Nothing draws people outside in The Bend quite like the arrival of warmer temperatures. And that means patio dining.

Whether you like the bustle of downtown or a view of the St. Joseph River, several restaurants and bars around The Bend offer outdoor seating. Here are some of the best spots to dine al fresco.

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Please remember: Open hours and operations may vary as restaurants reopen after coronavirus-related shutdowns. Please call ahead to the establishment if you have any questions.

Café Navarre

Café Navarre has been a fine dining destination in downtown South Bend since opening its doors. You can take that elevated experience outside with a patio that runs alongside its historic building. The menu — with everything from oysters to roast chicken — is one of The Bend’s best.

The Carriage House Dining Room & Gardens

Another fine dining restaurant, The Carriage House offers a special menu every year just for its guests that choose to dine al fresco. Doing so means being seated in one of the most unique environments The Bend has to offer: beautifully landscaped gardens that are fit for an Instagram post. If the flowers don’t catch your attention, the food certainly will.

Doc Pierce’s Restaurant

Doc Pierce’s is long on history and charm, a local place in downtown Mishawaka that hasn’t changed much over the years. That’s good thing. One of the major additions to the restaurant was a garden patio, which often runs at capacity on summer nights. It’s considered by locals one of the best outdoor dining spots in The Bend.

Evil Czech Brewery and Public House

Wander out back at this local brewery and you’ll find one of the most unique patios around. It’s mostly covered for plenty of shade, has community tables and is complete with a double-decker bus that serves food. After grabbing a spot to sit, head over to the bus for an order of tacos.

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Hensell’s Oaken Bucket

Think of the Oaken Bucket as a little slice of nature in the city. Located near the Indiana University South Bend campus, “the Bucket” has a multi-level deck with a panoramic view of the St. Joseph River (pictured below). It was a finalist for best burger in The Bend during 2014’s Burger Wars competition and dares guests to take the King Burger Challenge — finish a 4-pound burger in 45 minutes and the meal is free.

Jesús Latin Grill + Tequila Bar

Located in a former Carnegie Library in downtown Mishawaka, there are few restaurants in The Bend with as flavorful a menu. Jesus Latin Grill is a wild (and amazing) ride for your taste buds. It’s also home to a wonderful patio within a stone’s throw of the St. Joseph River, which makes for a great walk after dinner.

The Lauber Kitchen + Bar

The patio here is a summertime favorite with everything you could want: Plenty of space, a pergola and plenty of good vibes. The Lauber is known for its pizzas and signature cocktails.

O’Rourke’s Public House

It’s hard to go wrong by visiting an Irish pub, especially one practically in the shadow of the Golden Dome. O’Rourke’s is situated across from Notre Dame with a patio that looks across Angela Boulevard and onto campus. Stop by on game day and (if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat) you’ll be right in the mix as fans head toward the stadium.

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Papa Vino’s Italian Restaurant

Wouldn’t be quite right if we had a patio list without at least one Italian restaurant. The patio at Papa Vino’s is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the Mishawaka retail corridor. Bread and oil, a glass of wine then dinner — that’s amore.

Simeri’s Old Town Tap

Outdoor experiences don’t come much more authentic than Simeri’s, a family owned establishment with one of the most well-known patios in the area. Walk through the cozy main bar and you’ll find a sprawling setup outside with plenty of seating.

South Bend Brew Werks

Another downtown South Bend spot, South Bend Brew Werks gets a little bigger in the spring with the addition of its fenced-in patio. Kick back, order a pint and relax.

Wind Family Fireside Terrace

Note: Wind Family Fireside Terrace and Rohr’s are currently closed to visitors.

Located in the heart of Notre Dame’s campus, the Morris Inn offers outdoor seating at Wind Family Fireside Terrace (pictured at the top) adjacent to Rohr’s. You can relax with a drink in soft seating or grab a table. Don’t worry about parking: valet at the Morris Inn is free if you’re dining inside or you can make a short walk from the Hammes Bookstore.

Head to the Roof

There are patios then there are rooftop patios. Why not sit outside with a view? Bar Louie in Granger is The Bend’s newest rooftop, offering an elevated take on the traditional patio experience with a massive bar and seating area.

More to Explore

Why stop at just 12 suggestions? If you’re looking for outdoor dining, here are more options to explore via the South Bend Tribune.

South Bend

Mishawaka

Aladdin’s Eatery

BK Root Beer Drive-In

Bonnie Doons Drive-In

Doc Pierce’s Restaurant

Fanellos Authentic Italian Restaurant

Hacienda Mexican Restaurants Lincoln Way W. and Grape Road locations.

Heavenly Goat Brewing Co.

Hop Station Craft Bar

Nedderman’s Sirloin Tips and Steak Place

Uptown Kitchen

Granger

Around The Bend