Here are just a few tips for folks driving through Northwest Indiana between Chicago. When I lived in Chicago I often thought ... gee, I wish there were someplace to eat in Northwest Indiana. Now I live out here and have a few tips for those interested in hopping off in Northwest Indiana.
Hammond and East Chicago are real "working-class towns" with dozens of distinct neighborhoods that Chicagoans too often have no idea about. Next time you are blowing through Northwest Indiana and want something to eat try these great pit stops.
My favorite Taco Place:
Taco Real (Motto: Dedicated to Stamping Out Gringo Food)
935 E Hoffman St
Hammond, IN 46327-1838
(219) 932-8333
On 90 to or from the Skyway, Exit Calumet Ave in Hammond, South on Calumet (HWY 41), East on Chicago (HWY 312), South on Oak. Parking on street or in Lot.
The tacos are good here, and they serve all food with Pico sauce and an odd warm "salsa" which most people mix with the Pico. They will bring farmer's cheese and Jalapenos if you ask. Ask.
The Chicken Mole (1/2 order) is wonderful and rich.
They serve micro beer on tap, and Mexican beer in a bottle. They also have a full bar. On a weekend between 6 and 8 pm expect to wait 30 min for a table.
North Hammond has always had a large Mexican population, and Mexican American population. It was larger when all the large steel mills were employing many more workers, but Taco Real brings in people from all around Northwest Indiana and South Suburban Chicago.
Polish Bar/Restaurant
Cavalier Inn
735 Gostlin St, Hammond, Indiana 46327-1418,
Same Exit, Calumet Ave., Southbound, West on Gostlin, has its own lot.
Restaurant is open to 8. I think it is only a Friday Fish Fry. Family bar in front usually has three generations of the owner's family. Relaxed place to eat and have a beer.
The pierogie are great yummy starchy goodness. The Potato Pancakes or "Latkes" are also wonderful carb. parties. They offer perch and other kinds of fish on Friday. Me and my friend from South Bend had one of each and washed these down with Old Style and had a great time. Nothing fancy but a real Polish American treat for those who enjoy this food. It is across the street from a 1950s roller rink that is still open. The area of Southeast Chicago/Northwest Indiana is one of the centers of Polish-American population (must larger when the US Steel South Works and other steel mills were busy) in the United States.
There are other options if you are taking Interstate 80 in Hammond, Munster, and Highland, including a wonderful Indian restaurant, a great Italian place, a Brew Pub, and South on 1-65 one of the best Lebanese cafe's in the Midwest. The "reegin" (short for Calumet Region) is a very diverse area that many people never take the time to explore because of its industrial past.
These are just a couple worth checking out when passing through.