NWI Dining
Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 Monday, 04 January 2010 01:19
Leroy’s Hot Stuff
Porter, IN
By Mona Dickinson
In 1990, Leroy Flores took hold of his dream to open a bar, after working for family members in their restaurants in Griffith and Merrillville. Twenty years later, Leroy’s Hot Stuff is still going strong in Porter.
The building, along U.S. 20, formerly housed Randler’s and when Flores found out the owners wanted to sell, he took the opportunity to open his own bar and restaurant. “In the beginning, we had the basic bar menu, hamburgers and hot dogs, a few munchies,” Flores said. “We gradually moved into the Mexican food and added the family dining area in 1998.”
The menu features a variety for every palette and homemade soups and chili every day. A lot of the recipes are family recipes that Flores has used over the years and everything is made from scratch.
“Our tacos and burritos are very popular,” Flores noted. “And people come in for our Friday fish fry for the blackened catfish.”
The Friday night fare also features Pollack or lake perch, along with its extensive regular menu, and homemade clam chowder.
A few things have been added over the years, but the bulk of the menu has stayed the same. Dinners are served with your choice of soup or salad and come with rice and beans. Items can also be ordered ala Carte or you can create your own combo platter with choice of tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, sopes, flautas or tamales.
“We’re also changing our wings soon, offering bigger “naked” wings with a choice of sauces,” added Flores. The restaurant also offers a popular breakfast menu, served from 7 a.m. to noon, with a traditional breakfast (eggs, potatoes, meat and toast), a Mexican breakfast (Mexican sausage with scrambled eggs, rice and beans), omelettes (American or Mexican) and even pancakes or huevos rancheros.
Leroy’s has also developed a popular catering business, according to Flores.
“We started catering some local Chamber events and some private parties, but its branched out into house and office parties too,” said Flores. “Or you can have your event or party here. We’ll work with any group to make it a special event.”
The bar also operates a beer garden and catering for festivals and special events throughout the area. Flores also believes in giving back to the community and Leroy’s hosts many benefits and fundraisers for events such as Rebuilding Together, Relay for Life and others. All menu items are available for carryout and you can call ahead at (219) 926-6211 to have your order ready. The bar features live entertainment and karaoke through the week, along with daily food and drink specials. Leroy’s Hot Stuff is located at 333 W. U.S. 20 in Porter. Information on bands and events can be found at www. myspace.com/leroyshotstuff.
