Travel information

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Arts

  • Broadway Theatre League BTL is proud to present Broadway hits on national tour from New York City to you! [14]
  • Morris Performing Arts Center 211 N Michigan St. 574-235-9190. See your favorite concert at this historic venue in the heart of downtown. [15]
  • South Bend Symphony Orchestra The South Bend Symphony is a professional orchestra featuring 15 concerts each year. The SBSO features world famous soloists as well as many members of the orchestra. You can regularly see them perform at the Morris Performing Arts Center, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on the Campus of Notre Dame, and the Moreau Center at Saint Mary's College. [16]

Sports

  • Indiana University South Bend Titans 574-520-4872. See this growing team play other schools from the Chicagoland and Calumet Region.
  • Notre Dame Athletics 574-631-5000. Don't go to South Bend without seeing the Fighting Irish take on any number of conference teams from around the country.
  • South Bend Silver Hawks 574-235-9988. Plan a trip for when your team is playing the South Bend Silver Hawks. Home of the Silver Hawks (named for the legendary Studebaker Silver Hawk), Stanley Coveleski Stadium (locally referred to as "The Cove") is a great time with $1 Mondays, Twofer Tuesdays and summer fireworks. Tickets are $5 for reserve seating (bleachers) and $7 for box seating, but coupons abound throughout the city. Suites are also available.[17]

Museums, Art Galleries, and Indoor Activities

  • Artpost Gallery 216 W. Madison St., 574-287-6293. Th-Sa Noon-8PM, Su Noon-4PM. Free. [18] Artpost is a creative space that exhibits regional artists who make contemporary art, folk art, and artist books.
  • College Football Hall of Fame 111 S Saint Joseph Street, 574-235-9999. Thanksgiving through Memorial Day: M-Su 10AM-5PM; Memorial Day through Thanksgiving: M-Th 10AM-5PM, F-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Extended hours on football weekends. Adults $12 (county residents $9), students/seniors $8, ages 5-12 $5, under 5 free. [19] Note: The College Football Hall of Fame is set to leave South Bend for Atlanta by 2010. So get there while you still can.
  • Hannah Lindahl Children's Museum 1402 S Main St., Mishawaka, IN, 254-4550. Step back in time to a world your grandparents - even your great-grandparents - knew. You’ll also get a close look at the wonderful world of nature, a taste of life in Japan, and the excitement in our Survive Alive fire safety training house. [20]
  • Healthworks Kids Museum 111 W. Jefferson St., 2nd floor, (574) 647-5437M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa noon-4PM. Admission is $4 and children under 2 are free.[21]
  • Indiana University South Bend Art Gallery The Art Gallery at IU South Bend gives students in the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts hands-on experience in planning and conducting student art exhibits. The gallery is open to the public and offers showings by established artists who exhibit their work here throughout the school year. Other gallery highlights include both the annual faculty and student art shows. [22]
  • Northern Indiana Center for History and Oliver Mansion Located next to the Studebaker National Museum, the Center for History features interesting facts about not just the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka, but also the natural history of the entire Michiana area. Artifacts (including prehistoric finds) are on display and there are changing exhibits as well. The Oliver Mansion is included with admission and there is a separate research room for those interested in searching through historical documents and newspapers. Combine admission with the Studebaker Museum and save money. [23]
  • Snite Museum of Art See art pieces from around the world at the Snite Museum of Art, located inside the campus of Notre Dame, across from the stadium. [24]
  • South Bend Regional Museum of Art 120 S. St. Joseph St., 574-235-9102. See the work of artists from around the Great Lakes and Midwest [25].
  • South Bend Table Tennis Center The 7th ranked table tennis club in the United States. Led by the 2000 Men's Olympic Coach and 5-time U.S. Men's Singles Champion, Dan Seemiller, the club is open to all. SBTTC is a large club with activities from beginners to seasoned Loopers and Choppers with 14 professional tables. Weekly Round Robins provide lively competition and club rankings . Also offering, Saturday morning coaching for kids and newbies, competitive Juniors' program for ages 5-18, regular club sponsored tournaments, and clinics/camps conducted by Dan Seemiller.
  • St. Joseph County Public Library Ranked among the top ten libraries in the US for cities 100,000-250,000, SJCPL was the first library in the U.S. on the World Wide Web and second in the world. Features over 50 public Internet stations and a massive collection of books at the downtown location. [26]
  • Studebaker National Museum 201 Chapin St., 574-235-9714. See the cars that used to power the South Bend economy. The Studebaker Museum, now in its new location on Chapin Ave. downtown, is a great place to see the Studebaker lineup. Wagons, military vehicles, and electric cars from the 1930s are present in this three-story museum, the lower level of which is simply cars, in no particular formation, on lifters and on the ground for perusal. Featured exhibits currently running include Studebaker concept cars. [27]

Outdoor Activities

  • Amish Acres 1600 West Market St, Nappanee, IN (800) 800-4942; (574) 773-4188. An historic eighty acre farm and heritage resort. Experience the lifestyle of the Amish through guided tours, restaurants, farm restaurants, musical theatre, craft demonstrations, and quaint shops. [28]
  • East Bank Trail/Riverwalk Located along the St. Joseph River. The banks of the East Race offer more than five miles of paved and lighted walking/running paths along the scenic St. Joseph River.
  • East Race Waterway The East Race is an artificial channel that diverts water from the St. Joe River into a controlled environment with moveable barriers that simulate whitewater conditions. The East Race cuts through downtown and kayaking or rafting down the race is popular in the summer. The Summer Olympic Time Trials (including the 2008 time trials) are generally held at the East Race. A lifegaurd is on duty. [29] [30]
  • Ferettie Baugo Creek 57057 Ash Rd. Osceola, IN. Located midway between Mishawaka and Elkhart - Baugo Creek has a picnic area and disc golf course as well as canoe rentals down Baugo Creek. [31]
  • Howard Park Ice Rink Public ice skating rink located in Howard Park. Viewing Park (where you can get a good view of the skyline) is nearby as well.
  • Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore See millions of years of natural history at Indiana Dunes. The South Shore Line takes you right to the park for less than $7 each way where lakefront, marshes, huge sand dunes, and tours await. Located near Michigan City, IN.[32]
  • O'Brien Skate Park at O'Brien Park 321 E Walter St. One of the best facilities in the region to board or roller blade. The concrete, permanent obstacle, 13,000 square foot park includes challenges such as quarter-pipes, half-pipes, bowls, steps, ramps and rails. There is an area with less challenging obstacles for the beginners. A concession area and rental equipment are also available.
  • Potato Creek State Park 25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, IN. 574-656-8186. Located in the southern half of St. Joseph County, Potato Creek is a large park that features camping, hiking trails, a stocked lake, affordable overnight cabin rentals, a lodge, a beach, a public pool, and picnic areas. Deer and other wildlife abound, including wild turkey. Boats and canoes are also available for rental in the summer.[33]
  • Potawatomi Zoo The Potawatomi Zoo is a zoo in eastern South Bend, Indiana. The zoo is one part of Potawatomi Park, which includes a softball diamond, tennis courts, a public pool, picnic area, band shell, and Kid's Kingdom Playground. Founded in 1902 [1], Potawatomi is Indiana's oldest zoo. It features over 400 animals on 23 acres of land, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Admission is between $5 and $7. The zoo also has a collection of small primates not found in many zoos, such as Bononbos, and recently added another animal habitat and a perimeter-hugging train (oriented toward children) and have been expanding other animal habitats. [34]
  • Rum Village Park and Nature Center The 160 acres of natural woodland in Rum Village Park is a designated nature area. Many excellent specimens of native trees and a wide selection of flowering and herbaceous plants may be found here. Such a wooded tract is unique within an urban community. It is a remnant of the land that once was.... a source of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife and a haven for renewal of the human spirit.
  • South Bend Greenhouse More formally known as the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories and Potawatomi Greenhouse, the South Bend Greenhouse is a collection of conservatories and indoor botanical gardens located adjacent to the Potawatomi Zoo in a historic greenhose structure. The conservatory was established in the 1920s when the Potawatomi Greenhouses were built to supply flowers to the city. In 1963 and 1967, the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories were added, providing a tropical area. The "Arizona Desert Dome" was completed in 1973, and now is home to cacti, succulents, century plants, and a large monkey puzzle tree. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students. [35]
  • Sunburst 5K and 10K Races Featuring the 5K and 10K course which are fast, challenging, and fun. Both events start at the College Football Hall of Fame and run on traffic-free city streets through South Bend's parks and neighborhoods. For many years, Sunburst has finished on the 50-yard line of the Notre Dame Stadium. [36]
  • St. Patrick's County Park 50651 Laurel Rd., 574-277-4828. This park sits on 398 acres with wooded trails, ponds and St. Joseph River frontage. The Red Barn is considered one of the largest wooden barns in the county. Other features include the Robert J. Fischgrund Center for the Performing Arts, the Adair Orchard, the Manion Cabin, the Freedom Memorial: "Standing Tall", playground and outdoor stretching equipment on two sites, picnic sites, hiking trails, canoe rentals, winter innertubing, and cross country ski trails and rentals.

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground
South Bend, IN
Cayaker on the East Race.
College Football Hall of Fame
The Grotto at the University of Notre Dame
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

Outdoors & Landmarks

  • Century Center 120 S Saint Joseph St., 574-235-9151. Located along the St. Joe river downtown, this convention center boasts an Art Museum, several large banquet areas, an auditorium and theatre, an historic riverfront area and large patio over the former dam that ran South Bend's electrical supply, a skyway to the Marriot over US 31, and a large lobby with high ceilings and windows that look out toward the river and the East side of town. [8]
  • Indiana University South Bend 574-520-IUSB. It may not IU Bloomington, but IU South Bend has grown substantially over the last decade and is worth seeing! [9]
  • Lake Michigan Just under 40 miles from South Bend lie the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, MI, popular locales for beachgoers. New Buffalo, MI is the closest waterfront (at under 30 miles away) and is home to Redemack's famous burgers. Michigan City is due west about 30 miles or so and features shopping, dining, and, of course, more beaches. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is also near Michigan City. New Buffalo and St. Joe/Benton Harbor are the best sunset viewing locations.
  • North/South Continental Divide Sure, it's not that exciting, but just driving down the US 20 bypass you can see a sign that alerts you to this fact. And it's true, South Bend lies on the North/South Continental Divide, which is why the St. Joseph River flows north into Lake Michigan while the White River in Indianapolis flows south.[10]
  • Saint Joseph River Though still fairly polluted, the riverfront along South Bend is an interesting walk through the former dam system that used to power the city's electrical supply. This walk leads (or starts from) the Century Center, which is South Bend's convention center. The Mishawaka riverfront has also come a long way near its downtown.
  • Saint Mary's College Located across from the University of Notre Dame. [11]
  • Shiojiri Niwa A Japanese strolling garden that symbolizes the Sister-City relationship between Mishawaka, Indiana and Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It contains more than twenty different varieties of large plant material, over two hundred large boulders, donated statue and a teahouse pavilion. This is also a very popular summer wedding area. [12]
  • University of Notre Dame 574-631-5000. See the legendary campus for yourself. Guided tours are available through the Alumni Association. Notable attractions include the grotto, the Golden Dome, Notre Dame Stadium, the Wall of Life Mural (Touchdown Jesus) and the Hesburgh Library, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and St. Mary's Lakes, the stations of the cross, and the Notre Dame Bookstore, which is the largest in the country. [13]

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
College Football Hall of Fame
South Bend, IN
City Center
The Grotto at the University of Notre Dame
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground

By car

  • I-80/90 (Toll Road) Connects to Toledo, Ohio in the east and Chicago, to the west.
  • US 31/S.R. 933 Connects to Indianapolis in the south and runs through downtown South Bend and then 3 miles north to the Michigan line, where it becomes M-51 North.
  • US 20 The bypass around the city which connects to SR 2 (West to Michigan City), US 12 in Michigan (to Sturgis and Detroit to the East and Michigan City and Chicago to the West), SR 23 (a main artery through the city as well as St. Joseph County), the I-80/90 toll road, as well as all other major roads from Elkhart to South Bend and into Michigan.
  • S.R. 2 State Road 2 runs directly through downtown on Western Avenue and connects to Michigan City in the West (see above).
  • S.R. 23 State Road 23 runs diagonally Northeast-Southwest through South Bend from the Kankakee area and turns into M-60 in Michigan (see above).

By plane

  • South Bend Regional Airport Just northwest of the city center. (IATA: SBN) (ICAO: KSBN), South Bend Regional Airport is Indiana's second busiest airport and features flights to and from Chicago Midway & O'Hare, Cleveland, New York (via Newark), Las Vegas, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta, Cincinatti, Indianapolis and Evansville, IN. The airport has a restaurant (Cafe SBN) with attached bar and lounge, a coffee shop, business center, WI-FI access throughout, a candy store, free air museum, travel agency, valet parking, a chapel, limousine and car rental services, freight service, bus terminal (Greyhound and Coach USA, see below) and a commuter rail line to downtown Chicago (see below) as well as a Military Honor Park.

Currently, there is a move being made to change the airport to an International airport and reopen flights to Mexico and Canada. This has been delayed due to lack of funding to build a new customs terminal. Additionally, a new terminal is slated to begin construction in the coming months which will feature new jetways, a restaurant or snack bar and newspaper shop beyond security (whereas neither terminals B nor C currently have a place to eat or shop beyond security, so plan accordingly if you fly out of South Bend). [2]

  • Elkhart Municipal Airport 2246 Airport Dr., Elkhart, IN., 574-264-5217.
  • Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport 508 E Main St., Niles, MI.

By train

  • Amtrak 2702 W Washington Ave, [3]. South Bend is served by the Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited routes, connecting to Chicago in the west and Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston in the east.
  • South Shore Offers regular electric rail service to/from downtown Chicago. Train Service is offered from South Bend to Chicago via the South Shore Line of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transit District. Train trips take approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes and fares hover around $10 each way. Restrooms with running water, drinkable water taps and luggage racks are equipped on the train, and new double-decker trains are running which feature more comfortable, reclining seats which can be turned around to face other seats. Additional computer ports are also available on the new cars which only run between Michigan City, IN and Chicago until updated wiring is installed between South Bend and Michigan City. Also, a new route is planned in South Bend that will take 20 - 30 minutes off of the total trip time. [4]

By bus

  • Coach USA Offers shuttle service between South Bend Regional Airport, Notre Dame, Mishawaka and Chicago airports. [5]
  • Greyhound Offers service to and from destinations around the country via Indianapolis and Chicago.

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
City Center
College Football Hall of Fame
The Grotto at the University of Notre Dame
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan
South Bend, IN

Public transportation

  • Transpo 574-234-1188. The local bus system that serves South Bend and most of Mishawaka. A service called the "Transpo Trolley" makes stops at all of the tourist attractions. Rides are $.75 each way and $.25 for a transfer. [6]

Taxis and Limousines

  • McGann's Executive Limousine Service 574-232-1418. [7]
  • Shamrock Cab 574-243-5500.
  • Yellow Cab 574-233-9333.

Driving Yourself

  • St. Joseph County Road System Driving around yourself is the best way to navigate the city. St. Joseph County's road naming system makes it easy to find your way around. If you get lost or lose your bearings, remember that the main county roads running East-West are named after Presidents and other famous figures (but mostly Presidents) and begin, alphabetically, with Adams Rd. in the North near Michigan and end with Taylor in the South, near Marshall County. North-South roads are named for trees, beginning with Ash (called West County Line Rd. on the Elkhart County side of the road) in Eastern St. Joseph County and ending with Redwood in the West. There are expections to this rule, however, such as Washington St. downtown, and Mishawaka has numbered streets. Also, Lincoln Way is renamed LaSalle Ave. in downtown South Bend between Ironwood Dr. and Laffeyette Blvd.

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground
The Grotto at the University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
College Football Hall of Fame
Cayaker on the East Race.
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

Local Business

  • Bombay Boutique 119 S Michigan St., 574-271-8865. Features clothing, jewelry, and other items from India and South Asia.
  • CineArts 528 E. Colfax Ave., 574-233-8400.
  • Hill's True Value Hardware 52295 SR 933 (US 31), 574-277-1155. Have a hardware or automotive problem? Call the friendly, knowledagble staff at Hill's, serving the Michiana area for decades. Open from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM Monday-Friday, 6:00 Saturdays, and 5:00 on Sundays. [37]
  • Just Goods 1211 Mishawaka Ave., 574-286-5878. Earth-friendly, worker-friendly clothing, housewares and gift items. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays 9AM-3PM, and by appointment. [38]
  • Lange's Old Fashioned Meat Market 219-874-0071. Provider of home-smoked Sausages, Hams, and jerkies. Very tastey. [39]

  • Midwest Blind and Shade 4115 N. Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN, 574-271-0770. Find a friendly and helpful staff ready to build your order in-house. [40]
  • The Irish Import Shop 1643 Edison Rd., 574-243-1400.
  • Ten Thousand Villages 214 W Cleveland Rd, Granger, IN., 574-277-4900. Fair Trade items from over 35 countries, offering home decor, jewelry, textiles, toys, coffee, tea, chocolate, gift items and more. [41]
  • South Bend Chocolate Factory 3300 West Sample Street, 574-233-2577. See the South Bend Choclate Company creating their famous deserts while buying or sampling some for yourself. [42]
  • Woodwind and Brasswind 4004 Technology Dr, South Bend, IN. 574-251-3500. Woodwind & Brasswind is a store that specializes in musical instruments, based in South Bend, Indiana, United States. Woodwind & Brasswind hosts an annual Battle of the Bands concert as a competition among bands. [43]

Outlets and Malls

  • Mishawaka Grape Rd. and Main St. are the main drags for shopping in the area. Several outlet plazas exist up and down both roads and most major retailers are represented, as are many national and regional restaurant chains (some from California).
  • Michigan City Many South Bend residents travel by train to Michigan City to visit their large array of outlet stores and malls. The South Shore Line has a designated station adjacent to this shopping area, and the fare is less than $6 each way.
  • South Bend Erskine Plaza on the South side is a hub for shopping in South Bend, and you can drive past the mansions of Twyckenham Hills on your way back through the city.
  • University Park Mall Grape Road and SR 23. University Park Mall is in the process of remodeling and currently boasts a multitude of national stores - both high and low end - including the three anchors: J.C. Penny, Macy's, and Sears. [44]
  • University of Notre Dame Shop the Notre Dame bookstore - the largest in the country - or shop the ND Varsity shop located in the Joyce Athletic Convention Center (JACC). [45]

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
South Bend, IN
College Football Hall of Fame
The Grotto at the University of Notre Dame
City Center
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground

Budget

  • Anchor Inn 2224 W Western Ave., 574-237-9147. Good food, good bands.
  • Bonnie Doon Restaurant 109 E 4th St, Mishawaka, IN. 574-255-3161. Locally created and owned ice cream company and restaurant.
  • Cambodian Thai 229 S Michigan St., 574-289-2877. Excellent-tasting, fresh Thai and Cambodian cuisine at fair prices.
  • Cedar House Restaurant 808 E Colfax Ave., 574-287-8744. Large diner across the river from downtown with awesome food at great prices.
  • Chicory Cafe 105 E Jefferson Blvd., 574-234-1141. A French Quarter style coffee house featuring beignets, po' boys and jambalaya.
  • East of Chicago Pizza 2042 E Ireland Rd., 574-299-9330. Local pizzeria featuring a daily lunch buffet.
  • El Paraiso Grocery and Produce 425 S Main St 574-234-1546. Authentic Mexican restaurant and grocery store serving authentic Mexican food at affordable prices. Fresh meat and produce.
  • K's Grill and Pub 1733 South Bend Ave., 574-277-2527. Restaurant featuring locally famous hot dogs, a favorite of Muhammad Ali.
  • Loco's Mexican Restaurant 3801 W Western Ave., 574-287-0200. Mexican food at fair prices.
  • Mazatlan 507 E Mckinley Ave., Mishawaka, IN. 574-259-4430. Authentic Mexican food at great prices.
  • Mr. G's Restaurant and Lounge Osceola, IN 574-674-6362. Incredible prices, awesome food, great drink specials, proximity to Baugo Creek County Park, and midway between South Bend and Elkhart (two blocks West of the Elkhart/St. Joseph County line) on SR 933 (Lincoln Way). Free Wireless Internet is also available. [46]
  • Rio's 1724 N Ironwood Dr., 574-271-9820. Good, inexpensive Mexican cuisine. Located next to La Esperanza, but open until midnight and later.
  • Silver Tower Seafood House 1536 Lincoln Way West, 574-233-0304. Great seafood at great prices.
  • Thai-Lao-Filipino Food 1835 South Bend Ave (SR 23), 574-271-8845. A buffet focusing on Thai and Laotian cuisine, with Filipino choices also available. Low prices.
  • Tom's Restaurant 131 S Lafayette Blvd., 574-237-9401. Local diner serving breakfast and lunch across from the County-City building downtown.

Mid-range

  • Backstage Grill 222 S Michigan St., 574-232-0222. Located behind Club Fever downtown, features American food for lunch and dinner as well as pizza by-the-slice.
  • Between the Buns 1803 South Bend Ave. (SR 23), 574-247-9293. Grill and bar with multiple locations around Michiana.
  • Bruno's 2610 S Prairie Ave., 574-288-3320. Authentic Italian Cuisine with buffet, bar, and delivery service. Multiple other locations throughout Michiana.
  • Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppes 420 N Niles Ave., 574-287-3700. A sandwich shoppe in a comic strip world featuring the Blondie comic strip and "The Greatest Sandwiches On The Planet!" including toasted subs, pressed sandwiches, fine deli sandwiches, salads and wraps.
  • Elia's 115 N Dixie Way, 574-277-7239. Middle Eastern and Mediterranian food.
  • Giannetto's Pizza & Pasta‎ 100 N Center St., Mishawaka, IN., 574-254-9177. Papa Vic makes a great deep dish pie...it is not for anyone from the east coast. Their place has great food at decent prices and is a family run business. Beats the chains anytime!
  • Honker's Family Restaurant 3939 S Michigan St,. 574-291-2115. American breakfast and lunch choices featuring a Saturday Polish buffet. Additional location at Edison Lakes.
  • J. W. Chen's 1835 South Bend Ave. (SR 23), 574-271-2777. Authentic Chinese food, well regarded around town.
  • Khun-Daeng Thai Kitchen 302 E. Russ Ave., Mishawaka, IN., 574-259-0735.
  • La Esperanza 1636 N Ironwood Dr., 574-273-0345. Authentic Mexican restaurant.
  • Legends of Notre Dame Across from Notre Dame Stadium., 574-631-2582. Pub, nightclub, and "senior bar" at the University of Notre Dame.
  • Luigi's Pizza 3624 Mishawaka Ave., 574-282-1215. Local pizzeria, take-out only.
  • Madison Oyster Bar 129 N Main St., 574-288-3776. American food with a Chicago-style, three-story bar atmosphere. Third floor billiard and bar area is popular locally on weekends.
  • Mark's Restaurant 112 W Colfax Ave., 574-232-5841. Authentic Chinese food in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Nicola's 1705 South Bend Ave., (SR 23), 574-277-5666. Bar and pizzeria.
  • Oaken Bucket Restaurant 1212 S Ironwood Dr., 574-289-1616. Bar and restaurant featuring locally renowned burgers and great views of IU South Bend and the river. There is also a lower level deck on the river which houses a bar and is served by waitstaff. There is an upper-level deck and two floors inside, both with bars and one with a salad bar, and the upper floor is smoking.
  • Shalimar 508 West McKinley Ave., Mishawaka, IN 574-254-9070. Indian dining.
  • South Bend Chocolate Company 122 S Michigan St., 574-287-0725. Cafe featuring variety of food choices including wraps, and South Bend Chocolate Company confections. Factory is on Sample St.
  • Starlite Pizza and Restaurant 2637 West Western Ave., 574-282-1177. Local restaurant and pizzeria known around the area for having a sweeter sauce than others. Additional location in Granger.
  • Sunny's Korean Garden 512 S Spring St, Mishawaka, IN., 574-255-5274. Great Korean food.
  • Toyo Japanese Restaurant 620 W. Edison Rd., Mishawaka, IN., 574-254-9120.
  • Vesuvio Pizza 230 S Michigan St., 574-234-2183. Local pizzaria.
  • Vietnam Restaurant 2370 Miracle Ln, Mishawaka, IN 574-257-0372. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the Town & Country Shopping Center.

Splurge

  • Carmela's Restaurant at Macri's Delicatessan 214 N Niles Ave., 574-280-4824. Fine dining in an authentic Italian atmosphere.
  • East Bank Emporium Restaurant 121 S Niles, Ave., 574-234-9000. A multi-level restaurant overlooking the St. Joseph River and East Race Waterway. Featuring Prime Rib and Seafood.
  • Fiddler's Hearth 127 N Main St., 574-232-2853. Traditional Irish food, music, and drinks.
  • Hana Yori 3601 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN, 574-258-5817. Authentic Japanese cuisine prepared right at your table. [47]
  • LaSalle Grill 115 W Colfax Ave., 574-288-1155. South Bend's premiere five-star restuarant. Modern American, high-end dining with a menu that varies daily.
  • Matuba Japanese Restaurant Sushi & Sashimi 2930 Mckinley Ave., 574-251-0674. Authentic Japanese cuisine with great drink specials.
  • Parisi's Ristorante Italiano 1412 South Bend Ave., 574-232-4244. Highly regarded, award winning Italian restaurant. Restaurant, bar, and outdoor patio seating. [48]
  • Rocco's Restaurant 537 N Saint Louis Blvd., 574-233-2464. Locally owned restaurant (since 1955) that serves traditional Italian food.
  • Siam Thai 211 N Main St., 574-232-4445. Thai cuisine that will excite your five senses: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and natural.
  • Sunny Italy Cafe 601 N Niles Ave., 574-232-9620. South Bend's oldest Italian restaurant. [49]
  • Tippecanoe Place Restaurant‎ 620 W Washington St, 574-234-9077. Local high-end American restaurant built into the old Studebaker Mansion downtown.
  • The Vine 103 W Colfax Ave., 574-234-9463. Local high-end American restaurant featuring an extensive wine list.
  • Volte Restaurant and Lounge 211 W Washington Ave., 574-323-2120. Continental cuisine with an Italian twist. Volte’ offers a diverse menu with a broad list of wines. Voted one of downtown South Bend’s most romantic destinations. [50]
  • Most National and Regional Chain Restaurants are available as well.

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan
College Football Hall of Fame
City Center
South Bend, IN
Cayaker on the East Race.
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground

Coffee

  • Coffee Time 4325 N Mayflower Rd, 574-254-9991.
  • Higher Grounds 109 W Washington St., 574-282-2522‎. A coffee shop located downtown across from BW-3s.
  • Lula's Cafe 1631 Edison Rd., 574-273-6216. Enjoy a fresh cup of regular or specialty coffee at this small cafe near the campus of Notre Dame.
  • South Bend Chocolate Cafe 122 S Michigan St., 574-287-0725. Have a wrap, slice of chocolate cake, or a cup of gourmet coffee at South Bend's famous chocolate cafe, located next to the College Football Hall of Fame. [51]
  • Spices of Life Coffee Shop 52303 Emmons Rd, South Bend, IN.‎ 574-277-6887
  • Starbucks Multiple locations throughout the area.
  • Sufficient Grounds 719 W McKinley Ave., Mishawaka, IN. Enjoy a fresh cup of regular or specialty coffee at this small cafe near the Town and Country Shopping Center.
  • Sweet Street Corn-Er-Coffee 1105 Northside Blvd., 574-287-8724. Near IU South Bend.
  • The Coffee Mug 23420 SR 23, 574-233-1850.
  • Theta Ridge Coffee 3725 Foundation Ct. Suite E. 574-233-2436.
  • Ugly Mug Coffee and Culture 102 N Main St., 574-288-5350. In addition to great coffee and pastries, Ugly Mugs serves daily lunch specials and displays Artwork and hosts Open Mic's featuring local artists.

Bars and Clubs

  • NOTE Indiana State Law prohibits alcohol sales after 3:00 AM Monday - Friday and after midnight on Saturday (though bars stay open until 3:00 AM on Saturday night into Sunday morning). No alcohol sales are permitted on Sunday (beginning at midnight until 7:00 AM Monday morning) or on Christmas, Easter, or New Year's Day. However, you can easily cross the state line into Michigan in mere minutes and purchase alcohol on Sunday before 2:00 AM.
  • Blarney Stone 113 E. Wayne St. 574-283-0452. Large bar with dance floor and drink specials.
  • Bleacher's Pub and Grub 4609 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN‎. 574-277-9332. Three-room bar featuring karaoke, free billiards, great food, and drink specials. Cash only.
  • Bob's Tavern & 19th Hole 26582 US Highway 20 (McKinley Ave). 574-233-0297.
  • Cheers 103 S Dixie Way (US 31/933) 574-277-8407. A small bar in Roseland (between South Bend and the Michigan line) with a second story loft that has karaoke and live local bands four nights a week. [52]
  • C.J.'s Pub 417 N Michigan St., 574-233-5981. Small pub in downtown South Bend with great food. The C.J.'s Pub Burger is sold at the restaurant and at South Bend Silver Hawk's games.
  • Clay Pub 52170 Indiana State Route 933 (US 31/Dixie Way). 574-277-6982. A small pub in the Indian Village area (between Roseland and Michigan).
  • Club Fever 222 S Michigan St., 574-234-5200. Multi-level nightclub featuring DJs, a large dance floor (often full), and an upper-floor lounge. Has an urban club feel and has been visited by famous actors such as Will Smith. Open Thursday - Saturday, cover is generally $5 or $6. [53]
  • Club Landing 1717 Lincoln Way East., 574-289-4122. Nightclub on the St. Joseph River near IU South Bend. Has a large dance floor, large deck, and drink specials. [54]
  • Club LaSalle 115 West Colfax Ave. 574-288-1174. High-end dining and drinking club next to the Palais Royale/Morris Performing Arts Center. No cover or membership required. [55]
  • Club Noma 119 N Michigan St, 574-233-4959. New Asian-fusion club downtown. [56]
  • Corby's 441 E Lasalle Ave., Phone: 574-233-5326. Featured in the movie Rudy. A great place to grab a drink. Near Downtown and campus. Doesn't open until 3 PM. Features an outdoor patio and 5 pool tables. Expensive, and better in the summer as it is popular among Domers (ND students).
  • Fiddler's Hearth 127 N Main St, 574-232-2853. Irish pub with great food and an excellent beer and liquor selection. Live bands on weekends and a smoking patio in the rear. No cover. [57]
  • Frank's Place‎ 327 W Marion St, 574-232-2277.
  • Jay's Lounge 3025 S 11th St., Niles, MI, 269-684-8353. Great pizza and drink specials can be found at this small tavern (with outdoor patio) one block north of the state line in Niles, MI.
  • Library Irish Pub 113 E Wayne St, 574-283-0452. Downtown bar.
  • Linebacker Lounge 1631 South Bend Ave., 574-289-0186. Walking distance from Notre Dame. A tradition for 45 years. Go there to celebrate an Irish win or Friday and Saturday night. [58].
  • Madison Oyster Bar 129 N Main St, South Bend, IN.‎ 574-288-3776. Three-story bar with great food, reasonable drink specials (except Fri & Sat), billiards on the top floor (which is the "party" floor, floors 1 & 2 are a restaurant with one pool table and a large bar) and a laid-back yet fun atmosphere. No cover.
  • Main Street Pub 2046 South Bend Ave. (SR 23), 574-271-9898. Bar and restaurant with a pool table, large bar, and good drink specials.
  • Marine Corps League 539 Parry St. U.S. military members can network with other service veterans at the St. Joseph Valley detachment (DET 095) of the Marine Corps League. Non-veterans and civilians may also purchase a social membership. [59]
  • McCormick's 125 N Michigan St, South Bend, IN‎. 574-289-8031. Small bar with 2 pool tables and an air hockey table. No cover and good drink specials, especially on Thusrdays. Good place to wind down at the end of the night.
  • McKinley Pub 2930 McKinley Ave. 574-234-2616. Small bar with great drink specials.
  • Oscar's Billiard Club 1902 South Bend Ave. (SR 23), 574-277-6651. Pool hall with more than 10 professional-sized pool tables for free play. There is also a bar and lounge area.
  • Parkview/The View‎ 515 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN‎. 574-288-8439. Small bar close to the St. Joseph River and downtown with good drink specials and great food. Great burger and beer specials on Tuesdays.
  • Rum Runners 236 S Michigan St., 574-288-5977. Offers a casual dining atmosphere and full-service bar featuring a mix of live entertainment and interactive customer participation in a tropical Caribbean-style setting.
  • Sean O'Casey's (at the Marriott) 123 N St Joseph St., 574-234-2000. Authentic Irish Pub, made to replicate the true Irish atmosphere of fun and excellent cuisine.
  • Simeri's Old Town Tap 1505 W Indiana Ave., 574-289-1361. Outdoor bar and grill featuring live bands. [60]
  • Tailgaters Sports Bar‎ 1516 N Ironwood Dr., 574-233-5319. New bar near Notre Dame with good drink specials.
  • Trio's Restaurant and Jazz Club 129 N Michigan St., 574-288-8746. "Trio´s opened in the fall of 2007 to begin a tradition of upscale casual dining and live jazz entertainment, with accommodations for banquets and private parties. Trio´s is proud to present American cuisine prepared by a culinary team led by Chef Brett Boomhower, whose career includes Executive Chef positions on the east coast and in the Midwest. Chef Brett jazzes up Trio´s American cuisine with selected fare associated with two well-known cities of jazz, New Orleans and Kansas City." [61]

Wineries

  • Domaine Berrien Cellars 398 East Lemon Creek Rd. Berrien Springs, MI., 269-473-9463. Hours: Noon-5PM Wednesday through Monday; Closed Tuesdays. Established in 2001, our winery is nestled among the grapevines on our family's 80-acre farm. All of the wines are made from grapes grown and hand-picked in our vineyards. Enjoy a picnic on our beautiful deck! [62]
  • Free Run Cellars Vineyard and Wine Tasting 9185 Union Pier Rd., Union Pier, MI., 269-471-1737. Hours: Thu, Fri & Mon 11AM-6PM; Sun noon-6PM. Free Run Cellars is a new venture of Round Barn Winery winemaker, Matthew Moersch, and brother Christian. Free run - juice that flows from crushed grapes without pressing. It is superior to pressed juice as their are no seeds or stems. Continuing the Moersch tradition. Evolving Michigan wine. [63]
  • Hickory Creek Winery 750 Browntown Rd., Baroda, MI., 269-422-1100. Hours: Friday-Sunday 11AM-6PM or by appointment. Creating world-class wines from grapes grown exclusively on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, Hickory Creek's owners bring to bear the distinct perspectives of three premier wine-growing nations: America, Australia and Germany. Sharing a lifelong passion for their craft, Hickory Creek utilizes only the highest quality estate grown and select local vineyard fruits. [64]
  • Karma Vista Vineyards 6991 Ryno Rd., Coloma, MI., 269-468-9463. Hours: 11-5; Sun 12-5; closed Tuesdays. A winery and tasting room in the middle of the vineyard on top of one of the highest hills in Berrien County. Featuring such hits as Starry Starry White, Pink Side of the Moon, Moondance Merlot and Cha Cha Chardonnay. Wine with a unique point of view. [65]
  • Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail 398 East Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs, MI., 269-473-9463. Hours: Hours vary at each winery. See web site. Visit 12 wineries and tasting rooms along beautiful Lake Michigan as you tour the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail. Taste, tour and enjoy the vast selection of wine from Michigan's Great Southwest. [66]
  • Lemon Creek Fruit Farm & Winery 533 East Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs, MI., 269-471-1321. Hours: Summer hours 10AM-6PM. Winter hours noon-5PM. Lemon Creek is a name with over 150 years of grape and fruit growing experience. Exclusively family owned and operated this quaint 300-acre farm is in the countryside of Berrien County. Found just 6 miles off the lake, this winery, vineyard and fruit farm is a perfect family destination. [67]
  • Round Barn Winery and Union Pier Tasting Room 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda, MI., 269-422-1617 / 800-716-9463. Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sunday 12-6PM. Is a winery, distillary and brewery that offers complimentary wine, brandy and beer tasting. We host a variety of events throughout the year such as wine dinners, festivals, open houses and parties. The Round Barn is available for weddings, receptions and parties. Products include: Dry reds, semi dry & sweet reds, dry whites, semi dry whites, sweet whites, sparkling wines, fruit brandies, dessert wines & cordials, Divine Vodka, and microbrews. BBQs, Harvest Parties, Wine Dinners, and venues for wedding and parties available. Call or visit online to schedule a tour. [68]
  • St. Julian Winery 716 South Kalamazoo Rd., Paw Paw, MI., 269-657-5568 / 800-732-6002. Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM. Summer hours Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 12-6PM. Founded in 1921, St. Julian is the oldest and largest operating winery in Michigan. Its founder, Mariano Meconi, named the winery for the patron saint of his birthplace, Faleria, Italy. The winery was moved from Detroit to Paw Paw in 1936 to be closer to the vineyards. Come see why we were named Taster's Guild 1998 Winery of Year! [69]
  • Tabor Hill Champagne Cellar 10243 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI., 269-465-6566 / 800-283-3363. Complimentary wine and juice tasting of all products. Easy off/on from I-94. [70]
  • Tabor Hill Wine & Art Gallery 80 West Main St., Benton Harbor, MI., 269-925-6402 / 800-283-3363. Hours: Thur-Sun noon-5PM. Complimentary tasting of all Tabor Hill's wine and juice products. Beautiful retro furniture and jewelry! Shop while you taste! Paintings and art work from around the country. 25-30 wines & juices, paintings, artist's works, beautiful retro furniture & jewelry. [71]
  • Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant 185 Mount Tabor Rd., Buchanan, MI., 269-422-1161 / 800-283-3363. Hours: 10AM-9PM. For a unique and relaxing experience while visiting southwest Michigan, Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant is the place to be. Seasonal tours of the facility are offered daily from 12:00-4:30PM Eastern Time. Complimentary wine tasting of our award-winning wines seven days a week will entice even the most discriminating palate. Surrounded by a breathtaking view of vineyard and countryside, our restaurant offers a tantalizing menu Wednesday-Sunday year-round (closed during the Christmas/New Year season). [72]

Photos from South Bend, IN, United States
South Bend, IN
Downtown with Century Center at St. Joseph River in foreground
City Center
Cayaker on the East Race.
The Grotto at the University of Notre Dame
Benton Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan