Restaurants
Fidler’s Hearth
Located in downtown South Bend, the Fidler’s Hearth is a great place to grab a beer and enjoy some authentic Irish dishes. Very causal and inviting place. A traditional Irish pub.
LaSalle Grill
Located off W. Colfax Avenue is South Bend, the LaSalle Grill is the perfect place to celebrate a graduation, anniversary, birthday or any other milestone. The dining experience is formal and reservations are recommended.
Café Navarre
Café Navarre opened its doors in 2012 in the heart of downtown South Bend. The restaurant offers a modern twist on the fine dining experience and has a great outdoor patio. Reservations for dinner are recommended.
Howard Park Public House
One of our favorite stops when we visit South Bend. Howard Park Public House is located in the East Bank Village. This gastropub offers great burgers, sandwiches and more. The outdoor patio is amazing and adjacent to all the amenities offered by Howard Park.
The Lauber
The Lauber, located in the East Bank Village area, boasts one of the best outdoor patios in South Bend. The pizza and sandwiches aren’t bad either. With an extensive tap list the Lauber provides an opportunity to sample the many beers from local micro-breweries.
Barnaby’s
Since 1969, Barnaby’s has been located off Jefferson Boulevard in the East Bank Village of South Bend. Great casual dining experience with a strong restaurant tradition. Pizza, sandwiches and beer – who could ask for more?
Carmela’s at Macri’s
So, you want Italian food? Carmela’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Located off Niles Avenue in the East Bank Village area, Carmela’s is a great place for fine Italian dining.
Bruno’s Pizza Downtown
Its pizza and it is one of the best. Bruno’s is located in downtown South Bend off Michigan Street. There is probably not one student at Notre Dame that hasn’t had a pizza from Bruno’s.
Papa Vino’s
Papa Vino’s is just a short drive away in Mishawaka. The menu offering is classic Italian. The location is very large and can accommodate large parties.
Parisi’s Ristorante
Parisi’s traditional Italian cuisine is an upscale setting close to Notre Dame. This is one of our favorite places, and as they say – it is “Italian Cuisine with an Irish View”.
Rocco’s
Rocco’s epitomizes the classic casual Italian dining experience. From pasta, to pizza to subs – you can’t go wrong. With over sixty years of history in South Bend, it is regarded by many as offering the best pizza in town.
Sunny Italy Café
You want classic Italian? Then Sunny Italy is the place for you and has been since 1926. But note, Sunny Italy is open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for dinner.
Brother’s Bar & Grill
Brother’s Bar & Grill is located in the Eddy Street Commons and offers a huge bar food menu. Dining is casual and the drinks are plentiful.
Evil Czech Brewery
The Evil Czech is a great micro-brewery located in Mishawaka. The atmosphere is fun and lively. The beer offering is great, but the tacos are better.
Crooked Ewe Brewery
The Crooked Ewe, located off the St Joseph River in South Bend, is one of the best craft breweries in South Bend. The Tacos are hot – literally; some of the best spicy tacos around. That being said, I go there for the brisket and the amazing outdoor patio overlooking the river.
Studebaker Brewing Co.
Opened in 2018, the Studebaker Brewing Co., is located on the 3rd floor of the Studebaker Mansion (Tippecanoe) off Washington Street in South Bend. Great location with standard gastropub fare. The beer selection changes often so be sure to check out their current tap list.
Rohr’s
Rohr’s is located in the Morris Inn on the campus of Notre Dame. While Rohr’s has decent gastropub offerings, that is nothing compared to its outside dining patio. In short, a great place to relax, dine and enjoy Notre Dame. For dining, reservations are strongly suggested.
South Bend Brew Werks
Brew Werks offers 16 beer taps that rotate frequently. This brewpub is one of the best in South Bend and the only family-owned operation in downtown. They also have a dog friendly patio.
Bru Burger Bar
Bru Burger boasts great burgers in a great location – right on Eddy Street and a stone’s throw from Notre Dame.
O’Rourke’s Public House
O’Rourkes, located at the corner of Angela and Eddy streets, is in the heart of the Notre Dame scene. O’Rourke’s offers standard Irish pub fare and is the perfect place to grab a beer before the game or celebrate an Irish victory afterwards.