The 10 Best Restaurants In Hammond, Indiana

A staple of Hammond since 1948, Schoop’s Hamburgers prides itself on tradition, great tasting food and friendly service. Always fresh and never cooked from frozen, their burgers are sizzled to tender perfection. When they first opened their doors, Schoop’s sold their burger bites for only 15 cents each. They have kept to their same original menu through the years, with only a few additions. Simple but satisfying dishes of burgers, fries, chili, soup and pie still feature on the menu today. For a tasty burger, Schoop’s tops every food lovers list.

Although small in size, the Blue Room Café serves food that is packed with flavor and served with flare. Roasting their own coffee, and serving delicious sandwiches, the Blue Room Café is quickly becoming a popular destination in Hammond. Their sandwiches have a wide variety of fillings, from blackened chicken to cold cuts, and are served different breads; from bagels to buns. For a lighter lunch, there are numerous salads available too, such as the house salad of tomato, cucumber, red onion and mozzarella, Kendra’s salad of smoked turkey, black forest ham, cheddar cheese and tomato, and their Cobb Salad with applewood-smoked bacon and fresh avocado. With such a variety of tasty food to choose from, a trip to the Blue Room Café will not leave you disappointed.

A favorite of the Calumet Region for the past 46 years, many locals have fond memories of Madvek’s Dog House. Using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, Madvek’s Dog House has developed a well-established tradition of serving the tastiest and most satisfying hot dogs in Hammond. A recent addition to their menu is their ‘Chicago-style’ hot dog, which is an all-beef sausage served with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, and pickle spear. Other popular choices include their Polish sausage, their tacos and their loose-meat burger, served with homemade chili. Their hot dogs are so popular that in 2010, the restaurant was inducted into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame.

1972 was a big year for Mr and Mrs Garcia, as they opened the doors to El Taco Real. Little did they know that this Mexican family restaurant would still be a popular destination for food lovers today. Still family-owned and run, El Taco Real has expanded over the years, both in size and in their menu. Highlights from their food listings include nachitos served with or without meat, guacamole and cheese, their queso fundido of broiled Mexican cheese on a bed of sautéed onions, tomatoes, jalapeño peppers and spices, and their tostadas stuffed with a variety of fillings. Their salsas and other sauces amplify the tantalizing flavors of these dishes. For a little taste of Mexico in Hammond, El Taco Real is the place to go.

As their name suggests, Zel’s Roast Beef specializes in mouthwatering roast beef. A part of Indiana’s culinary scene for the past 45 years, Zel’s Roast Beef is housed in a charming yellow building, which has become a landmark in the city. Frequently ordered dishes from their menu include not only their famous roast beef sandwiches on Vienna bread, but also their grilled chicken sandwich, their hot dogs, their Polish sausage, their classic milkshakes, and their chili-cheese fries. Since opening all those years ago, Zel’s Roast Beef have opened other locations throughout Indiana, proving the restaurant’s popularity. A visit to this restaurant guarantees to satisfy every appetite.

Located on Calumet Avenue, Johnel’s Restaurant is a quaint diner that has a menu to suit every palate and occasion. Favorite dishes among locals and visitors include their steaks and ribs straight from the broiler, Athenian chicken served with Greek salad garnish, chicken vesuvio sautéed with garlic, wine and potatoes. Other good picks include broiled seafood such as catfish, orange roughy and rainbow trout, and a wide variety of salads and sandwiches. With such a great selection of food, and at a reasonable price, Johnel’s Restaurant will leave you with a lasting impression.