Now Open in Michigan City

Bold Flavors,
Home Cooking
Done Right.

From sizzling burgers to comfort plates that feel like a warm hug — Local Option is Michigan City's destination for honest, hearty food made with care.

Call (219) 874-3663 View Menu

Loved by locals

A beautifully plated dish at Local Option restaurant

Chef's Pick

Our signature smash burger with house-made sauce — a customer favorite.

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Fair Prices

Great food without the markup.

Made with Care

Fresh ingredients, honest recipes.

Friendly Vibes

A crowd that feels like family.

Quick Service

Hot food, fast — no waiting around.

Our Menu

What We're Serving

Every dish is crafted to hit the spot — whether you're craving a classic burger, a hearty plate, or something lighter.

Burgers & Sliders

Hand-pattied, cooked to order

The Local Smash

Double patty, aged cheddar, house sauce, brioche bun
Classic Cheeseburger

American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup
Bacon BBQ Burger

Crispy bacon, smoked cheddar, tangy BBQ drizzle
Mushroom Swiss

Sautéed mushrooms, melted Swiss, garlic aioli

Hearty Plates

Comfort food done right

Chicken Tenders & Fries

Golden-crusted tenders, choice of sauce, crispy fries
Loaded Nachos

Melted cheese, jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips
Fish & Chips

Beer-battered cod, tartar sauce, coleslaw, fries
Mac & Cheese Board

Creamy three-cheese mac, breadcrumb top, choice of add-on

Sides & Starters

Perfect companions

Crispy Fries

Seasoned, golden, and always fresh
Onion Rings

Beer-battered, thick-cut, served hot
Garlic Parmesan Wings

Tossed in garlic butter, finished with parmesan
House Salad

Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, ranch

Drinks & Sweets

To wash it down

Soft Drinks & Lemonade

Classic sodas, fresh-squeezed lemonade
Milkshakes

Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry — thick and creamy
House Coffee

Freshly brewed, always hot
Daily Dessert

Ask your server — something sweet is always on deck

Menu items and availability subject to change. Ask about our daily specials!

Our Story

More Than a Meal —
It's a Feeling

Local Option started with a simple idea: Michigan City deserves a place where the food is honest, the portions are generous, and you're treated like a regular from day one.

We pour that belief into every plate that leaves the kitchen. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between errands on Franklin Street or settling in for a relaxed dinner with the family, this is your spot.

No pretense. No fuss. Just solid food, fair prices, and a crew that genuinely wants you to have a good time.

100%

Locally Loved

Fresh

Daily Ingredients

Real

Good Vibes

Warm interior of Local Option restaurant with cozy seating

Chef preparing food in the Local Option kitchen

Weekly Specials

Something Special Every Day

We rotate our specials weekly so there's always a reason to come back.

M

Meatball Monday

Hearty meatballs over pasta or on a sub — your choice, all day.

T

Taco Tuesday

Loaded tacos with fresh toppings and our signature salsa bar.

F

Fish Friday

Crispy fish plates with all the fixings — fresh catch, every week.

Find Us

Come Visit Us

We're right on Franklin Street — easy to find, hard to forget.

Address

1714 Franklin St
Michigan City, IN 46360-4502

Phone

(219) 874-3663

Hours

Mon – Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Exterior view of Local Option restaurant on Franklin Street

Close-up of a juicy burger at Local Option

Reservations & Catering

Planning a gathering or need catering for your next event? Give us a call and we'll make it happen.