INDIANA STATE—South Bend, Indiana, might be best known for Notre Dame football, but the city boasts a vibrant and diverse bar scene. Whether you're looking for a cozy Irish pub, a lively brewpub, a sophisticated cocktail bar, or a classic neighborhood tavern, South Bend has something to offer.
Where to Drink in South Bend: Pubs, Taverns, Breweries & Cocktail Bars for Every Vibe
Here's a guide to some of the best bars in South Bend, perfect for a night out, a pre-game gathering, or a post-work drink:
1. Fiddler's Hearth: Authentic Irish Pub with Live Music
Fiddler's Hearth is a beloved Irish pub in downtown South Bend, offering an authentic pub experience complete with live music, a wide selection of Irish whiskeys, and plenty of beers on tap. The bartenders are known for their attentive and inviting atmosphere. They offer a great selection of traditional Irish food as well.
- Location: 127 N Main St, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Authentic Irish pub, live music, extensive whiskey selection, great beer selection, friendly atmosphere, downtown location
2. Taphouse On The Edge: Brewpub with Big Drinks and Hot Food
Taphouse On The Edge is a popular brewpub known for its generous portions, both in terms of food and drinks. They offer a rotating selection of craft beers, and their menu features hearty pub fare that's perfect for soaking up a few pints. It is a great place to watch a Notre Dame game.
- Location: 1803 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Brewpub, large portions, craft beer selection, hearty food, sports bar atmosphere, great for groups
3. O'Rourke's Public House: Irish Pub with a Wide Selection of Beer and Whiskey
O'Rourke's Public House is another great Irish pub option in South Bend. It is conveniently located near the Notre Dame campus and boasts a wide selection of beers on tap, an impressive collection of Irish whiskey, and a lively atmosphere.
- Location: 1044 E Angela Blvd #103, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Irish pub, extensive beer selection, impressive whiskey collection, near Notre Dame campus, lively atmosphere, great for game days
4. The View Tavern: Strong Drinks and a Friendly Vibe
The View Tavern is a neighborhood favorite known for its strong drinks, friendly vibe, and welcoming atmosphere. They offer a full menu. It's a classic tavern experience, perfect for a casual night out.
- Location: 515 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Strong drinks, friendly atmosphere, neighborhood bar, classic tavern, great for a casual night out, full menu
5. The Lauber: Beautiful Patio and Craft Beer in a Pup-Friendly Setting
The Laub is a po spot for its beautiful patio, live music, and a wide selection of craft beer. It's also pup-friendly, making it an excellent choice for dog owners who want to enjoy a night out with their furry friends.
- Location: 504 E Lasalle Ave Suite 2, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Pup-friendly, beautiful patio, live music, craft beer selection, great for outdoor drinking
6. Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House: Delicious Beer and Scenic Views
Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House is a brewpub that offers delicious beer, great prices, and gorgeous views of the St. Joseph River. Their friendly staff and inviting atmosphere make it a popular spot for locals and vi. It is known as one of the best breweries in the area.
- Location: 1047 Lincolnway E, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Delicious beer, great prices, scenic river views, friendly staff, brewpub, outdoor seating
7. The Hammer & Quill: A Cocktail Bar with a Great Vibe and Whiskey Selection
The Hammer & Quill is a cocktail bar known for its great vibe, great staff, and reasonably priced whiskey selection. It is also known for having some of the best cocktails in the city. It's a perfect spot for a sophisticated night out or a pre-dinner drink.
- Location: 613 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Cocktail bar, great vibe, impressive whiskey selection, skilled bartenders, great for a night out
8. Evil Czech Brewery and Public House: Great Music and Incredible Drinks
Evil Czech Brewery and Public House is a popular spot in nearby Mishawaka, known for its fantastic atmosphere, great music, and incredible drinks. They brew their beer and offer a full menu of delicious food. They have some of the best beer in the area.
- Location: Mishawaka, IN (near South Bend)
- Highlights: Brewery, great atmosphere, live music, delicious drinks, full menu, great for groups
9. West Winds: Fun Times and Polite Bartenders
West Winds is a neighborhood bar known for its fun times, polite bartenders, and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a drink with friends.
- Location: 56629 Mayflower Rd, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Neighborhood bar, fun atmosphere, friendly bartenders, great for a casual night out
10. Sidebar: Innovative and Delicious Cocktails
Sidebar is a cocktail bar earning a reputation for its outstanding service and innovative and delicious cocktails. They are known for having some of the best cocktails in the city. The bartenders are skilled and passionate about their craft.
- Location: 201 S Main St, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Innovative cocktails, outstanding service, skilled bartenders, great for cocktail enthusiasts
11. South Bend Brew Werks: Great Beer, Food, and Service in a Chill Atmosphere
South Bend Brew Werks is a brewpub that provides excellent beer, food, and service in an unpretentious, chill atmosphere. They brew their beer and offer a menu of delicious pub fare.
- Location: 321 S M,ain St Suite 105B, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Brewpub, great beer, delicious food, excellent service, chill atmosphere, great for a casual meal
12. The Exchange Bar: Laid-Back Atmosphere and Works of Art Drinks
The Exchange Bar is known for its great atmosphere, which is described as very laid back and cool. Their drinks are works of art, making it an excellent spot for cocktail enthusiasts.
- Location: 112 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Laid-back atmosphere, artistic cocktails, great for cocktail lovers, unique drinks
13. Bob's 19th Hole Restaurant and Bar: Good Food and Stiff Drinks
Bob's 19th Hole Restaurant and Bar is a classic spot known for its good food, pleasant atmosphere, and bartenders who know how to pour a nice stiff drink.
- Location: 26582 US-20, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Classic bar, good food, strong drinks, great for a casual night out, friendly atmosphere
14. Craft|One|Half: Great Cocktails and Friendly Service
Craft|One|Half is a restaurant in nearby Mishawaka that knows its excellent cook, great food, and friendly service. They are known for their extensive whiskey list.
- Location: Mishawaka, IN (near South Bend)
- Highlights: Great cocktails, friendly service, great food, great for a night out
15. Cheers Bar and Grill: Cool Bartenders and Good Food
Cheers Bar and Grill is a neighborhood spot with cool bartenders, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Location: 103 S Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
- Highlights: Friendly bartenders, good food, neighborhood bar, great for a casual meal
South Bend's bar scene offers something for everyone, from cozy pubs and lively breweries to sophisticated cocktail bars and classic taverns. Whether you're a local or visual, check out these and other great spots and discover your favorite watering holes in South Bend!
Attributions: Bar information is based on publicly available information from online review platforms, websites, and local guides.