This is your go-to guide for Northern Indiana's dynamic duo, Southbend and Mishiwaka. Now, they're split by the scenic St. Joseph River. These two communities blend local flavor, college town energy, and who's your hospitality into one can't miss destination. The Gate Indiana crew spent a few days up here exploring everything. And trust us, Southbend and Mishawaka exceeded our expectations.
Be sure to stick around until the end to find out what our favorite hidden gem was from our entire trip. For starters, we stayed at Embassy Suites right next to Notre Dame's campus. The modern design, fitness center, indoor pool, and free breakfast were all top-notch. Now, let's talk about food. Pegs in downtown Southbend is a breakfast institution. You'll find locals, students, and business folks all packed inside by 9:00 a.
m. We recommend getting the breakfast burrito, chicken, and waffles, and a cinnamon roll. It is literally the size of the entire plate. Every bite hit the mark, and the presentation of everything was 10 out of 10. I loved the way they presented it. Peg, the owner, stopped by our table to share a story behind the name.
A little twist on her own with G and S added. So, eggs made the cut. That's who's your creativity at its finest. For lunch, you're trying this local recommendation, Takaria Chicago. A South Bend staple for authentic me Mexican food. We ordered the carne asada tacos with cilantro and onion and salsa verde.
Simply put, they were unreal. This place is quick, affordable, making it the perfect midday stop for authentic Mexican food. For dinner, we're going to start with a Southbend classic, The View Tavern. Since 1954, this place has been a neighborhood institution filled with Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs lore. I ordered their signature burger called the Becky. It's a patty stacked with American and Swiss cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce.
It's no wonder why they call it the best burger in South Bend. Here's where it was featured, where they won the award. Shane went with the Ry Sandber. It's named after the late Cub legend Ryan Sandberg. Both were absolute home runs. Another great dinner option is the Crooked U Brewery and Ale House, a gastro brewery that overlooks the St.
Joseph River. We shared their famous poutine. These are Idaho potato fries piled high with brisket, cheese curds, and gravy. It was our favorite bite of the entire trip. Not joking. You have to get the poutine.
For nightife, you're swinging by Corby's Irish Pub. It's that Corb, the one that was featured in the movie Rudy. Gary recognized us from behind the bar and gave us the full behindthe-scenes tour, including a view from the rooftop. Now, Corb is one of the most nostalgic spots in South Bend. There are some plans in the works to take it to the next level. You got to watch out on their social media.
They're going to be announcing it soon. Another spot to check out late night is Manny Sports Bar, which just opened up in the summer of 2025. There are literally TVs everywhere, pool tables, papa shop basketball, and an outdoor patio. It's basically a place that's designed for game day. Another popular stretch of bars is on Eddie Street in South Bend. This includes Oors, Bario, and Brothers.
We didn't spend too much time on Eddie Street late night, but if that's your thing, that's where you want to go. We do have one more late night spot to mention, but you're going to have to stick around till the end of the episode to find out what it is. Now, let's get into some other fun stuff to do. You're going to start with the Studebaker National Museum and the History Museum. The Studebaker Museum tells the story of Southbend's industrial legacy. From horsedrawn wagons and carriages to inventing the first electric powered vehicle and then moving into the sleek 20th century cars, it's home to the largest collection of US presidential carriages in existence.
out of 5,000 wagon manufacturers in the late 1800s, they were one of, I don't know, single digits that made the transition into automobiles successfully. The impact they had across the nation is incredible. Their impact on South Bend, they're over a 100-year-old company. You're really going to enjoy checking out all the cool cars and reading all the history at the Studio Baker Museum. Next door, the history museum features the New Rocky life and legacy exhibit. This is the largest public collection of N Rockchnney in the world.
His story as a player, his record and accolades as a coach, and his impact on Notre Dame football are legendary. I'm not sure how long this exhibit will be on display, but if it is, you need to go check it out. It was incredible. Learning the history of N. Rackey, his parents, and his family who immigrated over here. It is truly an iconic piece of Southbend lore.
Now, of course, you can't come to Southbend without exploring Notre Dame's campus. see the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, light a candle in memory of a loved one at the grotto of Our Lady of Lords and just stand in awe of Notre Dame Stadium. If you can't go there on a game day, the architecture, the atmosphere of the Notre Dame campus is about as iconic as it gets. Go to Southbend on game day. You need to do it full stop. Put it on your bucket list.
Then, when the sun goes down in South Bend, the St. Joseph River transforms with the river lights. Now, the best views of the river lights come from Sites Park. The colorful lights light up the water, bridges, banks, and patterns change for the holidays. You can head there to relax, fish, and simply enjoy the glow. It's easily one of the most photogenic spots in northern Indiana.
Over in Mishawaka, spend some time on the Mishwaka Riverwalk. This trail system is on both sides of the St. Joseph River and has incredible views. It's perfect for a morning run, evening stroll, or a bike ride. Seriously, the way that Southbend activates the St. Joseph River is incredible.
I wish that we would take a little bit of that and bring it to Indianapolis down on the riverwalk there. It's so beautiful. Honestly, very, very incredible. We have one more activity for you golfers. Don't forget to play 18 holes at the Warren Golf Course on Notre Dame's campus. There are 98 bunkers in play with tough pin placements, making it a true championship course.
Fun fact, Warren hosted the 2019 US Senior Open. It's a great golf course. I lost a lot of balls out there, so if you find them, send them back to me. Now, the moment you've all been waiting for. Our number one most recommended hidden gem in South Bend is Salvation. This is a brand new cocktail bar that's opened up in an old Salvation Army.
Before you say, "Oh gosh, a Salvation." No, it's incredible. The aesthetic is great. The ambiance. Matt Lester and his team over there have built something truly special. Go out on date night.
This will truly impress whoever you're taking. The cocktails are great. The staff is friendly. It is a total vibe. This is like a hidden speak easy. It's not like well I would say it's not totally well advertised.
So it's like there's not a giant sign pointing to go here. It is a true hidden gem. I love this place. I love the cocktails that we got. It is a total vibe. Now before we go, I do want to shout out Fusion Fest.
This is Southbend's global celebration of culture, music, and food. At this festival, you can basically travel all around the world without leaving the city. We went outside the box and tried oxtail.
We got oxtail. Our honest review is that it tasted like pot roast but was a little more chewy and around a bone. I don't know. It It was okay. Shane really liked it. Make sure you mark the calendar for next year's festival.
It's worth it. Honestly, if especially if you live in the area, go up there, check it out. There's tons of really really good food. All in all, South Bend and Mishawaka delivered. Between the food, the history, the people, this area is packed with character. Obviously, I'm from the general area of the 574.
It's great. Whether you're here for the weekend, whether you're here here for a Notre Dame game or just exploring Northern Indiana, you'll find something memorable at every turn. If you like this video about South Bend and Mishawaka, make sure you hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, tell us where we should head next, or if we miss something in Southbend in Mishawaka that you think we should have featured. Also, drop a comment. We're always looking for new spots across the state that we need to know about. If you're looking for more stories and content coming about incredible Hoosiers, please subscribe to my podcast, Get In, where we uncover what makes Indiana great, follow us on social media, get Indiana at Nate Spangle.
Let us know where you want us to come check out next. We have a Fort Wayne episode coming. We have an Evansville episode coming. We're going to be telling you all these things. We're starting with these big cities, but let us know what local community we need to check out. Thank you so much for checking out this locals guide to South Bend and Mishawaka.
We'll talk to you soon.
