Clay’s Family Restaurant
Famous for hot homemade soups and homemade pie like grandma used to make!

For over 50 years, Clay’s has been a Steuben County dining tradition.

Originally started by Frank and Dorothy Clay in 1950, the family dining restaurant was acquired by Jack and Corinne Baker in the winter of 1975.

The Bakers moved with their children Connie, Ken and Matt from the Chicago area where Jack had been a supervisor with Jewel Foods and Corinne a housewife. With help from the Clays, the business re-opened in April 1976.

Closing for the season later that fall, the restaurant was completely remodeled and additional seating for 20 was added. That winter would be the last one that Clay’s would close seasonally.

The unique family restaurant with its charming, yet casual, country atmosphere is located just a little off the beaten path on Old 27 at Lake George. Only one mile from I-69 and less than two miles from the Indiana Toll Road, Clay’s is located just minutes from Prime Outlet Center and Pokagon State Park.

Adding to the down home character of the business are the quality arts and antiques which are displayed and sold on consignment from “M.J.’s Arts and Antiques” located right next door.

The restaurant features a homemade soup, salad and bread bar and an exceptional breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday. Clay’s also has an affordable children’s menu. Sandy Thorn-Clark, restaurant critic for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, wrote in one review, “I enjoyed everything I tried... but even with the good home cooked meals, Clay’s is the place to have two desserts first, then worry about the veggies and salads. The bread pudding was good, the spicy pumpkin pie was very good, fresh peach pie ala mode and rhubarb pie–outstanding. When you think of Clay’s, think pie. The pie, oh my!”

Although still owned and operated by the Baker family, many longtime loyal employees have contributed much to the expansion of hours and the growth in business. Over the years, their help in updating and remodeling and in making good business decisions has allowed Clay’s to go from a seasonal restaurant to a year-round 7 days-a-week restaurant. Clay’s accepts major credit cards.

Though Clay’s is an old-fashioned family restaurant, that fact has not stopped the Baker’s from leading the way on some social issues. In 1988, Clay’s was one of the first in the area to set aside separate smoking and non-smoking sections. In 1996, with evidence of the dangers of second-hand smoke becoming more clear, a decision was made to make the entire restaurant smoke free. This decision was based on our concern for the health and welfare of our customers and employees.

So, for a delicious home-cooked meal, give Clay’s a try! Great food, reasonable prices, and friendly service all served in a comfortable atmosphere create a dining experience you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Clay’s is open weekdays at 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

Clay’s will be closed from Dec. 22, 2003 through Jan. 1, 2004 so that our employees can celebrate Christmas with their families. We will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2, 2004 at 11 a.m.