Around The Bend: Bonnie Doon Drive-In
For generations, Bonnie Doon has been more than just a place to grab an ice cream cone or classic drive-in meal. The nostalgic diner has been welcoming guests for generations.
This Mishawaka icon has become a symbol of summer in The Bend, serving up delicious food and unforgettable memories since 1938.
In this episode of Around The Bend, we're exploring the history behind one of the area's most recognizable restaurants and discovering why Bonnie Doon continues to be a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Around The Bend takes a deeper look into the stories of beloved favorites and hidden gems throughout St. Joseph County that make this place unforgettable. These places we cherish didn’t just appear—they were built with passion, purpose, and stories worth telling.
A Scoop of Nostalgia: Bonnie Doon's Sweet Legacy
Summertime in The Bend wouldn’t be complete without a stop at a generational favorite, Bonnie Doon Drive-In.
You can almost hear the 50’s music as you drive up to this classic, vintage diner. Then literally, you can hear throwback tunes as you pull up to the order stations outside. While there might not be waitresses or waiters in roller skates, you can still order through the original speaker and your food will be brought right to your window.
Bonnie Doon originated in 1938 by the Muldoon brothers. There were once over 10 locations in existence throughout northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Now, only this one in Mishawaka remains.
“When they originally opened in 1938, they actually didn't have a name…they had a contest in the South Bend Tribune to select a name. The family name was Muldoon, and somebody wrote in and suggested Bonnie Doon. So that's the name they went with,” said Adam Carroll, owner of Bonnie Doon.
Carroll has owned the restaurant for 25 years and is proud of keeping this classic diner just as it’s always been. Bonnie Doon being his first job, he knows the diner very well.
“We added some different food items over the years, some different flavors of ice cream, but try to keep it as original as it always was,” shared Caroll.
While famous for their ice cream, (and let me note, that fame is rightfully just), do not pass on the classic diner food.
The signature Bonnie Burger is the most popular item for a reason. Incredible flavor, perfect char and fresh ingredients. It’s easy to see why people come back regularly- even generationally.
“Some people come every day…There's a lot of people that come from out of town that grew up and they come back to see Bonnie Doon’s, or they bring their kids and grandkids in. Just trying to keep that tradition alive with all the different groups of families.”
Walking inside the restaurant feels like a time capsule. Classic diner booths and memorabilia line the walls. You won’t run out of things to look at.
You can grab a scoop of their famed mint chip ice cream, try a shake, or bend your rules and order ice cream in a car! (trust us, it’s awesome).
Beyond the delicious Bonnie Burger, there’s a whole menu to venture through and satisfy your tastebuds. An Indiana classic pork tenderloin the size of your face, perhaps. A grilled peanut butter banana sandwich? Certainly! Or maybe try a classic hot dog with chili cheese fries. It doesn’t get much more Americana than this.
“We're not making it ahead of time…It does take a little longer because we have a really small kitchen, but we try to make everything as people order it. So, it’s not a fast food place at all. Just a place to come, listen to the music, hang out with your family, and enjoy the atmosphere while you're waiting for your food.”
Enjoy a slow down and transport back in time by driving up to Bonnie Doon and having a nostalgic night out in The Bend.
VISIT BONNIE DOON DRIVE-IN: 2704 LINCOLNWAY W, MISHAWAKA, IN 46544
Learn more about Bonnie Doon Drive-In
Bonnie Doon's at Studebaker National Museum
Make a day of it and stop by Studebaker National Museum where you can see what Bonnie Doon looked like in the days that Studebaker cars were driving in to dine.
You can also see Barney Barnum's 1948 "Mighty Midget" Bonnie Doon's Spec. car on display.
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