South Bend Guidebook
Food scene
While you're here, we highly recommend checking out our neighborhood coffee shop! Staffed by neighborhood high school interns, it operates on a pay-it-forward model: your drink has already been paid for by someone else. You get to pay for for someone else's drink!
Current hours:
Tuesday: 7am-10am
Friday: 9am-1pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Hours sometimes change seasonally, so you might want to check Facebook to confirm: facebook.com/TheLocalCupSB
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The Local Cup
1009 Portage AveWhile you're here, we highly recommend checking out our neighborhood coffee shop! Staffed by neighborhood high school interns, it operates on a pay-it-forward model: your drink has already been paid for by someone else. You get to pay for for someone else's drink!
Current hours:
Tuesday: 7am-10am
Friday: 9am-1pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Hours sometimes change seasonally, so you might want to check Facebook to confirm: facebook.com/TheLocalCupSB
Great food! Select your preferred heat level (on a scale of 1-10) for each dish. But be warned! As it says on the menu, "Thai hot is NOT the same as the usual American hot."
http://cambodianthai.com/
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Cambodian Thai
235 South Michigan StreetGreat food! Select your preferred heat level (on a scale of 1-10) for each dish. But be warned! As it says on the menu, "Thai hot is NOT the same as the usual American hot."
http://cambodianthai.com/
Great for pho and other Vietnamese dishes!
https://zmenu.com/nom-nom-pho-south-bend-online-menu/
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Nom Nom Pho
213 N Main StGreat for pho and other Vietnamese dishes!
https://zmenu.com/nom-nom-pho-south-bend-online-menu/
Fun atmosphere, amazing food, and a wide selection of craft beers make this place our go-to favorite!
https://evilczech.com/
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Evil Czech Brewery and Public House
3703 N Main StFun atmosphere, amazing food, and a wide selection of craft beers make this place our go-to favorite!
https://evilczech.com/
Handmade chocolates, hand-scooped ice cream, a variety of hot drinks, a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, and a variety of board games make this a great place to spend a lazy afternoon, early morning, or relaxed evening.
https://sbchocolate.com/
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South Bend Chocolate Cafe
615 N Michigan StHandmade chocolates, hand-scooped ice cream, a variety of hot drinks, a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, and a variety of board games make this a great place to spend a lazy afternoon, early morning, or relaxed evening.
https://sbchocolate.com/
Their website says it best: "Welcome to the Chicory Café. You’ve found the place to go for a quiet cup of coffee, casual meeting, or dinner and drinks with live music. It’s all here, served up New Orleans style."
http://www.chicorycafe.net/
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Chicory Cafe
105 E Jefferson BlvdTheir website says it best: "Welcome to the Chicory Café. You’ve found the place to go for a quiet cup of coffee, casual meeting, or dinner and drinks with live music. It’s all here, served up New Orleans style."
http://www.chicorycafe.net/
Delectable tapas, a wide selection of wines, and a stylish atmosphere make Tapastrie a really nice place. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner in their wine cellar, and it was fabulous!
In their own words: "Two families with deep roots in South Bend have refurbished a space in one of the city’s crown jewels to bring home and share their passion for food from the Mediterranean and wines from around the world. Following the concept of shared small plate dining popular in many Mediterranean regions, Tapastrie guests have the opportunity to sample and share a variety of dishes, expanding their choice options and cultivating their palates. This turns the traditional restaurant experience into an exotic culinary adventure."
https://tapastrie.com/
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Tapastrie
103 W Colfax AveDelectable tapas, a wide selection of wines, and a stylish atmosphere make Tapastrie a really nice place. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner in their wine cellar, and it was fabulous!
In their own words: "Two families with deep roots in South Bend have refurbished a space in one of the city’s crown jewels to bring home and share their passion for food from the Mediterranean and wines from around the world. Following the concept of shared small plate dining popular in many Mediterranean regions, Tapastrie guests have the opportunity to sample and share a variety of dishes, expanding their choice options and cultivating their palates. This turns the traditional restaurant experience into an exotic culinary adventure."
https://tapastrie.com/
Fine dining and refined entertainment! #1 restaurant in South Bend on Trip Advisor.
https://www.lasallegrill.com/
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LaSalle Grill
115 W Colfax AveFine dining and refined entertainment! #1 restaurant in South Bend on Trip Advisor.
https://www.lasallegrill.com/
A family-friendly Irish pub which often has live music and always has good food and a fun atmosphere.
https://fiddlershearth.com/
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Fiddler's Hearth
127 N Main StA family-friendly Irish pub which often has live music and always has good food and a fun atmosphere.
https://fiddlershearth.com/
Classy Place. #3 restaurant in South Bend on Trip Advisor!
"The ambiance of Café Navarre is truly one of a kind. We found a home in a historic building in the heart of Downtown South Bend. Our interior is nothing short of breathtaking. The fusion of Old World style architecture, natural light, and the finest furnishings create a big city atmosphere. Join us for lunch, dinner or enjoy a cocktail in our bar or on our outdoor patio."
https://cafenavarre.co/
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Cafe Navarre
101 N Michigan StClassy Place. #3 restaurant in South Bend on Trip Advisor!
"The ambiance of Café Navarre is truly one of a kind. We found a home in a historic building in the heart of Downtown South Bend. Our interior is nothing short of breathtaking. The fusion of Old World style architecture, natural light, and the finest furnishings create a big city atmosphere. Join us for lunch, dinner or enjoy a cocktail in our bar or on our outdoor patio."
https://cafenavarre.co/
Rocco's is renowned as a family-owned local favorite with really good pizza. Be sure to make a reservation!
http://roccosoriginalpizza.com/
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Javier's Bistro
2007 Miami StRocco's is renowned as a family-owned local favorite with really good pizza. Be sure to make a reservation!
http://roccosoriginalpizza.com/
Located right on the St. Joseph river, the Crooked Ewe is a local favorite for craft beer. Rated #4 on Trip Advisor in South Bend!
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Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House
1047 Lincoln Way ELocated right on the St. Joseph river, the Crooked Ewe is a local favorite for craft beer. Rated #4 on Trip Advisor in South Bend!
Popular for its great food and friendly staff!
Trip Advisor lists JW Chen's as the #2 of 282 restaurants in South Bend!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g37535-d1750515-Reviews-J_W_Chen_s-South_Bend_Indiana.html
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J.W. Chen's
1835 S Bend AvePopular for its great food and friendly staff!
Trip Advisor lists JW Chen's as the #2 of 282 restaurants in South Bend!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g37535-d1750515-Reviews-J_W_Chen_s-South_Bend_Indiana.html
Render Kitchen & Bar is sort of a hidden gem. Its food is amazing.
In their own words: "Render Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the heart of downtown South Bend’s vibrant East Bank Village, features Chef Eamonn McParland’s contemporary cooking in a modern urban atmosphere. Its ever-evolving, seasonal menu adds a creative touch to the local dining scene, showcasing a young fresh view through its kitchen and beverage program."
http://www.rendersouthbend.com/
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Render Kitchen & Bar
521 E Jefferson BlvdRender Kitchen & Bar is sort of a hidden gem. Its food is amazing.
In their own words: "Render Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the heart of downtown South Bend’s vibrant East Bank Village, features Chef Eamonn McParland’s contemporary cooking in a modern urban atmosphere. Its ever-evolving, seasonal menu adds a creative touch to the local dining scene, showcasing a young fresh view through its kitchen and beverage program."
http://www.rendersouthbend.com/
A funky, creative space hidden in the back of what looks like an abandoned warehouse (but is actually LangLab). All coffee is ethically sourced and roasted in house.
https://zencafecoffee.com/
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Zen Cafe Coffee Roasters LLC
520 E Lasalle AveA funky, creative space hidden in the back of what looks like an abandoned warehouse (but is actually LangLab). All coffee is ethically sourced and roasted in house.
https://zencafecoffee.com/
La Rosita's ice cream treats are so good that the line is usually out the door! Indoor and outdoor seating, Mexican- and American-style ice cream treats that are oh-so-good.
Paleteria Y Neveria La Rosita
2909 W Western AveLa Rosita's ice cream treats are so good that the line is usually out the door! Indoor and outdoor seating, Mexican- and American-style ice cream treats that are oh-so-good.
Venezuelan street food! Excellent arepas, meat platters, and astounding milkshakes.
https://www.instagram.com/caracasbistro.sb/?hl=en
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Caracas Bistro
236 W Edison RdVenezuelan street food! Excellent arepas, meat platters, and astounding milkshakes.
https://www.instagram.com/caracasbistro.sb/?hl=en
Located on the Notre Dame campus, Legends is a favorite of ND fans.
https://legends.nd.edu/
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Legends of Notre Dame
100 LegendsLocated on the Notre Dame campus, Legends is a favorite of ND fans.
https://legends.nd.edu/
Sightseeing
Check out our newly renovated local park! Soak in the view of the stately fountain along the beautiful St. Joseph river and let the kids enjoy the brand new playground equipment located behind the tennis courts.
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Leeper Park
907 Riverside DrCheck out our newly renovated local park! Soak in the view of the stately fountain along the beautiful St. Joseph river and let the kids enjoy the brand new playground equipment located behind the tennis courts.
Notre Dame's beautiful basilica is a must-see for any visit to the area.
https://campusministry.nd.edu/mass-worship/basilica-of-the-sacred-heart/visit-the-basilica/
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Basilica of the Sacred Heart
101 Basilica DrNotre Dame's beautiful basilica is a must-see for any visit to the area.
https://campusministry.nd.edu/mass-worship/basilica-of-the-sacred-heart/visit-the-basilica/
Take a free tour of Notre Dame's beautiful campus!
https://www.nd.edu/visit/take-a-tour/
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University of Notre Dame
Holy Cross DriveTake a free tour of Notre Dame's beautiful campus!
https://www.nd.edu/visit/take-a-tour/
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful St. Joseph river!
https://www.downtownsouthbend.com/river-lights
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River Lights Plaza
340 E Colfax AveEnjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful St. Joseph river!
https://www.downtownsouthbend.com/river-lights
Oldest zoo in Indiana! Features 450 animals, with fun for all ages.
https://www.potawatomizoo.org/
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Potawatomi Zoo
500 S Greenlawn AveOldest zoo in Indiana! Features 450 animals, with fun for all ages.
https://www.potawatomizoo.org/
A local favorite for hiking, picnics, and enjoying the great outdoors.
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2972.htm
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Potato Creek State Park
25601 IN-4A local favorite for hiking, picnics, and enjoying the great outdoors.
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2972.htm
Indoor ice skating! And a newly renovated playground, right on on the eastern banks of the St. Joseph river.
https://visithowardpark.com/
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Howard Park
219 S St Louis BlvdIndoor ice skating! And a newly renovated playground, right on on the eastern banks of the St. Joseph river.
https://visithowardpark.com/
A great park for its high ropes course, playground, dog park, nature center, and ancient shade trees.
https://sbvpa.org/places/rum-village-park/
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Rum Village Nature Center
2626 S Gertrude StA great park for its high ropes course, playground, dog park, nature center, and ancient shade trees.
https://sbvpa.org/places/rum-village-park/
We're only 43 minutes from the dunes of Lake Michigan!
http://www.michigandnr.com/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=504&type=SPRK
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Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow HwyWe're only 43 minutes from the dunes of Lake Michigan!
http://www.michigandnr.com/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=504&type=SPRK
Silver Beach
Silver Beach is great for swimming and only 46 minutes away!