Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Valparaiso, IN

VALPARAISO. Grab yourself a bacon ButterBurger or a basket of fish n' chips ­ all prepared right when you order...

VALPARAISO. Grab yourself a bacon ButterBurger or a basket of fish n' chips ­ all prepared right when you order ­ at this LaPorte Avenue fast food joint. Of course, you don't want to limit yourself to a mere meal, especially when devilishly rich frozen custard is available. Indeed, flavors ranging from Chocolate Éclair and Cherry Amaretto to Whooper Mint and Really Reese's are scooped up and scarfed down daily. They also serve terrific malts, sundaes, and shakes.

Hours: Sun-Thu 10:30am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

VALPARAISO. This popular spot is a favorite place to gather for a drink or to have a terrific meal. Kelsey's menu lists...

VALPARAISO. This popular spot is a favorite place to gather for a drink or to have a terrific meal. Kelsey's menu lists everything from top cuts of USDA steaks and prime rib to fresh fish and seafood (some of it flown in from Hawaii). In addition, the place is regarded as a regular haunt of locals. A handful of TVs, a large bar, and expansive windows make the place exceeding comfortable no matter what you come for.

Hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-10:30pm; Sun Noon-8:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

VALPARAISO. This light, airy eatery boasts a well-deserved reputation for flavorful American fare. Indeed, the term...

VALPARAISO. This light, airy eatery boasts a well-deserved reputation for flavorful American fare. Indeed, the term "comfort food" takes on new meaning, courtesy of braised beef short ribs with bacon-maple Brussels sprouts, a bone-in rib-eye with asparagus and pancetta-rosemary potato gratin, and Italian sausage and veal meatloaf. Pastas, terrific martinis, and a delicious tasting menu are also part of the mix.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

VALPARAISO. A favorite in the Valparaiso community since the 1940s, this friendly roadside stand is known far and wide...

VALPARAISO. A favorite in the Valparaiso community since the 1940s, this friendly roadside stand is known far and wide for sinfully good frozen treats, from sundaes and banana splits to smoothies and yogurt. Indeed, three generations of the Brown Family have remained committed to seeing the parlor perfect its recipe for homemade ice cream, and regulars know that if Valpo Velvet's scoops aren't perfection, they're pretty darn close. Cakes and pies are also available.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

HOBART. A good, old-fashioned bakery, Marilyn's has established itself as one of the best places in Lake County to...

HOBART. A good, old-fashioned bakery, Marilyn's has established itself as one of the best places in Lake County to satisfy a sweet tooth. From homemade cakes and pies to brownies and cookies, the family-owned business makes everything from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. If you've a big dinner party planned and need an unforgettable dessert, their pies may be purchased frozen or ready-to-bake. Lunch fare is also available.

Hours: Daily 8am-6pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

MERRILLVILLE. Uno Chicago Grill is the place for Chicago-style pizza. Expect to wait a few minutes for a table, but...

MERRILLVILLE. Uno Chicago Grill is the place for Chicago-style pizza. Expect to wait a few minutes for a table, but know that the delay will be well worth the slight inconvenience. Uno is considered to have the best deep-dish pies around, and the casual, family-friendly environment promises nothing but an eminently enjoyable "pizza eating" experience.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight; Sun 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MERRILLVILLE. This restaurant chain, which began in Des Moines in the '70s, has built its reputation on delicious...

MERRILLVILLE. This restaurant chain, which began in Des Moines in the '70s, has built its reputation on delicious desserts, from banana cream and caramel-apple pies to carrot cake. Naturally, a place this popular can't stand on pie alone (even award-winning pies), and Bakers Square is also a great place to grab a good, home-cooked breakfast of country-fried steak and eggs, three-egg omelets, or cinnamon roll French toast.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7am-11pm; Fri-Sat 7am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MILLER BEACH. Opening just in time to help early risers greet the day, this Miller Beach shop brews some of the...

MILLER BEACH. Opening just in time to help early risers greet the day, this Miller Beach shop brews some of the neighborhood's best cups of joe, either Columbian blends, Jamaican varieties, or a simple French roast. The scene seems more South Florida than Northwest Indiana: exterior walls sport colorful murals and the interior has a creamy yellow hue. Specialty coffee drinks are available, as are homemade bagels, biscotti, muffins, pastries, and scones. Outdoor seating is ideal when the weather's nice.

Hours: Mon-Fri 5:30am-1pm; Sat-Sun 7am-2pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

MERRILLVILLE. Starbucks is a great place to start your day, take a break, or wind down. In the early hours, order the...

MERRILLVILLE. Starbucks is a great place to start your day, take a break, or wind down. In the early hours, order the wake-up call of your preference, and then have a frappuccino or iced coffee for mid-day refreshment. Finally, choose a hot chocolate, mochaccino, or cappuccino to reward yourself after a long day. From flavored coffees and cafe lattes to teas and ciders, the menu on the wall has it all. An enticing selection of muffins, biscotti, and pastries also tempts taste buds.

Hours: Sun-Thu 6am-6pm; Fri-Sat 6am-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MERRILLVILLE. The Star Café offers an upscale, casual setting that's ideal for breakfast meetings with clients or...

MERRILLVILLE. The Star Café offers an upscale, casual setting that's ideal for breakfast meetings with clients or hearty family meals. Warm and unassuming, the restaurant helps start the day with a wide repertoire of morning fare, including omelets, cereals, and fresh fruit. Dinner is offered on evenings that shows are presented at nearby Merrillville Star Plaza Theatre.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-11am; Sun 7am-Noon

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club