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    Swells A Dive Bar

    4.7 (34 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Swells A Dive Bar Photos

    SWELLS A DIVE BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Paul S.

    "A perfect pit stop for pizza, pours, and ridiculous good times" If you're the kind of person who likes pizza so big it threatens to spill over your lap, beer cold enough to make a snowman jealous, and a bar atmosphere that's "rustic chic" -- otherwise known as "dive-bar with a soul" -- then Swells is your joint. Walk in and you're instantly hit with: a dozen TVs showing whatever game, a neon sign letting you know you're not in Kansas (or Chicago), and the unmistakable aroma of something cheesy, savory, and probably sinful. I went for the Detroit-style pizza and wasn't disappointed -- each square slice was like a little piece of heaven on a cardboard platform. The bartenders? Friendly as a farm dog when you show up with the cooler tucked in back of your pickup. Drinks flow quick, conversations are easy, and before you know it you've swapped a few tall tales with locals who've probably been coming in since the 80s (and loving the same 80s-era jukebox hits). The vibe's cozy, no pretense -- just good grub + good company. Yes, the parking lot's about as roomy as a Lincoln continental in a compact-car slot, but that's half the charm -- if everyone else's SUVs are packed in tight, it must mean you found the right place. Bottom line: if you're cruising US-12, or in the mood for cheap drinks, honest food, and a laugh or two -- Swells is the kind of place where you leave with a full belly, a warm buzz, and a grin. I'll definitely be back (and likely announcing it loud enough for the bartender to overhear it over the next game).

    Detroit style pizza
    Jeremy B.

    As a Detroit pizza aficionado (not really) I had to try Swell's pizza after seeing a photo of it on social media, and it did not disappoint! Swell's lives up to its name as a dive bar with a cozy wood paneled interior decorated with beer advertisements and colorful lights. But the food was delicious and service was super friendly and efficient. Glad we found this little gem in Michigan City, will be back.

    Main seating area and pool table
    Jenn H.

    Great local joint with delicious pizza and a friendly vibe. We went on a Monday evening so it wasn't too busy and we found a seat right away! Quick friendly service. The meatball appetizer was just average but the thin crust pizza was great

    Large thin crust with sausage, mushroom and onion.

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    6 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    16 days ago

    Great food Great service. You will not be disappointed. Staff works great together. We will be back.

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    26 days ago

    Great food great time glad to be back closer to home town this was a nice find on the road trip

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Was very clean and bartender was very friendly. We had the Detroit pizza and was awesome.

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    10 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Best pizza in town, the hand tossed 8s my favorite. Friendly service. What more can you ask for.

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Not your normal Dive bar . Very clean , good food great service . The Swellstrami is a fantastic sandwich . These guys got ot right.

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Swells has a great menu, upscale food choices and a great atmosphere. Will certainly be back!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Great pizza great salads!! Friendly staff. Good vibe to watch games!! Highly recommend!!

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    2 years ago

    Very friendly staff, opened early for a fundraiser and the Bears game. The food was delicious. Bar was very clean

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    Bottom Line: Fun, waterside, marina atmosphere with decent food. Worth a stop…read more I picked this place out from my map function because it looked interesting, on the water, and near an historic, old railroad bridge (Trail Creek Swing Bridge). It is my first time here, and for a late afternoon linner. The place did not disappoint--for the most part. It is open air with a beachy, boaty, picnic tables-under-umbrellas vibe. It overlooks the water, a marina, and the name inspiring railroad swing bridge which makes for an interesting visual environment. Thankfully there is no attempt to force an out of place theme, sparing us from steel drum background music. Interestingly though, the only nod to the railroad structure inspired name was an old school railroad crossing sign at the entry otherwise everything else is boat marina feel. Our server was friendly and efficient. My hefty burger was thick and juicy. The coleslaw was fresh. The disappointment was the fries. They were more like shoestring fries and came dried out/overcooked. The sweet potatoes fries were a better bet. The lackluster fries were not enough though to lose a star. Overall the experience was a satisfying one and at a reasonable price. I would definitely come back especially as a very nice alternative to the other railroad name inspired brewery restaurant in town.

    The atmosphere and deck are nice on a summer day but I feel that the food is somewhat outrageously…read morepriced for fried bar food. I had the salmon burger and sweet potato fries which were good but we were shocked when we got the bill. It's good for kids and big parties assuming you catch them when the wait isn't too long during peak season.

    Photos
    Bar area.
    Bar area.
    Cheese curds were fantastic!
    Cheese curds were fantastic!
    Frozen vodka lemonade

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    Frozen vodka lemonade
    Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant

    Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant

    3.9
    (898 reviews)
    3.3 mi
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    We stopped into Shoreline Brewery while visiting Michigan City because it was unbearably hot…read moreoutside and we needed somewhere to cool off before we could check into our hotel. We ordered the Elote Pizza, and overall it was really good. It had a nice wood-fired crust that was probably the highlight of the meal. The only downside was that it came with a garlic aioli that was very heavy...there was so much on the pizza that it overpowered some of the other flavors. I think it would have been even better with a lighter hand. For drinks, I had one of their sour beers and my husband ordered an IPA. Both were good, but neither really stood out as anything particularly memorable. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was friendly and took good care of us. The layout of the brewery was a little unexpected. We walked into the main entrance, then the host brought us back outside and over to a separate building where the bar is located. It was a little confusing at first, but it ended up being a neat setup. The restaurant was clean, with a spacious dining room and a nice-looking patio. The only thing that kept this from being a higher rating was the value. It felt a little expensive for what we ordered, and while everything was solid, nothing really wowed us. Overall, I'm glad we stopped in, especially as a place to escape the heat for a while. If you're in the area and looking for a casual meal and a local beer, it's worth checking out...I just wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to visit again.

    Went for dinner, and was asked to pay $5 cover because a band was playing outside. Sat outside and…read moreband packed up after a couple of songs. Spoke to the manager who was very unapologetic and didn't seem to care about treating your customers well. Pretty much said that's their policy even if you happen to come just 5 mins before close. Food was average, their "award winning" lamb burger was not medium rare as stated on the menu. The only saving grace was our waitress who was very attentive and empathetic. Will not venture here again nor will recommend anyone to go here.

    Photos
    Eating area
    Eating area
    Scotch eggs
    Scotch eggs
    Pineapple Daiquiri crafted cocktail

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    Pineapple Daiquiri crafted cocktail
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    Our server Lauren was amazing! Very friendly and attentive. Good was good too! Loved the overall…read moreexperience.

    We had a fantastic lunch at The Stray Dog in New Buffalo! It was busy when we arrived, so there was…read morea short wait, but it was well worth it. We grabbed a beer and a glass of wine at the bar while we waited. The atmosphere is one of my favorite things about this restaurant. It's open, welcoming, and full of personality. I loved all of the dog photos throughout the restaurant and their "Sit. Stay. Eat!" theme, it gives the place such a fun, relaxed vibe. The menu is awesome, I honestly had a hard time deciding because everything sounded so good. We started with the truffle fries and they were incredible. For my entrée, I chose the grilled red snapper tacos, they were delicious. The fresh pineapple salsa paired perfectly with the fish, and I especially loved the pickled red cabbage on top. The snapper was grilled perfect. My husband and daughter shared the grilled shrimp po'boy which turned out to be a great decision because it's a generous-sized sandwich. They both liked the Cajun remoulade sauce and the soft telera roll it was served on. They also ordered a side of onion rings. My son enjoyed the cheeseburger from the kids menu. Our server was friendly and attentive. The Stray Dog has great food, a fun atmosphere, and excellent service. It's easy to see why it's such a popular spot. We will definitely be back the next time we're in New Buffalo!

    Photos
    Bar area. Very roomy!
    Bar area. Very roomy!
    Grilled Shrimp Po Boy 5/5
    Grilled Shrimp Po Boy 5/5
    Upstairs rooftop (1st come 1st serve)

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    Upstairs rooftop (1st come 1st serve)

    Swells A Dive Bar - divebars - Updated July 2026

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