Some Interesting Alternatives for South Bend Night Life

Well known for its ties to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, visitors to the South Bend area, and maybe even some residents, might be surprised to find that South Bend night life has more to offer than it seems. For those seekers interested in what-to-do in the South Bend region on a weekend night, here is a sampling of what the area has to offer.

While several area establishments do offer live music in the evenings, it's often hard to find the right spot to settle back in and enjoy the music. For those who come into the area for a taste of the Irish, Fiddler's Hearth, located at 127 N. Main St. in downtown South Bend will hit the spot. This common-house style pub sits on a little corner niche in what used to be a common local dive bar called Mickey's. Once Mickey hung up his tap, new owners moved in and revamped the place into a clean, wood floored common-house that offers traditional Irish foods, drink, and music. A common-house means that patrons sit at large tables to dine, and may find themselves sharing space and conversation with strangers. The common -house concept ensures that though you may initially be seated with strangers, you will certainly leave as friends. Fiddler's Hearth hosts a variety of traditional Irish and Celtic groups to liven the weekend atmosphere, some even incorporate dancers into their repertoire. Children are allowed in Fiddler's Hearth, which makes this a lively and enjoyable place for the family.

Next door to Fiddler's Hearth at 129 N. Main st. is another local hotspot, The Madison Oyster Bar. The Madison Oyster Bar is also newer to the downtown location having moved from its previous home near the Madison Center and East Race a few years back. The Oyster bar is a trendy spot for the hip twenty and thirty something crowds featuring three levels, a great jukebox, and pool tables. The Oyster Bar is also a great place to eat, well known for it's Madison Ham sandwich and, of course, oysters.

Further down the road, and perhaps less well known amongst both visitors and locals alike is the Seahorse Cabaret. Located on Western Ave., the Seahorse has always been popular in the gay community as a friendly place to patronize. As of late however, the Seahorse has been expanding its clientele to house some of the area's local bands. Catering to the younger Indie crowd, the Seahorse has enjoyed the sounds of bands such as well-known local group Hoodoo Groove. This is definitely the place to check out for those yearning for a more diverse crowd and eclectic sound than many of the other local watering holes.

Those in the Michiana area who favor the blues may find themselves at home in Martha's Midway Tavern at 810 W. 4th St. in Mishawaka. Martha's Midway is an establishment that has been known to house some of the finest jazz, rock, and blues sounds in the area. Martha's has featured local favorites such as Little Frank and the Premiers and Elwood Splinters Blues Band. Visitors can be assured of a rollicking good time with great music and an active and dancing crowd. Martha's is often filled with patrons of all ages (children are not allowed) and can be a good time for both young and old. All that is needed is to share in a love of the blues.

For pool fans, Oscar's Billiards Club is a fantastic place to visit. Featured in Billiard magazine as one of the top billiard clubs in America, Oscar's has over 8 pool tables, a cozy lounge area, darts and foosball. Oscar's was once at home on the East Race next to the old Madison Oyster Bar before it moved, and has kept a loyal clientele through the years and it's transitionto a new location at 1902 South Bedn Ave. The crowd at Oscar's is multigenerational, and often close-kit. One may find that it seems everyone knows one another inside, but patrons all still remain friendly to newcomers and willingly envelope them into the Oscar's clan.

For those who yearn for something a bit louder and more raucous, Cheers is a local bar located at 103 S. Dixie Way in Roseland. Cheers is the place to go for those interested in lively alternative and punk rock music.

Finally, for a bit more refined evening, Club LaSalle is not to missed. Club LaSalle is located on Colfax Ave. above the LaSalle Grill restaurant. Club LaSalle has a smoking room for the cigar aficionado and often features talented jazz musicians from the area. Complete with a comfortable area for lounging and a full bar featuring trendy martinis and delicious wines, Club LaSalle is a fantastic way to wind down on a Friday night or start out on a Saturday evening. This upscale bar is the place to be for young professionals.

These suggestions only cover the tip of the iceberg when it comes to evening locales in the South Bend area. Hopefully these descriptions give a tantalizing snippet of the multitude of establishments that can cater to the different tastes and desires of area and visiting residents. South Bend is definitely more than Notre Dame, as a visit to any of these area favorites will show.