South Bend Brew Werks: The Benny

You simply can’t go wrong with brunch! Enjoy your brunch at South Bend Brew Werks and you’ve hit the jackpot! Now, I’m no newbie to this downtown South Bend hotspot, but it continues to charm me each time I visit with its perfect combination of old and new, and its undeniable ability to bring the community together. The Beer4Good program remains my favorite aspect with Brew Werks raising money one craft beer at a time for their three community partners (La Casa de Amistad, The Music Village and Neighborhood Resources Connection). And with the surge of interest in downtown South Bend, Brew Werks has served as the ideal spot to gather, give local support and of course, indulge. 

Brew Werk’s special Sunday brunch menu boasts a variety of items including waffles, burritos, breakfast pizzas and sandwiches, along with the classic beverages of coffee and orange juice. If you’re feeling in the brunch spirit, try one of their Bloody Mary’s/Beery’s or a Beermosa! 

I opted for one of their signature dishes: The Benny. Forget syrup and everything you thought you knew about waffles. Topped with a poached egg, bacon and hollandaise, this waffle offers a little sweet and a whole lot of savory, or what I like to call the “best of both worlds.” The hollandaise is made fresh every Sunday morning and has a bit more spice than the traditional sauce. The waffle isn’t fluffy like you might think, but its texture provides contrast to the light and airy eggs that top it. 

I paired my meal with an enticing Beermosa (two parts craft beer, one part orange juice), of which I selected Vandermill Cider as the base. My morning brew became an excellent addition to my entree as the crisp taste complemented the tangy waffle toppings perfectly. And just because, I ordered a Bloody Mary as well (let’s be honest, who can turn down a Bloody Mary?)! The homemade mix is blended with vodka from Journeyman Distillery and of course, garnished with a celery stick creating a spicy and delicious addition to any brunch meal.