Friends Cafe and Lounge
5190 E 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN, 46410
Friends Cafe and Lounge Menu
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Diabetics at TGI Friday
If you're a diabetic, then you must be extra careful while dining at TGI Friday. Try the salad menu at TGI Friday to keep your sugar and sodium intake in check. Soups are great to keep you full and satisfied without munching on the unhealthy greased meat-based dishes on TGI Friday menu.
Foods to Avoid at TGI Friday for Diabetics:
Sugar and sodium intake are crucial if you have diabetes. While the salads are the best option for you at TGI Friday, it is recommended to avoid the Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad containing over 1000 calories and 1,650mg sodium. Also, skip Warm Pretzels with Craft Beer-Cheese dipping sauce as it contains more than 3000mg sodium. It is wise to skip the dessert for diabetics, especially the Brownie Obsession topped with Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and pecans.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at TGI Friday
Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Nutritional Facts: 560 calories, 33g (Tans. Fat 1g & Sat. Fat 16g), 790mg sodium, 37g carbs, 2g sugar, 6g fiber, 27g Protein
Chicken Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken (Lunch portion) with Caesar Dressing
Nutritional Facts: 310 calories, 28g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 800mg sodium, 38g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 11g Protein
Kids Meal Chicken Sandwich
Nutritional Facts: 310 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 700mg sodium, 26g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 22g Protein
Kid's Side - Seasoned Fries
Nutritional Facts: 320 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 810mg sodium, 40g carbs, 0g sugar, 5g fiber, 5g Protein
Kid's Side - Fresh Fruit
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 12g carbs, 10g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Tea - English Breakfast
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Tea - Mint Green
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Merrillville for healthy meals suggestion.
High Blood Pressure at TGI Friday
Most foods served at TGI Friday are high in sodium and could be a health risk if you are concerned with your blood pressure levels. You can always opt for salads or soups. However, you must check the sodium levels in burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts before ordering.
Foods to Avoid at TGI Friday for High Blood Pressure
While the salads are healthy at TGI Friday, you must skip the Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad. You should also avoid Jack Daniel's Ribs and Shrimp at TGI Fridays for its high sodium content. Appetizers are the best to ensure that you don't eat too much while dining outside. However, you must skip Warm Pretzels with Craft Beer-Cheese Dipping sauce as one serving of this contains over 3000mg sodium.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at TGI Friday
Caesar Salad with Breadstick with Caesar Dressing
Nutritional Facts: 440 calories, 31g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 720mg sodium, 33g carbs, 4g sugar, 3g fiber, 9g Protein
House Salad with Breadstick
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 330mg sodium, 29g carbs, 5g sugar, 3g fiber, 8g Protein
Kid's Dessert - Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional Facts: 460 calories, 26g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 17g), 170mg sodium, 39g carbs, 5g sugar, 0g fiber, 6g Protein
Kids Meal Pasta & Marinara
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 2g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 150mg sodium, 46g carbs, 7g sugar, 4g fiber, 9g Protein
Kid's Side - Carrots w/ Ranch 150
Nutritional Facts: 150 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 340mg sodium, 7g carbs, 3g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Coffee - Black/Decaf
Nutritional Facts: 5 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 5mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Espresso
Nutritional Facts: 5 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 5mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Merrillville for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at TGI Friday
Fat and calorie count are normally high at American diners and TGI Friday is no exception in that case. Too greasy and fried items will not only boost your calorie intake but also increase your bad cholesterol levels. You should make smart choices while dining at TGI Friday if you have cholesterol issues.
Foods to Avoid at TGI Friday for High Cholesterol
TGI Fridays are also famous for their ribs and steak. However, it is in the best interest of those concerned with high cholesterol to stay away from Jack Daniel's Ribs and Shrimp. Desserts are a big NO for you if you are worried about your high cholesterol levels. It is recommended to skip all kinds of desserts, especially the Brownie Obsession. You should also skip the meat burgers and sandwiches at TGI Fridays as these items are high in saturated fat which can elevate your LDL levels.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at TGI Friday
Traditional Wings BBQ
Nutritional Facts: 500 calories, 24g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 790mg sodium, 29g carbs, 24g sugar, 1g fiber, 44g Protein
Grilled Chicken Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad (Lunch portion)
Nutritional Facts: 480 calories, 21g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 870mg sodium, 30g carbs, 8g sugar, 10g fiber, 66g Protein
Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard ((Hand-Breaded)
Nutritional Facts: 440 calories, 33g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 700mg sodium, 26g carbs, 8g sugar, 1g fiber, 11g Protein
Kid's Side - Side Salad
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 2g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 90mg sodium, 5g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g Protein
Kid's Side - Mandarin Oranges
Nutritional Facts: 60 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 14g carbs, 14g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Tea - Apricot
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Merrillville for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A on TGI Friday
Can Vegans eat on TGI Friday?
TGI Friday has launched Vegan food options The Beyond Meat Cheeseburger, fries and salads which can be enjoyed by vegan lovers. Though we would advise you to get confirmation from the server at the TGI Friday outlet before ordering the food item.
Does TGI Fridays have vegetarian food?
TGI Friday have options of burgers made from plant-based ingredients which are grilled and seasoned with cheddar cheese, red onions, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce. One can also go for fries, salads or juices.
Does TGI Friday have happy hours?
The happy hour on TGI Friday happens every Friday. Chief marketing officer of TGI Friday says that “people now don't operate on a 9 to 5 schedule”. Thus the company is giving out one whole day when customers can enjoy their favourite meal at pocket-friendly rates.
Is TGI Friday closed on holidays?
TGI Friday is opened on most of the holidays except Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
What are TGI Friday Opening and Closing Time?
The American restaurant chain is established on some of the largest cities like Miami, Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston etc. TGI Friday regular restaurant hours from Monday to Sunday is 11:00 AM – 01:00 AM.
How do I find the nearest TGI Friday Restaurant?
There are over 800 TGI Friday restaurants in the United States. The best way to search the nearest TGI Friday location is by using our Restaurant Listings Directory.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About TGI Friday
TGI Friday is a casual dining American restaurant chain founded in 1965. The term “TGI” is an acronym for Thank God It's and together the name of the restaurant is often announced as Thank God It's Friday. Over the years of its existence, the TV commercials and other advertisement streams have also twisted the phrase a bit and used it as Thank Goodness It's Friday. The restaurant serves alcoholic beverages primarily. However, they are also known for their low-carbohydrate and low-fat menu items to promote a healthy lifestyle. TGI Friday also offers gluten-free items on its menu for those with gluten intolerance.
Besides the cool name, TGI Friday also has an interesting background story of its origin. The founder of the restaurant Alan Stillman lived in a New York-based neighbourhood full of a young crowd, especially girls from the airline and fashion industry. He started the first TGI Friday restaurant in New York in the hope of meeting single women as there weren't any such public place for young men and women to meet. He invested $5000 on his own and borrowed another $5000 from his mother to buy a bar named The Good Tavern and renamed the premise to Thank God It's Friday, inspired from an expression during his time at Bucknell University.
Healthy Food Options at TGI Friday
TGI Friday is a casual dining American restaurant chain serving burgers, sandwiches, steaks & ribs, salads, soups, and desserts. You got to be somewhat cautious while dining at TGI Friday if you are health conscious. You can always opt for light items such as salads or soups to start with. You can also prefer seafood over chicken or other meat to ensure a healthy meal at TGI Friday.
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Address :
5190 E 81st Ave
Merrillville, IN, 46410 - Phone (219) 942-9107
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : No
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Alex B.
Note: This review refers to the location in Highland, IN. ...Theodore, please. Friend's in Highland is a creme de la creme of hookah lounges of Northwest Indiana. Super chill atmosphere with service which is absolutely BAR NONE. I actually live closer to the Friend's in Merrillville and I will drive out of my way just so I can have that one of a kind hospitality brought to you by the Highland crew. I have noticed the tip thing before but I have yet to experience that since then, and that was years ago. I have no problem giving my server tips. He works his ass off and it shows. It pains me that places like Aladdin's Pita stopped doing Hookah, but Friend's will always have me as customer las long they keep up that 5 star service I now expect from them everytime I show up.
(5)Billy A.
Great place great flavors, how ever staff doesn't seem to care that much and also they seem to want to socialize with their group of friends than worry about guest. The price is little high, but I'm not sure what the product cost to buy and make. Over all I will be back, the product is great, and it is a fun atmosphere to hang out with friends.
(3)Cheyenne S.
the atmosphere is amazing and so so friendly. I love the staff. they're super casual and take care of all of their guests really well. I recommend this place for any high school or college kids who need a chill break with friends (ha!) or just travel solo. their prices are pretty decent as well. check them out!
(5)Theodore B.
Note: This review refers to the location in Highland, IN. Friend's Cafe is a great place to hang out but has several flaws that mar it for me. On the positive side, the quality of the hookah, flavor and smoke, is excellent. The hookahs themselves are also quality, and the hoses have a great draw. The environment is relaxed and comfortable for the most part. On the downside: They do not serve tap water, instead opting for bottled water. This is a huge pet peeve of mine at hookah bars. It's a little bit pricier than other hookah bars. Gratuity is automatically added to your bill. The music is a bit loud. Overall though, I had a great experience here and the staff was friendly and accomodating. I'd recommend it if you're in the area, just be aware of its flaws.
(3)Elizabeth S.
I came here because a friend had a Birthday get-together and it was better than i thought. I must agree with Karl, the place is pretty hidden but it sure it is a gem! Comfortable, friendly, great variety of tobacco flavors and qualities available and good prices. Drinks are also good but I didn't have a chance to try any of the food available. I think what I liked the best was the atmosphere, I'm sure my friend had to reserve or maybe the fact that we arrived a bit early help because at the beginning the place was at a moderate vacancy but by the end of the night all available seating was taken. Their furniture arrangement is also great as it allowed us to bring three tables together and arrange seating around it for a fairly large group so we were all together instead of spread apart. Overall I am pleased and I would highly recommend for a get-together its economical and very laid-back with friendly service! Best of all you get a nice variety of people there :)
(5)Mike E.
Friends Cafe has 2 locations 1 on route 30 in the Madaly Plaza in Merrillville and 1 in Highland on Indianapolis Blvd. And right after 45th behind the Subway on the Kings Court Plaza its kinda hidde. So watch out. But friends is the best by far hookah bars Ive ever been to! It has great service great quality tobacco and hookahs. And by far the cleanest hookah bar ive ever been to! And ive been to about 9 hookah bars in NWI and the Chicago land. Great music great enviorment with lots of cool people on the weekend, but if your looking to relax smoke and do homework etc. the weekday or Sunday is the day should go! Check this chill zoneee out!!
(5)Karl B.
This nicely tucked away secret located in S. Suburban Worth is now yours to enjoy. While this place is not as trendy as many of the other hookah establishments in Naperville or but none-the-less this is one of the best kept secrets out there. The food is fairly good while all of the drinks are awesome. The quality of the hookah tobacco is also great. The only crappy thing is no alcohol and no b.y.o.b. Other than that it's a pretty nice spot to hang out at and get your hookah on. The place can get crowded at times so I would recommend reservations on the weekends but even when crowded it is not a zoo-like atmosphere like many of the other places. If you live in Sor SW burbs and are looking for a new hookah spoy check it out. Note: The place also sells hookahs and hookah tobacco. Also I would recommend the sweet melon flavor and strawberry flavors at Friends.
(4)