This is a hip and trendy spot! We made reservations and our glasses of water were already at our table when we arrived. Our very pleasant waitress then brings over a clay carafe of water. Asked if we had any questions regarding the menu. We had the fried okra for an appetizer and we all really liked it! It was one of the best tasting okra I've ever had. The sauce served with it was really good, too! Serving sizes are large and prices are moderate. It's kinda cool how they bring china plates for your appetizers. Love being able to people watch out the window; as the seating is along the glass. read more

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After visiting Notre Dame's campus we were hungry and Fatbird sounded like the best place for lunch offering a variety of options, since we couldn't figure out what we wanted. The ambience was classy and a little quirky but it worked well. Older, original floors of wood on 1 side and larger black and white tiles in the bar area. They serve traditional Southern style dishes with a modern flair and the Specials that Sunday sounded amazing like FGT BLT: fried green tomato BLT, hush puppies Yum! I tried both. Hush puppies were dense and delicious, could've been crispier for me, might have been the sauce drizzle which was finished with scallions + served on top of coleslaw. Tasty but I'm a simpler person. FGT BLT was on perfectly toasted white bread, nice thickness and crust had nice "chew". The "lettuce" was shredded and I believe a bit of slaw(?) If not, whatever sauce was on it gave it all a nice flavor without any aspect overpowering another. I found it easier to just hold sandwich between bites or else it would fall apart. I had a Banana Rum Old Fashioned and it was really tasty, nice aroma before sipping and dried banana garnish helped with that part. My sister ordered their famous pimento cheese spread and it was fantastic! Could've made a meal out of it, so many delicious additions to it (can't recall exactly 4 days later) but you Have to try it! Served with Ritz crackers in individual packages which at 1st I thought ruined presentation but soon realized that they were fresh and crispy, making every bite the perfect bite. Sis also had their chicken which had perfect breading for crispy juicy bites along with side of Mac n cheese (which a Yelper described as having "crazy flavor" & they were right) It too was so delicious we couldn't stop talking about it. Her iced tea was also very good, darker than any I've ever seen before which gave it a nice strong but smooth flavor. Josie was tending bar and was helpful in delivering tea refill at just the right time, clearing dishes promptly while our server took care of the rest. And dang it! I can't remember her name (after I said I like to use names in my reviews too!) but you know who you are, and you were delightful! Pleasant, attentive at the right times, answering our questions about the history of the building etc. The restaurant and facilities, guys and gals, were very clean and they played great music giving the experience the best vibes! Seating was comfortable classic chairs w/ vinyl and brass tack accent border, wood tables with ceramic tile detail in center. Along the wall of large glass windows is cushioned bench seating. Great for groups, couples, families for any occasion or before events at neighboring Performance Art Center. Some outdoor patio seating within a wrought iron fence, open air so if sunny better have your sunglasses also taller bar height seats at smaller counter along wall in bar area. 2 entrances with 1 having a step up to enter but 2nd door around corner by fountain is mobility accessible; a threshold of 1.5" where floor surface changes. Come check this place out you will not be disappointed! Prices are $$- $$$ depending on what you order, but I think appropriate for the overall experience. It was also slower on a Sunday afternoon, only a handful of diners in place that could easily hold 70-80 people. read more

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We went with a group of friends and it was during restaurant week. We were seated right away and we tried to tell the owner about how when a few of us were looking at the menu on the website it was bizarre how when one person looked at it - it showed red snapper sandwich and for another it showed fish sandwich. Her tone instantly got nasty and I think she thought we meant the restaurant week menu versus the regular menu. It was very weird and I almost left. I ordered the haddock meal that had no side except a small dish of coleslaw. The fish was very good - I loved the breading. I ordered a biscuit and it was delicious. The other half ordered red beans and rice and it was very very spicy so be warned. read more

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On our way home from a soccer game and stopped in for a late lunch. Staff was amazing- knew the menu well and took my nut allergy seriously. In fact our server stated she had the same allergy so I felt completely confident with our food. I enjoyed the pimiento dip while my son had the Nashville chicken sandwich. The dip was delicious - flavorful, creamy with just a hint of spice. Yum. The sandwich on the other hand was full of spice! Lots of sauce so it was hard to eat, but tasted amazing. Potato salad on the side was perfect way to cool down. Very fresh. read more

Fatbird - Nashville Sandwich - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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Going to give my most honest review. I've only ordered here twice but it was enough for me. The chicken is one star better than Popeyes on a bad day, biscuits are a gamble. We tried the chicken and waffles since it seemed that everyone had given it rave reviews. I totally understand that this isn't California but this is far from Roscoes chicken and waffles either - (Google it) 2 chicken legs and 1 side with a few cornbread style waffles. Staff seems "friendly "however, the ambiance wasn't diverse enough to accompany their menu and dining experience. One more thing I'm not one to gripe about the costs of dining but for some reason it seems to be priced to keep a certain group away that usually eats this style of food often. I would say cultural appropriation at its finest. read more

Fatbird - Fatbird Chicken, Waffle and "Watermelon" Plate - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Such a cute restaurant! I wasn't sure base on the plain exterior, but inside is super cute with a vintage/retro feel to it. We came after the lunch hour was over so it was quiet and the manager was able to easily accommodate our large group. But the best part was the food! Everything had a slightly unique twist to it and it absolutely worked. If you're a chocolate lover, try the chocolate cake if they have it!! read more

Fatbird - Merica Chicken Sandwich - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

We had the vidalia onion dip and chips. It was good. We also got the hush puppies. They were also good. We had the wedge salad. It was fresh. The dressing didn't seem like a green goodness ranch but it was still good. We had the shrimp po' boy sandwich. This was very good. We also had the lemon pepper wings and these were very good! The service was good and the atmosphere was relaxed. read more

10/10 would recommend Fatbird in downtown South Bend! Their chef brought his love of New Orleans and southern soul food to South Bend for this gem of an eatery. Serving up all the good stuff - fried chicken, pimento cheese, fried okra, maque choux, cornbread, and biscuits, the taste of the south really runs deep here. They cook their fried chicken sous vide style, meaning it's cooked in a vacuum sealed bag in temperature controlled water, making it so very tender and delicious. The waitress told us their wings fall off the bone, that's how tender they are. I hear they have a great happy hour, too. Something I'll be back for. read more

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Service was super fast ! Food was okay. I wish the chicken sandwich had a sauce with it - it was sort of dry. I wasnt offered any sauce as a condiment, so just had to eat it. I wasn't a huge fan of the Mac n cheese - seemed like a mix of multiple cheeses. But the biscuit was great! The location is great and easy to find. Within walking distance to hotels, which was convenient. Ambiance was pretty cool. Pretty open concept in there and the windows everywhere made it light and airy. read more

My son and I were road tripping Chicago to Oberlin, OH today and needed to find a place to order to-go lunch. We are keeping a super tight COVID bubble, so in-person dining is not an option for us. My son picked Fatbird based solely on the Yelps about the Cuban sandwich, and was so pleased with this excellent find!! Fatbird wasn't too far of a detour and worth the extra few minutes drive into South Bend from the highway. Our meal was ready in just 10 minutes from phone call to pick up! There were limited vegetarian options for me, no entrees unfortunately, but I really enjoyed my mashed potatoes and corn soup with a fabulous pesto garnish. My son raves about the Cuban sandwich and side of cole slaw. Staff members were really friendly. Our take-out meal didn't come with utensils, but my son and I rigged up a ketchup packet as a spoon, and were eating in our car when a staff member came running across the street to deliver utensil packets!! It was so sweet. That's some great service there!! read more

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Cool soot in a fun little college town. Great service and food made in house not ordered through a vendor. Great little gem.

Appetizer: grilled carrots. Will order again. Loved the sauce. Drinks: The hentail (non-alcoholic) drink I had was Virgin cassia crossbill and it was very tasty. My boyfriend had 2 house cocktails, the Mockingbird and the Inca Dove, which he said he also enjoyed very much. Entree: I got the Jambalaya and it was delicious and exactly what I wanted this evening. My boyfriend got the Viniger chicken and it was half of an entire chicken! But he cleaned it up completely and told me it was delicious too. The sauce is quite Vinegar-y thought so beware if you don't like that flavor. Severs were quick and very helpful in helping to pick a drink. The restaurant's ambiance is very photographable with many cute sports for friend to take pictures :). read more

On a fairly impromptu Spring Break trip up to see the Indiana Dunes, we elected to stay in South Bend and sample as many food and drink options as we could! Fatbird happened to be our choice for lunch one day, mostly because I am not immune to the Chicken Sandwich wars that have been waging amongst the fast food giants - and I'm always up for a taste test. We walked in for a late lunch on a Monday so we elected to sit at the bar. Our bartender was very adept at recommending menu items and answering all of our questions - which always makes the experience of a new restaurant that much more enjoyable! They have plenty of local craft beer on tap, and a nice varied menu. I, of course, got what I came for and ordered their classic Chicken Sandwich. A few things that set it apart - perfectly fried chicken thighs (so if you don't like dark meat, might want to skip out) and homemade pickles. My husband ordered the Cuban, which according to the bartender is the "unsung hero" of the menu - and it didn't disappoint! The maque choux is signature and definitely a great side option if you're not in the mood for fries. Would highly recommend this great local spot that made our trip to South Bend that much more delicious! read more

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Not sure where to start except to say "wow!" The atmosphere is cool has a southern flair to it. Staff is friendly and our service was quick. Started with cocktails, the ham and turkey and wild belle. They added bitters to the hams beer which made it delicious with a side shot of wild turkey. The wild bell was like a upscale Mimosa with passion fruit and orange juice. We were really looking forward to the fried chicken. Which has been really difficult to find. Fat bird knocked it out of the park. Best fried chicken I've had locally in years. The batter or dredge on the chicken was crispy and delicious. The chicken was juicy and hot when it came to our table. As for the sides they may have rivaled the main dish. Mac & cheese, seriously the best mac & cheese I've ever had. The laminated biscuit, let's just say I went home with a dozen more. And the coleslaw, I mean who raves about coleslaw but this was creamy and flavorful and I are traditional vinegar tangy coleslaw. I can't wait to come back, next time with friends. Is the kind of place you have to share with friends and family. read more

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We've been to Fatbird twice now and it's a great addition to the downtown dining scene. The first visit was shortly after they opened on a Friday evening. It was crowded, but social distancing measures were in place. We were invited to grab a drink from the bar while we waited for a table, but by the time we had our drinks, a spot at the counter in the the bar opened up and we were seated right away. I ordered the Nashville chicken sandwich with the campanelle and cheese as my said and my husband ordered the burger with green beans as his side (those were our only two options as they were out of the other sides). The chicken sandwich was perfectly fried with just the right amount of heat. The bun was a disappointment and completely fell apart - maybe toasting it would help? My husband loved the burger, but thought it was pricey compared to the other options in the area and had the same issue with his bun. The sides were fantastic - loved the twist on the mac 'n cheese and the green beans were also done well. Our second visit, we stopped in for lunch on Christmas Eve. It wasn't busy and we were seated right away. We decided to split the Cuban sandwich with the campanelle and cheese again and also ordered a side of the maque choux, which did not disappoint. There was a little twist on the Cuban with the addition of salami which worked and we would definitely order again - easily large enough to share! Both times, service was spot on. read more

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This place checked all the boxes. Great drinks, great service and amazing food. We started with Pecan old fashions, followed by Haddock and Jambalaya. Perfection. Topped it off with crème brûlée cheesecake with a miso caramel sauce. Don't miss a chance to try this place. We will definitely be going back. read more

Located right at downtown South Bend, Fatbird offer contemporary southern cuisine. Their dining area is very spacious and love the vibe. I got the Chicken & Waffle & Watermelon and it taste very good. The little circular-shape waffle is super fluffy, along with the chicken cooked to golden brown and still maintain the juiciness within. Along with some heat from the spicy sorghum maple syrup. It also come with a few pieces of champagne and sweet tea infused watermelon. I do like the Vinegar BBQ sauce that come with the Grilled Wings. It is not super strong, but compliment the wings fairly well. read more

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Some lovely options in downtown South Bend including The Fatbird. We were able to eat outside and enjoy the mild weather. Service was great our server was helpful and pleasant. We were going light so only had a few items. I loved the dishes the food was served in. Eclectic and different. I'm a dish person so I notice that stuff. The okra was probably one of the best I have ever had. A different style than I'm used to, cooked like a fry with light breading that was falling off, but trust me it works! Not too salty, you can taste the okra and yet have the satisfying crunch. The dipping sauce took it up a notch. Had a shrimp po boy. It was decent they know how to make it. I would probably pick other items next time. pimento cheese dip was phenomenal. Give this place a try. read more

Fatbird - Po boy - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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This place was absolutely perfect! We went here post-show of West Side Story with the cast, and the service was amazing. There were over 20 of us & everything was extremely organized, and came in a good amount of time. The food was even better than the service; I wish I had eaten a little bit more slowly but I couldn't because it was too good to stop. If I'm ever in South Bend again soon, I'd definitely come back! read more

Fatbird - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

What a great find for lunch in downtown South Bend! As the name suggests, the restaurant menu focuses on bird - specifically, fried chicken. But if you're not a fried/hot chicken person (like me), fret not; there are other handheld options like po boys and Cubans. I ordered a Cuban sandwich - what a massive sandwich! Paired with the coleslaw side dish, this hit the spot. Our table ordered the grilled carrots as an appetizer, and while I wasn't enthusiastic about the choice, it was a delicious start to our dining experience. Next time, I'm ordering the deviled eggs to try those out. On top of the great food, service was quick and friendly. read more

We tried the deviled eggs, fried chicken, mac and cheese, potato salad, mashed potatoes, maque choux, biscuit, and green beans. The food was ok but there was not anything we really liked a lot, unfortunately. The decor is nice. Service was friendly. Location is good. read more

Food was delicious! Love how they serve it on antique plates . Our server was very knowledgeable and kind.

If you're in town for business or Notre Dame you should check this place out. It's definitely one of the best kitchens in South Bend. read more

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For a while now, I've heard about how good this place was. Finally, I had the opportunity to try it and it did not disappoint. Everything is super delicious and bursting with flavor. It might not be the healthiest meal of your week but it will definitely be one of the best. I was particularly surprised at how much I enjoyed the addition of salami to the Cuban sandwich. It adds a little kick that really works. I will definitely be back in the future. read more

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With the cold of winter, the sun through the windows at our window seats was warm and bright. With plenty of time before the show, we enjoyed a full meal that included an appetizer, plates, and desserts. The pimento dip and saltines got mixed reviews, but was finished off easily. The jambalaya was full of flavor and the sausage and shrimp did not disappoint. It could have gone without the chicken. The biscuits had a crispy exterior and soft baked interior and with the special butter spread that comes with, it also was easily finished off. The chicken salad had a delightful dill flavor for one of our group. And the chicken and waffles was a hit with another. The green beans and maque chaux did not live up to the flavor of prior experiences. And the Mac n Cheese layered crispy and cheesy into something memorable. In the end, my pecan old fashioned was a perfect pairing with the jambalaya. A cheesecake, chocolate cake bomb and cookie were the finishing touches for others in the group. All in all, delightful and service was top notch, even though understaffed. read more

Fatbird - Pecan Old Fashioned - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

First let me say that I am a senior citizen. So bear this in mind when you read my review. This was the first time I visited Fat Bird and did so with my son, daughter-in-law and Granddaughter. My first impression when I read the menu was that the prices were a bit on the high side. My second impression was the portion size was fairly small for the prices charged. My third impression was the service. It wasn't the quickest but we were chatting and enjoying each others company until the food came. I ordered what was described as deep fried haddock, with Cole slaw, pickles and bread with chips.What I received was a fish sandwich with a dab of coleslaw a pickle slice and a tartar sauce smear. Oh yes the chips were served in an individual serving bag which can be found in a vending machine. The bag was tossed onto the table in front of me. This dinner cost $16.99. My wife had jambalaya. This consisted of a flavored rice, sausage slices, small chunks of chicken and a few shrimp. Included was a fairly small biscuit. This was $22.99. Others in the party had a PoBoy and hamburger sandwichs. Again,in my opinion the prices charged were quite high for what you received. The food tasted ok but nothing you would rave about. Since this is located downtown South Bend, the parking was nonexistent. Granted it was Saturday evening but that is something you should consider. One other thing to be aware of is the 3% charge for credit and debit cards. Some may appreciate the style of meals, I will not be going back to this restaurant. read more

This Cajun food is the real deal, best I have had outside of LA. Great bartender, made a nice Old Fashioned and took good care of us. That's mo bettah! read more

First time at this establishment and I was not disappointed!! The menu is eclectic and does far exceed the taste buds standards. The service was absolutely amazing, the atmosphere was perfect, and the view, even on a dreary day, reminded me of my younger days in Ohio. The hostess suggested the grilled carrots and the Cuban Sandwich. All I will say, it brought back memories of rainy/snowy days curled up with a warm panini (pressed Italian sandwich). I left very satisfied and full!! The amount of food was just perfect for the hungry Sicilian like me (I can eat). Great experience, I will definitely be letting my colleagues know of this place. read more

Fatbird - Grilled Carrots, candied pecans, candies bacon, dill yogurt, sorghum, and citrus, collard green pesto.... Amazing dish - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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This review is for a late lunch at the bar while roadtripping through Indiana in February 2022. service: Bartender took care of us and fine balance of checking on us and leaving us alone. He made the valid recommendation to stick with what the place is famous for, their fried chicken! bar: Their house bloody mary ($10) is not to be missed. They had Cigar City Jai Alai ($7) on tap, which is always a great choice. food: My fried chicken sandwich ($13.49) was called the OG and was fantastic. The chicken is a thigh, but had none of the occasional weirdness you get with thigh meat. The sandwich was absolutely excellent! My wife had a bowl of tortilla soup ($5) and a biscuit ($3). Both were phenomenal. details: Masks were required but no check for vaccination status as of February 2022. Parking might be tough at night or on weekends. We sat at the bar and every time someone opened the side door, we got a blast of cold air. If you snag a bar seat in winter, you've been warned. It's an awesome older building in downtown. Tons of character and excellent décor. Note the awesome water jugs. read more

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This restaurant is amazing and their staff is even better. Their grilled chicken was delicious! Plus, my family loved their food as well. Even the appetizers are delightful. We sat outside with our pups, and they thoughtfully brought us little dishes with water for them. It was such a great experience read more

Fatbird - Coleslaw - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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The biscuits were delicious. I ordered 2 of them. I was for later. The mac n cheese was delicious. I would recommend and plan on eating there again Husband's chicken was yummy too! read more

On call for the weekend and decided to give this cute quaint spot a try. To be honest, this wasn't the first choice, but it should've been. Every other place was packed so, I remembered this spot when we went to a show at The Morris. Anyhoo... SUPER CUTE decor! Small menu, but to me, that's a good thing! Started off with deviled eggs. Because, who doesn't like deviled eggs!?!? Yum!!! It was hard to not ask for more! The onion dip is fantastic! If you like onions. So good!! I'm always looking for a Cuban sandwich and if the restaurant has one, you can bet I'm going to try it. And I did. And I'm so glad I did. Oh em gee! Definitely recommend to try it. You will not be disappointed! I couldn't order an adult beverage because I was on call. Guess that means I'll have to return Give it a try. Ambience is low key and quiet. Staff is friendly. Food is fantastic. read more

Fatbird - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

I would give it a 3.5 if I could. I absolutely loved the interior design. They balanced a quality experience with fun designs and style that made it truly unique. They did well in mixing textures and colors to make quality and laidback blend. The only thing that took away 2 stars was the food itself. While well cooked and the vinegar chicken was very viniger forward and underwhelming when it came to other flavor profiles. The green beans were delicious however the saltines with pimento cheese had room for improvement when it came to presentation. The chicken and waffles were good however the infused watermelon was lost in the other flavors. They did a amazing job with creating an environment that's welcoming and social without loosing the fine details. They used a beautiful mix of miss matched china and simple plates to elevate the experience. Wonderful service all around. read more

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Small portions large prices Not a French-fry in this place. Sides are a little different than they should be. Not a fan of peppers in my coleslaw. And the Mac and cheese was not like mom use to make. Not a bad place to eat but I have no plans to return. read more

WOW. 5 starts across the board. Vibe was right inside. Good music, good service. (Chrissy took care of us) We got the 1/2 chicken w/ Alabama sauce, deviled eggs, Cuban sandwich, half wedge salad and maque choux. Our little one got the burger and Mac n cheese. Crazy flavor. Chicken fell off the bone. Juicy, tender but also had that char and then drenched in the Alabama sauce. Sheesh. Grew up in Miami and that Cuban sandwich felt like home. MAC N CHEESE was unique and different but amazing. read more

What a fun find! I did not expect this in the middle of South Bend but a Cajun/Creole oasis in the middle of fast food and drive up fare. Fried chicken and red beans and rice were a hit read more

I think their fried chicken is really delicious. Last weekend I was in Nashville, and I have to say, I honestly like fatbirds fried chicken better. It's also really cute, especially eating outside. And the service has been consistently really good. I haven't loved very many of their sides besides the biscuits. They're all very good but just not my taste. The same goes for their cocktails. But again the fried chicken is so good! read more

Fatbird - Fried okra - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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How is this place getting 4 stars ? Food was at best mediocre, nothing I ate made me even remotely say I had to come back .. ever? Very expensive for what you got $15 for 6 undercooked wings ? The waitress was pleasant but never even looked our way for a refill ? How about adding French fries ? Fried chicken already on the menu.. so there's a fryer present ? Save your money ... read more

There was a time when my boyfriend would have to move Nashville Hot Chicken across state lines for me. He would bring it, wrapped fresh off the rack from Chicago's Budlong (a $10 endeavor- this detail will be important later) and present it to me right off the train. His whole backpack smelled like grease and chicken. When Fatbird planted its flag in South Bend, I thought such a time was over. We would have our own delicious chicken sandwich on our doorstep. Alas, it was not meant to be. Fatbird's Nashville Hot Chicken is not much better than a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's whopping $18.00 hot chicken plate comes with one leg, one breast, one thigh, one wing. A little baby portion. I could drive halfway to Nashville itself to secure my own chicken at this price. Better yet, I could have two Chicago Budlong sandwiches at this price. The two sides were yummy enough but a small scoop each. There may be a food shortage in the FatBird kitchen. As for the chicken, it managed to be both too greasy and too dry in various areas. Where there was chicken, anyway, and not breading. I gnawed and gnawed around the bones and breading, rooting hungrily for chicken, to no avail. I emerged totally unsatisfied. The chicken, as it were, is not fat. The staff was wonderful so it isn't their fault that the chef's vision seems to be relying solely on wealthy, indistinguishing college students to carry the day. In addition, the restaurant managed to find the one corner of downtown South Bend without readily available parking. A weird additional touch. Covid precautions: Fatbird is open for indoor dining and take-out. Guests are seated at the bar or at tables, six feet apart. Staff members wear masks. read more

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Uhm.. can I get more stars please?! Why is this gem not closer to me?? Maybe it was because it was our first stop in South Bend, or maybe we were just starving, but the food made my belly SO happy. Online menu (QR code at the table) is weird and hard to navigate initially. After struggling for a couple minutes trying to figure out how to even view it, we ordered the Chicken & Waffle & Watermelon (A++++!!!), Po' Boy (pretty good), Long Cooked Green Beans (WOW), Campanelle & Cheese (yesssss), Laminated Biscuit (decent), and Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream (yum!). We popped inside quickly to say we wanted outdoor seating and grabbed a table outside. Service was fairly quick and very friendly. We really wanted to come back again during our short trip but ran into a holiday weekend and they were CLOSED!! Lowkey down to make another trip out to Indiana just to get Fatbird.. read more

Fatbird - Southern Near Me - South Bend, Indiana