Bantam Chicken & Seafood

1902 S Bend Ave, South Bend IN 46637
$$ American

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 1902 S Bend Ave, South Bend IN 46637
  • Cross Street: South Bend
  • Cuisine: American | Contemporary | English | Vegetarian |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Unknown
  • Meals Served: Dinner |
  • Parking: Private Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Cash |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: (574) 387-3890
  • Features: Full Bar, Outdoor Seating, Takeout Available,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, People Watching, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Quick Bite, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,

Photos

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Closed - Restaurant
Tuesday
Dinner - Restaurant 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Dinner - Restaurant 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Thursday
Dinner - Restaurant 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday
Dinner - Restaurant 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday
Dinner - Restaurant 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday
Closed - Restaurant
False

Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.75 out of 5 stars based on 310 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jan 20, 2022
Jim G.
We first experienced Chef Dante Shaw at a Farrand Hall ( Colon, Michigan) dinner last summer and had been wanting to go to his restaurant. Even though it was a 75 minute drive from our home, it was worth the drive. We split the chicken empanadas as an appetizer. My husband got the fried chicken dinner with a biscuit and greens. I chose the chicken and biscuits. Beautiful presentation on the food and delicious. Unrushed, relaxing evening out. We needed a to go box for leftover chicken so I personally felt the prices were reasonable for the amount and quality of the food. We’ll definitely come back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 19, 2022
Carrie P.
The food was incredible, delicious and beautifully plated. Was so impressed and will come back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 26, 2021
Michael J.
The food was excellent! Well seasoned with wonderful flavor and texture, a truly divine eating experience. The chef is a culinary genius, we may have to make it our favorite restaurant. Looking forward to eating there again.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 20, 2021
Karen I.
Exceptional food with a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Friendly and low key service that was prompt. Graceful adjustment for food allergies. Highly recommend - we sampled 2 starters (scallops and the bacon), 2 entrees (shrimp and grits and the Vietnamese salmon) and the dessert - every dish was amazing.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 29, 2021
Maher A.
Best chicken sandwich! Chicken thigh was best part of chicken to use in a sandwich. XXX spicy is no joke. I was most surprised by how good the halibut was prepared with presentation. I usually hate raisins in food but I found an exception with this dish. Thank you. We will be coming back for more.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 20, 2021
Khoa H.
One of the best restaurants in the South Bend area. Hands down!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 30, 2021
Kayla T.
Amazing food and service! One of the best restaurants in the area by far!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 19, 2021
Mark C.
Wonderful wait staff. Very attentive but not annoying. Peppered old fashion is amazing. Definitely will be going back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 23, 2021
Madeline M.
Absolutely wonderful in every way! Outstanding food in a relaxed atmosphere. highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 09, 2021
LaShaunda P.
Good was delicious! Customer was great! Server was friendly! The chef came out and was friendly! Everything was prepared freshly in very little time!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 07, 2021
Adam M.
Best in South Bend.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 20, 2021
Crystal D.
Stellar service, modern atmosphere, and the absolute best chicken sandwich in town—couldn’t ask for anything more!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 15, 2021
Connor K.
Amazing service from Megan and Maxx; the Reiff was the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten; and just a great space to connect with my wife! Will definitely be back!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 26, 2020
Leah Z.
An absolute treat!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 15, 2020
Amy D.
the meatball appetizer was awesome an so were the old fashioneds

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 27, 2020
Samantha S.
Did not disappoint. Food was amazing!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 21, 2020
Faith N.
This was first time at Bantam and I will definitely be back!! Brunch was amazing and I enjoyed everything!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 05, 2020
Tyler S.
Everything we ordered was fantastic. Great quality made to order food! Can not complain about anything. Price was excellent and server was educated on the menu. Going to return to try more stuff on the menu!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 09, 2020
Tracy B.
The food was excellent and waitstaff were friendly & helpful. I’m not in a hurry when I’m going for brunch but other patrons may wish to take note that the service is not quick.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 28, 2020
Annie J.
Sooo good! Service, food, drinks, everything is amazing. Perhaps when funds allow, umbrellas for shade on the patio would be welcome.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 14, 2020
Casey T.
10 outta 10, our experience was awesome. We loved the new restaurant and the food was top notch, as per usual!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2020
Virna E.
we ate out on the patio which is great during these COVID times, but it was very warm and we were in full sun. When the restaurant is doing better in terms of customers. they may want to invest in some umbrellas to keep the customers out of the sun

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2020
Shell W.
Love the food & great service! Consistent as always... just need a little more work on ambience. Xoxx!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2020
Jen F.
Food was great! Drinks were excellent. Service was awesome.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2020
Darius G.
The experience that we have at Bantam is Grade A. The food is amazing, the staff is awesome, and we always feel welcomed!!! We feel like we are family when coming in!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2020
David S.
The way this seafood was presented, prepared and tasted was the best! Nothing too heavy and everything was fresh.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 15, 2020
Jennifer S.
Brunch was absolutely amazing - in every way! Service was professional & careful which I appreciated. The chicken and french toast was everything I wanted and so much more! So glad to have Bantam back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 07, 2020
Jasmine C.
Other than slow bar service, everything was amazing. Our server and even the chef were so accommodating and pleasant. I will most certainly be back!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Jun 02, 2020
Lizz R.
Chef Dont’e is amazing! Creative and delicious food! Service is top notch!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 31, 2020
Rachel S.
The shrimp & grits reminded me of eating at one of the great restaurants in the warehouse district of New Orleans. The flavors were spot on and the whole shrimp added to the freshness of the ingredients.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 01, 2021
James W.
A group of us were visiting South Bend from Memphis, Atlanta, and Raleigh for a game, and we were astounded by the authentic taste of the southern food choices, all of which were delicious. The waitstaff was warm and accommodating. The atmosphere was pleasant. We all walked out talking about how good our meals were and how we stumbled upon a hidden gem.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 26, 2020
Mike M.
Food and service are great. However, the reservation was not recorded, but we had no problem getting a table.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jun 28, 2020
Bennett T.
Amazing food by Chef Dante! Lobster with Johnnycake, Peri Peri Chicken, Elote Cornbread, and Black-Eyed Peas. Perfectly executed food with delicious Southern inspired flavors. Always a good time at Bantam!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jun 07, 2020
lori h.
10 stars is not enough for this Chef and his Staff. They take comfort to a whole new level in food and service. So grateful we have this talent here in South Bend!

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 3/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 16, 2021
Craig S.
Food was absolutely exceptional!! The look of the place could use some work though.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 4/10
Value: 8/10
Jun 01, 2020
JP K.
I know that opening under such extreme circumstances has been difficult. The food was very good; the service was uneven in that the cocktails came out very slowly, but everything was served with care and professionalism. Little things like having the servers bring a small plate out with the bloody mary so there is somewhere to put the chicken wing (a creative detail, but made cumbersome by the lack of anywhere to put the bones or rest the wing while drinking the cocktail). Also, I hope that eventually the tables and chairs will be changed out. It is hard to reconcile the quality of the food - and the requisite prices - with the same tables and chairs that were in the previous establishment, which was a sports bar. Also, small details like some of the painters tape still being up in places....One more consideration, the placement of the lights is awkward for those sitting a the hightop tables - the bright lights are right in the line of site and can be distracting. All of this is said with respect and sincere concern that Bantam succeed and thrive. I know I will definitely be back and will bring others with me.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 08, 2021
Zena H.
The restaurant was very cold temperature wise. Food was unique and very good. I loved it because it was different but my husband was not a fan.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 3/10
Value: 8/10
Oct 18, 2020
Donna T.
This was my first time at Bantam. We went on a Friday evening at 6pm. This is in a college town so we were only1 of 2 tables at this time. Service was fast, drinks were fabulous as well as the food. By 7pm the place every table was seated. Just wonderful. The only downside was the ambiance. It's like being in a warehouse. Just a little cold for my taste but I would definitely visit again and have recommended to friends.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 3/10
Value: 8/10
Jun 15, 2020
Chris D.
Service was very slow despite having half the usual customers- well over 45 Mums for food let alone drinks.. the new store looks lacking. Needs to invest in real furniture and seating. Food was way over priced for what we are receiving.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 4/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
May 31, 2020
Morgan R.
Food was absolutely delicious and great to see being served in this area! However, if the business is going to survive it needs to speed up the delivery of the food by at least 3 times.