The East Bank
neighborhood is the trendy urban neighborhood in the South Bend region. The East Bank is on the East side of the St. Joseph River, and includes the East Bank Island, the East Race Waterway,
Howard Park ,
Seitz Park , miles of river trails, bike paths, a public
dog park , over a dozen
restaurants ,
bars , and cafes, a
jazz club ,
co-working space, a
food co-op , a local weekly print
newspaper , a grocery store (May 2021), and a pharmacy (May 2021).
The East Bank is where South Bend’s Art Beat festival started. Organized by local artists and galleries to promote local and regional artists. Today paintings, sculptures, metalsmiths, and galleries are popping up throughout the neighborhood. Check out: Fire Arts, Alloy, Circa Arts, and keep an eye out for pop ups like the Birdsell Project and The Magic Factory.
Directly across the river is the South Bend Museum of Art, The Palais, The Morris Performing Arts Center. The Civic Theatre is a few blocks away, and performs in the East Bank’s neighborhood parks during the summer season. The half-mile walk from Corby’s bar at LaSalle Avenue & Niles Avenue, to Jefferson Blvd, and then East to Barnaby’s pizza has several bars (including an Arcade Bar). Many of the bars and restaurants have artwork on rotation (and for sale) by local artists. The River Lights Music festival lights up the nights one weekend every summer. Outdoor live music is available almost every day of the week during the summer, and indoors most days during the cooler months. Be sure to check out Merriman’s Jazz Club inside the Commerce Center Office Building.
Restaurant Incubator’s allow new food-entrepreneurs to setup shop with minimal capital, and also get support with marketing & promotions. There are two locations, one is located inside the Emporium Building, and three are inside the Commerce Center Office Building. The neighborhood has a growing food scene, with some of the best tasting restaurants in the region. A non-profit (farmer operated) Farmer’s Market is located inside the Commerce Center Office Building every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. CSA’s are available. A grocery store is opening up in the Spring of 2021 on the 1st floor of the 300 E LaSalle building. Keep an eye on the neighborhood website at: www.EastBankSB.com
Physical Therapist, Doctor’s offices, Dentists, Ophthalmologists, Pharmacy, accountants, attorneys, and spas are all within an easy walk within the East Bank neighborhood. Memorial Hospital is about 6 blocks away and is the regions only Level II Certified Trauma center and works with MedFlight. Memorial also has a new children’s hospital, cancer care center, surgery center, and rehabilitation services. Living in the East Bank means it’s easier to walk to services, and that the best care in the region is within a few city blocks.