Eating & Drinking in South Bend

I always make a point to stop at the Vine when I make trip into Indiana. It definitely has a “big city” ambience to it. The crowd’s really hip, the staff is kind and knowledgeable, and their bar has a very lounge-like appeal. Their appetizers are really creative, comfort food. I recommend trying “Mike’s Crab Dip” and the “Salmon Filet and Brie Cheese,” both of them are great for sharing. They also have a huge wine selection that helps makes this place feel even more elegant.

My friends and I agree that this is the best restaurant in South Bend. Some of us are ex-pats from Chicago, here for work, so it can be hard going from a zillion interesting restaurants to nil. Anyways, Elia’s serves authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine that you can brag about. We always order the baba ghanoush (mashed up eggplant with spices) appetizer with nan. It’s thick, creamy, smokey-flavored, and though there’s a pool of oil sitting on it we’re convinced we’re eating healthy.

This place reminds me so much of cake shops in Chicago. It really “spruces” up the South Bend with its cute and charming interior. They make everything right in the shop (pastries, cookies, cakes, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and coffees). Plus they use Intelligensia beans for their coffee. I particularly like their Danish treats, they’re super fresh, perfectly flaky, and kinda melt in your mouth. Indulgence also participates with “Cupcakes for a Cause."