The Mark Dine and Tap
1234 Eddy St,Ste 111, South Bend, IN, 46617
The Mark Dine and Tap Menu
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Lunch Menu
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Lunch Menu
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Address :
1234 Eddy St,Ste 111
South Bend, IN, 46617 - Phone (574) 204-2767
- Website https://themarkdineandtap.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
- Mon : 11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Garage, Street, Validated
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Don S.
This was my first time at the Mark. Unedited. I've since gone again and I believe they have definitely improved the experience. Not impressed with The Mark. First, we showed up at 8 pm and could only get the bar menu. They gave us two versions. No differences except the price. One was a dollar more on everything because it was an ND weekend menu. Thanks for upcharging. Everything is really expensive. 10 dollar burgers in South Bend. Really? Second, the pretzels were cold in the center. If you are going to microwave, then at least check it before serving. Third, we found a hair in one of the salads. Nasty. They offered free dessert but I think the waitress thought we put it in ourselves. We didn't and I really didn't appreciate her accusing attitude. Sorry if everything was a disaster at our table but we weren't the ones causing the issues. Fourth, the waitress offered to box the salad with the hair. Are you kidding me? Fifth, too loud. The place wasn't that busy but we had to scream at each other just to hear. Change the ceiling to some reverb. I won't be back. BTW, I like Uptown Kitchen. It's so much better. Second review last Wednesday (01/05/11)... I've since gone again and things were much better. I still believe it is a bit over-priced for South Bend. But maybe that's the point. The food was fine. I had a burger and while I've heard people say they are the best in town, I would say they are very good. It's hard to say they are the best when CJs is just amazing. The service was much better. And the recommendation of the fried green beans was worth it. I would go back for those again. I would also like to thank Jonathan who owns both Uptown and The Mark for reaching out to a dissatisfied customer. While he didn't offer anything (which I respect), he did want a second chance. I completely understand that. Good luck to The Mark and Uptown Kitchen and the families that work really hard to make them better.
(3)Kate G.
We thought we'd try this restaurant out when we visited ND. We were a bit disappointed. The atmosphere was modern with a bit a nice artwork on the walls, which was very nice, but unfortunately we didn't go there for the artwork. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive, so that was good, but our meals weren't that great. I ordered the roasted beets & gorgonzola salad. Upon arrival it was rather disappointing to look at. It really looked like a mixed green salad with a little bit of beets in it and a sprinkling of gorgonzola. It was totally flavorless, as well, including the gorgonzola cheese! The beets were also sort of limp! Certainly not roasted beets--or if they were roasted, they were really, really cooked too long. I think they probably were canned. Awful! The lemon vinaigrette was also lifeless! My husband and son each ordered the Longhorn Burger. It was large and very messy. They both thought it tasted OK---But not spectacular. The fries were overcooked and dried out. All in all---we won't be back when there are other restaurants that we know we prefer in the ND/South Bend area.
(2)Laura F.
I was in South Bend on business and found this restaurant on the CVB's website. What drew me to the restaurant was it's vast menu, with many options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians/vegans. Being a vegetarian, I don't find creative options very often, so I really appreciate the effort put into pleasing those of us with alternative diets. I find a lot of the restaurants in Indianapolis don't even make an effort in this area, so thanks for thinking of us! Ambiance: the decor and layout of the restaurant really reminded me of Cafe Patachou in Indianapolis. The restaurant is designed in a modern style and is an open concept, with a counter separating you from the kitchen. I saw other reviews that state it was loud in the restaurant. I would agree somewhat, although it didn't prohibit my party of 6 from being able to converse. Drinks: I just had a soda on this visit, but I noted there were many craft beer options on tap available. I love it when a restaurant steps beyond the usual Bud/Miller Lite. Food: I went with the vegan della rosa reuben. I know it's strange, but I often order reubens without the meat at restaurants, making it essentially a sauerkraut sandwich with cheese and dressing. It was nice to be able to have this reuben, which had the vegan meat substitute seitan on it. Very good! The sandwich was grilled to perfection and not soggy at all, which I find tends to happen with this type of sandwich. I switched out the house-made chips that came with the sandwich for sweet potato fries, which were also very good. Crispy and not soggy. My colleagues also enjoyed their meals, two of which ordered the black bean burgers, two ordered the turkey reuben and one ordered the cuban. There were also these amazing looking cakes available, but we were too full to have a slice. I was eyeing the orange cream cake, but there were also strawberry lemonade, white with chocolate Kahlua icing, gluten-free red velvet, and others. Service: The hostess that greeted us was very bubbly and happy to be there. Our server was great, as well; I didn't feel it took her long at all and it was pretty busy, as we were there during peak lunch time (12:00). She was courteous and knowledgeable and gave us recommendations (the hostess did, too). Price: The price of my meal was $14.45 before tip. This may seem a little steep for some, but to me this is about average when you dine in a sit-down restaurant in downtown Indianapolis where I work. I am willing to pay a few extra dollars if I am going to get a meal that I enjoy. There was plenty of food for that price, too; in fact, I had sweet potato fries left over. If you're in South Bend, you need to check this place out! I was pleasantly surprised and if I return, I will definitely visit The Mark again...I'll remember save room for cake, too!
(4)Kim M.
In town to visit family, and could not be any happier that my Uncles brought me to The Mark!! This restaurant has a fun, vibrant and yet comfortable atmosphere. The prices are higher than most South Bend restaurants, but being from California I feel like they were fair - as you DO get what you pay for (the quality is VERY high & portions are quite large)!! So well worth the cost! The service was wonderful, and the Manager even helped me to order some of their fresh Gluten Free buns for a cookout before I leave town. Speaking of Gluten Free...The Mark's Gluten Free bread was WONDERFUL!!!! And the cocktails were fabulous too... Will definitely be back the next visit to South Bend!
(4)D S.
Overpriced, weirdly prepared food. I had an omelet, which was made by cooking some eggs, and then stuff uncooked filling on top, and folding it up. Yum: unmelted cheese and cold ham. My dining companions were equally thrilled by the quality of the food. Service was okay, but not anything to make up for the poor food.
(2)Annie S.
The food is delicious, but the atmosphere leaves a little to be desired. It is really loud and difficult to hear! Definitely order the edamame hummus and pretzel sticks for appetizers. They are two of the best things on the menu. For main courses, I like the Mac and cheese and the burgers (you can substitute a turkey burger, which is delicious). And of course, their cakes are incredible for dessert. The raspberry champagne is far and away the best. Also wonderful is the vanilla bean cheesecake and coconut cake. I prefer their sister restaurant, Uptown Kitchen. However, the Mark does have great food and a great location.
(4)Staci H.
The service was awful and the food was mediocre and overpriced. Overall it was a really disappointing experience. We won't be back.
(2)Stan W.
I really, really, wanted to like the Mark. A great gastro-pub by Notre Dame would be perfect! Unfortunately, this is not it. I love Uptown Kitchen, and have never had anything bad from there, but not a fan of the Granger-location. The biggest question I have is how can Uptown be so good and Mark miss the mark so much? The quality of ingredients seems comparable to Uptown, it's just the execution is way off. I've been several times, and the consistency of food just isn't there. The food is just...blah or bland. Service is usually very good, nice decor, great bar...the food just doesn't stand out, unfortunately. Two stars for the food, three adn one-half stars as just a place to grab a drink.
(2)Sarah S.
This was my last meal in South Bend and I was not very pleased. I ordered a burger RARE and when it came it was burnt to a crisp. I am not sure why places ask if they are going to cook it the way they want anyways. Due to time crunch I just took it to go and got on the road. If I am ever in town again I will pass on this place.
(2)Paula C.
As a week long visitor without a car, there wasn't much to choose from within the vicinity of the Notre Dame campus. The Foundry across the street provided a wider variety of fast food places and this sit down restaurant (one out of the few in the same location). The food was decent and offered the standard American fare. I do have to say that I'm a fan of all-day breakfasts, so I gladly welcomed a waffle for dinner. It was a nice change from either a burger or another burger. The service was fast and friendly.
(3)Jessica C.
I needed to write an update on service at The Mark. We had Matt as our server the other day and he was fantastic. By far the best we've had there.
(3)Cara L.
I would give about 3.5 stars if I could but I am deferring to the generous side. I would also like to qualify my review by saying this was my first visit and I went with an extremely large party of about 20 people. Finally, The Mark has only been open about 3 weeks so I think there are still some very exciting things they can do. SO - the good. The restaurant space is GORGEOUS! I love the bar area - huge bar with plenty of seating plus nice tables and space set aside from the other parts of the restaurant. I can so see myself sitting here and enjoying a cocktail on many nights. The menu is huge and offers only fresh ingredients - very tough to find in our neck of the woods. It takes a lot of time and effort for this concept to work and the owners seem very dedicated to quality, something I greatly admire. Now, the not so good. Our party found the service a little lacking. We were seated and it took approximately an hour for our whole party to get their food. Granted, again, we had a party of 20 and the rest of the restaurant was completely full. Then, it took another hour to get our checks and unfortunately, coffee and dessert was never even offered, though their desserts are one of the biggest selling points they have. The speciality made cakes are just to die for - you will find similiar offerings at their sister restaurant, Uptown Kitchen. The food was . . .good. Not outstanding, not superb, just good. Below are my notes on what I had: Lemon Drop Martini - at $10 each, I would have expected them to be larger, considering other high end restaurants in our areas offerings and it tasted watered down and icy. Cuban Sandwich - VERY good meat but the bread and preparation is not a true Cuban, if that is what you are looking for. I thought the bread was a prepared a little too greasy/buttery for my taste. Baked Vermont cheddar Mac N' Cheese - I was really looking forward to this and it was good. I didn't taste the baked part at all and it seemed a little liquidy but the cheese had a very good flavor. Turkey Tower - again, very good high quality meat but not sure what I think about turkey and mashed potatoes served on Belgium waffle. Just didn't seem to go together. Coconut Curry Bowl - I thought this was very good and offered a different menu choice. My companions who ordered it said tasted different than they would have expected but I really enjoyed it. Beer Battered Tilapia and Chips - if you are a fan of fish and chips, this is a very tasty option and I do like the beer brand used in the batter. Again, anything fried is just too greasy for my tastes - if it is shiny, then chances are, I won't care for it too much. Julia's Grilled Chili Garlic Shrimp - I think this was probably my favorite dish - nice sized shrimp and just the right amount of spice. Anything spicier to me would be too much and the soba noodles were great. My two cents for the survival of The Mark Dine and Tap? Cut your menu in half, focus on your truly outstanding, unique offerings, let your staff and your fans get familiar with the quality and the atmosphere you offer and then slowly roll out more options as your success grows. I think there is definite potential for this restaurant but with such an overwhelming menu, I would hate to see them run themselves out of business before they really get started. Best of luck to them!
(4)Sarah M.
I've been to the Mark three times in the last couple of months. The positives: Their salads are reasonably tasty (though sometimes not the freshest), the soups are OK, the service has been quite quick (for lunch and for dinner). The negatives: Last night when we went to dinner, the waiter brought the wrong beer (visibly the wrong color and in a named glass). Eventually we got her attention and replaced it. I had the bass special for $25 or $26 -- a pricey enough entree. It was bass over sauteed leek and mushrooms with a lemony sauce. The dish was simply oversalted, perhaps because the fish, while cooked well, was pretty tasteless. I ate about half because I was hungry and hoping to make it to a movie after dinner, but I just had to stop because it was ruined by the salt. I told the waiter who offered to take it away, and I wish now that I had let her. My husband ordered a chili burger and it came very well done which was not what he ordered (which was medium rare). Also, a minor thing: where was the lime in the tonic water? The server should ask/offer. We've also had the "mac and cheese," which, hilariously, contains no mac and is not at all like mac and cheese but is a very very rich pasta dish. Tasty, but very very heavy. In fact, the menu which looked good when it was still cold out, now seems awfully heavy. It's disappointing that this restaurant can't up its game. It'll stay around because there's so little competition, but there are many better cooks around this town.
(2)wiliam j.
If you find yourself at the Mark, avoid the fried tilapia. While I did not get sick after eating, the first and only bite gave me pause. The wait staff never came by to ask if we were "enjoying" our dinner. When they collected my uneaten plate, they didn't even notice. At that point, I mentioned that the fish was REALLY suspect . The waiter shrugged and suggested that next time I should let them know and they would bring something else. REALLY? Never again.
(1)K. K.
Looks nice but it is the loudest restaurant in Michiana (that I've been in). Interested in a place to have a meeting or talk? Choose some place else. I had a burger and fries. The burger was mediocre. As I was eating it I was thinking how much better a Five Guys burger from across the street would have been. The people I was with got breakfast items (at lunch) and all seemed to like them. One can get food not available elsewhere here. For a more organically and/or vegetarian minded customer, this restaurant might hit the spot.
(3)Em J.
Worth going just to talk to Wally the bartender. I have not eaten there, but intend to in the near future. Wally is the best bartender in the whole region, bar none.
(4)Jennifer C.
My parents were in from out of town and saw something about this place in the paper and heard some hype from friends. We went down there only to find out it was closed. Closed on the Sunday before Labor Day right after the place just opened? Huh?
(2)Susan M.
Great place across from Notre Dame. Diverse menu, we went for lunch and had breakfast choices, sandwich/salad/burger choices, and specials like the tenderloin with artichoke risoto. Great Monte Cristo, house made chips, fries, longhorn burger, and don't miss the pretzel appetizer.
(5)Oliver H.
What happened to the Mark that they couldn't cook a burger as ordered? $12 for an overdone patty is not acceptable. Offering to replace is no use when a fella has to head back to work. Very disappointing.
(2)Tim J.
New restaurant from the owners of "The Uptown Kitchen." I had Coconut Curry with Tofu. My daughter had chicken pot pie. She said the curry was the best she has had. 8 different craft bears on tap. We sat at the communal table. Similar vibe to uptown but a little warmer feeling. Very diverse menu. Great service from everyone. Fresh ingredients. Jonathan was a gracious host as usual.
(5)M W.
I went the weekend they opened and their food was excellent and the service was great.
(4)Sylvia L.
I went there for dinner. I thought the place was beautifully done, a nice addition to Eddy Commons. But I agree with other reviewers that the food is way over-priced. $22 for a beef stew that had about 8 tiny cubes of beef! I bet this whole dish--8 tiny cubes of beef, peas, corn, and potato--cost less than 5 dollars to make. I wouldn't have minded that much if the food was good. But the beef stew was really salty. I'm very disappointed; I want the pace to do well as SB really needs good restaurants.
(2)Alyssa F.
I've been twice, but just for cocktails and an appetizer in the bar so this review in way has anything to do with having a meal in the dining room. I am really impressed with the beer selection, feel favorably enough about the wine offerings, and am very enthusiastic about the creative cocktails. I really loved the Espresso Martini and my husband liked a drink that may have been called the Narragansett Cooler and is made with whiskey and juice. The ambience is great, including a bartender with a colorful personality. On my first visit, I tried the fried mozzarella appetizer. My husband thought it was great, but I found them to be mediocre beyond the impressive amount of cheese (I hate fried mozzarella that is mostly breading). On my second visit, five of us split the pulled pork nachos and I can't imagine sharing this appetizer with fewer people. They were pretty tasty although it was the kind of nacho plate in which the chips on top have all of the toppings and then the 2-3 layers of chips below are just hot and plain. I'll be back for cocktails for sure, and am quite eager to try one of their amazing looking burgers or breakfasts. I will also take groups here as there is a wide array of menu options, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
(4)Mario F.
This is honestly one restaurant I wish we had on the west coast. During an internship this summer I would literally eat at this place 1-3 times a week. Great service and the best steak! I have to say I miss the bar. This place has modern feel to it. I would say its a good place to take a date, hang out with friends, or even talk business. I warn the place is a bit dressy but I have gotten great service even in shorts.
(5)Kinsey W.
I love the mark, and I love the food because it is similar to uptown kitchen which I also love! the food is delicious! I had the 7 cheese Mac and cheese I think it was, and it was DELICIOUS! Jonathan was so nice as always, but service could have been a little faster. My friend and I can't wait to go back for some triple berry Belgian waffles!
(4)lauren f.
The Mark is an excellent restaurant but there are a few dishes that really seem to stand out. I would highly recommend the Monte Cristo, which at $9.50 is an absolute steal considering the amount of food you get. It comes piled high with house-roasted turkey, ham, and swiss cheese and is served with homemade chips. Their salads, appetizers, and other sandwiches are great as well. Their comfort food menu seems a little pricey, and I have not ordered from it so far, but the food looks great coming out of the kitchen. Their desserts are also amazing, just as they are at Uptown Kitchen, the owner's other restaurant--I highly recommend the triple chocolate brownie, which is so incredibly rich and dense that you basically have to share it. I would definitely recommend making reservations if you want to go there on a weekend, as the place isn't particularly large and the waits can get long. Finally, and this is important, I would definitely NOT go there on a ND home football weekend. They limit the menu and the prices go up, and it's just a bad idea all around.
(5)George O.
So, South Bend. I was in you for two years. They were a pretty good two years. There were two places where I was a regular, and The Mark was one of them. By necessity, I couldn't come to you quite as often as Fiddler's, as you were significantly more expensive. But, oh, so convenient to the Notre Dame campus. You're the only place that I could walk over from work, get several drinks, and walk back, and go back to "work." Because them drinks were strong. And delicious. A very good selection of interesting beers on draught, and a very, very, good selection of liquors and liqueurs. So many interesting mixed drinks, some utilizing very interesting ingredients, almost all of them painfully well balanced. My friend Noy still talks about the Nutty Kearns every once in a while. And now I always keep a bottle of that Old Tom gin that you showed me. Your service was top notch. Bartenders and barbacks are all friendly and good with a little conversation and just all around great people. Like, I actually like seeing these people whenever I can. The waiters were very nice too, and everybody was always on top of their game. Your food was usually delicious. The salmon with the mint pea thing was a little off, what with the pea...thing cooling down the fish too much. And the mac and cheese was blander than a bland bland thing. The turkey tower was just too god damn many carbs. Oh, and I'm still annoyed at your "poutine," which, while delicious, is not poutine. Although I suppose it's less obnoxious than calling them Irish nachos. But those burgers are meaty and delicious. The pot pie is creamy and pleasant. Your side mac and cheese (Here's one of the rare times I'll protip - get this) was salty and creamy and cheesy and faintly funky. The veal meatloaf sammich was ludicrously rich. The pretzels, the croque madame, even most of your salads...just so flavorful and good and not even pretending to be healthy. But that one night with the Monte Cristo. I will never forget you. Never. So, all you peeps at the Mark, it was a good run. Maybe I'll see some of you guys some other time. But I will always hold those warm, slightly fuzzy memories for a long time.
(4)Nichole C.
This review is strictly for the beer, bar, and burgers. (What ELSE do I review?) On our way to the game, we decided to try The Mark for a change of tradition. This place has seriously quality beer on tap (I had a North Coast Old Red Seal Ale and a Southern Tier Harvest Ale...YUM), really good burgers (a little pricey and overcooked but luckily the awesome toppings make up for it), and a nice bar complete with bartenders who know what they are talking about. Nice touch. It was a little strange to come in to a bar on game day and not be shoulder to shoulder with a leprechaun, but I'll take the quiet if I can get a quality brew. I don't know if South Bend is prissy enough for a place like this to make it, but I'm glad to have a place to stop in that has premiums nicer than Guinness. *UPDATE*: The second visit to The Mark yielded the same results. Good food, great beer, and decent service. Two tips though: This time it was packed so you may want to drop someone off to put your name on the wait and you can't sit in the bar unless your whole party is 21 and over (but it's first come first serve if you are). **THIRD TIMES A CHARM?**: The Southern Tier taps are always awesome and DON'T GET THE FISH AND CHIPS. That is all.
(4)Amy H.
I've been to The Mark numerous times for brunch, lunch, dinner and after works drink (and was a little surprised when I realized I hadn't written a review yet). Overall I would probably rate the experience 3.5 stars. I love the concepts of both The Mark and Uptown Kitchen (both locally owned, independent restaurants operating under The Clean Plate Club Restaurants), but think there is room for improvement at The Mark. The times I have been there for brunch and lunch have been fine. They do a good job about getting you in and out during the work week for lunch. The menu strays a bit for the more healthier Uptown Kitchen and provides some unique twists on classic diner and comfort foods (think meatloaf, mac and cheese, etc). Salads are great and always make for a nice lunch although I think they are a little pricey. We seem to end up at The Mark for brunch (it's close to our home) and they do make a terrific bloody mary that just happens to be half price on Sundays ($4.50). Our last visit was a week ago. I stuck with the usual bloody mary (they make their own mix with fresh herbs) and my fiance went for the Corpse Reviver #2, which was a good, but strong drink, for brunch. He's been searching for a good corned beef and hash so he tried it here. It was definitely homemade and had good flavor, but he thought it should have been crispier, which could easily be requested next time. His eggs were cooked a perfect sunny side up (although he did find a small hair on his plate, but didn't want to call attention to it despite my arguing otherwise). I ordered the Taylor Ham and Egg sandwich simply because I spent plenty of time in New Jersey growing up and eating Taylor Ham (affectionately known as Pork Roll). I should have stuck with my memories...it was a disappointment. Skimpy slices that had obviously been frozen past their prime. Next time I would go back to the South of the Border Omelet or Huevos Rancheroes. One thing that really disappoints me with The Mark is the bar. The bar decor and atmosphere is fantastic; however, the last couple of times I have been there the service has been terrible! It really shouldn't be difficult to get a drink while sitting at the bar when the rest of the place is almost empty. The last time I was there with a friend, it took forever for us to be served despite the fact the bartender and a couple other employees were chatting behind the counter. We finally were able to order a drink, but our glasses sat empty, we were never offered another and had to beg for our checks. Hopefully service will improve as the venue has great potential!
(3)Paula P.
This is a relatively new restaurant near the Joyce Arena at Notre Dame. The food is pretty varied and all home-made. There are lots of vegan choices, meat-eater choices, non-gluten choices etc, with some very interesting and eclectic menu items. There are two dining areas, a lounge-type area where the bar is located, and a dining room if you prefer to sit at a table. The atmosphere is relaxing and light. Their jalapeño poppers are awesome, by the way! There is a decent wine list if you like a glass with your meal as I do. Prices are pretty reasonable. There is a TON of baked goods available to take with you if you like; lots of goodies like cookies, cupcakes, cakes, pies, chocolaty-nugget things et cetera. I must get better at taking photos of where I go; I will endeavor to improve there.
(3)Danielle G.
It was our first time as guests here, so we made reservations in advance to assure that we had a table. We arrived in time and were greeted and seated promptly. A couple different servers approached us to take drink orders, but we hadn't had the chance to look over the extensive beer or wine list. Dogfish Head brown ale for the Hubs (which he really liked) and I had a hefeweizen that I can't remember the name! We ordered the goat cheese appetizer with the olive tapenade and tangy tomato sauce... very tasty. We both ordered burgers for our meal. I had the Cali burger with goat cheese, avocado, cucumber and tomato. Ordered it medium, but it was medium well. It was descent, not spectacular. My husband ordered his burger choosing this own toppings which included bacon & ham. He said his burger was fine too. I also had sweet pototoe fries, my husband had regular fries. Overall, I think the food was okay. It's a little pricey for what you're getting. Not crazy overpriced, but the food needs to step up a bit in my opinion. The actual dining area itself is very relaxing and trendy. We picked this place because of its proximity to Notre Dame (we had tickets for the hockey game) and because its smoke free. I'd return again simply to try out their Bloody Mary's which are half off on Sunday.
(4)John B.
What a classy place! Excellent beer, liquor, and wine selection, and a wonderful staff. The menu is outstanding, very difficult to make a selection. Definitely going to need to make several return trips!
(5)Steve P.
I started out giving this place 3 stars, but after listing all the negatives I just had to drop it down to 2. The service was just terrible and the prices steep. We waited for around 20 minutes before our server came up to take our drink orders... I had a long day at work and all I wanted was a beer. It seemed like another 20 minutes before he came back with the drinks, then set them down and set he will return to take our food orders. After another 20 minutes we finally placed our food orders. So... after around an hour after entering we were finally able to place our food orders. This seemed a bit off since the place was about 1/4 full. The support staff was everywhere, the waterboys/busboys were all over their jobs. The food took quite a while to come out as well, but i can understand that. I had blueberry pancakes and they were amazing. Nice and fluffy and bigger than my head. The two people I was with ordered salads... they barely got their salads and the main meal was out. I hate when restaurants do that. It does not take 20 minutes to prepare a salad, so why bring it out 5 minutes before the main meal??? Also, this place was pricey. I can understand certain items costing more, but my pancakes with sausage were like $15. Most breakfast places will give you 4 sausage links. The Mark cuts two in half and passes it off as four..... rather disappointed there especially for around $3. My boss who took us there echoed the same comments about the service on her previous visit. If you have about 2.5 hours, want to be ignored and overpay for food, The Mark is the place!
(2)Margaret M.
The Mark is at the new Eddy Street Commons that was built a couple of years ago across the street from Notre Dame. I was able to have brunch here for the first time today - and I left a very happy customer! Having attended Notre Dame in the early 2000s, I'm used to a supreme lack of options for contemporary eating outside of the chain restaurants you find on Grape Road. This is a wonderful and much needed new addition to the area. There were tons of yummy options on their special brunch menu but I ordered the Beef Brisket Hash which came with eggs and toast. It was prepared with cabbage, carrots and potatoes that gave it a slightly tangy yet hearty taste. It was definitely something I would order again. Our server was great and incredibly accommodating - we had two children at the table and she was happy to make adjustments to the order to make it more kid friendly. The best part: THEY SERVE CHURROS. Um hellloooo holy cinnamony goodness!! Even Our Lady would be proud of these freshly made treats which come with chocolate dipping sauce. I look forward to going back on a football weekend when I'm in town to try them out for dinner. Definitely a must try if you find yourself in South Bend.
(4)M R.
Such a great find! We were in town for a weekend this summer, and ended up eating at the Mark three different times (it's that good). We had great service, and loved the unique menu (particularly something on the brunch menu called an "energy bowl" that looks like it would be gross -- the ingredient list includes both milk and OJ -- but was actually delicious because they don't really mix the two!). We'll definitely be back the next time we're in South Bend.
(5)Mable A.
Love love this place! Iv never been disappointed... From huevos rancheros to Asian salad. Everything iv tried is always great! And the owner is so friendly and professional. You can tell he cares about customers and the quality of food. I hope this and Uptown are around forever
(5)David D.
There are few times that a restaurant surprises me but it happened today in a college town non the less The mark had a unique menu which made decision tough but I tried the eggs Benedict which traditionally is my favorite so I am picky. This one came with pulled pork and without a muffin which made me Leary . Not to worry as it was a bevy of flavor a started by the cheese grits and fished by a hint of spice lining the cohida cheese. Highly recommend
(5)Cat A.
Great food and excellent service! I had the Calabrese burger and chocolate peanut butter explosion cake. Took half home as the portions were generous.
(5)Tim J.
I come here with my daughter who goes to school here. It's a welcome break from the local chains and the food/ambience is excellent. A little pricey but worth it. Try the poppers!
(4)Jennyfer N.
I came here on a recent trip to meet some of my boyfriend's family members. Admittedly, I wasn't really impressed walking in. It was loud and very disorganized with a front desk display of some sad looking cheesecake. Almost immediately, I figured it out that this was a new restaurant that was still getting it's act together. Waitstaff were running around all over the place, the place itself was very loud, and there wasn't proper staffing in the reception area. Oh well, we figured our hosts knew what they were doing so we proceeded into the bar area for some food and drink and to catch the ND v. Michigan game. We were here for dinner so everyone but me ordered standard far. The burgers looked good, big and and well worth the price. The fries, which I sampled, were tasty and crisp. The one thing I liked about The Mark was that they serve breakfast all day! YES FTW! I was already particularly full that day from a lunch trip to Gino's East so I settled for the blueberry baked oatmeal at the suggestion of the waitress. OMG, what a delicious choice. Coming from Texas, I had never had baked oatmeal but I was very happy with the decision. Out came an unassuming square of baked oatmeal that was crisp and hot fresh out of the oven! It came with a little pitcher of milk and some brown sugar (not that it needed the sugar). It tasted like a giant baked blueberry oatmeal cookie but it was rich, satisfying, and comforting on that rainy afternoon. The place doesn't really win any awards but definitely, I would come back for the breakfast!
(4)Elaine D.
Noisy! The service is sooooooooo slow! I once waited 45 minutes for my order to be taken and there were only about 5 other tables being served. The slow service has been consistent every time I have been there. After 6 times, I'm done and I won't be back. The food was meh at best.
(1)Van M.
Ate at the bar, great service. Nice scotch selection. One of the best NY strips I've had in a couple of years. Current music selection played throughout my stay at the bar. This place is a gem!
(4)Joe T.
Kelly did a great job taking care of us. Very nice ambiance, and nice crowd. Food was very good. I had the veal meatloaf and the gourmet mac and cheese. My buddy had the reuben. We both left very happy. We will be back!
(4)Steve S.
This will be the loudest restaurant you will EVER eat in. Period. Unless you picnic on the tarmac @ O'hare someday. Unbelievable decibels. Yell @ the people right next to you. Beware they have some not so clever "special" menus for ND football weekends. Same food -- just higher priced. I had the Mac and Cheese with Pancetta -- tasted good - but needed an angioplasty for dessert. Probably 3 days worth of RDAs for sodium and fat. Will not be back.
(1)Stacy O.
We love The Mark, though I will admit we spend far more time at the bar than in the restaurant. If you're looking for unusual craft beers or limited releases, this is the place to go. If you're looking for Bud Light, well, I feel bad for you, but I think they have that, too. They also have an extensive drink list with original drinks created by Wally, the God of all Bartenders. That's not an exaggeration -- go in and spend 10 minutes with Wally. You'll want to be one of his followers. The food is excellent. I recommend the roast chicken, which is exactly what your grandmother wishes she could have made. Though the Comfort Food menu is a little pricier than the rest of the fare, I've always found it to be worth it. Their sandwich menu provides staples with flair -- gussied up grilled cheese, a meatball sandwich with some serious kick, a vegan Reuben, and so much more. The Bari's Gobbler -- a croissant with turkey, brie and apple slices -- will change your life. Pair any of the sandwiches with their sweet potato fries. Stick around for dessert -- they're homemade and big enough to share between three or four people. Order an Anonymous Coffee from the bar to wash it down. If you get the chance, sit at the communal table in the dining room. It's a great way to meet others and strike up conversation with strangers. I recommend making reservations on the weekend if you're planning to eat in the dining area, but don't discount just stopping by to have drinks after work and grabbing an appetizer. All in all, a great place and another win for Jonathan Lutz in our area.
(4)Lizzy L.
The Mark has a prime location and has a great feel inside the restaurant. Upscale bar area and the tables are big and spacious. This place has all the great makings of a good restaurant, however they lose me at the menu. I understand that it is a gastro-pub and things have an unique twist, however the menu tries to be too fancy. I wish the owner would just make the daily menus here his uptown kitchen menu. If so, I would eat here weekly!
(2)Steven P.
Great location but that's about the only positive. Slow, rude, overpriced especially considering the portions. Go to Brothers a few doors down.
(1)Lauren W.
Every time we're at Notre Dame to visit our son, we try to make it to The Mark. The Bar is great, the menu is interesting, and the food is most always good with nice presentation. We dined on 4/18, and had a reservation for 7. We were on time and polite, but for some reason, our server didn't seem to reciprocate that politeness. She was a tad uppity. Perhaps she was just having a bad day. But she is the reason for 4 stars, not 5.
(4)Wink B.
The Mark has come quite a long way, and is now exactly what it ought to be. Several satisfying visits have confirmed this. The chefs and bar manager know precisely what they're doing. Their menu has been somewhat altered, and the prices are almost not ridiculous anymore. The real winners at this place are lunch and dinner specials. It's a lot more contemporary here, a lot more foodie-ie than other local fine dining spots. Gourmet burgers, grilled cheese, and even mac & cheese are available, and the salads sure are interesting. The beer selection is always perfect. Their list of wine and booze is incredible and neverending. Sure, they rake in cash taking advantage of your propensity to seek out trendiness, but you get very delicious food and the absolute finest beverages in exchange. Eddy St. Commons is and always will be a travesty. It's only the most egregious example of ND's policy of aggressive appropriation. Notre Dame represents the worst in Catholicism, and they won't be satisfied until they've recapitulated the 2nd Irish Plantation and repopulated South Bend with a bunch of smug & elitist carpetbaggers. In many ways, The Mark is the head of the snake. But at least the food & drink is good. Now, to think of ways to afford it occasionally.
(5)Roger R.
After becoming big fans of Uptown Kitchen and hearing Jonathon beg us to try The Mark we finally got over there today. We started with The Mark Poutine and it was awesome in flavour but just to big for 2 people. We then ordered the Beef Brisket Sandwich and a make your own burger with a Fried Egg, Bacon, and Gorgonzola cheese. Again the selections were fantastic, but just a little to big to eat comfortably. Now I understand that having the portions being to big isn't a big deal for lots of folks but I always feel a little bad when I can't finish my meal and throw food away. That's never been an issue at Uptown Kitchen, but if your in the area GO. You won't go away hungry.
(4)pia A.
I was visiting Notre Dame for an Alumni meeting and was happy to see a decent looking sit down restaurant next to campus. Several alumni and myself went there for dinner. I was disappointed after I ordered the steak and they ran out of Hollandaise sauce which came with the steak. It was around 845pm and I understand that it was towards the end of the night, but I still think when you order a $30+ steak you shouldn't run out of the anything. In addition they ran out of the pork dumpling appetizer as well. I probably won't go back to this restaurant. It's too bad because the location is great.
(2)Amber P.
My favorite restaurant in town! They make the best burgers, and you have to have the gourmet Mac and cheese. The best Mac and cheese you will ever eat by far. Wonderful place to have a great lunch, but you really need to come for dinner. The menu is never the same for dinner. We just recently went and I had a pork chop with bacon sauce. It was so good I almost licked the plate. There is always something great on the menu for everyone. Wonderful service everytime. I love the Mark, and did I say they can make an excellent French Martini and the champagne and strawberry cake can't be beat.
(5)Jessica B.
I guess I shouldn't expect honest reviews of a great gastropub from folks who vote The Original Pancake House the third best restaurant in town. I'm actually pretty glad I don't have to eat in the same restaurant as some of the folks who reviewed The Mark. I'm not sure what they were expecting to pay for their dinners, but clearly their expectations were the problem. We eat at The Mark many times a month and I've never felt there was a discrepancy between the quality of food and drink and the bill. So what's great about the place? Where to begin... First, the bar! The taps are craft beer only, with a quickly rotating selection. I've had the opportunity to try some amazing beers from Germany, Austria, and small craft breweries all over the US. Think you can do the same at Fiddler's? Maybe once in a while - but this is an everyday thing at The Mark. Want a bottle of something rare and awesome? They have those too. In the mood for wine or an historical cocktail? Done. For anyone concerned about the noise level in the dining room, just spend your time in the bar and all your problems are solved (unless you're looking for a Miller Light - then you have problems The Mark can't solve). It's hard to describe how good the food has been in just the past few months. I haven't seen the actual menu in all that time, because we keep ourselves occupied with the specials. Earlier this week I had some amazing duck confit crepes with a Lorraine swiss béchamel sauce and the oaked smoked beer - amazing! My husband had an awesome pork loin with a sour cream/maple syrup/cinnamon? sauce and scalloped potatoes topped with a 4-year aged cheddar. Where else are you going to get that in South Bend? Certainly not at the rapidly aging LaSalle Grille. But then again, The Mark draws a more adventurous crowd. For anyone wanting a decadent breakfast, sometimes those are the best specials of the day. And on top of all this, The Mark is a place where I know I can take my vegetarian and vegan friends and they'll be able to get something besides a salad or a little pasta - that's not easy to do in South Bend. So are there any problems with The Mark? Sure, I guess. It's no fun to be perfect. It is loud in the dining room and sometimes in the bar - I'd like to see some more art on the walls to absorb some of that noise. I'd also be happy to see the triumphant return of the cake truffle! Those were awesome.
(5)Ray P.
Being new to the South Bend, Notre Dame area, this has quickly become my "go-to" spot. I visit often for lunch but have been there regularly for breakfast and dinner as well. The service is always attentive and there are new specials every time you visit. I have three small children and the restaurant (although not quite marketed for young kids) has always been very gracious and accommodating. I've yet to order a dish yet that "missed" and there dessert is really great. Pricing is fair and all around it's perfect for nearly any occasion.
(5)S M.
Great menu and good food. My favorite was the brisket.
(4)Marissa F.
The rest of the food looked good but I REFUSE to give my money to any business who is disgusting enough to serve veal, the serve calf organs too. Slaughtering baby animals should be a crime. I refuse to to give my money to this place, I don't want to have anything to do with murdering baby cows.
(1)Michelle P.
Great Lunch today at The Mark ! The Food, Server (Nora) did an amazing job. The Manager came to our table to check on us to make sure we had all we needed. This is a great, relazxing place for lunch and dinner !! I will be back !
(5)Jason G.
I loved the space and the décor was unique for the area. A friend and I meet here for brunch. The server was informative, but not the most ecstatic he had to be awake at 10am to serve people. I got a bloody marry and asked him to keep the 5lbs of fluff. I just wanted hair of the dog which he still brought me 3 olives and limes! He recommended the salmon benedict and hash brown casserole. The meal was good, but seriously how hard is it to poach an egg! You don't make the toast or salmon in house and the least you could do is poach an egg and not hard boil. This place is unique and in a neat shopping complex, but I wouldn't rate it higher than waffle house just better décor and atmosphere.
(3)Brett M.
Great little spot. Thousand Island dressing was one of my favorites. Staff in the bar was excellent and very attentive.
(4)Tom G.
Friendly staff. Bartender offered a few beers to taste when I asked about some of those house beers. Very good clam chowder ( and I'm from Boston and very picky about clam chowder) and delicious red snapper! Would highly recommend this place.
(5)Michael G.
I have had dinner at The Mark in the past during a Notre Dame game and it was great however tonight while on a business trip to ND I stopped in and had the featured Pork Chop w polenta and it was terrible. Sent it back twice , cold meal plus cold soup which is the worse. I commented to the hostess that it was not even served on a hot plate , hello cooking 101 . She promptly apologized and took the meal off my bill but I was really hungry and looking forward to a nice hot meal at the end of a long travel day. The saving grace was two lovely glasses of Meritage Red
(2)Rebecca M.
My family and I were in town for my husband's Notre Dame grad program graduation, and went to the Mark for a celebration dinner. The waiter (I think his name was Will?) did a fantastic job with our large table of 13. Service was a bit slow at the beginning, but I think that was just because the restaurant got slammed with 3 or 4 large parties all at the same time (all families from the graduation). After that, everything went extremely smoothly. The cocktails were yummy - what you would find in any bar/pub that claims to make "classic" cocktails. The wine list met our needs as well - large and diverse enough, but not overwhelming. And the food was delicious - all 13 family members were pleased and happy! I had the salmon dish that came with West African veggies - the salmon was a bit dry/overcooked but flavorful, and the veggies were outstanding. My husband had the meatloaf and said it was delicious. We also got the Mac n Cheese and the Shishito Peppers for the table - both were a hit. We had actually met the owner at his other restaurant (Uptown Kitchen) the day before. He was extremely friendly, and chatted with our table for awhile. He recommended the fish, saying that they fly it in daily, and getting a Mac n Cheese for the entire table. He also said that he'd talk with the manager and make sure our table was well taken care of for dinner. He delivered as promised - we had a strong waiter who easily managed all 13 guests (including my aunt who asked about 100000000 questions), and we got a spread of complimentary desserts after dinner! The only negatives were that they ran out of Scallops, so my mom had to order something else. My aunt ordered the scallops as well, so at least my mom got to taste! Also, my salmon was a bit dry and overcooked - I was a little disappointed since the owner had promised a fresh fish experience. Everything else was fantastic. The atmosphere was nice also. Approachable, but dressed up if you wanted to. There was plenty of space - I didn't feel crowded at our large table. The large windows let a lot of light come in, but also created a nice ambiance after the sun went down. Overall, we had a great experience at The Mark!
(5)Robert G.
Good beer selection given their limited tap space (who knew when most places were built that you'd need 20 taps to have a good selection?), food was..okay. I had the mole pork chop. The mole sauce was underdeveloped and simple for what you'd expect from the name. Edamame succotash and cheddar jalapeño polenta accompanied. I don't know that I've ever had a succotash that relied so heavily on tomato sauce, nor a dish that had jalapeño in the name that was just plain boring. Service at the bar was passable, but while I would have loved to try their fabled desserts, I was never asked. Sure, I sound like an entitled ass when I say that, but I guess I'm just accustomed to being asked if I'd like any when I'm out to eat.
(3)Jay W.
We were a party of 4. Had 4:30 reservations before a game. Waited till 4:50 to be seated. Finally received our drink order @ 5:10. Ordered our dinner then. Waited 40 minutes for our entrees ---Never received our food. Our server was uncaring about the delay. Had to leave at 5:50 to make the game. The only saving grace was how the manager responded to my comments. She was very professional & empathetic. She comped our drinks & appetizer.
(2)Angela J.
Half of a fresh and dilly Bloody Mary in, and I'm pleasantly surprised by this place! Friendly bartenders, a nice looking menu for both brunch and lunch, and a fairly decent wine list as well, something that has been VERY lacking from SB in the past. The bar is airy and comfortable, bright during the day, and I'm sure has a more intimate feeling at night, and 5 tvs in the bar area as well, so any seat has good viewing of the game. A dozen beers on tap, and specialty cocktails around the $10 mark. My blackened chicken Caesar salad was fresh, a nice size, and just the right amount of dressing. Someone's huevos rancheros just came out and it looked great. Nice to see a more upscale restaurant in the area and walking distance from campus.
(4)Kimberly V.
We had great service and great food. Edamame hummus was delicious! Would have given 4 stars except that they had a very rare and favorite beer of ours on draft- St. Bernardus Abt 12. We were delighted! Nice and quiet restaurant for a romantic evening.
(5)Paul H.
We dropped in for a quick meal with our daughter (7 yrs) and had a good not great meal. My wife had the Pork Tenderloin and was disappointed - not as described, and smothered in a BBQ-like sauce. Daughter had the Chicken Marsala which was good and I had the Scallops which were great, served on a bed of wild rice. Good beer selection and wine list - attentive service. Certainly a convenient location to ND.
(3)Amber P.
The Mark Dine and Tap is very nice restaurant for a business lunch, dinner or date night! It is very versatile. I really enjoy their stuffed porkchops, mac and cheese and many of their sandwiches! You can make your bill expensive or less expensive based off of what you order. They have a great wine and beet selection but plenty of specialty drinks, too.
(4)Dana B.
Great food! Loved the curry stir fry. The best curry I have EVER had. Great service; everyone was very welcoming and passionate about their job. My friend ordered the salmon and corn entree and said that it was the BEST corn she had ever eaten! Everything at The Mark is delicious. The atmosphere is contemporary and has a winery type feel. I highly recommend The Mark!
(5)Brie I.
Unfortunately, due to the owner's comments, we will no longer support this business or Uptown Kitchen. Instead of taking constructive criticism and making things better, he chose to take the easier route and be a jerk...by nitpicking my previous review, to make me look like an idiot. Obviously, he didn't figure how much we spent on the overpriced drinks as well. Oh well, word travels quickly...and we have a LOT of friends who /used/ to support this business. Not anymore...never again.
(1)Janaeé S.
Moving from Austin and a foodie to the core I have been in search for a place that won't try to break me while satisfying my senses. Enter The Mark. This unexpected gem in South Bend caught my eye and I just had to go in. The Brunch sign is what drew me in but I stopped for lunch today. i'll definitely be coming back to test their brunch skills.
(5)Joseph F.
I was on business in South Bend, and stumbled into The Mark Dine and Tap--it was close to campus and boasted a nice booze list online. South Bend isn't exactly a bustling town of food culture. That being said, if you find yourself around the area looking for a nice casual meal, check this place out. I got the brisket sandwich and a side of brussel sprouts. The brisket was made well, the bread was fresh, and the brussel sprouts were grilled and delicious. They had a nice bourbon list (Blanton's), and a nicer gin list (Smooth Ambler Barrel Aged), and so a few dry martinis and glasses of bourbon later, we were ready for dessert. The chocolate cake was well worth it. If anything, this place gets an extra star because they could deal with my obnoxious request for an americano...I guess in a small town, no one's ever heard of an americano, but they were happy to bring me a shot of espresso and some hot water so I could do it myself.
(4)Sharon L.
Pros: - Convenient location - Not overcrowded when we went on a Friday night Cons: - Overpriced for the level of food that you get - Menu was boring (at least for the dinner that I went to) - They charge extra for cheese on a menu item called "All-American Cheeseburger". Really??
(2)Kathy H.
Used to be a regular here. They had fabulous specials and LOVED both the turkey burger and the chicken pot pie. However a change in menu eliminated the things that I liked. Wish they would bring them back!
(2)Kay S.
When we bought a condo at Notre Dame we assumed we were in for a lifetime of floppy bar food - BUT NO! Right around the corner is a lovely little gem called The Mark. The food is great! Fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. We love to go for a relaxing Breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning, read the paper, and watch the big screens. It's so great that come back for dinner at the bar. Don't miss it, its delish!
(5)Andrew B. J.
I have eaten here over two dozens times in the past few years. The service and food are consistently exceptional and the bar is one of the best in the city. The staff are always happy to accommodate any of my strange requests--I am quite picky!--and if you go, don't forget to try one of their excellent house-made cakes. It's also great to have a place that allows you to make reservations using OpenTable.com . I'm so glad to have The Mark nearby!
(5)John L.
Great location. Good wine. Good service. But, the food is average and way over priced for the quality and presentation. $30 pork chop was basic and unremarkable. The presentation was bland and boring as well the taste. $30 seared tuna was , much like the bland pork chop , a slab of tuna over cooked placed on a plate... My 3 year old got the kids menu , pigs in a blanket. This was the best part of our meal. A beef hotdog wrapped in soft cheese and bread crumbs then fried. It was outstanding and could be served as a regular selection on the ap menu. However, for the money the food needs to be improved. I enjoyed our visit and the staff was very nice but the quality of food is lack luster.
(2)Cathy B.
I loved this place. We came here as hungry, tired out of towners wandering about, looking for a quiet restaurant in which we could eat and talk. So many other restaurants in this immediate area are either chains, or, pubs with too much noise. The Mark provided us with a lovely space in which we could talk, while also enjoying a leisurely meal. I am not kidding you when all three of us identified at least 5 different dishes from the menu that we each wanted to order. Everything sounded delicious, and seemed just slightly above ordinary. Presentation is thoughtful, though the actual delivery of the food was slightly under what the owners are probably aiming for. (i.e. the chicken pot pie is too gummy, and is too forward on thyme, not enough on, frankly, salt; the Humboldt Blue salad dressing is just a few pieces of cheese in a standard blue cheese dressing, instead of being larger pieces of blue cheese sprinkled throughout; the soft pretzels were great, though drenched in unnecessary amounts of fake butter) The cocktail menu is clever and extensive, though the drink I wound up ordering was a bit watered down. I would still come again, and, I am still grateful for having this particular experience, since the quiet dining room was one of our primary goals. That said, the food was good enough that I might go back, though I might order differently next time.
(4)Lou P.
I give the place one star because of many experiences at this restaurant. The Mark has these features: it is pretentious, overpriced, confused in terms of cuisine and environment, and it offers nothing unique or interesting to the diner despite these considerable flaws. I explain these things below. The review is not written with the hopes that management will listen and consider a word of it. I have given up on that long ago. For the first year I dined here, my girlfriend religiously filled out comment cards. When nothing changed, we stopped filling them out. When after a few years the place failed to innovate, we stopped coming, though we're urban professionals and live within walking distance. The Mark is overpriced. When I googled the menu to be certain I was fair, the first thing that Google showed me "At a Glance" was $9.00 mozzarella sticks. Of all the items to serve at a gastropub, this is not. Because it is not remarkable or interesting take on the common fried fare, but the fried fare that a customer can get for 1/2 the price at every restaurant serving pizza, some that serve tacos, and all the chains in the universe. This is the review in a nutshell. Is it an abberation? No, because they have a $15.00 order of nachos, a $9.00 order of jalapeno poppers, and $8.00 order of edamame. Maybe these absurd prices are exclusive to appetizers? Consider the Malpass Meatloaf at $23. It is meatloaf. By this standard, the Macaroni and Cheese is a bargain at only $16. These dishes might command such prices in Midtown Manhattan or San Francisco, but not because the quality is there or they're interesting (they wouldn't survive in those markets) but because the cost of living is different. These dishes are not worth it in terms of innovation on the ideas of the dish (onion rings aren't something unique, they're onion rings), nor on the quality of the food (because I can pay half as much and get the same thing elsewhere, now even in this market). The Mark is overpriced. The Mark is pretentious. The Macaroni and Cheese ($16) has the word "gourmet" in it. This attitude -- selling comfort food at five diamond prices in the South Bend market -- is pervasive throughout the experience. Through inflated prices and nominal attempts in the cuisine and environment, they believe it is somehow justified to charge and pretend they are something they are not. The Mark is confused in terms of cuisine. An order could be Jalapeno Poppers ($9) and a beef tenderloin ($38). What? Exactly. Perhaps you'd like instead to order the pan roasted swordfish ($29) with a pretzel ($9) to start? Uh? Okay, but so what. Again, the starters aren't innovative or interesting. Nor is the mid-$20s to high-$30 preparation of the entrees. It's not a gastropub. It's midwestern new American. This is, again, why the place feels pretentious. It offers a single small plate. What? Why not make it an appetizer? Or offer small plates in quantity like a gastropub might? The plates could be something more than hummus, or onion rings, which are themselves unremarkable and do not go with an also unremarkably prepared entree (as priced). The Mark is confused in terms of environment. Is it a garage, a kitsch kitchen of a McMansion, or what one might expect if a business decorated its own office and the partners were Beetlejuice and Pee Wee Herman and your Grandmother. It wants to be midwest chic but that while grand in aspiration is unattainable because it doesn't exist. Kitsch isn't in a Morton's and abstract art isn't in a Potbelly's sandwich shop because it's insane, not unlike this place, generally. It doesn't really have an outstanding taplist to justify the name even within the market (LTK in DTSB and Rocky in Granger) The Mark offers nothing unique or interesting. Want a gastropub experience? Go to the Salty Sow in Austin and Pheonix. Check out their menu. It's crazy interesting dishes. Don't want to travel outside the midwest? Take the south shore to Chicago. Go to the Gage, Au Chervil, the Purple Pig, the Publican, the Girl and the Goat, or even Pl-Zen, Hopleaf or Longman/Eagle. Then take the train back. You'll lose three hours of travel time, but you'll see what a gastropub is, why the Mark isn't one, why the Mark is pretentious in terms of price, quality, and experience, why it's overpriced for any American market, and what we're missing here in South Bend. It will cost the same as a meal at the Mark. It tries to pass all this craziness in terms of cuisine and price off under the flashy moniker of a gastropub, which it isn't. Which is a shame, because I wish it was.
(1)Sarah C.
I honestly do not understand why people give the mark bad reviews, every time I have eaten there it has been delicious. Their menu has a good range of options. Brunch on weekends has a special menu with different sweet and savory brunch items. They usually have some version of eggs Benedict which is awesome. I also really enjoy the Texas longhorn burger with sweet potato fries. The owner is very nice and has come around and talked to my table twice when I have eaten here. Overall, the mark is one of my favorite restaurants in south bend.
(5)Penny Z.
$5 mimosa on Sundays, +1 star! Came here on a Sunday for brunch, around 11:30am, no wait. Friendly staff, fast service. Had the shrimp and grits Benedict, great flavors and good portion. Boyfriend had the S.E.B.L.T (salmon egg bacon lettuce tomato) sandwich with chips. He enjoyed the sandwich, but the chips on the side were dry and kind of burnt. Overall it was great, will be back for the $5 mimosa on Sundays.
(5)Kelly H.
Great Gf menu! We had an amazing waitperson....she remembered all our orders perfectly in her head. Very good food. We will be going back.
(4)Jim S.
We were there with a party of 8 on a Saturday night and they took care of us fantastically. It was a first time there for all of us and we couldn't have picked a better place in South Bend for a very enjoyable evening. Our lone server effortlessly and extremely efficiently made everything go smoothly with a cheery and friendly demeanor. She was fantastic. Food was delicious and we felt very moderately priced. We will be back.
(5)David W.
Gotta say... Classy place... They totally messed up on something and immediately made it right.
(5)Kate T.
I lived in South Bend for 12 years. The Mark is the best upscale and "trendy" restaurant in town. That being said, there isn't any competition for this prize. This monopoly results in inconsistent experiences; sometimes you've just had the best meal of your life, and service to match. Other times, waiters are snooty, the menu is limited, and the attitude you're given is: "tough luck, where else are you gonna go in South Bend?" Atmosphere/Location: 5/5. This is where The Mark shines. Eddy St. Commons is a highlight of South Bend, both for ND students and South Bend area residents. Parking for the first hour in the Eddy St. garage is free, and only $2 an hour for every hour after that. There's also free street parking nearby. The restaurant itself is filled with eclectic art, has high ceilings and a modern vibe, and comfortable trendy furniture. They couldn't have done a better job with this space: A+. Service: 3/5. This is variable. Some of the servers here are the best servers I've ever had, and they remember me each time I go back even though I don't live in South Bend anymore. Some of the other servers are flippant, dismissive, and act as if they know full well that they're the best restaurant in town and they'll have lots of tables and tips, regardless of how they treat you. Food: 4/5. I like Uptown Kitchen's food menu better, but Toscana Park in Granger is a bit of a "hike" if you're wanting to hang out in SB. Some of the food combos are a bit too experimental, and come up a bit short. However, many dishes are delicious: edamame hummus, bavarian pretzels, the chicken soba noodle salad, any of the burgers, and any of the breakfast options are good standards if you don't want to be too risky. They carry a good tea selection, too, if that's your thing. The drinks at The Mark are AMAZING. Expensive, but worth it. The only one I've had that isn't so great is the Moroccan--it's delicious but mostly cream. The cakes at The Mark are a highlight. If you're going here, just plan on having dessert from the get-go. It's so worth the price and the potential "calorie guilt." Split a slice between a few friends, because the portions are huge. I can't even recommend a cake in particular, because they're all delicious. If it sounds good, it probably IS good. The one thing I would caution about The Mark's menu is that if you're going there during a time that's a special occasion, you should call ahead and ask them what their menu will be. They often do not have a full menu for special event weekends (ND football weekends, graduation), and this can be very frustrating. It's the same staff and cooks, but there is a very limited menu. While they don't raise their prices of what they're offering, the overall menu is skewed to offer mostly the expensive options ($20-$40) entrees, and most of the sandwiches, breakfast options, and lighter fare are unavailable. Bottom Line: Whenever I visit my family in South Bend, I ALWAYS make a trip to The Mark.
(4)Aaron S.
Still a good quality restaurant; but as a vegan it is disappointing that they cannot seem to keep their selections stocked in the dessert case, which is why I'm dropping a star. Also the noise level is still a problem. But given the other zoos on this block, I would still choose it over them for a meal.
(3)Linda P.
Had dinner on a non football weekend, Friday night. Promptly seated when we arrived for our destination. Interesting cocktail menu and unusual draft beers. I had a pumpkin lager and my hubs a "witbier", both delicious. 5 stars for drinks. Our server suggested the goat cheese app and scallop small plate. We ordered both, and the stir fry. The appetizer was pretty good, a smoky marinara, melted goat cheese and olive tapenade. Scallops were perfectly seared, although some folks would say underdone (I love my meat rare so yeehaw), But the dish just didn't come off well, too bitter, flavors unbalanced somehow. Stir fry just OK. 3 stars on the food, with another 1/2 star for good coconut cake. The restaurant has high ceilings with pressed tin, so the noise level was deafening,even when the restaurant was 1/3 empty. I get it that you want the place to be lively, but we had to shout to have a conversation. Not conducive to lingering over that interesting cocktail list. One star for ambiance. Our server WJ (hubs shares first name) was professional and efficient. The folks bussing tables were pretty amazing to watch. They could turn a table in under 30 seconds. Although we didn't feel rushed, the vibe to turn the table was strong. 5 stars for service. So a mixed bag, 4 stars average. In a steak and potatoes town, I appreciate dining outside the SB box.
(4)Logan M.
I ate at this restaurant a few months ago, and enjoyed most of the experience. The food was wonderful, and the service was great. The salmon we had was cooked perfectly. We loved our drinks and we left happy. I recommend their sazerac and corpse reviver--both were WONDERFUL. My fiancée and I decided to split our bill, and when I just so happened to check my bank statement, it said The Mark charged me for the full amount, as well as half of the amount on my fiancées bank statement. I work in the food service industry, and I know how irritating it can be handling this type of situation over the phone, but I called anyway. The manager, rather than telling me he would do everything to make it right, said that this "Isn't possible." He explained that the double charge had to do with an issue with their credit card system, and that everything should correct itself within a week. After a few weeks, when I had remembered the whole ordeal again, I checked my statement again. There was no change--my account had still been charged the full amount of my bill. I followed up again with the restaurant, and nothing was done to fix the situation from their end. But again, I work in a restaurant, and I'm not interested in being a huge hassle. Rather than dispute everything and drag all of it on, I've decided to let it go. Nevertheless, I think it's important that the restaurant employees acknowledge this situation and avoid it in the future. I had forgotten all about this until today, and felt like it should be expressed. Ultimately, The Mark is still a great restaurant, and I would gladly return. I just might either watch my bank account more carefully or simply avoid splitting the bill.
(4)Anthony D.
I was here over Easter weekend and really liked it. Location is right across the street from Notre Dame's campus and in this great little development area. I had breakfast here so that is the extend of my experience. Inside looked great and was well appointed. I thought the service was fine and the menu had some great items. Creative and they all sounded delicious. I was feeling simple this morning and picked the glazed oatmeal with blueberries. Good choice as it hit the spot perfectly. Wish I had eaten more to provide for a more in depth review, but I am sure the rest of the menu would be just as good as the oatmeal I ordered. I will be back on campus sooner or later and will 100% return to The Mark.
(4)Max P.
Changing the stars because of the owners quick and diligence. Great wings, seriously recommend them, just don't get too much good stuff.
(4)