Schererville has enough former Illinoisans living there that it’s becoming more common to hear people say, “Hey, this is as good as we had in Chicago!” Proximity to the Windy City no doubt contributes to making Schererville an attractive place to open a restaurant, but the good-old Midwestern independent spirit is strong in Northwest Indiana. That’s why you’ll find new and exciting restaurants popping up alongside establishments that families have loved for generations.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Schererville, you won’t lack for great dining options. Here’s our list of the 10 best restaurants in Schererville. As locals of Northwest Indiana, we at Steiner Homes are particularly qualified to give you the best recommendations for these Schererville eateries.

1. American/Family: Teibel’s 

Teibel’s is a unique Schererville restaurant that’s served home-style, old-fashioned, feel-good American food since 1929. Teibel’s is best known for its breaded lake perch and its fried chicken—both based on family recipes from Austria. Originally established as a kind of supper club in a converted barn, they have made significant upgrades over the years to become a multi-purpose dining, catering, and banquet establishment with real class.

(The photo above is of a tasty, not to mention healthy, salmon and vegetable dish available at Schererville’s very own Teibel’s.)

2. Bars: Houlihan’s

Houlihan’s may seem like the kind of place you go for happy hour after work, but they’re more than that. In addition to a full bar and American grill food, they have gourmet dinner entrees like Korean chicken and pan-seared scallops. For an affordable but still classy date, check out their $19 prix fixe menu.

3. Beer: 3 Floyds Brewpub

We can’t miss the opportunity to recommend Indiana’s nationally renowned brewery, which is just a 15-minute drive up the road. The death-metal aesthetic will not be for everyone, but if you love good beer, this may just become your new happy place.

4. Brunch: The Omelette House

The Omelette House is technically a Greek restaurant, but as you might have guessed by the name, they are known for their breakfasts. This is the kind of breakfast diner that is often bustling but the wait staff still stops to have a friendly chat with you and help you find the right item on the menu. Regulars know to come with an appetite, as the portions are large!

5. Burgers: Burgerhaus

Plate of Jalapeno Cheeseburger with Pickles and Fries from Burgerhaus in Schererville Indiana

This is one of the mouth-watering cheeseburgers Burgerhaus has to offer. Wash it down with a crisp beer from Burgerhaus’ exhaustive menu. (Photo courtesy of Burgerhaus’ Instagram.)

Do not go to Burgerhaus if it’s important to fit your burger in your mouth. Do go to Burgerhaus if you like the idea of father-and-son restaurateurs giving the classic cheeseburger an international and gourmet upgrade. You’ll see ingredients on their burgers like balsamic reductions, arugula, grilled pineapple, and fried jalapenos—or you can get a 6-ounce hunk of sushi-grade Ahi tuna in place of the usual USDA prime beef patty. They have also partnered up with Kids Alive, International for an initiative called “Full Belly Full Heart,” so proceeds from your burger help provide balanced meals to hungry children around the world. What’s not to love?

6. Chinese: Kowloon

If you want the best in “American Chinese” food, head to Kowloon. They offer tasty, satisfying favorites like Kung Pao chicken or Moo Shoo pork, with some specialty dishes like Five Happiness, comprised of steak, chicken, shrimp, BBQ pork, and scallops. Locals know to order enough egg rolls to bring home because they are the best around.

7. Indian: Tandoor Cuisine of India

It can be hard to find good Indian food when there are few to choose from, but what if you’re the only choice in town? Fortunately for Schererville folks, Tandoor Cuisine is a gem of a restaurant, offering aromatic curries, flavorful samosas, and everyone’s favorite—an Indian lunch buffet. If you’re new to Indian cuisine, the buffet is always a great way to sample many different things, or try their chicken curry, lamb keema, or lamb biryani. Don’t forget to accent your choice with some delicious chutney!

8. Italian: Ciao Bella

Plate of Bruschetta and Bottle of Red Wine from Ciao Bella in Schererville Indiana

The creamy mozzarella mixes just wonderfully with the umami flavor of the balsamic vinegar. Try pairing a glass of red wine with bruschetta when you visit Ciao Bella. (Photo courtesy of Ciao Bella’s Instagram.)

Don’t be fooled by its location in a strip mall: When you walk through the doors of Ciao Bella, you’re transported to a charming Tuscan trattoria. That’s just how owner Giuseppe Scalzo, a native of Italy, wants you to feel. The name means “hello, beautiful!” which is what you’ll be saying when your food arrives. You’ll find some familiar dishes like lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and gnocchi della nonna (Grandma’s dumplings), but you’ll also discover intriguing dishes like spaghetti with cured pork cheek and a Chianti-braised American Kurobuta Berkshire pork shank.

9. Mexican: Jalapeno’s

It’s always a part at Jalapeno’s, a fun, casual Mexican restaurant that will test your tolerance for spicy food (they don’t call themselves the “Hottest Mexican Restaurant” for nothing). When it’s warm out, you can enjoy their comfortable patio, and in any weather you’ll have fun sampling their wide range of margaritas such as Cherry Pop, Green Iguana, or Coco Loco. Stay late for the live DJ and plenty of dancing.

10. Pizza: Giuseppe’s

Where Ciao Bella offers the flavors of Tuscany, Giuseppe’s brings a Neapolitan sensibility to its pizzas and desserts. Their pizzas boast big, bubbly crusts and ingredients imported directly from Italy, and locals love their meatballs. They even have Chicago-style stuffed pizzas so you can save yourself a trip to the city.

Contact Steiner Homes to Explore Northwest Indiana’s Cuisine

Have we got you thinking differently about Northwest Indiana, yet? Explore more of the area with our list of best restaurants in Valparaiso or contact us to learn more about our new home options.