A College Kid’s Guide to South Bend
It is a truth universally acknowledged—at least by me and a begrudging few of my friends—that South Bend, Indiana is a grossly underrated midwestern city, or city in general. Lost among the looming shadows of nearby Chicago and written off as boring, sketchy, and dead, South Bend doesn’t even stand a chance at defining itself beyond the handful of bustling fall football weekends that see hundreds of thousands of visitors each year (except, of course, for this year). As a self-proclaimed champion of the midwest and a proud Notre Dame sophomore, though, I just don’t think this is fair. I’ve made it my mission to appreciate South Bend for all that it is during the regular year, when tourists aren’t flooding Eddy Street for pep rallies, bookstore visits, and Football Friday extravaganzas, and I’ve honestly gotten so much from this new mindset. I’m not planning on living in Indiana after I graduate (and I’m pretty sure you aren’t either), and we’re only here for four years, so why not explore “the crossroads of America” as much as we can, while we still can? There truly is so much more out there than I ever expected, and I feel so lucky to call South Bend home in a way that I never did before. Hopefully, after reading through this quick list of my SB favorites, you will, too.
Parisi’s: While I wish I could eat Parisi’s spaghetti rustica at every meal (really, I do), to limit the economic strain this place is sure to put on your college student budget, this is the kind of place you take your parents when they’re visiting. They even have two adorable igloos outside for outdoor dining—snag them if you dare! The homey, warm Italian nook (think dark wood panels and candlelight!) is easily walkable from campus and boasts a menu that manages to be both comforting and wildly flavorful all at the same time. Parisi’s never disappoints.
Evil Czech Brewery: Another parent favorite, although this eclectic burger joint can go both ways without being too much of an economic burden! While it’s not much from the outside, purposeful graffiti-covered walls conceal what I consider to be the hidden gem of Mishawaka. Burger boxes (literally—the burgers come in wood carved boxes), tacos, pizza, and inventive twists on classic comfort food (mushroom truffle mac ‘n’ cheese immediately comes to mind) all infuse this place with a surprising sense of charm and amusement. I’ve never anywhere like it, and I love showing it off anytime I have visitors because chances are, they haven’t either.
Corndance: Owned by the same culinary minds behind Evil Czech, Cordance is another unexpectedly unique eatery in our midwestern midst (if you’ve had success with Evil Czech and Cordance, try Jesus Latin grill—another incredible gem from the same restaurant group). Inspired by South Bend’s Native American history as home to the Potawatomi tribe, they promote their commitment to ingredients that are “always fresh and responsibility sourced from local suppliers,” and they’re not lying; one bite of their Elote Corn appetizer or the Lobster and Shrimp Rigatoni and that much is clear. You’ll leave Corndance feeling satisfied, nourished, and entirely unready to return to the South Dining Hall world of prepackaged garden salads.
Pegg’s: Located right in the heart of downtown South Bend (yes, I know what you’re thinking; South Bend DOES have a downtown and you know what? It’s cute), Pegg’s is your go-to weekend morning destination for the kinds of classic breakfast foods we all crave. Boasting cinnamon rolls glazed with cream cheese icing, chicken & waffles, and more egg dishes than you can dream of (3 different kinds of Egg Benedicts—can you imagine?), Pegg’s has mastered the familiar and comforting feeling of a small-town breakfast joint, and South Bend is better because of it.
South Bend Farmer’s Market: One of my favorite South Bend destinations of all time, the South Bend farmer’s market is not your typical farmer’s market. Whatever you’re imagining, don’t—because it’s so much more than that. Two long farmhouse-style buildings join together to make the joy that is the South Bend farmer’s market, a farmstand-meets-independent-street-seller-meets-bakery kind of place. While meandering through the maze of stands can take hours (no really it can—I’ve collected enough jewelry, candles, and honey sculptures in one outing to last a lifetime), make a day of it and visit the South Bend Cafe for lunch, too. Situated directly in the middle of the chaos, the cafe is another humble breakfast spot that lays claim to the best hashbrowns I’ve ever had in my life.
Zen Cafe: Zen Cafe is the kind of place that doesn’t seem like it belongs in South Bend—or, at least, the South Bend in your head. Hip, simple, and straightforward, Zen Cafe offers cold brews in cans (very on-brand for them!) and baked goods that restored my faith in the lost art of coffee shop pastries. Paired with their banana chia muffins and cozy little couches, studying for a few hours suddenly doesn’t seem so bad; you’ll settle in and never want to get up.
Chicory Cafe: I only stumbled upon Chicory this fall, and I’ve been asking myself what I did without it last year ever since. A New Orleans-inspired cafe (and exciting study spot!) adorned with mardi-gras decorations and relics of an old-time jazz-nightclub, you could easily spend an entire day at Chicory. Sipping on their coffee in real mugs (what a concept), snacking on their perfect sandwiches and flatbreads (I highly recommend the tomato basil mozzarella), and enjoying the feeling of being transported through history in a cafe that is most definitely not like other cafes, once you discover Chicory you’ll never go back. It’s right next door to the South Bend Chocolate cafe, which you can try for chocolate covered oreos (my favorite) after a soul-filling meal at Chicory (no, I’m not being dramatic).
St. Joseph River Walk: The other South Bend treasure I’ve discovered this year that I don’t know what I’d do without (second only to Chicory, of course) is the St. Joseph river walk. For everyone who doesn’t think South Bend (and Indiana at large) has beauty—this one’s for you. While the river runs through the middle of South Bend and is pretty hard to miss, it’s rarely taken advantage of. There’s more to do than just look at it—you can walk, bike, jog (or sprint, if you’re feeling brave) along a safe and secluded pathway that offers stunning views (especially during the fall) and an invaluable sense of serenity and calm. There are parks, gardens, and surprising little pockets where you can sit and take it all in, and I’d prescribe this place to anyone in need of a little getaway!
