Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in South Bend & Mishawaka

What’s better than a lazy Sunday brunch with your dog at your feet? There are many places around town that welcome our furry friends to join us for a day or evening out in town. 

We have compiled a list of the most popular restaurants for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy. Of course, we couldn’t fit every business on the list, but if you know of a great patio, give the restaurant a call and you’re more than likely to find that your pooch is perfectly welcome.

* Signifies locations accessible by The Link Trail

South Bend Brew Werks*

216 S. Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46601

When summer arrives in downtown South Bend, you and your dog can enjoy the warm weather on the outdoor patio as your dog snacks on a treat while you sip on one of 20 delicious craft beers. *Service animals are allowed indoors*

A community-focused business, Brew Werks features local musicians, local art on the walls, furniture and décor sourced from the community and their menu is full of locally-sourced foods. With each beer you buy, you can choose a local charity to share the proceeds with and even “Beer it Forward” – pay for a beer to be enjoyed by a future customer.

Fiddler’s Hearth*

127 N. Main Street South Bend, IN 46601

With an astounding amount of incredible reviews online, it’s easy to see why this Celtic pub is one of the most popular in the area. It’s about as close to Ireland as you can get and boasts a patio, communal seating inside, a cozy bar and beautiful décor.

There is live music just about every night, board games, a little library and an extensive and authentic menu featuring food from the seven Celtic nations. Fiddler’s Hearth is a perfect place to enjoy the company of others – human and canine!

Manny's*

503 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617

What better place is there to take your dog to dine than a sports bar named after a dog? Manny's is downtown South Bend's newest sports bar located in the East Bank neighborhood. Boasting more than just your average sports bar, there is plenty of space on the outdoor (basketball court) patio for you and your pup. Yada Empanada food truck will be parked right there for your cravings.

Uptown Kitchen

7225 Heritage Square Drive Granger, IN 46530

This list would not be complete without Uptown. Especially popular for its brunch, the menu is loaded with fresh, creative options, great coffee, drinks and desserts and canines are as welcome as people! The Kitchen’s owner spends time with his customers and ensures his "doggie diners" are happy and comfortable as well. Due to it’s overwhelming popularity, a reservation on the weekends is advised.

Chicory Café*

105 E. Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, IN 46601

Another unique eatery with seriously impressive reviews, Chicory brings the taste and feel of New Orleans to downtown South Bend. The interior is dazzling and the menu features extensive coffee and espresso options, traditional Cajun/creole dishes as well as creative comfort foods, Chicory is the perfect place to relax with friends, study and, of course, hang out with your canine companion.

Not only is their patio dog-friendly, they provide water and “doggie sundaes” for their four-legged patrons. Chicory is a staple in the community and often hosts fundraisers, live music and other events that bring the community together. 

O’Rourke’s Public House*

1044 Angela Boulevard South Bend, IN 46617

The first of many popular patios found along Eddy Street Commons is O’Rourke’s – a wildly popular restaurant and pub with a great patio. With an extensive drink menu, delicious traditional Irish and pub fare and fun music, O’Rourke’s is the perfect place to get together with friends, human and canine, after a Notre Dame game, for a sunny afternoon meal or to enjoy one of their events.

While this place can get pretty packed (especially on game days), the friendly staff will make sure you and your doggie companion are well taken care of during your meal.

Villa Macri

225 Toscana Boulevard Granger, IN 46530

Back in Granger, this sprawling Italian favorite is surprisingly dog-friendly! A favorite among locals and visitors, Villa Macri has something for everyone. A large martini bar, a theater room for viewing sporting events, fancier rooms for more upscale dining, a delicious deli and a patio for you and your pooch.

The menu is as big and accommodating as the restaurant and includes traditional Italian meals, steaks, soups, salads and plenty of drinks! Villa Macri often hosts live music which can be enjoyed from the patio in view of their beautiful imported Italian fountain. Villa Macri is perfect for any occasion, especially dinner with your four-legged date!

Peggs*

127 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601

Peggs is another great spot in downtown South Bend where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch that includes service with a smile. The outdoor patio is another great place for you and your pup to spend some quality time together under the warm sun.

Brothers Bar & Grill*

1234 N. Eddy Street South Bend, IN 46617

One of South Bend’s favorite patios, Brothers is your ideal sports bar in the ever-popular Eddy St. Commons. While it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to bring your pet here at night due to crowding and noise levels, many dog owners rave about perfect afternoons here. With 50 beers on tap, a tasty menu and excellent service, Brothers is a perfect place to meet with friends for a sunny lunch with the dogs.

McAlister’s Deli

5758 Grape Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 

With fresh sandwiches, comforting chili and plenty of other lunch favorites, McAlister’s is perfect for a quick and easy meal on the patio! The friendly staff make you and your dog feel right at home.

Drive-Thru Dogs

On the go with your pooch? Don’t forget dogs are welcome on many patios including Noodles & Company*, Chipotle*, and more. Stop by Starbucks* for a “Pupaccino” or McDonald’s for a vanilla cone!

Kilwins for Dessert*

1044 E. Angela Boulevard South Bend, IN 46617

With melt-in-your-mouth fudge and chocolates, fresh, creamy ice cream and caramel apples for fall, Kilwin’s can’t be ignored! Tucked into Eddy St. Commons, take your pooch for a stroll down the corner and enjoy a treat for both of you – Kilwin’s saves cracked waffle cones so your dog doesn’t miss out on dessert!

More great options

BRASSERIE 23: Paws, prosecco, and patio perfection. A locally owned restaurant specializing in genuine French faire with a penchant for fine wine and outstanding cocktails has a great patio to enjoy a glass of bubbly with your four legged friend at your side.

CAFÉ NAVARRE*: What was once a former bank has now been transformed into one of the best restaurants in the area. The outdoor seating has umbrellas and heaters available so you and your dog can enjoy a meal together no matter the weather.

CROOKED EWE: Enjoy the scenic Saint Joseph river with hand-crafted pints and gourmet pub-fare.

HAMMER & QUILL*: A relaxed local bar focusing on creative cocktails, craft beer, unique spirits, and fine wine with outdoor seating.

HOWARD PARK PUBLIC HOUSE*: A casual spot in Howard Park with a bar serving comfort food with vegetarian options, plus patio seating.

THE LAUBER*: A modern restaurant in the East Bank neighborhood that combines South Bend's rich history with a hand-crafted dining experience and large outdoor patio.

URBAN SWIRL: You and your dog can satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with self-serve, frozen yogurt at Urban Swirl in Granger.

WAKA DOG CAFE: It has dog in the name, so of course your pup is invited to this South Bend restaurant where they offer a wide selection of specialty hot dogs

WOOCHI JAPANESE FUSION & BAR*: An international cuisine is waiting for you in downtown South Bend. At Woochi, they serve more than just sushi.