Bartender shaking a martini at a bar - Bartender Making a Cocktail Drink

You Need to Visit These First-Class Bars in South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana, is the perfect blend of sophistication and old-fashioned college football camaraderie. As home to the University of Notre Dame, we take our football, and our cocktails, seriously! These first-class bars in South Bend, Indiana are perfect for date night drinks, good food, or a place to watch a football game in a convivial atmosphere. From swanky whiskey bars and cocktail lounges to longtime neighborhood haunts, South Bend’s bar scene has something for everyone!

Taste Carefully-Crafted Spirits at These 6 Bars in South Bend, Indiana 

1. Spirited 

Spirited is a dreamy cocktail bar that serves unique, craft cocktails and snacks! This bar opened in 2018 and has since become a community favorite. It’s easy to know why when you look at the menu. Their cocktails are made from the finest spirits and have engaging names to boot! Take the edge of off a nail-biting game with the “You Need a Vacation.” Or, warm-up and dream of the return of football season with the “Because, Winter” a blend of  Shackleton scotch, mulled wine syrup, lemon, and Ardbeg rise.

2. The Exchange Whiskey Bar

Whiskey lovers, gather! Exchange Whiskey Bar is the best spot to sip smooth, warm spirits in South Bend. This bar in South Bend boasts prohibition-era decor and ambiance, due to its historical significance. Long ago, this space was a bank that was subject to a robbery at the hands of the prolific American gangster, John Dillinger. Now, you can enjoy a selection of more than 300 whiskeys, as well as a variety of craft cocktails. 

3. The Hideaway at The LaSalle 

The Hideaway at The LaSalle is the perfect spot to kick off your date night! This new South Bend, Indiana, bar offers craft cocktails offerings that change monthly as well as small plates. It’s located next to the Morris Performing Center, so be sure to grab a drink before the show. This bar is open seven days a week from 4:00 p.m to midnight! 

4. Render Kitchen & Bar 

Render Kitchen & Bar is one of our favorite restaurants in South Bend. For starters, Render supports our local farmers by exclusively using their produce and meat. This means you can expect an ever-evolving menu, as Render uses only the freshest, in-season ingredients. Start your experience at Render off right by ordering from their extensive drink menu

5. The View Tavern 

The View Tavern is one of South Bend’s oldest bars with a salt-of-the-earth feel. Since 1954, the Tavern has been serving up American-style pub fare in a casual setting. Reviews rave about the burgers, beer, and friendly staff! Don’t have tickets for the next big game? Come watch it at The View Tavern!

6. Vegetable Buddies 

Enjoy live music, beer, and more at Vegetable Buddies! This South Bend bar and restaurant serves comfort food and draft beer in a laid-back setting. The kitchen opens nightly at 6:00 p.m. and is open until 10:00 p.m. during the week and 11:00 p.m. on the weekends. Vegetable Buddies has an event nearly every night! From touring bands to comedy shows, there’s always live entertainment happening here! The establishment is closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

Stay at The Oliver Inn

The Oliver Inn is located near all of the best bars in South Bend, Indiana. Book our LaSalle Grill Dinner Package for the full culinary experience in South Bend. This package includes one night of lodging in a Queen Suite and a $100 gift certificate toward dinner at LaSalle Grill. Is one night not enough? Receive a 20 percent discount for additional nights booked with this offer! (Available Monday – Thursday)

Gertrude's Dressing Room - The Oliver Inn

Consider reserving Gertrude’s Dressing Room with your package! This popular room has a large, two-person whirlpool tub, a separate shower, queen-size bed, and heated floors. Browse our availability and book your trip to South Bend today!