5* Would give it more if I could! We drove over from Elkhart where we were visiting and am SO glad we did. Would go back anytime! We couldn't decide what to order so we got three things. The Crawfish Etouffee Poutine seemed "risky" since we are from the South and wondered what kind of etouffee it would be. It was amazing. The andouille sausage and crawfish were perfect with just the right amount of heat! We also got the Peaches and Cream French Toast and the Crab Cakes Benedict. It was all delicious. We couldn't eat it all but what we ate made us glad we ordered it all. Don't miss it! Shannon was a great server. Gave us plenty of time to look over the menu. Decor is simple local diner vibe - very clean and nice. Totally enjoyed! read more

See all

We stopped in from out of town for breakfast on a recent Saturday! We almost always choose Yelp to help us pick a spot when we are visiting a town we don't know well! This place was bustling!! It seems like a very popular spot! We just had the two of us and were seated at a small two person table between two other close tables - located alongside a long booth bench against the wall that breaks up into individual seating spots. This was totally fine for our breakfast that morning but it's not something I'd prefer if you like your privacy in conversation or otherwise. ;) The service was slow to start but after our waitress came she was mostly attentive the rest of our meal. We ordered 2 coffees. These were stronger and much more delicious than your average "diner cup"!! The staff offered a couple of refills throughout our time. I really loved the simplicity of the menu! There are options with a great variety, but it's still concise and not overwhelming!! Our dishes came out within 10 minutes of ordering, extremely fast and was surprising! My husband ordered the Huevos Rancheros with chorizo and he enjoyed it! The flavors were bold and the plate was pleasing to the eyes except for the avocado which was looked like it was quickly turning. I ordered the Crab Cake Benedict and had super high expectations for this entree!! It looked so beautiful upon arrival but when I began eating I quickly realized the dish was quite cool! My first half came with a well done poached egg which was disappointing. The second piece was cooked perfectly but was also just not very warm. The hollandaise sauce had wonderful flavor, but again, just wasn't warm - it seemed like the dish had maybe been sitting. I think this dish could be outstanding at the right temperature!! The potatoes that accompany this entree were a little dry for my liking but my husband thought they were good!! :) We noticed other tables with special lattes and several parties being served decadent looking sweet breakfast options - those all looked delicious!! There was a super kind and outgoing waitress serving nearby tables, explaining all kinds of special choices, like lovely latte options that were being offered that morning. The way she so kindly described everything sounded delicious but unfortunately our waitress didn't welcome our table with that same level of hospitality. What we saw being ordered by those nearby was met with great happiness when it arrived to them!! :) read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Huevos Rancheros, after a couple of bites ;) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

See all

We are in South Bend, Indiana for our daughter's graduation from Notre Dame. We looked up breakfast places in South Bend and found the early bird eatery. I highly recommend this restaurant. The ingredients are fresh and the bread is homemade. The bread is full grain or sourdough. My husband had the breakfast special and I had the Montecristo sandwich. We both had the loaded home fries. They were cooked to perfection, but the best part is the fact that they clearly take pride in the ingredients they used to make their food. Hard to find these days. If you're in South Bend, give it a try. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

It's always a great experience at The Early Bird Eatery! Highly recommend making reservations, especially on the weekends. For our latest visit, we couldn't pass up the Summer Restaurant week specials of the Blackberry Sparkler, Key Lime Pancakes and Carnitas Benedict. The pancakes were massive, perfectly cooked and loaded with key lime curd and whipped cream. The Benedict had flavorful pork on sopes, perfectly poached eggs and a chipotle hollandaise with a nice little kick. The restaurant week specials include coffee or iced tea, but every time we've gone, they have charged us (always easily fixed...server even admitted they always forget). Definitely one of our go to brunch spots! read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Massive key lime pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

See all

Food was super yummy! Customer service was decent, could be slightly friendlier but I'm not a morning person either so I get it! read more

See all

Wonderful food, speciality coffee drinks and service! Super cute location, with plenty of seating. Absolutely loved the Peaches & Cream French Toast. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Peaches & Cream French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

We tried this little gem purely on yelp reviews! We took advise and reserved a table ahead, and we are very happy we did! This place is very busy on Saturday morning! The ambience is very light and brunchy and the over aesthetic is classic diner. We were seated after a short wait, we had a nice younger waiter who was very friendly and suggested his favorites to us as new customers. My latte was served hot with a beautiful design on top. Their espresso choice was very smooth and delicious! Our waiter stated they make their own syrup and I was very impressed with the quality of the vanilla flavor. 10/10 on my latte! Husband ordered biscuits and gravy with eggs on top. He was not overly impressed with the different take on the traditional biscuits and gravy however he said it was a preference not quality issue for him. The biscuits were good. He loved the potatoes loaded! Oh man- the peaches and cream French toast!!! What angel is working in that kitchen? I was blown away by this meal. The caramelized butter and peaches and French toast and cinnamon oh my goodness. I could not stop....literally lol We will be back absolutely, hubby wants to try the smash burgers that were suggested and I will eat their french toast for the rest of my life lol read more

See all

We decided to get brunch for Labor Day. While it was very busy, we still felt like we got our food served at a decent time after ordering. I was really surprised by how good everything was. The corned beef hash was delicious. I'm not the biggest fan of meats but this was so good, melted in my mouth. The potatoes were also to die for. The peaches and cream French toast was also really delicious. Our meals came out warm and delicious. I would love to go back and try some of the eggs Benedict and the coffee! Great place and location to walk downtown afterwards. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Corned Beef Hash side Cheesy Grits Peaches & Cream French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Absolutely lovely experiance, the atmosphere is so calm and peaceful, and the food! Oh the food! We ordered pancakes and where expecting pretty standard cakes... but they came out so big and fluffy! Ive never not needed syrup with my cakes! They where TOO GOOD FOR SYRUP! read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

See all

We went for a little birthday brunch, and the food was absolutely delicious. I also really enjoyed my coffee-- I got the specialty golden latte. My friend and I split an omelette and the blueberry lemon pancakes, which I think was the way to go because both were incredible. It also meant I got a little bit of sweet, little bit of savory The cafe is well decorated and very clean, and our server was extremely kind and helpful. We'll be back for sure! read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Golden Milk Latte, Blueberry Lemon Pancakes, Spinach Feta omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

We had a wonderful breakfast at The Early Bird Eatery! They turn tables quick so we got right in, our server Shannon was great and the food was excellent. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Cauliflower Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Such a fun breakfast spot in a super good location when you're visiting. We were sat immediately at 10 am on a Friday. Ordered the best latte - Golden Milk was super unique and our server cautioned me against it (spicy like a chai), I have a new favorite morning indulgence. Kids got the biscuits and gravy and French toast. Both were fabulous and nice to have sweet and savory options. Hubby was craving a sandwich so he asked for a breakfast version and they met his desire! So nice of them to make something special for him. We loved this place - come hungry! read more

See all

Had a nice breakfast here. Food was good, waiter was great and made good suggestions. If you are thinking about giving it a try, go ahead and do it. Interesting menu. Went to Peggs the next day- different vibe- also good, but not as interesting as this place. read more

If you're in South Bend and looking for a good little breakfast spot, I would highly suggest Early Bird! We got there about an hour after they opened and there was still plenty of seating but it filled up quick. The wait staff was friendly and responsive to any questions or concerns. Most of all... the food was fantastic. I had the crab cake eggs benedict. The hollandaise was made perfectly and complimented the dish well. The crab cake was thick and cooked to perfection. Great choice. My wife had the peaches and cream French toast. The French toast itself was delicious and the candied pecans made the dish in my opinion. Her only criticism was that the peaches were not hot. Not a detriment to the composition of the dish in my opinion but it caught her off guard. Again... still delicious, just cautioning those are considering trying it when you eat at the early bird. My son got the corned beef hash. Very savory and delectable. The over easy eggs on top were slightly overcooked but was still a great dish. He cleaned his plate. And if you're an orange juice fan, it was some of the best I've had. Overall a great experience and priced appropriately. I look forward to returning next time I'm in South Bend and trying more of the excellent looking options on the menu. Specifically the biscuits and mushroom gravy. I almost went for it this time but it's hard to pass up a good benedict. Great job Early Bird! Yum!!! read more

See all

We arrived just before our reservation but was told they would seat us to get us started but they wouldn't be able to take our order until 9 which was our reservation. Was seated and waited for someone to offer us water or coffee which was not. Two other customers were seated after us and was promptly waited on to place their drink orders and to our surprise their food order. All before 9 am. We were very disappointed and excused us from the establishment to never visit again. read more

I literally travel to south bend just to eat their breakfast. You have to have it! The food is so good and the service is great. Some of the best eggs you will eat. read more

It's great for breakfast! 5 stars if it opened earlier during the week and we could meet there before work.

A must stop everytime in south bend! Food is great! Never a bad breakfast/brunch. Service always friendly! And the space is open and inviting.. read more

Good food, good coffee. Service was just ok. I had the pork green chili poutine. An interesting fusion that was tasty but wouldn't be my first choice again. Coffee latte was very good. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Pork green chili poutine and latte - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Amazing food. Huge servings. Fast service. Greqt atmosphere. I got the biscuits and gravy and the biscuits were gigantic. We will definitely come again when in town. read more

We enjoyed our brunch here, great food with both breakfast and lunch options. Prices are on the higher side, and I was a little disappointed to get a canned soda instead of a fountain drink. The quality is solid, but it does feel like they nickel and dime you. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Lemon blueberry pancakes were just overly rich and soggy. The lemon curd or whatever was just everywhere and it all kinda melted into this big pile of overly sweet slop. My omelette was decent but kinda small for the price. You can get an omelette twice the size for less at a local diner. For the price you can get better food elsewhere imo Service was just ok. Nothing against our waitress she was nice but food took a while to come out and the check took longer as well read more

Ever since they opened, Early Bird has been my fav breakfast/brunch spot in town!! Food is always fire, no matter what you get you won't be disappointed here. Their barista drinks? Killer. I gotta say I miss the vibes of the old Dainty Maid location, but it's still a cool space read more

Came here for a quick trip to South Bend and enjoyed our time. Place was very packed, which makes sense for a Sunday morning. Our waiter was very attentive and got our orders in quickly. Food was very tasty and the portion size was quite large. Would highly recommend putting your name on the waitlist instead of doing a walk in as the place is very popular and there isn't a lot of seating. Would come back again! read more

The food here is delicious and the service stands out. If you don't mind waiting for a table, you're in for a treat. A nice perk is there's free parking in the parking structure right next door. The one thing of note is that it can get warm inside, and it's always quite loud, because it's usually full. Go for the food, and not the conversation! read more

See all

I think this is my third time going here, and every experience lives up to or exceeds the preceding ones! This time around I got the Blueberry Lemon Pancakes with a side of home fries and it was delicious! The portions are generous, so you definitely get bang for your buck. We sat outside this time, we were initially worried about the sun, but there are umbrellas that practically shade the entire outdoor seating area! Traffic noise isn't an issue at all! The service was fast, and while the indoor seating was taken it seems like if you sit outside you can get seated faster! Overall would highly recommend! read more

busy place but we joined the waitlist and were seated promptly. bright interior. potatoes were a little dry and needed sauce. the eggs benedict was good but the two tiny pieces of asparagus felt very sparse read more

See all

Extremely amazing services they provided. i love their food, that filled my tummy but not my heart. highly recommended. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

See all

Delicious breakfast in downtown South Bend! Love their lattes, huevos rancheros and the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict.

I have been coming here for a few years and it has become one of my favorite places to eat. Their lemon blueberry pancakes are out of this world, and I often order the crab cake eggs Benedict as well. The potatoes and home fries are the best I have ever had, and their lattes are also delicious. There is nothing bad to say about this place. Sometimes it gets busy and a little loud, but when that happens I just place a takeout order. I definitely recommend it. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

I discovered this breakfast/brunch place a couple visits ago. I brought my family here this weekend and everyone enjoyed it. The service is good and the restaurant is very clean. The menu has a good variety and the food is well made. The overall vibe of the menu is a southern style menu but with a twist. The chicken and waffles were a hit. It had some curried shredded cabbage which sounds odd but really did add to the dish. You may want to request more maple syrup on the side. The loaded breakfast potatoes are really good. My son got an order as his main. We upgraded the potatoes on our dishes to loaded as well. My wife got the crab cake benny. It was made well but I think the ordinary ham Benedict is probably better. I wanted to get the shrimp and grits but I've had incredible shrimp and grits before so I didn't want to waste a choice of getting this when I could get something else. Last time I came here, I was a little disappointed with the biscuits and gravy because the biscuit was a little dry. I still highly recommend this restaurant if you're visiting or a local. Another plus is you can add yourself to the waitlist through the Yelp app and check where you are in line as well as the estimated wait time. read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Crab cake Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

See all

Great food! Friendly Service! Cute decor! Yummy Eggs Benedict. Be sure to make a reservation. read more

Yay! We finally made it here after years of having this place bookmarked on Yelp. The stars finally aligned this time during our journey home from Michigan to Indy. We popped in for lunch on a Tuesday and ordered the tempeh grain bowl topped with shredded sweet potato and kale chips (so delicious!), side of home fries, and the pabellon (arepas, steak, plantains, rice and beans). All were delicious. I might have to steal their idea of broccoli tempeh Patties- so delicious! The service was fabulous and we loved the sleek interior filled with natural light. They also were very kid friendly with high chairs, a changing table and coloring sheets. Can't wait for our next visit! Definitely worth the wait/anticipation. read more

Not worth the wait if you ask me. I'm in South Bend Indiana expecting a mom and pop shop experience but I got a yuppie hipster experience. Walked in this morning with no reservation. They told us 30 to 40 minutes at 40 minutes. They said your table is almost ready. Head back now we did and we waited an additional 25 minutes after that push notification don't ask for anything like syrup with your chicken and waffles because I jokingly said watch they're gonna charge us a dollar and sure enough they did the food all came out warm not hot. I could barely find the chicken in my chicken and waffle sandwich. I won't be back. read more

This restaurant is missed so much in SW Michigan, but it is worth the hour drive to get a taste! The hot turkey is my go to dish for breakfast or lunch! They always have great salad choices, so it is hard to choose what to eat. My kids ordered off the kids menu, it is so nice to get a good portion of food! They said "these are the best pancakes I have ever had!". Looking forward to making the trip for some amazing food, SO worth it! read more

The Early Bird Eatery - Hot Turkey, side of crispy potato and grits, and a latte! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Nice place, very nice servers BUT THE FOOD... OMG the food. Wow! We had the briskets and gravy to start. This has to be a staple in your diet. LOL. So flavorful. Buttery biscuits. Just hit it out of the park with this balanced dish. I forget the names of the other dishes but they were all wonderful. This will be a place we regularly dine at when we are in town. A definite must try if you haven't been. read more

Came to Notre Dame for an event and looked up places to eat. To be honest I thought this was probably one of those hyped placed where the food is not good...but I was wrong. The food did not disappoint and the service was good! My brother is a very picky eater and I was surprised when he said his food was good. Definitely worth the wait! read more

The most delicious Monte Cristo sandwich I've ever tasted! Cute millennial decor and friendly staff make this a must-try place in South Bend

Great service! It was super busy in there but our server took great care of us. Food was great, we got a variety of food and drinks and everything was excellent! read more

Super busy. We were there for Brunch...which had plenty to choose from. Great price point and service is excellent.