I never thought I’d drive across state lines for a sandwich until someone told me about BigCity CheeseSteaks in Munster. Located at 8220 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN 46321, this small, family-owned spot on Calumet Avenue doesn’t look like much from the outside, but trust me when I say the cheesesteaks here have earned their reputation.
People from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and even Chicago make the trek just to taste what owner Brian and his team are cooking up. The menu goes way beyond cheesesteaks too, with those famous egg rolls that have the whole region talking and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else.
The no-frills atmosphere means you’re here for one thing: seriously good food that’s made fresh to order every single time. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or someone planning a food road trip through Indiana, BigCity CheeseSteaks deserves a spot on your list.
The Signature Cheesesteak That Started It All
Brian didn’t open BigCity CheeseSteaks to serve just another sandwich. He wanted to create something that would make people remember their first bite, and judging by the reviews, he nailed it.
The cheesesteak here isn’t your average fast food version. Fresh steak gets seasoned and grilled right when you order, piled high with melted cheese that stretches with every bite.
You can customize it however you want, adding peppers, onions, mushrooms, or keeping it simple with just meat and cheese.
Sizes range from regular to king, and honestly, even the regular is generous enough to share if you’re planning to try other menu items. The bread comes toasted just right, holding everything together without getting soggy.
Some folks drive from Indianapolis specifically for this sandwich, calling ahead so it’s ready when they arrive. Others make it a weekly ritual, trying different toppings each time to find their perfect combination.
The key is in the seasoning and the fresh preparation. Nothing sits under heat lamps here.
Your cheesesteak gets made when you order it, which means you might wait 15 to 20 minutes on busy days, but that’s the trade-off for quality that keeps people coming back from across Indiana.
Those Legendary Egg Rolls Everyone’s Talking About
Walk into BigCity CheeseSteaks on any given day and you’ll hear someone ordering egg rolls. Not just one or two, but dozens at a time because these things have developed a cult following throughout Northwest Indiana.
The variety is what gets people hooked. Steak, chicken, buffalo chicken, jerk chicken, gyro, and even salmon egg rolls give you options you won’t find at typical restaurants.
Each one comes stuffed full, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor that makes you understand why people mention them in nearly every review.
On Saturdays, BigCity runs a special where egg rolls drop to just two dollars each, and the line stretches out the door. Regulars know to call ahead or show up early because these specials sell out fast.
The buffalo chicken version seems to be the crowd favorite, with that perfect balance of spice and creamy filling. But honestly, I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t like at least three or four varieties after trying them all.
These aren’t your typical takeout egg rolls either. They’re larger, more substantial, and clearly made with care.
Steam can sometimes soften them during delivery, so eating them fresh at the restaurant gives you that ideal crunch everyone raves about in their reviews.
Friday’s Exclusive Creole Ball Experience
If you’ve never heard of a Creole ball, you’re not alone. This Friday-only specialty draws people from Chicago and beyond, with some making the 30-minute drive specifically for this unique creation.
Picture a perfectly fried ball of seasoned rice mixed with either beef or buffalo chicken, inspired by Louisiana cuisine but given BigCity’s own twist. The buffalo chicken version consistently wins praise for its bold, salty kick, while the beef option offers something more subtle and savory.
Here’s the catch: owner Brian is the only one who makes them, and they’re only available on Fridays. If he’s not there or leaves early, you’re out of luck, which has led to some disappointed reviews from folks who drove in expecting to try them.
The best strategy is calling ahead on Friday mornings to confirm they’ll be available and maybe even pre-ordering so you’re guaranteed to get some before they sell out. At 17 dollars for two, they’re pricier than the egg rolls, but the portion size and uniqueness justify the cost for most people.
These Creole balls represent everything BigCity stands for: creative menu items, fresh preparation, and flavors you can’t get anywhere else in the region. Just make sure you plan your visit for a Friday when Brian’s in the kitchen.
The Fried Chicken That Rivals the Cheesesteaks
While the cheesesteaks get most of the glory, regulars know that BigCity’s fried chicken deserves equal attention. Multiple reviewers specifically mention it as a must-try item, praising the seasoning and freshness.
The chicken comes out hot, crispy, and seasoned in a way that makes you realize this isn’t just a side offering. This is chicken that Brian and his team put real thought into, treating it with the same care as their signature sandwiches.
An eight-piece chicken special runs around the same price as a large cheesesteak, making it a solid value for families or anyone with a serious appetite. The seasoning blend hits that perfect balance where you taste layers of flavor without any single spice overwhelming the others.
Unlike some places that pre-cook their chicken and keep it warm, BigCity fries yours to order. Yes, this means waiting 20 to 30 minutes during peak times, but it also means you’re getting chicken that’s genuinely fresh and cooked to perfection.
Pair it with their fries, and you’ve got a complete meal that’ll satisfy anyone who grew up on good Southern-style fried chicken. Some customers even skip the cheesesteak entirely and come just for the chicken, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality Brian’s maintaining across his entire menu.
Supporting a Proud Black-Owned Business
BigCity CheeseSteaks represents more than just good food. This is a Black-owned family business that’s become a cornerstone of the Munster community, earning support from customers who value what Brian and his team have built.
Multiple reviewers specifically mention their pride in supporting a Black-owned establishment, and you can feel that sense of community when you walk through the door. The staff greets customers warmly, owner Brian often works the kitchen himself, and manager Chennel makes sure everyone feels welcome.
During events like Black Out Day, when communities pledge to support Black businesses exclusively, BigCity sees lines out the door. This isn’t just performative support either.
These are customers who return week after week because they genuinely believe in what Brian’s doing.
Running a small restaurant comes with challenges, and Brian’s responses to critical reviews show he takes every piece of feedback seriously. He’s not hiding behind corporate policies or automated responses.
He’s personally addressing concerns, offering to make things right, and constantly working to improve the experience.
When you eat at BigCity, you’re directly supporting a family that’s invested everything into creating something special for their community. That context makes every cheesesteak, every egg roll, and every piece of fried chicken taste even better, knowing your money goes straight to people who genuinely care about what they’re serving.
The Sunday Polish Special Worth Planning For
Most people don’t associate Polish sausage with a cheesesteak restaurant, but BigCity’s Sunday special has quietly built its own following among locals who know about it.
One reviewer drove by for months before finally stopping in for the Sunday Polish and fries special, and his reaction says it all. He called the fries perfect, hot, crisp, and cooked to perfection, which is high praise considering how many restaurants mess up something as simple as fries.
The Polish itself comes grilled just right, with that satisfying snap when you bite into it and flavors that remind you of summer cookouts and backyard gatherings. Paired with those perfectly executed fries, it’s comfort food that hits different on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Chef Brian often comes out to verify orders are correct, showing the same attention to detail with this weekly special as he does with his signature items. That personal touch matters, especially when you’re trying something for the first time and want to make sure it’s prepared exactly right.
The pricing stays competitive with their other lunch specials, making it an affordable way to try something different from the regular menu. If you’re planning a weekend visit to Munster, consider timing it for Sunday so you can experience this underrated special that locals keep coming back for week after week.
The Real Deal on Wait Times and Fresh Preparation
Here’s something you need to know before visiting BigCity CheeseSteaks: you’re going to wait. Not because the service is slow, but because absolutely nothing here gets prepared ahead of time.
Several reviews mention 30 to 35-minute waits, especially during peak hours and special days like the Saturday two-dollar egg roll promotion. Some customers get frustrated, but others recognize this wait time as proof that their food is being made fresh from scratch.
Brian and his team don’t use heat lamps or pre-cooked ingredients sitting in warming trays. When you order a cheesesteak, they’re grilling fresh steak right then.
When you want egg rolls, they’re rolling and frying them to order. This commitment to freshness is exactly why people drive from Indianapolis and Chicago.
The solution is simple: call ahead. BigCity takes phone orders, and most regulars use this strategy to minimize their wait time.
Order 20 minutes before you plan to arrive, and your food will be ready when you walk in.
On Saturdays during the egg roll special, expect the restaurant to be packed and the phones to be busy. This is when patience becomes important.
You’re watching a small family business handle massive volume while refusing to compromise on quality.
If you walk in expecting fast food speed, you’ll be disappointed. But if you understand you’re getting restaurant-quality food made fresh for you specifically, that 30-minute wait becomes completely reasonable and absolutely worth it.
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