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About
Pavilion Indiana Dunes - Beach Café
If you find yourself at the stunning Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, make sure to visit the Pavilion Indiana Dunes - Beach Café. Nestled at 1600 N 25 E First Floor in Chesterton, this beachside café marries scenic views with a delightful dining experience. Imagine enjoying a meal under the wide-open sky, with the sounds of the waves in the background and a refreshing breeze caressing your skin. It's the kind of spot where the ambiance alone elevates your day, setting the stage for a memorable beach picnic.
The café curated a thoughtful menu designed for casual yet delicious dining. Whether you're a salad aficionado or a fan of hearty comfort food, there's something for everyone. Dive into their Beach Cobb Salad or delight in the Mixed Greens for a light yet satisfying meal. If you’re craving something more indulgent, their truffle fries and chicken tender basket are must-tries that never fail to please. And for pizza lovers, the unique jalapeno popper pizza comes highly recommended by satisfied customers.
The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring a vibrant array of cocktails to suit every palate. Sip on a refreshing Beach Smash or indulge in the tropical bliss of the DuneARita. Each drink complements the laid-back beach vibe, providing a perfect accompaniment to your meal.
The Pavilion is not just about good food; it offers a welcoming atmosphere too. Customers have praised the friendly staff, who bring smiles and warmth to every interaction. The attention to service here truly enhances the overall experience, making you feel appreciated as a guest.
With highlights including an outdoor seating area boasting stunning lake views, clean facilities, and a menu crafted for both families and solo adventurers, the Pavilion Indiana Dunes - Beach Café is a hidden gem. Whether you're winding down after a day of hiking the dunes or enjoying a family outing, this café captures the essence of casual beachside dining with a twist.
So gather your friends and family, and craft your perfect beach picnic at Pavilion Indiana Dunes - Beach Café. You won’t leave disappointed!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Beautiful beach pavilion!! Create your own beach picnic with lots of sandwich and salad options.. All of the entrees are about 8-10. Chicken tenders, pizza, pork sandwich and vegetarian salad options. Clean bathrooms and lots of picnic tables away from the sandy beach but with a view! ”
“ Definitely an amazing dining experience. The prices are definitely reasonable and the food is absolutely delicious!! My kids are super picky, especially with their pizza, but they ate every last slice!! If you're looking for something different, try the jalapeno popper pizza with a side of truffle fries. Or even their salads are great!! I haven't had a single thing here that I haven't absolutely loved!! And as for the staff, they are so friendly and helpful!! They're always smiling and doing everything they can to make sure every customer is happy! I highly recommend visiting! & they will be open year round! ”
“ I recently stopped by the Beach Cafe at the Pavilion Indiana Dunes during a weekend trip, and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was for a spot right on the beach. The atmosphere is super relaxed, perfect after spending time on the sand or walking the dunes. The cafe has a casual, beachy vibe—nothing fancy—but that’s exactly what you want after a long day outdoors. The food options were better than I expected for a beachside spot. I grabbed a burger and fries, and they were fresh, hot, and tasty—not the overpriced, stale food you sometimes get at touristy places. My friend ordered fish tacos, and they were surprisingly flavorful with a little kick. Drinks were cold, and they offered a decent selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. One of the best parts is the outdoor seating area overlooking the lake—it’s a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view while you eat. Service was quick and friendly, even though they were busy with the weekend crowd. Overall, it’s not gourmet dining, but it hits the spot perfectly for a casual beach day. I’d definitely stop by again when visiting the Dunes. Great little hidden gem! ”
“ Loved everything about this place. From the location to the inside atmosphere. Wish we places like this in our state parks. Tried the walleye tacos while the husband had the lobster roll. Both were good. We also had the seafood crostini and that was amazing. I don't even like tomatoes but everything tied together made me like it. Their special rum punch was good too. ”
“ This is different from past years! The staff said hello, every single one of them! They had a happy and helpful attitude! The food was reasonable and delicious! We had the nachos, chicken strips and spicy chicken sandwich! Very good! Check them out! ”
“ Our hamburger (15) was bigger than the bun (yum) and the shrimp tacos (18) were the best I’ve ever eaten. The music was a little loud but we enjoyed the view of the beach through the window. We had a great server who was friendly, communicated details well, and gave us a soda refill in a to-go cup before we even asked. Will look forward to eating here again! ”
“ Food and drinks are always 100% fantastic. Servers are very polite and helpful if you have any questions. The view is beautiful when you go late for dinner to watch the sunset. 10/10 recommend for date night/anniversaries. ”
“ So many great this to say about my experience here!! After a short Southshore train ride here, ...we exited at the Dunes Park train station. There is a paved walkway from the station into the woods and then down the side of the road all the way to the beach. About a mile walk. Once here, we were greeted with a beautiful, clean beach. After enjoying the sand in our toes for a bit, we made our way into the Pavilion. I am going to rave about this place. Food was great, service was fast and the staff was very friendly. The bathrooms were the best I have seen for beach access! We were early so the rooftop bar was not open yet but we did go there for the views after we finished our lunch on the large ground level deck. A few hours of beach fun and hiking, we made our way back to the train and onto the city. Overall a 5 experience. Jerry (the pigeon) gives it 5 as well. He was happy to visit his seagull friends. ”