South Bend Restaurants | 20 Local Favorites
South Bend Restaurants | 20 Local Favorites
Hungry in South Bend?
It’s a fun problem to have! The truth is, of all of the great things that are happening in South Bend, the local dining scene offers one of my family’s favorite ways to spend our time together — going out to eat!
As a local rental host, I want to be sure that my guests are equipped with everything they need to relax, have fun, and make the most of their time in my hometown. So, I put together this guide for my top 20 South Bend restaurants. I have personally been to each of these places several times and whether it’s the food, drinks, service, atmosphere, or all of the above, they all keep me coming back for more.
Enjoy!
CASUAL DINING
South Bend Restaurants | 20 Local Favorites
FATBIRD
Cuisine: Southern-style comfort food (think juicy fried chicken and mac n’ cheese)
Service: Friendly and attentive
Atmosphere: The interior adds so much to the dining experience. From the neon Fatbird sign set over retro wallpaper to the copper tile ceiling and the black and white checked floor.
Favorite Menu Items: Nashville Hot Chicken (best in town), [insert Julia’s fav]
Website: https://www.fatbird-sb.com/
Jesus Tequila Bar & Grill
Cuisine: Latin
Service: Friendly and attentive
Atmosphere: From curb appeal to the interior ambiance, Jesus is an amazing spot for dinner and cocktails. There is great energy in the dining area and the decor features really interesting local artwork that sets the mood.
Favorite Menu Items: Tacos, Street Chicken, and Stir Fry (Oh-my!)
Website: https://jesus-latin-grill.com/
Crooked Ewe
Cuisine: American (brisket, wings, jambalaya)
Service: Casual and friendly
Atmosphere: Family-friendly with a micro-brew/gastro pub style.
Favorite Menu Items: Brisket
Website: https://crookedewe.com/
The Lauber
Cuisine: American-Italian
Service: Casual and friendly
Atmosphere: The entire building is a historical landmark commemorating J.C. Lauber & Co., the original occupants of the building. Now, it has a great bar to hand out at as well as a super family friend outside patio with lawn games.
Favorite Menu Items: Artisan Pizzas, appetizers, pasta
Website: https://thelauber.com/
Lasalle Kitchen & Tavern (LKT)
Cuisine: Casual Bar Food
Service: Friendly and attentive
Atmosphere: Warm Edison bulb lighting, a great horseshoe bar, and usually live music.
Favorite Menu Items: LKT Burger, Pork Belly
Website: http://lasallekitchenandtavern.com/
Fiddler's Hearth
Cuisine: Irish
Service: Casual and sometimes a bit rough around the edges (it adds to the experience 😊)
Atmosphere: This is a great Irish Pub experience. Community table seating (sit with strangers), live music, glowing fireplace, and a bustling, cheerful atmosphere.
Favorite Menu Items: Fish N’ Chips, Cobb Salad
Website: https://fiddlershearth.com/
South Bend Brew Werks
Cuisine: Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Flatbread Pizza, Pasta
Service: Casual and friendly
Atmosphere: A friendly, upbeat environment
Favorite Menu Items: 3-Way Chatter (grilled cheese)
Website: https://www.southbendbrewwerks.com/
Franky's Tacos
Cuisine: Authentic Mexican Food
Service: Casual and friendly, Fast Take-out!
Atmosphere: The location isn’t the greatest part of town, so, we tend to do take-out only. But I promise it’s worth it!
Favorite Menu Items: American-style tacos with marinated pork
Website: https://southbendmexicanrestaurant.com/
Barnaby's
Cuisine: Pizza
Service: They call your number, you get your stuff
Atmosphere: Family-friendly pizza place. A great spot for kids’ sports teams to gather and celebrate a win.
Favorite Menu Items: The pizza of course!
Website: https://www.barnabys-pizza.com/
Howard Park Public House
Cuisine: Traditional American Pub Food
Service: Friendly
Atmosphere: I love the outdoor seating area! You can even enjoy your meal while swinging on a bench swing. But the best part is watching the parents and kids play on the playground while enjoying your meal. The inside seating is great too on colder days or later at night.
Favorite Menu Items: The Upsidedown Burger, Lollipop Chicken
Website: https://howardparkpublichouse.com/
UPSCALE DINING
South Bend Restaurants | 20 Local Favorites
Lasalle Grill
Cuisine: Classic Steakhouse (the best quality food in town)
Service: Professional and attentive
Atmosphere: A great dining room for a date night or special occasion. My personal favorite is a seat at the minibar tucked away near the back entrance.
Favorite Menu Items: Pork Chop, Steak, Chicken — you order it, you’ll probably love it.
Website: https://lasallegrill.com/
Render Kitchen & Bar
Cuisine: Meat and Potatoes featuring a creative seasonal menu
Service: Professional
Atmosphere: Another great spot for date nights or special occasions.
Favorite Menu Items: Always changing and always good
Website: http://www.rendersouthbend.com/
Corndance Tavern
Cuisine: American Steakhouse
Service: Casual and friendly
Atmosphere: This is another Mishawaka restaurant that is just worth the drive. A comfortable and upscale country-vibe.
Favorite Menu Items: The Sword of John Adams is definitely the most fun entree.
Website: https://corndance.com/
Cafe Navarre
Cuisine: Modern American with European influences
Service: Very friendly and professional
Atmosphere: Such a neat space! You can sit outside amidst the bustle of the city or inside where there is a great bar, lower level dining, and a balcony level that overlooks the entire restaurant.
Favorite Menu Items: Steak, Fish, Risotto – you can’t go wrong!
Website: https://www.cafenavarre.co/
No. 6
Cuisine: A modern South Bend eatery offering scratch comfort crave-worthy food with a twist.
Service: Very friendly and professional
Atmosphere: My favorite spot is the outside patio dining area. It’s great for a sunset date night.
Favorite Menu Items: Choosing between the steak and the salmon will be your toughest decision of the day!
Website: https://www.eatno6.com/
BREAKFAST SPOTS
South Bend Restaurants | 20 Local Favorites
Early Bird Eatery
Cuisine: Modern American Bruch (typical breakfast foods)
Service: Very friendly
Atmosphere: Located inside the Dainty Maide. A very simple, clean modern look that is relaxing and fun.
Favorite Menu Items: Omelette, Peaches & Cream French Toast
Website: https://www.theearlybirdeatery.com/
Roselily
Cuisine: Elevated Brunch
Service: Very friendly
Atmosphere: A cozy breakfast diner feels.
Favorite Menu Items: Salmon Pastrami, Breakfast Burrito
Website: https://www.roselilysouthbend.com/
Yellow Cat Cafe
Cuisine: Breakfast Diner Favorites
Service: Very friendly and welcoming
Atmosphere: Super family-friendly diner feel with plenty of coloring activities for the kiddos.
Favorite Menu Items: Any of your breakfast favorites!
Website: https://yellowcatcafe.com/
Allie's Cafe & Catering
Cuisine: Traditional American Breakfast
Service: Friendly and welcoming
Atmosphere: Typical breakfast diner
Favorite Menu Items: Omelets and Skillets
Website: https://www.alliescafe.com/
Jeannie's House Diner
Cuisine: Traditional American Breakfast
Service: Very friendly
Atmosphere: It’s a cozy spot with a long breakfast bar where you can watch your breakfast being made and strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger.
Favorite Menu Items: Your breakfast favorites
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Jeannies-House-diner-190003217725730/
PEGGS
Cuisine: Breakfast and Brunch
Service: Very friendly and attentive service
Atmosphere: My family loves to sit outside and PEGGS has great outdoor seating right in the heart of Michigan Street.
Favorite Menu Items: Your breakfast favorites
Website: https://www.peggssouthbend.com/
BON APPETITE!
South Bend Restaurants | 20 Local Favorites
There you have it — a guide to my favorite locally owned and operated restaurants! Go out and satisfy your hunger and enjoy our vibrant city!
And as always, if you or anyone you know ever needs a safe, clean, and comfortable place to stay in South Bend, keep us in mind and visit the link down below to book your stay!
How can you forget the best karaoke bar in south bend? Cheers Pub?
We could never forget about Cheers! I think there’s a special list coming up for Karaoke and Nightlife spots.