36 Best Bars in South Bend

“Not a big bar person, but my husband and I didn't have our kid for the night to celebrate our 13th anniversary, so we decided to stop in here since the theme pertains to our interests. Vibe was immaculate, the owner and the patrons were SO welcoming and nice! The cocktails were amazing and karaoke was fun even though I was nervous. Will definitely be coming back! Thank you for making our night so fun!!“

“The Hideaway is a great spot to start or end your evening! The staff are very knowledgeable and will highlight any evening through their cocktail mastery. The Hideaway also sports an extensive whiskey selection that rivals any local watering hole that boasts of their offerings. Ownership ensures all are welcome at all times, and I'm proud to say I'm a loyal Hideaway patron! This is not a place for meals just fyi.“

“One of my friends was having a poor reaction to the alcohol, a mixture of the fact she’s mildly allergic and the medication she was on really did not agree with her. And the workers were SWEETHEARTS. Even before our friend started reacting, the service was 12/10. Very friendly and respectful. Some of our friends took our sick friend outside for some air and two of us stayed to pay, and the service workers asked us if our friends took was okay and even gave us two waters to-go when we explained the situation. I sincerely regret not tipping 15% in my rush to get everything paid for so we could leave. Will be coming back because they were so nice and helpful and tipping way more.

Unrelated to that situation, the vibes were fantastic. The food was really good. The workers were so sweet. Overall a great experience here.“

“I’m here for work often, favorite place in the area by far. Highly recommend“

“Visited in early October and had the Apple Brandy Burger and Brussels sprouts. Best.Burger.Ever!! Too bad it's only available in October.“

“Nice place great service with most excellent drinks“

“was in SB for a night and found a great dive bar - McCormicks - cool place for a beer and some pinball - asked the owner where to go for a good burger and he directed me up the road to CJs Pub - said they are the best around! I gave it a shot and was not disappointed. Ordered one of their specialty burgers with Canadian bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Wow. it was delicious! and huge! Waffle fries were also great and beer was ice cold. If I lived in SB, this would definitely be a regular stop for an awesome burger.“

“Best neighborhood bar ever!! Great crowd of people who genuinely care and treat you like family. Drinks always made without asking when we walk in the door. Too Tall and staff are all wonderful and deliver excellent, speedy service. Drink prices are the best around and couldn't ask for a better deal! Highly recommended to all!“

“Cold beers, good friends, and friendly bartenders.“

“Great neighborhood bar with casual food. Nice place to gather with friends. Highly recommend.“

“DELICIOUS FOOD ! NEVER DISAPPOINTED !GREAT - SERVICE ! THANK YOU, BOOTLEG'ERS. MERRY CHRISTMAS and BLESSED NEW YEAR !“

“We came in here as a group of 30-40 people attending a conference at Notre Dame and Danny welcomed us with open arms! He and Gary were friendly, helpful, and kind as our group surprised them on a quiet Tuesday night with lots of business- they told us the history of the place, showed us around, and were generally fantastic hosts as most of us were from out of town. This place is a gem and definitely worth the visit!“

“Went this past Friday. It was a little dark from the outside but we could see dance lights through the curtains. Went in was greeted by the security guard Matt. He was immensely kind and patient as I looked for ID. Came in and sat at a table instantly fell in love with the vibe and the other people there!! Dawn was our bar tender and the drinks were great! Dawn and I didn’t talk much but she had a glow in her eyes and I felt like she genuinely cared about me. Instantly felt welcome! Prices were on par with other bars I’ve been too! R bar had that high end feel mixed with family love.

I had a good conversation with Matt the security guard after he had to ask a patron who was loudly banging on the bar to quiet down. I was really impressed with Matt’s attitude and is desire to see everyone have a good time while also making sure everyone was safe and happy.

I went back to the table and danced with my friends and we left after a couple drinks and some karaoke songs. Will be back this Friday!! Thanks R Bar 🥰“

“The food was delicious of course but what made this evening memorable was the fact that the dishes themselves were interesting. For example instead of using yogurt in the dessert course they use lobna instead of a traditional yogurt. It made for a tart finish and incredibly friendly. I love the open kitchen concept to be able to watch the chefs. We will go again. Dinner for two came out to $210. It seems the restaurant could accommodate large parties if given enough notice and it would be a beautiful facility for a small reception or after party.“

“Lonnie’s bar and grill on prairie has the most cleanest bathroom in a bar that I have ever seen Just saying“

“Joe’s is iconic. A classic ND bar with great food.“

“This bar is fantastic. Niki is maybe the best bartender I’ve ever had. I’m from California, rooting for USC, and she introduced me to the whole bar of Notre Dame fans. She served free salami and cheese and chips. It’s awesome here. And now they just played the stupid Notre dame fight song but the bar is still awesome.“

“I've struggled to find a place for young queer people in South bend since R bar went downhill. But this little place is somewhere that I adore 🫶
It's small and I wish it could grow bigger, but until then I'm happy and my cozy little queer corner.“

“Very good wings and sauce“

“Last night was first time I was in The Blarney Stone. I was invited by Band last night (2/23/18) Simply Elton & Simply Billy Tribute show as special guest singer (Elvis Tribute). The Staff, the owner and everyone was amazing! You felt very safe by security they had on hand and were on top of everything. The audience was amazing also. Thank you Blarney Stone for amazing hospitality! *Side note* Anyone there last night took pictures or video please feel free to add me as friend on here.“

“I just moved in and am loving the place so far! The size of the apartment and the amenities, both in-unit and in the building, are great in general, and especially compared to the price. Linda the building manager was super helpful during the move-in process, both with answering all of my questions prior to the move-in and then very kindly staying until 7:30 pm on a Friday to help me move in that night.“

“I am so thankful for this bar! Literally left my wallet and spoke to someone over the phone identified my items, and unfortunately someone who visited the bar took the money out BUT I picked up wallet and I had a sweet note stating they were sorry for my loss and that literally renewed my faith in humanity I am so thankful when I walked into the establishment every single guys behind the bar went into action to locate my wallet behind the counter and idk why m just eternally grateful also because my moms ashes were inside this wallet ! I have nothing but good experiences here and this just iced the cake! Attaching a picture of the note not necessarily willing to add what they attached to that because I don’t want them bombarded with “lost wallet” issues BUT I will say thanks to the men behind that bar :) you are beyond appreciated!“

“Great Experience Hosting our South Bend Distillery Launch Party at The Exchange in South Bend!“

“They have a wonderful staff and their cooking is amazing. It is a step above. We go there all the time and are always happy with food and service. Great place.“

“Classic south bend restaurant!“

“Had the opportunity to enjoy Paul Erdman's performance on a recent Monday. The cozy atmosphere, a friendly bartender and a nice crowd made for a fun evening. An added bonus ~ free Pizza & Salad from Barnaby's (!)“

“Really great hole-in-the-wall vibe. Precisely what we were looking for at the time. Met some new friends. Had fun engaging with the patrons and learned some great local history. I feel like everyone would be welcomed here. Didn’t try any food.“

“October 8, 2025
Can't argue with my first review. Been here 3 times now.

Had The Mariner, delicious!

June 2025
First, this is NOT an appropriate place for kids, and you'll be asked to leave if you bring them, this is an old style BAR. Adults only.

My burger was delicious and the staff was friendly! Sorry I started eating it first. Greasy and great! Full of beef and gluten.

If you love nostalgia and don't mind the smell of old smoke and a hint of pee, scratched paint and air vents hanging from straps, you'll love this place. It's like going back to the 60s or 70s!

Be sure to enjoy the vintage Popeye sign from the 50's advertising a hamburger for 10¢!

If not you probably should avoid it.

This place leans into letting people self-select to not be here. But in my opinion that just means it has an unapologetic personality.

I am NOT recommending this place for the sub 40 crowd, you probably won't like it and the regular won't feel bad about that. If you don't mind stepping out of your comfort zone in a big way, try it. If not they won't miss you.“

“Food was great. It was hot and flavorful! Service was also friendly and attentive. Price is a little high but portion was large and with the quality. We saw street parking but maybe there is a lot in back. Not busy on a Friday evening for dinner, hidden gem honestly.“

“We enjoyed everything about this hotel. Parking was easy, the hotel itself is clean and well maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The ladies at the front desk were so nice and quick, making checking in and out very easy, and answering all our annoying questions about the area. The bartender was amazing and delightful, as was the gentleman at the starbucks. Overall, this has to be one of the best hotels in the area. A big thank you to you all for making our stay so pleasant.“

“Loved the service and the OJ!!“

“FUN and safe I think they manage it pretty good because our kids have to be safe ! More check ups on crowded places no drugs“

“The cream of mushroom soup is good. The pretzel is very tasty to One recommendation remove that chili off of your menu it’s disgusting and taste like something that comes out of a can. No flavor no seasonings We didn’t even eat it and told the waitress but she just said ok“