FAQs

Top 5 Tips for a Great Restaurant Week Experience

Restaurant Week is a great time to sample the variety of cuisines and entertainment available in Downtown South Bend at a great price! You can visit a favorite haunt or try something new. Or both … the specials are that good! In any case, here are some things that you can do to make the most of your experience.

1. Make Reservations

While Monday and Tuesday may be more open, many restaurants fill up quickly on the weekends. So you’ll want to be sure to visit each restaurant’s site and see if they take reservations. Many even take online reservations. It’s a quick and easy way to make sure there’s a table waiting with your name on it!

2. Check out the Eat. Drink. Downtown South Bend Web Site

The EatDrinkDTSB.com Web site offers information about all of the great venues participating in each event. We encourage you to take a minute or two to view the variety of options available to you in Downtown South Bend. There truly is something for everyone. And, by visiting our Web site often, you’ll keep on top of the different specials downtown establishments are offering, the hours they are open, directions, a parking map, and if you need to make reservations.

3. Understand the Price

Each of the participating restaurants has a published Restaurant Week menu that spells out what is included and what is not included. You’ll want to make sure you understand what you’re getting for your dollar. So there are no surprises for you or your budget. And, if you have a question, ask your server BEFORE you order.

4. Tip Your Server Well

As part of Restaurant Week, you’re getting a good discount on your meal. But that doesn't mean you need to ignore your server … or pay him or her less. You should tip as generously as you can, especially on the lower meal cost. Why? Because although you’re getting a break, your waiter or waitress is not getting a break on their rent this month; they rely on the tips they would normally get.

5. Have Realistic Expectations

During Restaurant Week, participating establishments offer specific choices as part of the “deal,” so if you’re a very picky eater, this might not be the best option for you. During this type of promotion, restaurants tend to offer fewer choices for each course. Having said that, you can still order off the “regular” menu and the rest of your party can enjoy the special prices.