By Molly Seidel and Marie Fazio
@datainindiana
There’s certainly no shortage of coffee on the Notre Dame campus. Between overpriced Starbucks lattes and the brown java sludge brewing at ABP it’s never been more convenient to grab a caffeine kick between classes.
However, these spots lack the cozy atmosphere of a great coffee shop, or the community buzz of a local diner. Likewise, sometimes you want a really great bagel or plate of pancakes to go with that hot drink.
South Bend has seen a huge resurgence in local eateries over the past few years, and today there are more places to grab great coffee and food than ever. These cafes are based in the community and feature many local products such as Zen coffee (roasted right in South Bend) or organic produce from Michiana farms.
And the food options, ranging from loaded breakfast sandwiches at the General to steaming bagels at Stude’s, provide the perfect complement to a delicious cup of java.
While many students may be hesitant to travel beyond the security of the Notre Dame bubble, South Bend offers far more opportunities for coffee/brunching bliss than campus does. If you’re looking to break out of your coffee rut then this interactive map will lead you straight to your new favorite hangout. — Molly Seidel
Another point of view …
Of all the things that come to mind when one thinks of South Bend – Notre Dame football, its minor role in Indian removal, the Studebaker factory, etc. – great coffee isn’t normally one of them.
That, however, should change.
The South Bend area is full of delicious cafes and cozy coffee shops, great for studying, socializing, hearing live acoustic music, or just enjoying a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee. Forget Starbucks, Einstein’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts, these coffee shops brew the good stuff locally, and offer an unbeatable atmosphere to go along with it.
After extensive research using cafe reviews on Yelp and in-person testing performed by several coffee enthusiasts who may or may not be suffering from an addiction to caffeine, we have compiled a list of the best places to get coffee in the South Bend area. The cafes were judged on the quality of the coffee, the price-which is important to struggling college students, and overall vibe of the establishment – friendliness, localness, etc. — Marie Fazio