Top 5 Pubs and Bars in Mishawaka You Need to Try
Hop Station
Hop Station is the brainchild of Casey and DJ Stuber, local brothers with a serious passion for craft beer. Unlike regular bars where bigtime national and international brands are the norm, Casey and DJ decided to center their menu around the country’s rarest & and most distinct brews. The final result is 30+ beers on tap that are shipped in weekly from hidden gem brewers like WeldWerks in Colorado, Cycle Brewing in Florida, and of course, award-winning breweries throughout the Midwest and Michiana region.
The atmosphere inside Hop Station is warm, inviting, and playful (patrons will find a smattering of Star Wars paraphernalia, with the crown jewel of a baby Yoda figurine standing guard in front of the beer taps). The space also includes darts, billiards, and classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Galaga.
For patrons who prefer liquor-based drinks, Hop Station serves up a long list of signature cocktails like the “Hyperdrive Old Fashioned” made with Heaven Hill bourbon, the “Guava Vodka Mule,” and the “Painkiller,” a fruity concoction made with pineapple rum, orange juice, and coconut cream.
Hop Station is THE place in Mishawaka for authentic hop-driven local brews. Best of all, the evolving menu allows patrons the opportunity to try out new handcrafted beer on every visit.
Craft|One|Half
Chef Michael Horvath and master bartender LaRae Perrin are the dynamic husband and wife duo behind Craft|One|Half, Mishawaka’s most innovative restaurant and bar. Described as a hot spot for upscale comfort food, the menu is an ever-changing showcase of inventive pairings, seasonal ingredients, and elevated takes on down-home cooking. Choose from fresh pasta dishes, hearty protein-centered plates, and eclectic appetizers to share with the table. Fan favorites include the Craft|One|Half burger topped with garlic aioli and a house made olive blend, the charred rainbow trout, and the gambas al ajillo shrimp starter.
As tasty as it all sounds, this isn’t a blog about Mishawaka’s food scene, so let’s turn our attention to the drinks. The name of the restaurant itself is a reference to the equally split priorities of Michael Horvath and LaRae Perrin— Craft|One|Half is, as the website states, “one half craft cocktails and one half scratch kitchen.” With over a decade of experience behind the bar, LaRae is passionate about serving drinks that balance freshness, taste, and creativity.
The Craft|One|Half cocktail menu changes every 6-12 weeks, which means there is something new to experience with every visit. As of this writing, the insect-themed menu features items like “The Firefly,” a gin-based drink with mango chinola, sherry, and served on (literal) fire, the “Modern Grasshopper,” a mint-forward vodka concoction made with crème de cacao, and the sizzling “Scorpio Ascending” prepared with world-renowned Banhez mezcal. Of course, if you’re craving something more familiar, LaRae and her team are always able to prepare classics like an old fashioned, margarita, or negroni. There is no team of bartenders in Mishawaka quite as knowledgeable as the one at Craft|One|Half.
Mishawaka Public House
With three locations across the state, Public House is a true giant in Indiana’s food and beverage world. The Mishawaka Public House, situated in the center of downtown on Main Street, is one of the city’s main hubs for tasty eats, fun drinks, and laidback vibes. Set inside a bright, modern space with high ceilings and two stories of open seating, Public House prides itself on providing the perfect atmosphere to enjoy shareable meals with friends and loved ones.
The drink menu is centered around their tried-and-true list of signature drinks: Moscow mule, chocolate espresso martini, old fashioned, dragon fruit mojito, jalapeño margarita, and lavender blueberry lemonade (with vodka, of course). On top of this, the bar serves rotating draft beer options, fruit-forward seltzers, and Public House’s very own private label wine made with grapes grown on the shores of Lake Michigan. Patrons can pair their favorite drinks with yummy brunch, lunch, and dinner options.
Mishawaka Public House has quickly become a local go-to for good times, delicious food, and great company.
Vinyl Tap & Table
Vinyl Tap & Table has built a loyal fanbase in Mishawaka by harmonizing its passion for music, savory burgers, and one-of-a-kind craft brews. Walking in, visitors will immediately notice the musical theme running throughout the restaurant— walls are lined with murals of legends like Miles Davis, MF Doom, and Jimi Hendrix. Vinyl Tap & Table also sells classic and modern vinyl records for you to enjoy at home.
When it comes to food, the burgers and chicken wings take the cake. Burgers are named after famous songs including the “Born in the USA” made with cheddar, bacon, ranch, and garlic mushrooms, the “Take Me Higher” with its signature pickled hot cherry pepper and chipotle crema, and the undisputed top seller the “Tennessee Whiskey,” a tantalizing combo of a never-frozen beef patty, bacon, provolone, grilled onion, a homemade roasted garlic purée, and whiskey glaze barbeque sauce. The menu is filled with other tasty options like action-packed mac-n-cheese, fresh salads, and wings that are considered by many to be the best in town.
With just one visit to Vinyl Tap & Table, patrons can savor a meal, sip on a crisp, artisan brew, and purchase a new album for the record collection. Now THAT’S rock n’ roll!
Catch 22 Pub & Grub
A list of the top 5 watering holes in Mishawaka would not be complete without the inclusion of a proper dive bar. That’s why we’re wrapping things up with Catch 22 Pub & Grub. This local favorite, situated on W 4th Street, has all the necessary elements of a successful dive: an old oak bar, a well-worn pool table, glowing neon signs, and attentive bartenders who are bound to remember your name and drink order after a few visits.
In terms of drinks, Catch 22 Pub & Grub carries all your big brand favorites along with a selection of fresh beer on tap. The bartenders are seasoned, experienced, and knowledgeable and can easily whip up whatever you may be craving. On top of this, the pub cooks up some of Mishawaka’s tastiest burgers and features new food and drink specials every week. Get down to Catch 22 Pub & Grub for one of Mishawaka’s most exciting dive bar experiences.
There you have it folks! Whether you’re in the mood for fancy cocktails, a flight of craft brews, or a $3 can, this list of the top 5 pubs and bars in Mishawaka has got you covered. After you’ve explored the city, please visit us at River Pointe Apartments. We offer well designed 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans inside of Mishawaka’s premier living community, featuring an impressive suite of amenities that include a resort-style swimming pool, professional fitness center, and private boat dock with access to the St. Joseph River.
Schedule your tour today and discover River Pointe Apartments— home begins here.