Sometimes life just calls for a burger and a brew. It's the simple. If you're looking for that kind of meal, The Bend is the kind of place that's going to serve up a whole bunch of options.

But what are the best places around South Bend and Mishawaka to bite into a burger? We polled social media followers and dove into the Yelp data for a closer look. Here's what we found.

Bonnie Doon Drive-In  

Just ice cream? Not so fast. Get a dash of nostalgia to go along with some of the best burgers in the area at this old school Mishawaka drive-in. Keep in mind that it’s open seasonally, so we recommend a summer visit.  

Yelper Ryan T. writes: “Their ice cream is top-notch. Their food is very good. I like the thin patty double-cheeseburger, but they have plenty of strong choices. And who doesn't like perfectly crispy crinkle-cut fries? Add in a chocolate malt and you've got yourself one great experience.” 

BRU Burger Bar 

Known for its many locations in and around Indianapolis, BRU Burger in Eddy Street Commons with the crowd near Notre Dame. The Bourbon Burger with bacon is a favorite. Don’t miss the onion rings.  

Yelper Siddhant K. says: “The menu is so good and pocket friendly. You have great choices with the burgers, which all sound tempting.” 

CJ’s Pub  

The signature 10-ounce pub burgers at CJ’s in downtown South Bend are the go-to menu item. If you’re feeling adventurous (or extremely hungry), try all 20 ounces of The Famous Golden Domer. It’s worth a shot, right?  

Yelper Caleb H. writes: “Nice bar, good prices, but the most important thing is that they have the best burger in (The Bend), hands down. Enough said.”  

Linden Grill 

You can dress your burgers up or keep them super simple at Linden Grill, either way they’re bound to impress. This downtown South Bend restaurant is also known for having some of the best wings in the area. 

Yelper Sean J. writes: “The best burger in town hands down. It was big and juicy and perfectly seasoned. Unbelievable.” 

Scoobie’s  

Scoobie’s in Mishawaka seems to fly under the radar. Let us be clear: It should not. Locals rave about the burgers, which range from the basic to the creative like a peanut butter and jalapeno edition.  

Yelper Caleb H. says: “The Boss Hogg burger is incredible. Easily one of the best burgers in the area.” 

Table 97 

Table 97 in downtown Mishawaka is somewhat new but already making a name for itself on burgers. The TBL/97 Burger includes smoked gouda cheese, mesquite bacon onion jam and a roasted garlic aioli.  

Yelper Jeremy B. writes: “Great atmosphere, burgers are really good. Good options if you want a burger.”  

Taphouse on the Edge 

This sports bar near Notre Dame’s campus is a favorite place to watch games. The Chef Burgers include Bite Your Face, a spicy burger with ghost pepper cheese and frizzled jalapenos.  

Yelper Kimberlee E. says: “My family loves Taphouse! Their burgers are the best!! So big, fresh and flavorful.”  

The View 

Known to many as home to Northern Indiana’s best burger. The Becky Burger took home that title in 2014. And it stands the test of time at this favorite local spot in South Bend’s East Bank Village neighborhood. 

Yelper Betty P. writes: “The Becky is worth of an award. The blend of ingredients makes it one of those rare burgers that needs no ketchup … This place is legit.”  

Honorable mention  

Looking for more burger options? Here are more places to consider: 

  • Brothers Bar + Grill: Located near Notre Dame, Brothers has plenty of burgers to offer and a long tap list.  
  • Fatbird: The bacon cheeseburger includes pimento cheese and a “special sauce.” Intriguing, right? 
  • Howard Park Public House: This new restaurant is going all in on burgers, including one that’s topped with pulled pork.  
  • Jeannie’s House Diner: This breakfast and lunch spot is mostly known for the former, but don’t sleep on the burgers.  
  • LaSalle Kitchen + Tavern: The wagyu burger is always on the dine-in menu and they are pretty fantastic.
  • Ruth’s Chris: If you’re in for lunch or on the patio, the RBAR burger is the elevated experience you would expect from a renowned steakhouse.