Carriage House Dining Room
24460 Adams Rd, South Bend, IN, 46628
Carriage House Dining Room Menu
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Address :
24460 Adams Rd
South Bend, IN, 46628 - Phone (574) 272-9220
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Romantic, Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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John L.
Great experience last night at the Carriage House. We were there this past summer in the garden and decided to try out the dining room; my husband and I were quite impressed. The dining room is quite intimate; the room itself was completely open and it seemed like there were less than 20 tables with one long table of candles and decor in the center of the room, bisecting the space into two individual areas. Because there aren't a lot of tables and the dining experience is a slower pace (reflecting an actual experience, rather than just eating to eat), I would recommend reservations. There is a painting of a woman presenting a wine bottle which hangs in the corner of the room. I asked about it (it seemed a little out of place with the rest of the landscapes and floral paintings), as it turns out, she is the original restaurant owner who passed away recently. Apparently her daughter now runs the restaurant. Both deserve kudos for this gem in Michiana. The service was outstanding, everyone seemed to be attune to details. We watched our host preparing a table for some guests. He sat down at the table to make sure the setting was right based on the patron's perceptive. Everyone was quite friendly and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and restaurant in general when we asked questions. One other point, we did come with a Groupon and I was concerned that maybe we would get treated differently because of it. This was absolutely not the case, we seemed to get the same treatment everyone else received - all concerns were just in my head. On to the food! I had the steak tartare, Chilean sea bass, and the R & R salad. My husband ordered the crab cakes, chicken saltimbocca, and the American salad. The tartare and crab cakes were both quite flavorful and worthy of ordering again. The R & R was on the smallish side, but that was fine considering the overall meal. I tried some of the dressing on the American salad and I wanted to just drink the stuff. It has a sweet bacon flavor that is a wonderful blend of sweet/salt/smoke (and this is not some internet omg bacon thing, it is legitimately great). We discussed the missed opportunity of not having the soup between ourselves and our server overheard our discussion. She offered us a complimentary bowl to try. I'm glad she did, it was full of creamy potato-y bacon goodness (it was potato soup); it also was a great way to engender the restaurant to us as first timers. The sea bass good, but not to die for. The sauce, almond crust, and accouterments were all great, but I honestly think I just don't like sea bass, so I can't fault the restaurant for that. I can say that if I was going to like sea bass, this would be the one I would like. I didn't get a chance to try the chicken, so I can't comment on it beyond looking quite tasty. Please save room for dessert. The only explanation needed is the dessert cart you see on the way into the dinning room and which they bring to the table to display. The shear size and impressive appearance are paralleled by their flavor. We enjoyed a slice (I'll use that term loosely as it was a size that would make me feel bad about myself if someone caught me eating something like that by myself) of a cranberry-key lime cake. I'm stealing the flavor combination, fantastic! Two points, the service and food is of high quality and is reflected at the end of the meal. Also, while it seems that you can get away with wearing whatever, where ever now, I'd keep it classy when dining inside (the garden is definitely more casual). I absolutely come back. I would absolutely bring friends. This is being cross-posted at TripAdvisor.
(5)Catherine H.
I've been looking forward to trying this restaurant ever since we moved to South Bend a couple of years ago, and we finally had the chance last week. With all of the awards it advertises, it had to be good, right? Yikes. We went on a weeknight, and the restaurant was pretty much full. The only hostess was on the phone quite awhile before she was able to seat us. A little uncomfortable to stand there without being acknowledged at all. Our server seemed harried. We ordered drinks, then several minutes later, she had to come back and ask what we had ordered. If you can't remember it, write it down! Overall, we were tremendously UNimpressed with the staff. The main servers were adults (I think there were only two there that night), but everyone else working was high school or young college age. When you are charging the prices Carriage House charges, you should have a top-notch and well-trained staff. Apparently, that isn't a high priority here. They weren't bad, just not on top of their game the way a more experienced staff would be. Our appetizers (pheasant & crab cake) were great. Unfortunately, the meal went downhill from there. I had brie-stuffed chicken breast. It was moist but flavorless (the sauce mentioned on the menu either wasn't there or so bland as to be not noticeable), and I hate when a fine dining restaurant serves chicken still on the bone. Nothing like trying to be upscale while attacking a chicken carcass. My husband ordered beef Wellington. The presentation was seriously lacking. It was garnished with an uneven ring of piped whipped potatoes and a tomato carved to barely look like a flower. Taste was OK, but not worth $40+. Desserts (served by one of the young people standing around the dining room) were OK, but not up to the supposed caliber of this restaurant. Seems like this restaurant is sitting on its laurels given years ago. Don't waste your time and a week's paycheck. There are much better, more reasonable, and creative options in the area.
(2)Krista J.
I've been here dozens of times and I keep going back because of the high quality food, charming atmosphere and excellent customer service. It's a wonderful place to entertain out-of-town guests, or for any kind of celebration. They are also vegetarian friendly. Inside, we've always enjoyed the extensive wine list, the garden-fresh seasonal specials, and the heavenly dessert cart. Outdoors, we are big fans of the garden (especially the thousands of peony blooms in June) the live music, and the wood-fire pizzas. It's such a treat to have a restaurant like the carriage house in our area.
(5)Patrick P.
Considered one of the best restaurants in the South Bend area, this was my second visit here to the inside dining room and I was underwhelmed this time around. I didn't find the menu selections to be overly creative or original and not really worth the prices they charged. The service was terrific as usual.
(3)susan v.
The Carriage House is the finest restaurant in Michiana (northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.) The owners have set high standards for every aspect of their establishment -- the grounds and garden are well-tended; the atmosphere is elegant; the quality and presentation of food is superb; the wine selection is unmatched; the team of servers/bartenders/bussers is professional, knowledgeable and exceptional -- and we are always impressed. Beautiful fresh flowers, silver serving pieces, piped butter instead of square little pats, even the way guests are seated so you're not staring into the faces of the people at the next table -- the attention to detail adds to the experience and does not go unnoticed. Many high-end restaurants in Chicago cannot compare to the elegance and quality of The Carriage House. We love The Carriage House and recommend it highly.
(5)Joanne E.
From my first visit to The Carriage House Dining Room & Gardens quite some years ago to my most recent just this last Friday I have not been disappointed. This is a dining experience that is well worth the trek from Chicago if you enjoy fine food, great atmosphere, wonderful wines, and THE best vodka martini. (If you get the chance, watch Jim the bartender mix your drink; I don't know how he does it, but it is the best martini every time!) Our Friday night visit began with the F.A.C., which is the catchy acronym for the Friday Afternoon Club. This "club" meets Friday afternoons in the gardens of the Carriage House (summer time only) where attendees are greeted with a sample of fine wines and the sound of live jazz music coming from the far end of the garden. One can stroll about enjoying the flowers and other garden delights, or sit at one of the many tables spaced well apart throughout the grounds. All the while a bevy of nicely dressed young ladies bring freshly prepared hors d'oevres for you to enjoy. Some folks come just for the F.A.C. (at at cost of $25), but others choose to stay for dinner, which means there is no charge for the F.A.C. For me last Friday dinner started simply with the Soup du jour, followed by the shrimp scampi. Four shrimp did not sound like a lot, but they were among the largest I ever had, and were cooked to perfection. The angel hair and julienne vegetables accompanying the shrimp were perfect. Did I also mention the lovely foie gras they serve with toast points and sliced pickles as you are considering the menu? All of this food filled me nicely, but I had deliberately left room for dessert. There were many to choose from, with specialities like the Mile High Lemon Meringue pie a constant, but I chose the chocolate cake, which was layered with their chocolate mousse. Unfortunately, I could not finish it all, but I did hurt myself trying. All in all last Friday was just the most recent of my many enjoyable visits to The Carriage House. I must confess, each year when our merry band find ourselves in South Bend, we can't help but frequent this place often.
(5)Bea K.
Such a wonderful experience! Delicious food. Attentive staff. Lengthy wine list. This is a great choice for an event. A little on the pricey side, but worth it for a special occasion! Even though it's got a sophisticated atmosphere, it is not stuffy at all!
(5)Kari H.
We found the Carriage House five years ago and have enjoyed the restaurant for special occasions several times each year with great satisfaction until our last visit. Although I had made reservations and confirmed them the day of the event, upon arrival we were required to wait about 15 minutes before being seated at a table - even though there were a minimum of 6-8 vacant tables - we had to wait until our table was "ready". The entire restaurant was staffed by only two waitresses who never returned to our table unless flagged down for extra drinks, service or dessert order, etc. Prices seem to have skyrocketed with a $45 tab for the "special walleye" and $40 for 4 scallops. Although the food remains fabulous, pricing and understaffing seriously marred the evening for us. Can't say that we will be returning to the Carriage House in the future.
(3)Noel U.
CALLING ALL SOUTH BEND VEGANS! My partner and I ate at the Carriage House Al Fresco. The Al Fresco menu is different than the indoor menu - the food is much lighter, less pricey, and most importantly, VERY vegan/veg friendly! First of all, the garden is gorgeous. It's a beautiful place to have a meal. I went to Carriage House with moderate expectations. I've eaten at many fine vegan restaurants all over the U.S., and I would definitely call myself a bit of a "vegan connoisseur." Our server's name was Paula. Her points of service were right on, and she was very attentive, and happy to check menu items to make sure that they were vegan. We started off with the Old World hummus and tabouleh. The pita was excellent - it was baked in the wood fire oven. The hummus was exceptionally garlicky. The tabouleh was what my partner called "cheap" (ie heavy on the bulgar), but it had great flavor. Slightly sweet, unlike any tabouleh I've ever had. Next, we had the soup of the day. It was a tomato base with corn and other veggies, with a hint of lime. Delicious, light, but full of flavor. For our entree, we ordered a pizza from the wood fire oven. We got the vegan Daiya cheese (the best vegan cheese there is!), heirloom tomatoes, mushrooms, and a few other veggie toppings. Half of the pizza had olive oil instead of pizza sauce, but the sauce was so light that it was difficult to tell which half was which. The pizza was pretty good, but I wish we would have gotten more veggie toppings, and a side of sauce. The desert was where the Carriage House really shined. They actually had a vegan smore pie (sans the marshmallow topping)! The pie was made out of crushed walnuts, vegan margarine, and probably some sugar. The pie itself was a delectably smooth semi-sweet chocolate that was incredibly rich. All in all, we were very pleased with our dining experience at the Carriage House Al Fresco. The only downside is that we'll only be able to eat here during the summer, since their indoor menu is not at all vegan friendly. If you decide to have a meal here, make a reservation, and specify al fresco.
(5)David J.
I don't think it is fair for me to give this a star rating, because the last time I ate here was two years ago, but Yelp requires it. This place will always have a fond place in my heart, because it is the location of my first "fine dining" experiences in life. I grew up in South Bend, and this was the go-to special occasion restaurant, serving what was once widely known as "continental cuisine"--beef wellington, dover sole, steak tartare etc. These were still on the menu the last time I ate there, which I found very comforting. I loved the paté and pickles at the beginning of the meal, the attentive service, the comfortable high-ceilinged main dining room. Little had changed when I ate there last, but that is perfect for this place.
(5)L. R.
We went here with a large group of people. We had reservations and were seated on time in a private room which was a nice touch. Our server was excellent, he easily took care of everyone, getting us drinks, appetizers, etc. I was hoping for a dish that was on the on-line menu, but the menu hadn't been changed and it was out of season. However, the chef had an unusual and delightful vegetarian course. A timbale with vegetables, topped by a creamy mashed potato cap. It was delicious and I ate every bite. We had to wait a considerable amount of time to get the dessert cart to come to us. Not sure why we had to wait 15 minutes, but we did. The dessert was outstanding. Everyone said their meal was great as were their drinks. I'd love to go back. The prices are considerably higher than other dining options in South Bend (hence only 4 stars) but the cozy atmosphere and great service made for a lovely evening for each and every one of us.
(4)Philip D.
We've been coming here for years and let me say, the place has not aged like fine wine. Yes, it is extremely fancy and formal. The service is good, but slow. It took three hours from sitting to getting the bill. Additionally, the food has declined in quality. On previous visits the food was exquisite. This time however, my steak was dry even though it was medium. My parents both had fish which was also dry. The vegetarian plate, the only one offered, was tasteless. We have had the same bad experience both of the last two times we went. For these prices, the LaSalle Grill is a better option.
(3)Javid D.
Superb! Top notch! The best restaurant I've been to in South Bend so far, bar none.
(5)John J.
It's not that I'm getting soft lately, it's just I've been luc ky lately to eat in some great places. The Carriage House is one of them. 5 star food, service, and ambience ! Everything from the complimentry pate, salads, apps., main course and stellar deserts was spot on. Only comment is when you check out the menue on line, you might get the Al Fresco in the rear. Price inside is double...Bring money, perfection ain't cheap !
(5)M H.
It was really expensive for crappy service. I could not even get a second glass of wine. It is not enjoyable to eat your food with no beverage.the staff was very strange and the lady that sat us kept touching my husband's shoulders when she talk to us... Why are you touching your guests...
(2)Zoey P.
Let me first note, that my boyfriend and I are flexible vegetarians. That means we will eat meat, but choose not to 99% of the time, so you can use that to color my experience with the Carriage House. The good: The service was impeccable. There were many people dropping off bread and the fancy table scraper even made an appearance. The ambiance was rich and snooty, which is great if you like that sort of thing. I am fairly certain we were seated next to a table of important Notre Dame football people. The bad: As vegetarians, we were very surprised to be served their complementary liver spread with toast points and pickles. We sat down and a lovely young server placed it in front of us without saying a word. We ended up eating it and saying it was delicious. It was okay. The "Sweet and salty" appetizer looked good on paper (melon with proscuitto and greens) but when it arrived, it looked horribly uninspired. It was sliced melon, raw proscuitto, and arugula drizzled with olive oil. $12 for something that probably cost less than $3 and was horribly unimaginative. The only vegetarian option (saffron marinated tofu atop red jasmine rice and served with seasonal vegetables) was quite possibly the worst expensive thing I've ever eaten. It was $22 for bland tofu, bland rice, and bland vegetables. It was extraordinarily healthy, but a terrible value and pretty terrible tasting. However, as bad as it was, it was still better than the soy sauce glazed salmon (that was perfectly cooked but had an odd glaze with terrible flavor) served atop dry and rubbery soba noodles with bland seasonal vegetables. Our bill with tip ended up at $130 for a dinner for two. I guess we could have expected that vegetarians were not welcome at such an "old guard" establishment, but we have had some great vegetarian meals at other area restaurants with roughly the same price point.
(2)Egg H.
AAA 4 Diamond award winner, one of the few in Indiana, for a great many years, it lived up to it's reputation. We've been trying to get in to try it for a while, it's been hard to get a reservation when we have the time, but it finally worked out and we were able to get in even on a Friday. Seated by the owner (though we didn't know that's who it was until after dinner) quickly and graciously. Service was impeccable, Rodney was thoughtful and very helpful, answered our multiple questions, and quite knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant. Multiple other servers to restock bread, water, etc, whenever we needed anything. Food was excellent as expected, from the complimentary paté and pickles, to the Brie in pastry appetizer to our entrees. Final touch was the dessert cart, which was large enough I don't see how they could get it in to some of the tables. Warm fresh apple pie ala mode with a cornbread and cheddar crust. Yum, and such a large portion it was a good thing we had planned on sharing it. The downsides? As you can expect, it was a tad expensive but you get what you pay for. With wine and tip we were at $180. The pace was also a bit slow, though we enjoyed our relaxing evening. That's also probably part of why it's hard to get a reservation. Definitely a great place to go for a special dinner, I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Kevin And Gerlynne C.
We can't believe we haven't checked in or written a review! We went here for dinner for a birthday celebration. The ambiance was romantic, great service, and delicious food. A beautiful place for special occasions. If we're in the area during summer we would also want to go to their brunch. By the way, they also have live music Fri and Sat nights.
(5)Jerry M.
Best place in South Bend...great wine list with great buys if you look closely enough. Service is a lot of fun, always attentive.
(5)Rachel J.
I went here about 2 years ago for a business dinner with a fixed menu and wasn't impressed with the food when compared to good restaurants in major cities. I also think it's strange that they drowned their excellent steaks in a syrupy sauce. The dessert was like something you'd get at Applebee's.
(3)Lloyd S.
Have not been there in 8 years. The liver starter was good. The it went downhill fast. Started with Brie en crouton which was average and much rooms on puff pastry, nothing to write home about. The $12 Caesar salad was a disaster, iceberg with a few parmasean shavings, zero anchovies even though it said on menu. Dressing sparse and tasteless. Then had grilled sirloin with horseradish sauce (mayo with small taste of horseradish) steak did not taste grilled at all and fries were again nothing to write home about. Desserts are left out and dry (carrot cake) chocolate cake nothing special. Left Nauseous. Not sure what happened to this place especially for price. Wait staff great and bread great too.
(1)Isla W.
Such a hidden gem! We had an amazing dinner in the garden/alfresco area. Super creative wood fired pizzas and great salads and appetizers. Staff was very sweet to my kids and knowledgeable about the menu. Excited to head back with friends and family soon!
(5)Vanni T.
Took my friend here to celebrate her birthday, and while the garden was gorgeous and a wonderful place to wander in, I wish the food inside could have been better. We ordered cocktails and weren't too amazed by them. My bloody mary wasn't very special, and her cocktail EXTREMELY strong. She ordered the entree with gulf shrimp and they were so TINY that it was embarrassing. Better shrimp could be found in the frozen section at the local Mexican grocery store. Definitely not worth the thirty-something dollars it cost, and my pork chop was overcooked and dry. The bread they gave us tasted like freezer burn--where it has that dry, stale and empty flavor about it. So far, my experiences at the Carriage House have been VERY inconsistent and don't warrant a fourth visit--unless we come across a Groupon or something like that. I definitely wouldn't pay full price again.
(2)Ginger H.
We ate there on Friday night for the reopening under new owners and all I can say is that they exceeded all of my expectations, which were extremely high. We had decided to go all out, trying anything on the menu that interested us.........no attention to cost. We ate in a very special area that I won't disclose, otherwise you'll be asking for my table and I plan to be a regular, driving in from Chicago! You can eat for a very reasonable amount, for a fine dining experience, but like I said we went for broke. I order steak about twice a year and when I do, I want it to be a memorable experience. The bone-in filet was so good that I am still dreaming about it on Monday morning! We had wine by the glass, Silver Oak, but would have done better to order the bottle, as we wanted to linger. We ordered a side of sauted Morel mushrooms, which you seldom see on menus. The new owners are delightful.....elegance with a modern, friendly, fun twist. I felt right at home! Jim is still at the bar, Sophia, our server has been with the Carriage House, since she was 16, she now has two children. Catching up with old friends was wonderful, but the real difference is the new ownership. Rodney and Joshua know how to present fine dining with a modern feel. Carriage House could hold it's own and get rave reviews in New York or any other large dining mecca. Foodies would go on about the ambience,elegant country setting, pate, fine wine selection. All I know is that when I'm spending my entertainment dollars, I'm spending them at The Carriage House!
(5)Louise T.
We had a fantastic time, the service was excellent and the beef was cooked perfectly. Really liked the chicken pate with toast points and pickles the server brings at the beginning of the meal. The vodka martini with blue cheese olives was amazing, and the red velvet cake was delicious and moist.
(5)Paul A.
This is one of the few places in the area that do not cut any corners when it comes to ingredients used to create wonderful masterpieces of culinary art. Yes, the inside dining room menu is a bit pricey and this is probably a place for a special occasion dining. However, I have been back several times and never had a bad meal here. Here are my favorites: Baked Brie appetizer, Steak Diane with Dauphinois Potatoes (thinly sliced julliened/au gratin potatoe bake is just heavenly) That said, my absolute favorite is their fresh fish of the day dish. Whatever fish it is, it is always prepared in amazing way. Their wine list and full bar are excellent. The service at this restaurant is better than anywhere else in the area. I can't wait to go back for more deliciousness!!!
(5)Catherine H.
I've been looking forward to trying this restaurant ever since we moved to South Bend a couple of years ago, and we finally had the chance last week. With all of the awards it advertises, it had to be good, right? Yikes. We went on a weeknight, and the restaurant was pretty much full. The only hostess was on the phone quite awhile before she was able to seat us. A little uncomfortable to stand there without being acknowledged at all. Our server seemed harried. We ordered drinks, then several minutes later, she had to come back and ask what we had ordered. If you can't remember it, write it down! Overall, we were tremendously UNimpressed with the staff. The main servers were adults (I think there were only two there that night), but everyone else working was high school or young college age. When you are charging the prices Carriage House charges, you should have a top-notch and well-trained staff. Apparently, that isn't a high priority here. They weren't bad, just not on top of their game the way a more experienced staff would be. Our appetizers (pheasant & crab cake) were great. Unfortunately, the meal went downhill from there. I had brie-stuffed chicken breast. It was moist but flavorless (the sauce mentioned on the menu either wasn't there or so bland as to be not noticeable), and I hate when a fine dining restaurant serves chicken still on the bone. Nothing like trying to be upscale while attacking a chicken carcass. My husband ordered beef Wellington. The presentation was seriously lacking. It was garnished with an uneven ring of piped whipped potatoes and a tomato carved to barely look like a flower. Taste was OK, but not worth $40+. Desserts (served by one of the young people standing around the dining room) were OK, but not up to the supposed caliber of this restaurant. Seems like this restaurant is sitting on its laurels given years ago. Don't waste your time and a week's paycheck. There are much better, more reasonable, and creative options in the area.
(2)Krista J.
I've been here dozens of times and I keep going back because of the high quality food, charming atmosphere and excellent customer service. It's a wonderful place to entertain out-of-town guests, or for any kind of celebration. They are also vegetarian friendly. Inside, we've always enjoyed the extensive wine list, the garden-fresh seasonal specials, and the heavenly dessert cart. Outdoors, we are big fans of the garden (especially the thousands of peony blooms in June) the live music, and the wood-fire pizzas. It's such a treat to have a restaurant like the carriage house in our area.
(5)Patrick P.
Considered one of the best restaurants in the South Bend area, this was my second visit here to the inside dining room and I was underwhelmed this time around. I didn't find the menu selections to be overly creative or original and not really worth the prices they charged. The service was terrific as usual.
(3)Kari H.
We found the Carriage House five years ago and have enjoyed the restaurant for special occasions several times each year with great satisfaction until our last visit. Although I had made reservations and confirmed them the day of the event, upon arrival we were required to wait about 15 minutes before being seated at a table - even though there were a minimum of 6-8 vacant tables - we had to wait until our table was "ready". The entire restaurant was staffed by only two waitresses who never returned to our table unless flagged down for extra drinks, service or dessert order, etc. Prices seem to have skyrocketed with a $45 tab for the "special walleye" and $40 for 4 scallops. Although the food remains fabulous, pricing and understaffing seriously marred the evening for us. Can't say that we will be returning to the Carriage House in the future.
(3)L. R.
We went here with a large group of people. We had reservations and were seated on time in a private room which was a nice touch. Our server was excellent, he easily took care of everyone, getting us drinks, appetizers, etc. I was hoping for a dish that was on the on-line menu, but the menu hadn't been changed and it was out of season. However, the chef had an unusual and delightful vegetarian course. A timbale with vegetables, topped by a creamy mashed potato cap. It was delicious and I ate every bite. We had to wait a considerable amount of time to get the dessert cart to come to us. Not sure why we had to wait 15 minutes, but we did. The dessert was outstanding. Everyone said their meal was great as were their drinks. I'd love to go back. The prices are considerably higher than other dining options in South Bend (hence only 4 stars) but the cozy atmosphere and great service made for a lovely evening for each and every one of us.
(4)Isla W.
Such a hidden gem! We had an amazing dinner in the garden/alfresco area. Super creative wood fired pizzas and great salads and appetizers. Staff was very sweet to my kids and knowledgeable about the menu. Excited to head back with friends and family soon!
(5)Vanni T.
Took my friend here to celebrate her birthday, and while the garden was gorgeous and a wonderful place to wander in, I wish the food inside could have been better. We ordered cocktails and weren't too amazed by them. My bloody mary wasn't very special, and her cocktail EXTREMELY strong. She ordered the entree with gulf shrimp and they were so TINY that it was embarrassing. Better shrimp could be found in the frozen section at the local Mexican grocery store. Definitely not worth the thirty-something dollars it cost, and my pork chop was overcooked and dry. The bread they gave us tasted like freezer burn--where it has that dry, stale and empty flavor about it. So far, my experiences at the Carriage House have been VERY inconsistent and don't warrant a fourth visit--unless we come across a Groupon or something like that. I definitely wouldn't pay full price again.
(2)Ginger H.
We ate there on Friday night for the reopening under new owners and all I can say is that they exceeded all of my expectations, which were extremely high. We had decided to go all out, trying anything on the menu that interested us.........no attention to cost. We ate in a very special area that I won't disclose, otherwise you'll be asking for my table and I plan to be a regular, driving in from Chicago! You can eat for a very reasonable amount, for a fine dining experience, but like I said we went for broke. I order steak about twice a year and when I do, I want it to be a memorable experience. The bone-in filet was so good that I am still dreaming about it on Monday morning! We had wine by the glass, Silver Oak, but would have done better to order the bottle, as we wanted to linger. We ordered a side of sauted Morel mushrooms, which you seldom see on menus. The new owners are delightful.....elegance with a modern, friendly, fun twist. I felt right at home! Jim is still at the bar, Sophia, our server has been with the Carriage House, since she was 16, she now has two children. Catching up with old friends was wonderful, but the real difference is the new ownership. Rodney and Joshua know how to present fine dining with a modern feel. Carriage House could hold it's own and get rave reviews in New York or any other large dining mecca. Foodies would go on about the ambience,elegant country setting, pate, fine wine selection. All I know is that when I'm spending my entertainment dollars, I'm spending them at The Carriage House!
(5)John J.
It's not that I'm getting soft lately, it's just I've been luc ky lately to eat in some great places. The Carriage House is one of them. 5 star food, service, and ambience ! Everything from the complimentry pate, salads, apps., main course and stellar deserts was spot on. Only comment is when you check out the menue on line, you might get the Al Fresco in the rear. Price inside is double...Bring money, perfection ain't cheap !
(5)M H.
It was really expensive for crappy service. I could not even get a second glass of wine. It is not enjoyable to eat your food with no beverage.the staff was very strange and the lady that sat us kept touching my husband's shoulders when she talk to us... Why are you touching your guests...
(2)Zoey P.
Let me first note, that my boyfriend and I are flexible vegetarians. That means we will eat meat, but choose not to 99% of the time, so you can use that to color my experience with the Carriage House. The good: The service was impeccable. There were many people dropping off bread and the fancy table scraper even made an appearance. The ambiance was rich and snooty, which is great if you like that sort of thing. I am fairly certain we were seated next to a table of important Notre Dame football people. The bad: As vegetarians, we were very surprised to be served their complementary liver spread with toast points and pickles. We sat down and a lovely young server placed it in front of us without saying a word. We ended up eating it and saying it was delicious. It was okay. The "Sweet and salty" appetizer looked good on paper (melon with proscuitto and greens) but when it arrived, it looked horribly uninspired. It was sliced melon, raw proscuitto, and arugula drizzled with olive oil. $12 for something that probably cost less than $3 and was horribly unimaginative. The only vegetarian option (saffron marinated tofu atop red jasmine rice and served with seasonal vegetables) was quite possibly the worst expensive thing I've ever eaten. It was $22 for bland tofu, bland rice, and bland vegetables. It was extraordinarily healthy, but a terrible value and pretty terrible tasting. However, as bad as it was, it was still better than the soy sauce glazed salmon (that was perfectly cooked but had an odd glaze with terrible flavor) served atop dry and rubbery soba noodles with bland seasonal vegetables. Our bill with tip ended up at $130 for a dinner for two. I guess we could have expected that vegetarians were not welcome at such an "old guard" establishment, but we have had some great vegetarian meals at other area restaurants with roughly the same price point.
(2)Kevin And Gerlynne C.
We can't believe we haven't checked in or written a review! We went here for dinner for a birthday celebration. The ambiance was romantic, great service, and delicious food. A beautiful place for special occasions. If we're in the area during summer we would also want to go to their brunch. By the way, they also have live music Fri and Sat nights.
(5)Jerry M.
Best place in South Bend...great wine list with great buys if you look closely enough. Service is a lot of fun, always attentive.
(5)Egg H.
AAA 4 Diamond award winner, one of the few in Indiana, for a great many years, it lived up to it's reputation. We've been trying to get in to try it for a while, it's been hard to get a reservation when we have the time, but it finally worked out and we were able to get in even on a Friday. Seated by the owner (though we didn't know that's who it was until after dinner) quickly and graciously. Service was impeccable, Rodney was thoughtful and very helpful, answered our multiple questions, and quite knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant. Multiple other servers to restock bread, water, etc, whenever we needed anything. Food was excellent as expected, from the complimentary paté and pickles, to the Brie in pastry appetizer to our entrees. Final touch was the dessert cart, which was large enough I don't see how they could get it in to some of the tables. Warm fresh apple pie ala mode with a cornbread and cheddar crust. Yum, and such a large portion it was a good thing we had planned on sharing it. The downsides? As you can expect, it was a tad expensive but you get what you pay for. With wine and tip we were at $180. The pace was also a bit slow, though we enjoyed our relaxing evening. That's also probably part of why it's hard to get a reservation. Definitely a great place to go for a special dinner, I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Philip D.
We've been coming here for years and let me say, the place has not aged like fine wine. Yes, it is extremely fancy and formal. The service is good, but slow. It took three hours from sitting to getting the bill. Additionally, the food has declined in quality. On previous visits the food was exquisite. This time however, my steak was dry even though it was medium. My parents both had fish which was also dry. The vegetarian plate, the only one offered, was tasteless. We have had the same bad experience both of the last two times we went. For these prices, the LaSalle Grill is a better option.
(3)Javid D.
Superb! Top notch! The best restaurant I've been to in South Bend so far, bar none.
(5)Lloyd S.
Have not been there in 8 years. The liver starter was good. The it went downhill fast. Started with Brie en crouton which was average and much rooms on puff pastry, nothing to write home about. The $12 Caesar salad was a disaster, iceberg with a few parmasean shavings, zero anchovies even though it said on menu. Dressing sparse and tasteless. Then had grilled sirloin with horseradish sauce (mayo with small taste of horseradish) steak did not taste grilled at all and fries were again nothing to write home about. Desserts are left out and dry (carrot cake) chocolate cake nothing special. Left Nauseous. Not sure what happened to this place especially for price. Wait staff great and bread great too.
(1)John L.
Great experience last night at the Carriage House. We were there this past summer in the garden and decided to try out the dining room; my husband and I were quite impressed. The dining room is quite intimate; the room itself was completely open and it seemed like there were less than 20 tables with one long table of candles and decor in the center of the room, bisecting the space into two individual areas. Because there aren't a lot of tables and the dining experience is a slower pace (reflecting an actual experience, rather than just eating to eat), I would recommend reservations. There is a painting of a woman presenting a wine bottle which hangs in the corner of the room. I asked about it (it seemed a little out of place with the rest of the landscapes and floral paintings), as it turns out, she is the original restaurant owner who passed away recently. Apparently her daughter now runs the restaurant. Both deserve kudos for this gem in Michiana. The service was outstanding, everyone seemed to be attune to details. We watched our host preparing a table for some guests. He sat down at the table to make sure the setting was right based on the patron's perceptive. Everyone was quite friendly and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and restaurant in general when we asked questions. One other point, we did come with a Groupon and I was concerned that maybe we would get treated differently because of it. This was absolutely not the case, we seemed to get the same treatment everyone else received - all concerns were just in my head. On to the food! I had the steak tartare, Chilean sea bass, and the R & R salad. My husband ordered the crab cakes, chicken saltimbocca, and the American salad. The tartare and crab cakes were both quite flavorful and worthy of ordering again. The R & R was on the smallish side, but that was fine considering the overall meal. I tried some of the dressing on the American salad and I wanted to just drink the stuff. It has a sweet bacon flavor that is a wonderful blend of sweet/salt/smoke (and this is not some internet omg bacon thing, it is legitimately great). We discussed the missed opportunity of not having the soup between ourselves and our server overheard our discussion. She offered us a complimentary bowl to try. I'm glad she did, it was full of creamy potato-y bacon goodness (it was potato soup); it also was a great way to engender the restaurant to us as first timers. The sea bass good, but not to die for. The sauce, almond crust, and accouterments were all great, but I honestly think I just don't like sea bass, so I can't fault the restaurant for that. I can say that if I was going to like sea bass, this would be the one I would like. I didn't get a chance to try the chicken, so I can't comment on it beyond looking quite tasty. Please save room for dessert. The only explanation needed is the dessert cart you see on the way into the dinning room and which they bring to the table to display. The shear size and impressive appearance are paralleled by their flavor. We enjoyed a slice (I'll use that term loosely as it was a size that would make me feel bad about myself if someone caught me eating something like that by myself) of a cranberry-key lime cake. I'm stealing the flavor combination, fantastic! Two points, the service and food is of high quality and is reflected at the end of the meal. Also, while it seems that you can get away with wearing whatever, where ever now, I'd keep it classy when dining inside (the garden is definitely more casual). I absolutely come back. I would absolutely bring friends. This is being cross-posted at TripAdvisor.
(5)Louise T.
We had a fantastic time, the service was excellent and the beef was cooked perfectly. Really liked the chicken pate with toast points and pickles the server brings at the beginning of the meal. The vodka martini with blue cheese olives was amazing, and the red velvet cake was delicious and moist.
(5)Paul A.
This is one of the few places in the area that do not cut any corners when it comes to ingredients used to create wonderful masterpieces of culinary art. Yes, the inside dining room menu is a bit pricey and this is probably a place for a special occasion dining. However, I have been back several times and never had a bad meal here. Here are my favorites: Baked Brie appetizer, Steak Diane with Dauphinois Potatoes (thinly sliced julliened/au gratin potatoe bake is just heavenly) That said, my absolute favorite is their fresh fish of the day dish. Whatever fish it is, it is always prepared in amazing way. Their wine list and full bar are excellent. The service at this restaurant is better than anywhere else in the area. I can't wait to go back for more deliciousness!!!
(5)susan v.
The Carriage House is the finest restaurant in Michiana (northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.) The owners have set high standards for every aspect of their establishment -- the grounds and garden are well-tended; the atmosphere is elegant; the quality and presentation of food is superb; the wine selection is unmatched; the team of servers/bartenders/bussers is professional, knowledgeable and exceptional -- and we are always impressed. Beautiful fresh flowers, silver serving pieces, piped butter instead of square little pats, even the way guests are seated so you're not staring into the faces of the people at the next table -- the attention to detail adds to the experience and does not go unnoticed. Many high-end restaurants in Chicago cannot compare to the elegance and quality of The Carriage House. We love The Carriage House and recommend it highly.
(5)Joanne E.
From my first visit to The Carriage House Dining Room & Gardens quite some years ago to my most recent just this last Friday I have not been disappointed. This is a dining experience that is well worth the trek from Chicago if you enjoy fine food, great atmosphere, wonderful wines, and THE best vodka martini. (If you get the chance, watch Jim the bartender mix your drink; I don't know how he does it, but it is the best martini every time!) Our Friday night visit began with the F.A.C., which is the catchy acronym for the Friday Afternoon Club. This "club" meets Friday afternoons in the gardens of the Carriage House (summer time only) where attendees are greeted with a sample of fine wines and the sound of live jazz music coming from the far end of the garden. One can stroll about enjoying the flowers and other garden delights, or sit at one of the many tables spaced well apart throughout the grounds. All the while a bevy of nicely dressed young ladies bring freshly prepared hors d'oevres for you to enjoy. Some folks come just for the F.A.C. (at at cost of $25), but others choose to stay for dinner, which means there is no charge for the F.A.C. For me last Friday dinner started simply with the Soup du jour, followed by the shrimp scampi. Four shrimp did not sound like a lot, but they were among the largest I ever had, and were cooked to perfection. The angel hair and julienne vegetables accompanying the shrimp were perfect. Did I also mention the lovely foie gras they serve with toast points and sliced pickles as you are considering the menu? All of this food filled me nicely, but I had deliberately left room for dessert. There were many to choose from, with specialities like the Mile High Lemon Meringue pie a constant, but I chose the chocolate cake, which was layered with their chocolate mousse. Unfortunately, I could not finish it all, but I did hurt myself trying. All in all last Friday was just the most recent of my many enjoyable visits to The Carriage House. I must confess, each year when our merry band find ourselves in South Bend, we can't help but frequent this place often.
(5)Bea K.
Such a wonderful experience! Delicious food. Attentive staff. Lengthy wine list. This is a great choice for an event. A little on the pricey side, but worth it for a special occasion! Even though it's got a sophisticated atmosphere, it is not stuffy at all!
(5)Rachel J.
I went here about 2 years ago for a business dinner with a fixed menu and wasn't impressed with the food when compared to good restaurants in major cities. I also think it's strange that they drowned their excellent steaks in a syrupy sauce. The dessert was like something you'd get at Applebee's.
(3)Noel U.
CALLING ALL SOUTH BEND VEGANS! My partner and I ate at the Carriage House Al Fresco. The Al Fresco menu is different than the indoor menu - the food is much lighter, less pricey, and most importantly, VERY vegan/veg friendly! First of all, the garden is gorgeous. It's a beautiful place to have a meal. I went to Carriage House with moderate expectations. I've eaten at many fine vegan restaurants all over the U.S., and I would definitely call myself a bit of a "vegan connoisseur." Our server's name was Paula. Her points of service were right on, and she was very attentive, and happy to check menu items to make sure that they were vegan. We started off with the Old World hummus and tabouleh. The pita was excellent - it was baked in the wood fire oven. The hummus was exceptionally garlicky. The tabouleh was what my partner called "cheap" (ie heavy on the bulgar), but it had great flavor. Slightly sweet, unlike any tabouleh I've ever had. Next, we had the soup of the day. It was a tomato base with corn and other veggies, with a hint of lime. Delicious, light, but full of flavor. For our entree, we ordered a pizza from the wood fire oven. We got the vegan Daiya cheese (the best vegan cheese there is!), heirloom tomatoes, mushrooms, and a few other veggie toppings. Half of the pizza had olive oil instead of pizza sauce, but the sauce was so light that it was difficult to tell which half was which. The pizza was pretty good, but I wish we would have gotten more veggie toppings, and a side of sauce. The desert was where the Carriage House really shined. They actually had a vegan smore pie (sans the marshmallow topping)! The pie was made out of crushed walnuts, vegan margarine, and probably some sugar. The pie itself was a delectably smooth semi-sweet chocolate that was incredibly rich. All in all, we were very pleased with our dining experience at the Carriage House Al Fresco. The only downside is that we'll only be able to eat here during the summer, since their indoor menu is not at all vegan friendly. If you decide to have a meal here, make a reservation, and specify al fresco.
(5)David J.
I don't think it is fair for me to give this a star rating, because the last time I ate here was two years ago, but Yelp requires it. This place will always have a fond place in my heart, because it is the location of my first "fine dining" experiences in life. I grew up in South Bend, and this was the go-to special occasion restaurant, serving what was once widely known as "continental cuisine"--beef wellington, dover sole, steak tartare etc. These were still on the menu the last time I ate there, which I found very comforting. I loved the paté and pickles at the beginning of the meal, the attentive service, the comfortable high-ceilinged main dining room. Little had changed when I ate there last, but that is perfect for this place.
(5)