Valparaiso is a special place. Many people here simply call it Valpo. It is a town with a historic downtown, a big love for popcorn, and neighbors who show up for each other. In this post, we share some real facts about our home and explain why supporting local restaurants in Valparaiso matters so much for the whole community.
We are Costas Restaurant Group, a local family of restaurants right here in Valparaiso, Indiana. We are proud to be part of Valpo. This town is where we cook, work and serve our neighbors every day.
Getting to Know Valparaiso, Indiana
Valparaiso is in Northwest Indiana. It is the county seat of Porter County. In the 2020 census, the city had a population of 34,151 people. That makes it big enough to have lots to do, but small enough to feel like home.
How Valpo Got Its Name
The town started in 1836 under a different name, Portersville. In 1837, it was renamed Valparaiso. The new name came from Valparaiso, Chile. That is where David Porter, the man Porter County is named after, fought in a sea battle during the War of 1812. The name is often said to mean “Vale of Paradise.” Today, that phrase is also the city’s motto.
More Than One Nickname
Valparaiso has a few nicknames. Most people say Valpo for short. In the late 1800s, it was called the “City of Churches” because it had so many churches. It has also been called the “Crossroads of America” because of its easy highway access.
A Downtown With History and Heart
Downtown Valparaiso is one of the best parts of town. The Valparaiso Downtown Commercial District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of its buildings are old and full of charm.
Central Park Plaza
Central Park Plaza sits at Lincolnway and Lafayette Street. It opened in the summer of 2011 as the centerpiece of a downtown makeover. The plaza has an outdoor amphitheater and a splash pad. It hosts live music and concerts, and it is a favorite place for families to spend a summer evening.
Shops, Theaters and More
Downtown is full of independent shops and boutiques. The Memorial Opera House, a landmark that is more than a century old, hosts local shows. The Chicago Street Theatre also puts on plays. Nearby, the Porter County Museum, known as PoCo Muse, shares the history of the area.
Downtown is also home to many local places to eat. Our own Birdie’s and Nextdoor are part of that downtown dining scene.
Community Events That Bring Valpo Together
Valpo knows how to throw a party. Throughout the year, events bring people out to enjoy their town.
The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
The Popcorn Festival is one of the town’s best known events. It is held each year on the first Saturday after Labor Day in September. The festival honors Orville Redenbacher, the famous popcorn maker. He once lived in Valparaiso and built a popcorn factory here. He took part in most of the festival parades until he passed away in 1995.
More Fun Around Town
- The Valparaiso Farmers Market
- The Valpo Car Cruise
- Summer outdoor movies
- Shows at the 49er Drive In Theatre
- Concerts and events at Central Park Plaza
Dates and details for events can change each year. Check the city or event websites for the latest schedule.
Valparaiso University and a Love of Learning
Valparaiso University is a big part of the town. Its history goes back to 1859. Today, its campus covers about 310 acres on the south side of the city, near downtown. The university hosts sports, concerts and cultural events all year. Students, staff and visitors add energy to the whole town, including its restaurants and shops.
Why Supporting Local Restaurants in Valparaiso Matters
Now let’s talk about food. When you choose a locally owned restaurant, you do more than grab a meal. You help your community in real ways.
Local Jobs for Local People
Local restaurants hire people who live nearby. Cooks, servers, hosts and dishwashers often live right here in town. For many young people, a restaurant job is their very first job. It teaches teamwork, hard work and how to treat people well.
Money That Stays Close to Home
When you spend money at a local place, more of it tends to stay in the area. Local owners often buy from other local businesses. They pay local workers. Those workers then spend money in town too. It is like a circle that helps everyone.
A Unique Town Feel
Locally owned restaurants help give a town its own personality. They create places where people meet, talk and make memories. A town full of local spots feels different from one full of copies of the same chains.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Local businesses often support local causes. They help schools, sports teams and groups that make the town better. When you support them, you help them keep giving back.
How We Give Back to Valpo
At Costas Restaurant Group, being local means more than having an address here. Through our Community Giving program, we support local schools, sports teams and nonprofits. We believe a strong town makes for strong businesses, and strong businesses should help their town.
If your school, team or nonprofit group would like to learn more, please visit our website and look for Community Giving. Our team can share how the program works.
Our Family of Local Restaurants
Our restaurants serve many tastes and many times of day:
- Le Peep Valparaiso for breakfast and lunch
- Burgerhaus for burgers, craft beer and wine
- Lenny’s Coal Fired Pizza for pizza, wings and pasta
- Brick Street Burrito for San Diego style burritos
- Birdie’s, a diner, and Nextdoor, a dinner lounge, in downtown Valparaiso
Each one has its own style. But they all share the same goal: to take good care of the people who pull up a chair.
Simple Ways to Support Local Restaurants in Valparaiso
You do not need to do anything big to make a difference. Small choices add up.
- Pick a local restaurant for your next meal out
- Order pickup straight from the restaurant when you can
- Buy local gift cards as presents
- Leave a kind and honest review online
- Tell your friends about places you love
- Go to local events and festivals
- Follow local businesses on social media and share their posts
Bring Friends Along
One of the easiest ways to help is to bring someone new. Show a friend from out of town your favorite downtown spot. Take a coworker to lunch at a local place. New guests help local businesses grow.
Be Patient and Kind
Restaurants get busy, especially on festival days and weekends. A little patience and a friendly smile go a long way for the people working hard to serve you.
What Makes a Small Town Restaurant Special
A local restaurant is often more than a place to eat. It is a place where the staff may know your name. It is where you celebrate a good report card, meet a friend after work, or grab breakfast before a long day.
Familiar Faces
In a town like Valpo, you often see the same faces. Regular guests get to know the people who serve them. Those small hellos and friendly chats make a town feel warm.
Places That Mark Life Moments
Many families have a spot where they always go for birthdays or after games. Over the years, that place becomes part of their story. Local restaurants are honored to be part of those moments.
Food Made With Care
Local cooks take pride in feeding their neighbors. They know that the person at the next table might be a friend, a teacher or a coach from down the street. That makes every plate matter.
Proud to Call Valpo Home
Valparaiso is a town with a rich history, a lively downtown and a strong sense of community. From the Popcorn Festival to summer nights at Central Park Plaza, there is always a reason to get out and enjoy it. Supporting local restaurants in Valparaiso is one simple way to help keep that spirit alive.
We are thankful to be part of this town and to serve our neighbors every day. Next time you are out and about in Valpo, stop by one of our restaurants and say hello. We would love to share a meal with you.
