I’ve driven past Howie’s Six Mile Restaurant on US-20 more times than I can count, always noticing the packed parking lot and wondering what all the fuss was about. When I finally stopped in for breakfast one Saturday morning, I understood immediately why people keep coming back.
This Amish-run gem in LaGrange serves up the kind of home-cooked meals that remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house, with portions so generous you’ll probably need a to-go box. The friendly Amish staff treats everyone like family, and the prices are so reasonable you’ll think you’ve traveled back in time.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through on your way to Shipshewana, this little restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the best breakfast spots in northern Indiana.
Breakfast Served All Day Long
Most restaurants stop serving breakfast at 10 or 11 in the morning, leaving late risers out of luck. Howie’s Six Mile Restaurant breaks that mold by serving breakfast all day, every day they’re open.
You can walk in at 6 PM on a Wednesday and still order a stack of fluffy pancakes or a perfectly cooked omelet.
This policy makes Howie’s a lifesaver for anyone working odd hours or just craving breakfast for dinner. Truckers stopping through LaGrange love this flexibility, as do families with kids who want pancakes at lunchtime.
The kitchen doesn’t compromise on quality just because it’s 5 PM either.
Your eggs arrive cooked exactly how you ordered them, whether that’s scrambled, over easy, or folded into a massive omelet. The bacon comes out crispy and hot, and the sausage has that perfect savory flavor.
Toast gets made from their famous homemade bread, which alone is worth the visit.
Howie’s stays open until 7 PM Wednesday through Saturday, giving you plenty of time to satisfy those breakfast cravings. While they are closed on Sundays, their late evening hours most of the week ensure you can get your fix.
The all-day breakfast menu has turned countless visitors into regulars who appreciate having options no matter when hunger strikes.
That Famous Homemade Bread
Walk into Howie’s and the first thing you’ll notice is the incredible smell of fresh-baked bread. This isn’t some mass-produced loaf pulled from a plastic bag.
The Amish staff bakes their bread from scratch daily, and it shows in every warm, pillowy slice.
Customers rave about this bread so much that many buy whole loaves to take home. The texture hits that perfect balance between soft and substantial, with a slight sweetness that doesn’t overpower.
It makes exceptional toast for breakfast, soaking up egg yolk without getting soggy.
Some folks order the sourdough variety, which has a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with butter. Others stick with the classic white bread that tastes like childhood memories.
Either way, you’re getting bread that was probably baked that same morning.
The bread also features in their French toast, which comes out golden and perfectly cooked when you ask them to make it right. Each thick slice gets dipped in egg batter and griddled until the outside crisps up while the inside stays tender.
If you’re driving through on US-20 and need a reason to stop, the bread alone justifies pulling into Howie’s parking lot. People have been known to make special trips just to pick up a few loaves for the week ahead.
Generous Portions at Fair Prices
In an era where restaurant prices keep climbing and portions keep shrinking, Howie’s Six Mile Restaurant feels like stepping into a time machine. Your breakfast plate arrives piled high with food, and the check comes back surprisingly low.
We’re talking about meals that cost less than what you’d pay at a fast-food chain but taste infinitely better.
A full breakfast with eggs, meat, toast, and hash browns runs you just a few dollars. The lunch specials offer even more value, with massive servings of comfort food that often provide leftovers for dinner.
One reviewer mentioned getting four pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, and peas at a price that seemed almost too good to be true.
The mashed potatoes deserve special mention because they come in enormous portions. We’re not talking about a polite scoop on the side of your plate.
Howie’s serves what one customer called “an enormous pile” of creamy mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy that tastes homemade because it is.
This combination of generous portions and fair prices explains why the parking lot at 5975 US-20 stays packed during meal times. Families on tight budgets can actually afford to eat out here, and everyone leaves satisfied.
The value you get at Howie’s makes it easy to understand why locals choose this place over chain restaurants every single time.
Authentic Amish-Style Cooking
Howie’s Six Mile Restaurant isn’t just Amish-themed for decoration purposes. This is the real deal, owned and operated by Amish folks who bring generations of cooking knowledge to every dish.
The recipes come from family traditions passed down through the years, not from some corporate test kitchen.
You taste that authenticity in dishes like the country fried steak, which gets pounded tender and coated in a flavorful breading before frying. The cream gravy that blankets it tastes rich and peppery, nothing like the gluey stuff from a packet.
Even simple items like scrambled eggs get cooked with care and attention to detail.
The Amish approach to cooking emphasizes fresh ingredients, generous portions, and flavors that comfort rather than challenge. Nothing on the menu tries too hard or gets overly fancy.
Instead, you get straightforward food cooked really well, the kind that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel satisfied.
Burgers come out hot and juicy, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion that actually taste like vegetables should. The fried chicken has a crispy coating with real flavor, not just salt and grease.
Even the fruit sides, though simple, get served with the same care as everything else.
After exploring nearby Shipshewana or visiting the Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum at 510 S Van Buren St, stopping at Howie’s completes your authentic northern Indiana experience.
Friendly Service from Amish Staff
One customer wanted to adopt their waitress as their mom, which tells you everything about the service at Howie’s. The Amish girls who work here treat every customer like honored guests in their home.
They remember your coffee preferences, keep your cup filled without being asked, and genuinely seem to care whether you’re enjoying your meal.
A reviewer named Vanessa as an outstanding server who kept drinks magically appearing before anyone needed to ask for refills. That level of attentiveness makes a huge difference when you’re hungry and thirsty after a long drive on US-20.
The staff moves efficiently through the small dining room, somehow managing to check on everyone despite how busy it gets.
This friendliness extends beyond just good waitressing skills. The staff makes conversation, offers genuine recommendations, and creates a welcoming atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Even when the restaurant is packed and noise levels rise, the servers maintain their pleasant demeanor and attentive service.
You won’t find rushed, impersonal service here. The Amish approach to hospitality means treating people with kindness and respect, making sure everyone feels comfortable and well-fed.
That old-fashioned courtesy has become rare in modern restaurants, which makes Howie’s stand out even more.
After breakfast, you might explore the nearby Das Dutchman Essenhaus at 240 US-20 in Middlebury for shopping, but you’ll remember the personal touch from Howie’s staff long after your visit ends.
Cozy Small-Town Atmosphere
Howie’s Six Mile Restaurant won’t win awards for size or fancy decor. The dining area is genuinely small, with tables close together and a cozy feel that some big-city folks might find cramped.
But that intimate atmosphere is part of the charm, creating a community gathering place where strangers become friends over shared meals.
One couple ended up sharing a five-seat table with three lovely ladies and had a wonderful time getting to know their unexpected dinner companions. That kind of experience rarely happens at chain restaurants with their carefully spaced booths designed to keep customers isolated.
At Howie’s, the close quarters encourage conversation and connection.
The restaurant recently expanded with a beautifully done addition that accommodates more customers while maintaining that hometown feel. You’ll see Amish families dining alongside truckers, local farmers sitting near tourists, and everyone enjoying the same welcoming environment.
The decor keeps things simple and unpretentious, focusing attention on the food and company rather than fancy decorations.
Yes, the noise level can get high when the place fills up during peak hours. But that buzz of conversation and clinking silverware signals a thriving local spot where people actually want to be.
The slightly worn bones of the building tell stories of decades serving the LaGrange community.
Compare this to the sterile corporate feel of most highway restaurants, and you’ll appreciate why Howie’s loyal customers keep coming back despite having plenty of other options along US-20.
Convenient Location on US-20
Finding Howie’s Six Mile Restaurant couldn’t be easier if you’re traveling through northern Indiana. The restaurant sits right on US-20 at 5975, making it a perfect stop whether you’re heading to Shipshewana for shopping or just passing through LaGrange County.
Truckers appreciate the easy access and ample parking, while families on road trips love having a quality meal option that doesn’t involve another disappointing fast-food stop.
The location puts you in the heart of Indiana’s Amish country, surrounded by rolling farmland and scenic countryside. After eating, you might explore the nearby Shipshewana Flea Market, which operates seasonally and draws visitors from across the Midwest.
The town of Shipshewana itself, just a short drive away, offers unique shopping experiences and more Amish cultural attractions.
If you’re interested in learning more about Amish heritage, the Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum at 510 S Van Buren St in Shipshewana provides fascinating historical context. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pokagon State Park at 450 Lane 100 Lake James in Angola offers beautiful trails and lake activities about 20 minutes north.
The restaurant’s hours work well for travelers, opening at 5:30 AM on weekdays to catch early risers and staying open until 7 PM for dinner service. Saturday hours run until 2 PM, and they close Sundays, respecting Amish traditions.
That consistent schedule and prime location have made Howie’s a reliable landmark for anyone traveling this stretch of US-20.
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