I’m sure that all of us have our favorite restaurants, right? How about favorite hangout spots? You know, places where you could stay for hours, just carrying on with friends, or maybe listen to a live band, drinking beer or wine and having a good ol’ time. What if I told you there was a place where you could do all these things?

One of my favorite places to visit for a night out is right here in South Bend. It’s a little Irish pub called Fiddler’s Hearth, and if you’ve never been there, it’s definitely worth giving a try. Not only do they have delicious, traditional Irish food, they also serve burgers, salads, and amazing desserts. That doesn't even include the drinks available…thirty-six different types of beer (including Guinness, of course), and sixty-four different types of whiskey! Not to mention several wines and spirited coffees, and sometimes they have stouts that have been aged in whiskey casks. (Read: STRONG, not for the lightweights!)

My first trip to Fiddler’s was on a second or third date with a fireman. He was younger, and I think he was trying to show off how refined and worldly he was (ha!), but I immediately fell in love with the cozy atmosphere and the Pear and Walnut Salad. The fireman didn’t last very long, but thus began my love for “the Hearth.” It became my place, and one that the man in my life and I visit often; we hung out there together as friends before we started dating. For a while, we were there every week; we’d eat a cheap dinner somewhere else, then go listen to live music and have a drink or two at the pub on Thursday nights - the one night a week that I had a babysitter.

If you decide to give Fiddler’s a try, here are some tips:

• · They get extremely busy during lunch and dinner times (12-1 and about 6:30-9), so it may be a good idea to either call ahead for a reservation or go in at an off-peak hour.

• · Be prepared to sit next to strangers. The seating is family style, so there are long tables and pews to sit on. You most likely won't be seated by a hostess or server, just look for an open spot and grab it. Think of it as an opportunity to meet new friends!

• · Be nice to the waitresses! There are usually only 2 or 3 servers for the entire restaurant, so be patient. Tip well (no less than 15%, and 20% for great service is my motto).

• · The menu can get a bit pricey, especially when you factor in drinks, meal, and dessert, so be prepared. It’s a bit cheaper to just go for lunch and keep the drinks and dessert out, or maybe go out for drinks and dessert after a supper at home.

• · If you see a man with white hair, beard, and newsboy cap, it’s probably the owner.

• · Try and visit on a night when Andyman Hopkins is playing. He’s fun and friendly, and you’ll have a great time. Alligator Blackbird plays there from time to time, as well.

Personal favorite menu items:

• · Whiskey sours. They never skimp on the whiskey here, so I don’t have to spend a lot of money on drinks. No worries - I never, ever drive after drinking! My companions usually have beer, either Guiness or Bells Two-Hearted IPA. There’s always something new to try, and always something on special.

• · Fish and Chips is a must. I have never been disappointed when I ordered this meal, which consists of a salad or soup choice, either 3 or 4 beer battered cod fillets, and chips (French fries). The breading is always crispy and the fillets inside tender and moist. Mouth-watering!

• · The Pear and Walnut Salad is to die for. Dark, leafy greens with sliced pears, walnuts, bleu cheese and grilled chicken topped with vanilla vinaigrette, it’s perfect during warm weather. I love this salad so much that I found a recipe for a version of vanilla vinaigrette online and began making it myself.

• · Their bread pudding is the best I’ve ever tasted. It always comes out warm, with a whiskey cream sauce, and it usually takes 3-4 people to eat it all.

So, if you're looking for a new place to try, why not Fiddler's? They have great food, tons of drink choices, they're family-friendly, and smoke-free. Take a gander at their website, where you'll find lunch and dinner menus, a drink menu, calendar of events, and pictures.

How about you, what are some of YOUR favorite places around here? Yes, I'm looking at YOU. Leave a comment and let us know!

**Disclaimer** Photos taken by camera phone.