "kept under heat lamps her - that is why the wait. The fish is lightly breaded, well fried to make a crisp coating, (extra crispy edges) yet moist and flaky inside. So tender that if you stab a fillet with your fork it just breaks into two pieces. As long as they keep making their fish this good we will be back - often! Yes, I do recommend Jolly's fish!

I've eaten here three times now and keep returning because so far the consistency is amazing. I've…read moretried the perch, chicken wings and shrimp. The PERCH is the BEST. It's seasoned well and crispy but fresh tasting and so good. It's not spicy, just has a great flavor. The tartar sauce is a bit sweet and I like it! The surprising star is the FRIES - they are crispy and tasty - some of the best around!!! LOVE THEM. The Chicken Wings are also tasty - so much meat on them. They rival most wing places around here and are so good. You can dip them in the sauces they provide - mild or hot - or ask for something else. They are very accommodating. I also like how they do NOT use styrofoam containers for their food - they put it in bags which helps keep it hot still and crispy!!! Nothing gets soggy. There was a Groupon deal online recently and I tried that and used it and it was easy. So TRY THEM OUT!!!!!!! Oh - the shrimp weren't my favorite. I've had much better. Even at fast food joints. But the other food makes up for it. I would also like to just grab some fries next time. I wish they would have fried okra - feel like that would go well there. OH - and the service has been wonderful! A small place - near the Antique Mall Shopping Area. It's a bit hidden, but if you are at the Antique Mall - just look across the parking lot and you will find it!

Still delivering after all these years! The perch and shrimp dinner was delicious. Reasonably…read morepriced and great service. Such a good spot in Portage.

My family and I love this place. I enjoy the fried chicken and my husband loves the chicken…read moreParmesan . We like the atmosphere because it is very low-key and not pretentious. Not that we don't like pretentious restaurants, lol but it's nice to sit down and have a nice meal and not feel like you have to be fancy. The food is solid here. The only thing I would have them improve on is the pizza. But I am a huge pizza snob, so I'm kinda hard to please when it comes to pizza ‍

Absolutely delicious wings, fish and shrimp! It's always served hot every single time. Perfectly…read moreseasoned with various sauces to choose from. The lava sauce is Excellent and professional staff. This spot is definitely a winner!

The shrimp was delicious.. absolutely delicious! Shrimp were…read morelarge & nicely seasoned with a tender crisp breading. I'm not one for bbq sauce however I did try the mild sauce & it was very tasty and flavorful. My order was ready on time... The ladies working are nice & friendly..

I've been searching for a good butcher in the area, and was happy with the ground beef on my first…read morevisit. Was also very pleased with their selection and service. It's unfortunate that I receive the exact opposite on my second visit. I was waiting to be helped and they took two white men, and an elder white lady before me, even though I was acknowledged. I can understand if they're older and they wanna be helpful first, but there is no communication on this.... And then I saw the sign. I should've taken a photo cause it was a little startling, and unfortunate that they expressed so openly their political position and hate for Wokeness. I've heard some stories how they are true MAGA and slightly racist, but you have to experience it for yourself. You have to give a place a chance. And it saddens me the way I was treated on my second time back. Folks everywhere are just so sad and upset these days, every life has been disrupted in someway the last 10 years for multiple reasons. It's stressful out here, but it's also stressful trying to get good quality food with all the regulation changes. I travel out of the country multiple times a year and American food is just the worst. So I'll keep searching for quality in both the product and in the customer service. In some small way, it's good to know a store position because I don't wanna give them my business. It's so weird to fight against progress. And it's even weirder to think Wokeness is a thing. Stay asleep.

This place was intriguing. I came here on a recommendation. Put the address into my gps and off I…read morewent. It was like an old school grocery stop with a deli shop that was busy when I walked in. Had me curious enough to come back and try a lunch sandwich from here. This meat market has the soup bones for my dogs for a decent price also. I never wrote a review with the intent of a follow up review as I have to come back, grab a sandwich and buy some ready made family style dinner trays that looked like it would make my cooking nights way easier! The lady Çathy up front was extremely knowledgeable of the place. I will be back very soon to provide an update on the family dishes and sandwiches! Can't wait!