Thought we could get this ball rolling. Some things that come to mind to do this weekend:
Craft beer: Ironwood (closest to campus), Four Fathers, Figure 8 all in valpo. Hunters in Chesterton or 18th street in Gary who is #1 new brewery in Indiana
Wineries: Anderson in valpo, Butler in Chesterton, Shady Creek in Michigan city or the wine trails across Michigan state line
Food: suzies cafe, Jimmys cafe, or Viking chili bowl for breakfast. Tonys has great pizza but is cash only. Shoes pizzeria for wings. Surefire on calumet for bbq. Yats for Cajun and or Creole. Burgerhaus for burgers. Stacks for all around good food. Dish, Parea, Tommys, Sage, or the Valley for a little more fine dining. La cabana for mexican food. Uptown cafe for coffee.
Things to do: the shops downtown, taltree arboretum, the dunes, memorial opera house's version of les miserable, coffee creek, shopping in merrillville, Michael Jackson's house in Gary or the John dillenger museum in crown point, Albanese candy factory, Chicagoland popcorn (over 200 flavors), Blue chip casino or the other casinos a little further away in Lake County, day trips to chicago
I'm sure I'm missing a lot but this is what quickly comes to mind. Enjoy the area!
Personally, I like going into the Walmart to watch people walk by.
For those thrill seekers just take a stroll down Broadway in Gary around 10 at night!
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 06, 2015, 08:39:56 AMCraft beer: Ironwood (closest to campus), Four Fathers, Figure 8 all in valpo. Hunters in Chesterton or 18th street in Gary who is #1 new brewery in Indiana
I've not tried them yet, but there's also these guys:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-devils-trumpet-brewing-co-merrillville (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-devils-trumpet-brewing-co-merrillville)
http://thedevilstrumpet.com/ (http://thedevilstrumpet.com/)
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 06, 2015, 08:39:56 AM
Food: suzies cafe, Jimmys cafe, or Viking chili bowl for breakfast. Tonys has great pizza but is cash only. Shoes pizzeria for wings. Surefire on calumet for bbq. Yats for Cajun and or Creole. Burgerhaus for burgers. Stacks for all around good food. Dish, Parea, Tommys, Sage, or the Valley for a little more fine dining. La cabana for mexican food. Uptown cafe for coffee.
Vaps for very tasty, fresh, Balkan-style hot sandwiches. Barada Kabob near campus for, well, kebabs - with a great local university vibe.
Uptown's good for sandwiches, soups, salads, and gelato too. Blackbird would make many peoples' list for coffee and such (and pie?).
Industrial Revolution for a really cool, high-concept, atmosphere and decorations, good burgers, good beer selection (even if no printed beer _list_), other stick-to-your-ribs type midwestern food.
Gelsosomo's for quality thin crust pizza. The only vegetarian pizza I order unsolicited.
I suppose we'd be remiss not to mention Kelsey's as the local steakhouse with enormous cow advertisement.
We could talk about a lot of other restaurant options, but I've been liking Valley and Dish lately on the finer-dining side.
Probably should mention Pikk's for an upscale bar scene and fine-diningish type food.
If we're going all the way to Chesterton, I don't know Sage, but have heard great things about Octave Grill.
For out of towners, we might clarify that most of the Valpo options fall into maybe three main areas (we could add one or two others):
-)Downtown (say, Franklin and Lincolnway). The neighborhood's visually dominated by the Courthouse. Lots of dining options, some shopping, some tourism. Nice mid-small-town downtown vibe.
-)East side of town shopping complex (say, Laporte and Silhavy). Main strip mall area these days. Big box stores. Lots of fast casual type dining options.
-)North side of town (say, Calumet and Vale Park). Another older strip mall area with some quality restaurants, and other options.
Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2015, 08:58:11 AM
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 06, 2015, 08:39:56 AMCraft beer: Ironwood (closest to campus), Four Fathers, Figure 8 all in valpo. Hunters in Chesterton or 18th street in Gary who is #1 new brewery in Indiana
I've not tried them yet, but there's also these guys:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-devils-trumpet-brewing-co-merrillville (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-devils-trumpet-brewing-co-merrillville)
http://thedevilstrumpet.com/ (http://thedevilstrumpet.com/)
Oh, and I should give a shout out to Figure 8 as the family friendliest of these options, if you have kids with you.
House-made root beer. Valpo Velvet ice cream in it if you want. (A separate downtown enterprise worth a stop for ice cream, if you do that kind of thing in the snow. Also has sandwiches, etc.)
Pinball.
Many of the brewery-only establishments (e.g. no restaurant) don't allow kids.
One could also consider a pilgrimage to 3 Floyds, if you're into craft beer.
For those looking for convenience over adventure, everything is at your fingertips. Within 1 mile of campus there are 6 hotels, 35 restaurants 4 coffee shops, 4 pharmacies, 12 show movie theater, major shopping center, Target and Walmart. Entire shopping, lodging, eatery area is upscale and basically crime free.
Since this will turn into a list of every Valpo establishment ever, how about a list of places to avoid:
* Broadway: Greasier than taco bell. Go to Jimmy's Cafe instead.
* Buffalo Wild Wings: For some reason it's always a huge wait and the service is slow and the wings taste different. Wings are ordered in quantities of shirt sizes, small, medium, large, and XL. Too stupid. Go to Wings Etc and pick up a tanker instead.
* Trails Inn Liquor: Rude, obnoxious staff that literally insults customers. Most people in Valpo are very friendly, but they've seemed to have cornered the market on jerks. Go to Buzz's Valpo Liquor instead and pick up some goodies from the discount shopping cart.
* Burrito Shop: May seem like a decent Qdoba/Chipotle alternative, but it's pretty gross for even my standards (and I eat weekly at Taco Bell). Go to El Amigo for a Burrito to go instead.
* Any Mexican restaurant that isn't El Salto
* Any pizza delivery not Hungry Howie's (unless Valpo has Toppers now)
* Home Depot: Go to Menards instead.
And here are some of my favorite local establishments:
* Dynasty Buffet
* King Gyros
Burrito Shop?? I think that's long gone. It might be a Dickey's BBQ. La Cabana is now the best Mexican restaurant in town.
Let's not forget about Greek's Pizza. Alumni may remember when it was located on campus.
Quote from: humbleopinion on March 06, 2015, 10:42:00 AM
Let's not forget about Greek's Pizza. Alumni may remember when it was located on campus.
On campus! Where?
Quote from: a3uge on March 06, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Since this will turn into a list of every Valpo establishment ever, how about a list of places to avoid:
* Broadway: Greasier than taco bell. Go to Jimmy's Cafe instead.
* Buffalo Wild Wings: For some reason it's always a huge wait and the service is slow and the wings taste different. Wings are ordered in quantities of shirt sizes, small, medium, large, and XL. Too stupid. Go to Wings Etc and pick up a tanker instead.
* Trails Inn Liquor: Rude, obnoxious staff that literally insults customers. Most people in Valpo are very friendly, but they've seemed to have cornered the market on jerks. Go to Buzz's Valpo Liquor instead and pick up some goodies from the discount shopping cart.
* Burrito Shop: May seem like a decent Qdoba/Chipotle alternative, but it's pretty gross for even my standards (and I eat weekly at Taco Bell). Go to El Amigo for a Burrito to go instead.
* Any Mexican restaurant that isn't El Salto
* Any pizza delivery not Hungry Howie's (unless Valpo has Toppers now)
* Home Depot: Go to Menards instead.
* Dynasty Buffet
* King Gyros
Good fun for me to hear people's preferences! I've not had any particular problem at Trail-Inn or their Calumet location (they're the same business, right?), but I might have to try Buzz sometime.
I've enjoyed Wings Etc so I'll second that one. It's been a while since I've been to El Amigo - will have to try it again sometime. And, I suppose one of these days I'll get to Dynasty.
I like La Cabana fine, and I like Casa del Mar (relatively new, downtown) fine as well. Both probably at least as well as El Salto. Is Serranos new? Pretty close to El Amigo. Haven't been there.
Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2015, 10:59:37 AM
Quote from: humbleopinion on March 06, 2015, 10:42:00 AM
Let's not forget about Greek's Pizza. Alumni may remember when it was located on campus.
On campus! Where?
If memory serves, it was on College Ave, between Brown and Union.
I'd recommend the following:
Blue Goose
Old Style
Northside Grill
The Corrale (The Fuzz use to hang out here,me too)
These are all great places, or am I behind the times? :lol:
Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2015, 10:59:37 AM
Quote from: humbleopinion on March 06, 2015, 10:42:00 AM
Let's not forget about Greek's Pizza. Alumni may remember when it was located on campus.
On campus! Where?
Greeks was in the same location as where Maria Elenas was located not far from the law school. Greeks was very popular when "old" campus was still humming with activity.
Greeks was in Garfield in the 70s and 80s where there now a closed-Gabriela's sign... they are now next to Figure-8 on Indiana by the new Central Park.
Best Mexican: Serrano's ... only been open a few months.... on Calumet across the street from Philips Ace (and El Amigo's)...Great Burrito's~!
Don't forget, Ben's Soft Pretzels... Open Friday and Saturday nights 'til 9 [from the advertising script]... closed on Sundays.
and... Adding Phil B's (Roosevelt Road, just south of Evans) and LePeeps for Breakfast junkies... north of town on Calumet.
Facebook: Valparaiso Restaurant Reviews very active !!
The following link is something I found on the University page.
Not quite up-to-date, looks like it's probably done at the beginning of each year
http://www.valpo.edu/counseling/oade/experiencevalpo.php (http://www.valpo.edu/counseling/oade/experiencevalpo.php)
Quote from: setshot on March 06, 2015, 11:11:30 AM
I'd recommend the following:
Blue Goose
Old Style
Northside Grill
The Corrale (The Fuzz use to hang out here,me too)
These are all great places, or am I behind the times? :lol:
Two still are open, at least!
And, I guess I had heard about Greek's in the Maria Elena's slot. Somehow I was trying to picture it closer to the current center of campus, and having a hard time.
also some really unique dinning...Bon Femme, Don Quixote and my personal fave Pestos on the North end of town. Most visitors to Valpo could appreciate the unique dinning atmosphere of downtown Valpo. What I really appreciate is no charge for parking, safe walking environment on Campus and for the most part in Valpo. Just wished hung Horizon League Banners downtown as they did another time when we hosted. Also wish there was a little more media coverage
Talked about the Red Banners ...only had a few days notice (last time, we clinched earlier!)... and the "Red Ribbon Campaign" kick off was last night... too much staff time to put them up for just a few days.... the banners were created UNDATED for just just happenings... wait'll next year!
Quote from: frontrowfan on March 06, 2015, 11:30:53 AMJust wished hung Horizon League Banners downtown as they did another time when we hosted.
I wonder where this is?
[tweet]572585700085903360[/tweet]
I was hoping there were a bunch of them.
I knew i'd forget a lot of great suggestions!! Bens Pretzels is awesome!! Would agree with Blackbird Cafe as well. Have not made it to Serrano's yet. The banners look nice, I noticed a couple of trucks this morning so I thought they may be putting them up today. Getting excited for the weekend - - planning on stopping by Ironwood for a few drinks before the games!
Last time they were all over Lincolnway west of the roundabout
Quote from: a3uge on March 06, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Since this will turn into a list of every Valpo establishment ever, how about a list of places to avoid:
* Broadway: Greasier than taco bell. Go to Jimmy's Cafe instead.
* Buffalo Wild Wings: For some reason it's always a huge wait and the service is slow and the wings taste different. Wings are ordered in quantities of shirt sizes, small, medium, large, and XL. Too stupid. Go to Wings Etc and pick up a tanker instead.
* Trails Inn Liquor: Rude, obnoxious staff that literally insults customers. Most people in Valpo are very friendly, but they've seemed to have cornered the market on jerks. Go to Buzz's Valpo Liquor instead and pick up some goodies from the discount shopping cart.
* Burrito Shop: May seem like a decent Qdoba/Chipotle alternative, but it's pretty gross for even my standards (and I eat weekly at Taco Bell). Go to El Amigo for a Burrito to go instead.
* Any Mexican restaurant that isn't El Salto
* Any pizza delivery not Hungry Howie's (unless Valpo has Toppers now)
* Home Depot: Go to Menards instead.
And here are some of my favorite local establishments:
* Dynasty Buffet
* King Gyros
Kinda funny as I have the reverse effect at the liquor stores mentioned. I went to Buzz's about a decade ago when I was 30. They litterally wanted 3 photo id's to sell me anything. after emptying out my wallet of drivers license, photo college I
id, ss card and 4 credit cards then finally decided to sell after still being hesitant. I've been to Trail Inn several times and never had a problem.
Also I've noticed several positive things about Jimmys Cafe from multiple sources, but I had a bad experience the only time I went there. Had some time to kill and me and a buddy went there for breakfast around 1990. He ordered biscuits and gravy and the biscuits were covered in mold throughout. There was no way they couldn't have noticed it. We were so shocked but didn't make a fuss about it. Just paid the bill and left without eating. Glad tho that this sounds like an isolated incident.
I do agree about the King Gyros. That is the best Gyro place in nw indiana by far. It's hard for me to pick a favorite pizza place anymore. I'm still heartbroken over Giggle's closing a few years ago. I miss that the most.
Has anyone mentioned dinner at Bon Femme?
Paul
Quote from: a3uge on March 06, 2015, 10:15:16 AM* Broadway: Greasier than taco bell. Go to Jimmy's Cafe instead.
Ah, I almost missed this one. I've only been to Jimmy's for breakfast, and Broadway mostly for not-breakfast. So, hard for me to compare.
But, I do appreciate Broadway's Avgolemeno, chicken lemon rice soup. Good rolls (well, probably roll singular) to go with it, too.
Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2015, 02:27:44 PM
Quote from: a3uge on March 06, 2015, 10:15:16 AM* Broadway: Greasier than taco bell. Go to Jimmy's Cafe instead.
Ah, I almost missed this one. I've only been to Jimmy's for breakfast, and Broadway mostly for not-breakfast. So, hard for me to compare.
But, I do appreciate Broadway's Avgolemeno, chicken lemon rice soup. Good rolls (well, probably roll singular) to go with it, too.
Susie's has the best breakfast...a little way down the road on 30 but fabulous breakfast and lunch
How about a place that is good to eat that has a pool table?
Not only did your question not derail that thread, it didn't even get answered! I can't do any better than my first attempt. But surely others can.
Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2015, 07:39:54 AM
Quote from: Smj on March 05, 2015, 09:44:25 PM
I need a travel suggestion... Looking to meet someone in valpo for lunch before the game and we are looking for a decent meal and a pool table... (Not too far from campus.) I don't want to take over the thread so feel free to email me.
Shanesmj@yahoo.com
I went looking for darts one night in Valpo, and didn't have much luck. Pool must be easier, but none of my usual places have it.
Maybe Franklin House and Pepe's used to have pool, not sure if they still do. Maybe Northside tap? I can't (or, for Pepe's, wouldn't particularly) vouch for any of those places, but they're what comes to mind...
The Union at the university does still have pool tables, not sure how they'd feel about an alum popping in - might be OK. You can do better for food, but it has improved over the years (prefer the main cafeteria to the cafe by the pool tables), and might have some renovated-nostalgia value.
Maybe the Tomato Bar has pool tables?
It's been a few years but the Duffys (formerly Jacksons bar) on Axe Ave. had a couple dart boards. Don't remember if there was a pool table or not. They probably did tho. I'm sure I was too wasted to pay any attention. Plus it's pretty close to campus, near the law school.
Quote from: gamelord on March 06, 2015, 03:27:42 PM
It's been a few years but the Duffys (formerly Jacksons bar) on Axe Ave. had a couple dart boards. Don't remember if there was a pool table or not. They probably did tho. I'm sure I was too wasted to pay any attention. Plus it's pretty close to campus, near the law school.
..and formerly the Brown Derby for those with an earlier frame of reference.
I think Semento's off of 30 might have pool tables. Not sure about any of the other bars.
Does northsiders have pool tables in their back room? Otherwise the only pool tables I know of would literally be in the Union.
Inman's has plenty of pool tables. Sure it's not inside the bar area, but you can take your drinks to the pool table area. That's probably your best bet.
I reiterate that i wish there were some way to get Keifer Sykes' opinion...this is his 7th trip to Valpo already.
(he's never beaten VU at the ARC, only has one win there--UIC in 2013--and is only 1-3 in the HL tournament.)
[mp3]NelsonfromthesimpsonssayingHA-ha[/notreallyathing]
For the record, here's 04's post about this thread topic 3 years ago! Worth a revisit (like the town).
http://www.valpofanzone.com/2012/03/01/valpo-fan-zone-hl-tourney-travel-guide/ (http://www.valpofanzone.com/2012/03/01/valpo-fan-zone-hl-tourney-travel-guide/)
OK I jinxed the Serrano's Mexican grill... a DRUNK driver just drove through the Physical Rehab place... turned left in the Jimmy Johns and knocked out part of the wall at Serrano's... that the same place that burned down last year. Prayers go out to the lady (I know her) in the Rehab center who was pinned under this idiots car for 40 minutes and airlifted to Oak Lawn Trauma Center.... puts all this tournament stuff in perspective. OH, Charlie Lee and Trey Lewis can hit the three pointer from either elbow or along the baseline. perhaps defense would have made a difference. OH 2, having Juwan Howard go scoreless for 39 minutes: 59.9 seconds also helped CSU's cause.
Quote from: wh on March 06, 2015, 09:23:01 AMWithin 1 mile of campus there are 6 hotels, 35 restaurants 4 coffee shops, 4 pharmacies, 12 show movie theater, major shopping center, Target and Walmart.
Wow. If I was from a big midwest city such as Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay, Chicago, etc. I sure would get excited by knowing there was a Target and Walmart within 1 mile of the Valpo campus. ;)
Quote from: talksalot on March 06, 2015, 11:41:17 PM
OK I jinxed the Serrano's Mexican grill... a DRUNK driver just drove through the Physical Rehab place... turned left in the Jimmy Johns and knocked out part of the wall at Serrano's... that the same place that burned down last year. Prayers go out to the lady (I know her) in the Rehab center who was pinned under this idiots car for 40 minutes and airlifted to Oak Lawn Trauma Center.... puts all this tournament stuff in perspective. OH, Charlie Lee and Trey Lewis can hit the three pointer from either elbow or along the baseline. perhaps defense would have made a difference. OH 2, having Juwan Howard go scoreless for 39 minutes: 59.9 seconds also helped CSU's cause.
Wtf?
Quote from: historyman on March 06, 2015, 11:44:08 PM
Quote from: wh on March 06, 2015, 09:23:01 AMWithin 1 mile of campus there are 6 hotels, 35 restaurants 4 coffee shops, 4 pharmacies, 12 show movie theater, major shopping center, Target and Walmart.
Wow. If I was from a big midwest city such as Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay, Chicago, etc. I sure would get excited by knowing there was a Target and Walmart within 1 mile of the Valpo campus. ;)
You took what I said out of context. I prefaced what you quoted with "For those looking for
convenience over adventure, everything is at your fingertips." I wasn't trying to impress anyone about having a Walmart any more than I was trying to impress anyone that we have a Holiday Inn Express. I was referring to the convenience of having ample lodging, food and shopping options in extremely close proximity to the university, something that most people unfamiliar with Valpo might not expect to find in such a small town.
Quote from: talksalot on March 06, 2015, 11:41:17 PM
OK I jinxed the Serrano's Mexican grill... a DRUNK driver just drove through the Physical Rehab place... turned left in the Jimmy Johns and knocked out part of the wall at Serrano's... that the same place that burned down last year. Prayers go out to the lady (I know her) in the Rehab center who was pinned under this idiots car for 40 minutes and airlifted to Oak Lawn Trauma Center.... puts all this tournament stuff in perspective. OH, Charlie Lee and Trey Lewis can hit the three pointer from either elbow or along the baseline. perhaps defense would have made a difference. OH 2, having Juwan Howard go scoreless for 39 minutes: 59.9 seconds also helped CSU's cause.
Yeah, really crazy. My wife was watching the airlift.
That set of businesses seems to be cursed. Serrano's was reported as the one business closed yesterday. Hopefully they're back in action soon.
And, hopefully, the airlifted patient comes through OK. Very sad.
Quote from: gamelord on March 06, 2015, 05:34:18 PM
Inman's has plenty of pool tables. Sure it's not inside the bar area, but you can take your drinks to the pool table area. That's probably your best bet.
Sounds like a pretty good call.
For future reference, do we have a ruling on dart boards? Does Duffy's still have them? I never set foot in Jackson's (Dan Brockopp warned me away! And directed me to Passtimes instead.), nor have I been to Duffy's. But, I could make an exception sometime if they had darts... and no smoking?
I believe Duffy's has dart boards but they, along with Sementos, Northsides and maybe Martinis(?) are still smoking.
I'm unsure if Franklin House still has their dart boards but I believe they are non-smoking.
Quote from: historyman on March 06, 2015, 11:44:08 PM
Quote from: wh on March 06, 2015, 09:23:01 AMWithin 1 mile of campus there are 6 hotels, 35 restaurants 4 coffee shops, 4 pharmacies, 12 show movie theater, major shopping center, Target and Walmart.
Wow. If I was from a big midwest city such as Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay, Chicago, etc. I sure would get excited by knowing there was a Target and Walmart within 1 mile of the Valpo campus. ;)
yeah actually as big box stores are hard to find in downtown areas...
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 06, 2015, 08:39:56 AM
Michael Jackson's house in Gary
Seriously? Do you think anyone who is in Valparaiso for a basketball tournament is going to take a side trip to Gary to see Michael Jackson's house?
I hope this was a joke.
Quote from: Valpo89 on March 07, 2015, 09:40:11 AM
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 06, 2015, 08:39:56 AM
Michael Jackson's house in Gary
Seriously? Do you think anyone who is in Valparaiso for a basketball tournament is going to take a side trip to Gary to see Michael Jackson's house?
I hope this was a joke.
I've often considered it, as a local. Is there much there to see?
Depends if they have events going on or anything. I think it's worth the trip by it if you're in the area. I wouldn't drive there specifically to see the house, but there is a monument or two outside of it now. There's usually a lot of posters/poems/etc fans leave by the fence. I've met people all around America there who come to check it out. The neighbors have some stories to share. I think it's a great way to spend a few hours if you have the time - - - 18th street brewery, marquette pavillion and beach area, and checking out the house. Could always hit the casino's in that area too. Guess it just depends on your taste...
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 07, 2015, 10:14:23 AMDepends if they have events going on or anything. I think it's worth the trip by it if you're in the area. I wouldn't drive there specifically to see the house, but there is a monument or two outside of it now.
OK - so there is no museum or anything? It's basically just a monument?
No museum at this point in time. There have been plenty of talks in recent years. His mother comes back and is supportive of one. But, as of now, there's just his childhood home with a fence around the property to keep the fans off the property. There is a monument or two that has all kinds of information. I've been there 3 times and each time there have been some others from around the country checking it out too. I have not been by there in the past year or two though. IMO not a destination spot, but coupled with other things in the area, is definitely worth checking out.
Quote from: agibson on March 07, 2015, 09:43:43 AMIs there much there to see?
a BUNCH of wet teddy bears.
Quote from: agibson on March 07, 2015, 10:24:37 AMQuote from: elephtheria47 on March 07, 2015, 10:14:23 AMDepends if they have events going on or anything. I think it's worth the trip by it if you're in the area. I wouldn't drive there specifically to see the house, but there is a monument or two outside of it now.
OK - so there is no museum or anything? It's basically just a monument?
(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1CN8jVGsm-w/maxresdefault.jpg)
If you look in the top right corner of the picture you will see the stands and pressbox for Roosevelt High School's football field.
(http://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/W_Suyr-qHnkuQsha6BSKWA/l.jpg)
(http://shavarross.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Michael-Jacksons-childhood-home-Gary-Indiana-2.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5240/5858021512_4d1ae7dda4_z.jpg)
(http://previews.123rf.com/images/benkrut/benkrut1109/benkrut110900094/10484416-Gary-Indiana-USA-Tourists-taking-photos-in-front-of-Michael-Jackson-s-childhood-house-in-Gary-Indian-Stock-Photo.jpg)
If you know anything about the issues in the neighborhood around Roosevelt High School you know it's a very troubled neighborhood but if you had to see the Jackson house you could go there during daylight hours in a group and not have much trouble.
Take I-65 to I-80/94 west to the Broadway exit (first exit after getting on I-80/94, exit 11) Go north to 25th St and turn left just after the Clark Station (on left) at the stoplight. Go west to Jackson St and turn right (there is an empty lot on the right hand corner like many lots in Gary). If you go too far you will see a parking lot for Roosevelt High School just after the alley which is just west of Jackson St. Go north on Jackson St to 23rd St. The monument will be on the left at the intersection where Jackson ends at 23rd. It's on the southwest corner.
What you see in these pictures is all that is viewable at this time of year.
Quote from: agibson on March 06, 2015, 11:06:04 AM
Quote from: a3uge on March 06, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Since this will turn into a list of every Valpo establishment ever, how about a list of places to avoid:
* Broadway: Greasier than taco bell. Go to Jimmy's Cafe instead.
* Buffalo Wild Wings: For some reason it's always a huge wait and the service is slow and the wings taste different. Wings are ordered in quantities of shirt sizes, small, medium, large, and XL. Too stupid. Go to Wings Etc and pick up a tanker instead.
* Trails Inn Liquor: Rude, obnoxious staff that literally insults customers. Most people in Valpo are very friendly, but they've seemed to have cornered the market on jerks. Go to Buzz's Valpo Liquor instead and pick up some goodies from the discount shopping cart.
* Burrito Shop: May seem like a decent Qdoba/Chipotle alternative, but it's pretty gross for even my standards (and I eat weekly at Taco Bell). Go to El Amigo for a Burrito to go instead.
* Any Mexican restaurant that isn't El Salto
* Any pizza delivery not Hungry Howie's (unless Valpo has Toppers now)
* Home Depot: Go to Menards instead.
* Dynasty Buffet
* King Gyros
Good fun for me to hear people's preferences! I've not had any particular problem at Trail-Inn or their Calumet location (they're the same business, right?), but I might have to try Buzz sometime.
I've enjoyed Wings Etc so I'll second that one. It's been a while since I've been to El Amigo - will have to try it again sometime. And, I suppose one of these days I'll get to Dynasty.
I like La Cabana fine, and I like Casa del Mar (relatively new, downtown) fine as well. Both probably at least as well as El Salto. Is Serranos new? Pretty close to El Amigo. Haven't been there.
Seranos is great. It's next to the Jimmy John's by the Ymca but being in LA this weekend I found out someone drove thru the jimmy johns there.
Quote from: Smj on March 06, 2015, 03:03:38 PM
How about a place that is good to eat that has a pool table?
You have to go to Chesterton for a real pool table. Upper deck or Brando's or if you're in burns harbor go to the mill.
And here's a shout out for my wife. Go to the Porter county museum. It's across the street from parea and the city house and it's a ton of fun for adults and kids.
Double post sorry
Quote from: Kyle321n on March 09, 2015, 01:43:08 AMAnd here's a shout out for my wife. Go to the Porter county museum. It's across the street from parea and the city house and it's a ton of fun for adults and kids.
I'll second that. I've enjoyed visiting with my family, and would go back. (My first grade son was unreasonably pleased by the skeleton hand in he old jail cell; after being a little creeped out by it. They know their audience!)