What a strange title – “Beach Escapes in Indiana” – do those places even exist in a place that is known for its flat, grassy plains? Believe it or not, those places do exist (the picture above is really from an Indiana beach) and many happen to have a lot of delicious restaurants close by. Today, we thought we would highlight just a few of those places so that you can get your beach fix without having to travel too far. Now some of these places may not follow the “beaches” definition in the popular definition, but we can all use our imaginations, right?
Arcadia Café and Bar (Michigan City) – This restaurant is quite the fancy place if you are looking for an upscale beach experience. Arcadia Café and Bar is located in a renovated train station on Lake Michigan and features “New American Comfort” food.
Bartlett’s Fish Camp (Michigan City) – Bartlett’s Fish Camp is known as, “Michigan City’s closest water front dining.” If that did not make you want to go already, they are also the region’s only raw bar, with seafood and fresh oysters as the focus.
Sunset Grille (Michigan City) – I have two words for you. Rooftop restaurant. That’s right, I said it. This restaurant is right across from the Michigan City Zoo, it serves delicious food, and overlooks Lake Michigan. Literally, it sounds like the perfect combination for a waterfront experience!
Bridges Waterside Grill (Michigan City) – This dockside restaurant has some delicious food and a wonderfully inviting family friendly setting. Bridges Waterside Grill overlooks the marina and is known for its live music and special events.
Madison Lighthouse Restaurant (Madison) – So when you talk about “waterfront dining,” Madison Lighthouse is literally in the water. This classic restaurant, no pun intended, simply floats above all the rest.
Tiki Time Bar and Grill (Evansville) – If you love a tiki-themed restaurant, this place is for you. Similar to the Madison Lighthouse Restaurant, the Tiki Time Bar and Grill is a floating restaurant and is pictured in this article. Who would not want to go to a place like this?
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The Channel Marker (Syracuse) – The Channel Marker likes to call itself, “a little slice of tropical paradise in Syracuse,” located right on a channel of, you guessed it, Lake Syracuse. This joint is certainly not one to miss with its fantastic live music.
Lighthouse Restaurant (Cedar Lake) – Not to brag, but, “the Lighthouse was voted best fine dining establishment, best steakhouse, and best seafood restaurant this year by The Northwest Indiana Times Best of the Region.” No big deal, it’s casual. This is certainly the place for you if you are looking for an upscale waterfront evening.
Captain’s Cabin Restaurant (Angola) – Located on the south shore of Crooked Lake, the Captain’s Cabin Restaurant is certainly a beachy place to put on your list in your quest for water-front glory. There is both a restaurant and a bar, so you can choose how fancy you want to dine.
Boathouse Restaurant (Winona Lake) – How would you like to go to a waterfront restaurant that serves things like “Wild Mushroom Top Sirloin” while overlooking a beautiful waterfront view? Yes, me too. Fulfill this dream with the Boathouse Restaurant.
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Ainsley’s Café (Brookville) – Close to Liberty Indiana? Well, do I have the place for you. Ainsley’s Café is a great restaurant that overlooks Brookville Lake and is open seasonally from April-October. It is known for its delicious stack of onion straws, fried to order.
Wolfies Grill (Geist) – Of course, how could we write an article about waterfront restaurants without mentioning a Geist restaurant? Though there are many wonderful restaurants in Geist, we like Wolfies because of its delicious food and great views. If that is too far for you, visit one of their other locations in Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers or Carmel (waterfront views are not guaranteed).
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We do acknowledge that we likely missed a few fantastic Indy beachy foodie spots, so let us know in the comments section where you go for your beach fix in Indiana! After all, there is nothing better than sinking your toes in to the sand and enjoying a beautiful sunset on the water!
