Fine dining at Patrick's Grille
When one steps into Patrick's Grille in Michigan City, it can be like stepping into another world.
“I have several skyline pictures of different cities around the country that I drew some of my ideas from for Patrick's. There's a Chicago skyline behind the bar,” said Patrick Wilkins, owner of Patrick's Grille.
“It's a very comfortable feeling so it gives you the feel that maybe you're not in Michigan City. It's a way to get out of Michigan City without actually having to leave it.”
With seating for 90 in the restaurant, 14 around the bar and 45 in a private room, Patrick's Grille features food by chef Rick Bruggeman, of Chesterton.
“The quality of the food is second to none,” said Wilkins, of La Porte.
“The steaks are 21-day aged meat. It's all fresh. We buy all our meat from Double R Ranch out in the state of Washington. They provide a lot of the five-star, high-quality restaurants around the country so we're top-quality meat.
“There's fresh fish. All of our sauces, soups and desserts are all made in-house.”
Starting prices for dinner include $8 for signature appetizers, $9 for entree salads, $11 for sandwiches, $16 for pastas, $17 for pork and ribs or chicken and seafood, and $24 for steaks.
Lunch items start at $3 for homemade soup, $8 for appetizers and nibblers, and $9 for salads, entrees or sandwiches.
“Our biggest claim to fame is the steaks,” said Wilkins, who previously owned the Clubhouse Bar & Grill in Michigan City.
“We bring in the whole cut of meat like tenderloin. Then if you order filet we cut and trim the filet off the tenderloin so the meat's always fresh. It's basically prepared to order.”
Evening specials include fresh fish features Fridays, prime rib Saturdays and rack of lamb Thursdays. Also, several local breweries are on tap.
Julie Gill, of La Porte, is general manager and Amanda Coleman, of LaPorte, is assistant general manager of Patrick's Grille, which marked its one-year anniversary in August in a building that was the longtime home of Rodini's restaurant.
“It's fine dining and more cosmopolitan,” said Wilkins, whose other businesses include FWC Sports in Valparaiso and Boss Industries, Paw Aviation and Pd2, all in LaPorte.
“It's probably one of the busiest areas in Michigan City. It's close to all the shopping. It's close to Interstate 94 so it's easy for people coming in from Northwest Indiana. In fact, a large portion of our clientele comes from Chesterton, Valparaiso, Miller and the Dunes down there on the lake.
“It's a heavy-trafficked area and an easy place to reach if you're coming in from out of town.”
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. Fridays; 4-10 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays-Mondays; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. Bar open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays; 4-11 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays.
Patrick's Grille is at 4125 S. Franklin St., Michigan City. Contact 219-873-9401 or
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
