Ah, Mishawaka restaurants. Can’t live with ’em. Can’t live without ’em. New spots appear in this town as often as ads in your social feed. So you’ll want the scoop on where to eat—otherwise you’re left spending cash at every joint with a glowing sign to find out. Here are our top picks, all conveniently clustered (and yes, we’ve got the classics covered too).
Kristin’s Cafe
$ | (574) 255-1941 | WEBSITE
This cozy breakfast diner in Mishawaka is one of those rare spots that works for everything from a quiet morning meal to a hearty weekend brunch. It’s a little charming inside: picture checkered tablecloths, vintage coffee mugs, cozy booths, and counter seats. And the homemade dishes and spins on breakfast classics are just as comforting and delicious.
Come for a light, perfectly spiced sausage gravy in the morning, the massive Hugh Jass combo for lunch, consistently excellent coffee all day, and that famous corned beef hash any time.
Bonnie Doon Drive-In
$ | (574) 255-9841 | WEBSITE
Bonnie Doon Drive-In is so nostalgic that they constantly have families pulling into their Mishawaka lot. These classic treats have a ton of charm—don’t call them outdated—it’s just part of the old-time-but-still-delicious atmosphere. The menu only offers four main options: cheeseburgers, chicken stripes, cheese fries, and cheese/bacon fries.
And you’ll have to drive right up to their window to order any of them (though you can call if you want a whole batch of ice cream cones or plan ahead if you’re bringing at least four kids).
PASQUALE RULLI’S
$ | (574) 259-9959 | WEBSITE
Despite the name, Pasquale Rulli’s isn’t entirely about the pizza—everything the family-run pizzeria makes is pretty great. From the excellent dishes like the good lasagna to the various highlights (go for the tiramisu) and phenomenal supreme pizza, it’s all going to make you feel like you’ve been doing this meal thing all wrong. Of course, all of the pizzas are fantastic, but it’s the delectably creamy and fluffy tiramisu that has Mishawaka lining up.
They’re open with a pleasant atmosphere and good service, so plan ahead to leave with something you’ll be talking about tomorrow.
Chuck E. Cheese
$$ | (574) 259-2449 | WEBSITE
Chuck E. Cheese is the first place we think of when we want a family-friendly outing, a spot for birthday celebrations, or a fun afternoon with the kids. The clean, brightly-lit space is always bustling, so we wouldn’t suggest showing up without checking the party schedule. From the delicious cheese pizza and crispy golden fries to the entertaining arcade games and ticket-redemption prizes, Mishawaka families just can’t seem to get enough. Neither can we.
It’s one of the 16 Best Restaurants in Mishawaka for a reason.
Big Panda Buffet
$ | (574) 520-1998 | WEBSITE
At this sprawling family buffet restaurant, you exchange $11 for a generous spread of American-Chinese comfort food. It’s located in a standalone building with ample parking and comes with a welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere. The bright entrance leads into a spacious, clean dining room that’s almost entirely taken up by comfortable booths and tables.
To start, you’ll find a wide selection of hot dishes followed by things like peanut butter chicken and coconut chicken, and then plenty of American options for picky eaters, fresh sides, and a drink included. Come here if you’re feeding a family on a budget, but beware—we have on occasion left stuffed.
Toyo Grill
$ | (574) 254-9120 | WEBSITE
Mishawaka has plenty of Korean food, and we can’t seem to escape sushi spots. But Toyo Grill delivers a combination that you won’t find anywhere else. The service is friendly, and dishes like the Galbi short ribs are as authentic as what’s coming from the kitchen. Influences come from Korea, with stops in Japan, but no matter the inspiration, every dish is delicious.
Savory Toyo Udon is topped with crispy tempura, chirashi bowls bathe in fresh fish, and the Korean short ribs—the town’s best—are paired with flavorful marinade and tender meat. Eating an array of abundant, tasty dishes isn’t the issue at Toyo Grill. Figuring out how to wait patiently for them all is.
Crumbl – Mishawaka
$$ | (574) 213-0987 | WEBSITE
Crumbl looks like it belongs in a storybook bakery, but the energy and bustle are the opposite of sleepy. Sugar-rush aside, the part-cookie shop, part-treat destination has bright displays, an open kitchen, and a rotating number of cookie flavors that are worth grabbing. Stick to the classics, especially the lemon crinkle. It’s made with a tangy glaze that gets a touch of sweet tartness from the zest mixed in.
They also have decent soft cake cookies, like the vanilla bean topped with sprinkles that you should order or use as a pillow, your call.
That Place Bar & Grill
$ | (574) 387-4499 | WEBSITE
When you’re looking for a no-fuss night out or just need a place to unwind after a long week, consider That Place Bar & Grill. It’s like the neighborhood’s reliable soundtrack with its cold cheap beer, friendly faces like Brooke and Hilary, and that famous corned beef and cabbage that comes in generous portions for about $18.
Stop by on a Saturday night for karaoke that turns into a blast of fun, or catch the pool tournaments from Friday through Sunday while soaking in the cozy dive bar atmosphere. Come here next time you want to relax with friends, or swing by and enjoy the beautiful small-town vibe while going all in on some good drinks.
Cosimo & Susie’s – A Bit of Italy
$ | (574) 258-4911 | WEBSITE
This cozy Italian spot is a partnership between folks who love pasta and sauce, and a family that greets you at the door. That means you come here to eat seafood fettuccine and enjoy the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular. Nothing runs over $28 and the lighting is warm enough to make the memorabilia under the clear tablecloths glow. Bring a friend, or just yourself and settle into one of the wheelchair-accessible tables.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
$ | (574) 217-4956 | WEBSITE
Between the salad bar loaded with fresh vegetables and the carving station pumping out hot entrees, this giant buffet restaurant feels exactly how you wish every family dinner could be. It’s useful for just about any dining situation. Come by yourself for a quick lunch, or bring the whole family for a big group dinner. We usually go for options like the pepperoni pizza with stuffing, creamy macaroni, and the free steak after 4 pm that many find delicious.
Macadoo’s Family Restaurant
$ | (574) 259-7669 | WEBSITE
Macadoo’s Family Restaurant should be a case study in successful family dining. Originally, the cozy spot was solely focused on breakfast. But the warm atmosphere now serves other great meals (like the made-to-order specials), generous portions, and quick service. Most importantly, the breakfast here, be it the gluten-free options or the classic All-American plates, are up there with the best in the city. And if that wasn’t enough, both breakfast and coffee are just under 10 dollars all day.
R.B.I.’s Sports Bar and Grill
$ | (574) 255-3898 | WEBSITE
R.B.I.’s Sports Bar and Grill is where we go for lively nights and great drinks in Mishawaka. The space itself feels like a classic sports haven, with football games playing on big screens and a jukebox humming in the corner. Head in on Wednesday for their wings special, which comes with a side of crispy fries and a cold draft beer for about $15. It sort of tastes like the perfect game-day snack after a long week.
R.B.I.’s also hosts bike nights where, for a $10 cover, you and your crew can soak up the friendly atmosphere, awesome food, and a welcoming environment that’s all about a good time.
El Rancho Viejo Mishawaka
$ | (574) 404-2925 | WEBSITE
This vibrant and lively Tex-Mex spot has seating for nearly every occasion—there’s bar seating for a solo traditional margarita, a bustling main dining room packed with big families, and there’s even an area with warm lighting, perfect for pretending you’re near the Mexican coastline when the mood hits.
Stick to the traditional dishes, like the flavorful Birria topped with rich red sauce, the amazing Pinà Cancun pineapple dish with steak, chicken, and shrimp, or the delightful tableside guacamole. If you want to go bigger, the loaded menu with fantastic margaritas gets the satisfying job done. Toss in an excellent huge margarita for just $10, and you have a truly dependable experience (even when the occasional wait disrupts your authentic dining fantasy).
Ritter’s Frozen Custard
$ | (574) 255-8000 | WEBSITE
This Mishawaka custard stand makes peanut butter custard that would be worth driving across town to eat. But they also have classic treats like the Worms n Dirt with chocolate ice cream topped with Oreo crumbles and gummy worms, as well as richer options like the brownie sundae and the peanut butter/Reeses glacier. Bring the family here for a quick treat or a casual outing. Or just swing through the drive-thru when you finish a long day at 8pm on a Sunday after a hectic week.
Phoenix Bar & Grill
$ | (574) 257-8876 | WEBSITE
Phoenix Bar & Grill’s trivia nights, live music, and dancing will have you feeling like a local legend. Even a casual visit will be full of little surprises, like the bartender’s signature cocktails elevating a standard evening. The attention to detail makes experiencing the food and entertainment feel like you’re discovering nightlife for the first time again. And, in Mishawaka, that accomplishment should come with a round of applause.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (574) 247-9460 | WEBSITE
This Italian grill works for families who want to put some steak in their bellies before enjoying a summer night in Mishawaka. It’s a Carrabba’s location, which means it’s going to be welcoming, relaxed within an inch of its life, and everyone around you will be chatting with the friendly staff like Brooke. Get the steak with masala mushroom topping and the salad with two toppings.
