When I was planning a little trip out to Michigan City to do some outlet mall shopping, I decided to seek out a new place to stop at for brunch. I consulted a group of friends who are frequent visitors to Michigan City asking for suggestions on breakfast/lunch spots.. Two responded immediately recommending Dune Billie’s Beach Cafe.
Located not far from Washington Park Beach and Zoo, the eclectic and colorful exterior gives definite beach town vibes. A cute patio is full of small brightly-painted tables with a rainbow of chairs. The inside is just as eclectic, with vibrant artwork lining the walls and beautiful sun catchers hanging in front of the windows. The place is bright and cozy.
The first thing you notice is a case of baked goods, quiches and other items that will get your taste buds revved up for what’s ahead. The menu includes a number of breakfast specialties that are served all day - breakfast burritos and wraps, French toast, quiche, eggs Benedict and the Captains special with biscuits and gravy, eggs and seasoned potatoes. They also have fresh muffins and cinnamon roll.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, the cinnamon roll is worth stopping for. I found it listed under the “desserts” and it is quite the sweet treat. Unlike a tall dense cinnamon roll you’ll often find at a bakery, this one has a flat presentation and is very light and fluffy - more like a dinner roll. But that icing on top is heavenly and when you dig into the warm middle that is loaded with cinnamon, it is pure sugary heaven.
On the lunch side are several panini-style sandwiches, wraps, soup, salads. We were there at lunchtime and both had sandwiches that came with either chips or a salad with vinaigrette. They also run some nice specials. The day we were there some of them were a “Hoosier Daddy Cinnamon Roll,” which was finished with a maple glaze and warm bacon; the “Wake n Bagel” of an over easy egg, cheddar and sausage on a bagel with garlic aioli; chicken pot pie, lasagna and corned beef hash. They also have some scrumptious looking freshly baked pies to choose from.
We were there on a drizzly, gloomy spring day, but I can just picture how busy and lively the place is on a warm summer day. After lunch we drove a few blocks to do some shopping from our favorite stores at outlet store prices. Follow along on Facebook for menu updates and specials.
