The Mark Dine and Tap

Update to review below: After reading my review, the owner contacted me to offer apologies and invited me to come back in. He was professional and I’m sure is working to correct the issues.
Don’t sit outside! Not for lunch, anyway. I was recently with a party of five, and had to go inside three times to request things like, «Can we order our meals?» We were forgotten.
The food is pretty good here, probably nicer than anywhere else on Eddy St. I have heard people rave about the salmon. But nothing I tried was spectacular, particularly considering the price point and the service. There are way tastier places to go in South Bend, if you want to spend $ 30.
If I come back, I’ll try just getting cocktails at the bar.

Perfect place for a family celebration dinner! Even though our group occupied several tables, The Mark service was impeccable! The owner’s dedication to fresh ingredients was vividly apparent when our food arrived. The seafood was cooked perfectly, accented with fresh herbs, and complemented by craft beers and excellent wine. Salads were crisp and lightly dressed. Not pretentious gourmet food – a simple, quality, farm to bowl menu. They respect their younger audience as well, even nachos (a big hit) taste better when made with fresh ingredients! I’ve been to The Mark several times and am happy to see that it is finally hitting its stride by staying true to its roots — a farmhouse modern flare!

I’ve probably only dined here 5x or less but The Mark has yet to disappoint. Solid food. Chef pays attention to detail. Great hospitality! Atmosphere is also great. Get the city vibe with a friendly staff.
If you’re around campus you most definitely should check this place out.

The Good: the salads were fresh and tasty. They did not skimp on the beets in the beet salad and the dressing was well balanced. We had nice cocktails. (I a gin gimlet, my friend a martini.)
The Bad: My friend ordered the stir fry and said it tasted like something was bad: the tofu or coconut milk were expired and/​or the vegetables were not fresh (they looked frozen). She actually had to spit out a piece of tofu. I had a burger and fries. The burger bun was a cheap, mushy white bun and it was greasy. The fries were limp and pale.
The 2 stars reflect the good start to our meal and decent service. But I wouldn’t go back. It’s very overpriced for what you get.

Went here last night for a rather late dinner, ordered steak, and I believe I got the ribeye, as it cost $ 34.The soup was excellent, the steak and the sides were also. I know I must have come in about 9 or 9 thirty. I sat at the bar, and savored my meal. Now I know you guys that know me are aware of my thin skin on high prices, but I am gonna let this place slide, because my meal, though it could have been a bit bigger, or a bit cheaper, was damn good nonetheless. If you figure the rent they must be paying (I heard the AT&T store was paying $ 10,000 a month!) {that’s why they left, and moved to across from Martins}, And they do get to soak the Domers. I am giving this place a five based on food quality. I had great service, I did not think it was loud, I finished everything on my plate and the yummy soup. Expensive? Maybe, but you get what you pay for. This time, I thought it was worth it.

Fantastic place to go get breakfast at. They have great omelettes. Try the Power breakfast as well (muesli, granola, milk, orange juice, and fruit).
Coffee is great as well

Per a friends request, I decided to give The Mark another chance, as there are many mixed reviews. Unfortunately, my dining experience left me just as displeased as the previous time. I just can’t find luck with this place, but I know others do!
We arrived around 2:30 for a late lunch and went inside to be seated. It was a beautiful day and they boast a nice outdoor seating option so we requested that. We were told to «go outside and sit wherever!» Hmmmm… Ok? No worries though, off we went!
Throughout the course of the meal we had probably 3 different servers as ours was no where to be found when we needed 1. Water 2. To order after being there 35 minutes. My dining partner actually finished her beverage before we saw our server again, it took a very long time. But again, beautiful day. No worries.
Food note: the Caesar has a corn salsa on it, which is stated on the menu so it is untraditional. My friend was not expecting this, though it is stated clearly. I personally really appreciate the corn topping that is on a number of their salads, but it is a different twist on the Caesar which left her a little unsatisfied.
When we were served food and asked for silverware the random waitress of the moment said «Oh damn!» And went back inside to get silverware. I’m sorry, but where is professionalism?! I believe my jaw dropped.
To top it off, someone from the apartments above the outdoor seating started drying their sopping wet rug over the railing, getting my purse completely drenched as well as splashing my friend and I. We were not offered any apology though there were 2 employees (not our server) standing outside as it happened. Obviously they had no control over this, but I just would have appreciated a word of sympathy.
At that point in the meal, the bill was paid and there was no point in expressing all of this to management as it likely would have taken time to find a server, as the two that were out there darted inside.
I believe the brunt of the problem was due to the outdoor seating– may not have been prepared for the beautiful day in March. Kudos to opening it, just wish it was attended to more thoroughly.
I was looking to up my stars on this business and just don’t think my luck is found here as others’ is! I will not likely be back, even as a favor to a requesting friend.

We ate here with a few friends on a Saturday night and we were not dissapointed. The bacon jar appetizer was interesting and my 3 year old loved it. We all got burgers and the mushroom mushroom was amazing per my husband. I got the terriaky chicken sandwhich, which was good and not too strong of terriaky. I would definitely get it again. A week later my husband and I went again on a Monday around 2pm and again we were not dissapointed. The best part are the tator tots. The tots are the best tasting ever and a lot better than my childhood tots!!!

Never have I seen such a good restaurant go so far downhill. I was last here probably two years ago and my family thought it would be great to come back while I was in town over the holidays. What an enormous mistake.
I have also never returned food at a restaurant until my visit here. Got the 1234 salad that comes with a steak. The steak was grey, and ice cold. I told the waitress and she said she’d correct it. She brought it back and the steak was still gray, and slightly warmer but still below room temperature as if it had been heated for 20 seconds in a microwave in the back. The rest of the salad was just a big mass of baby spinach with few of the other ingredients, it tasted so horrible that I returned it back and told them I didn’t want anything else.
Apparently the shallots aren’t bad but everyone in my party who got anything else was displeased. The brisket isn’t that good (it also doesn’t taste anything like authentic brisket by the way) and gave my partner a really bad stomach ache later. My sister’s steak was really off. The «gourmet» mac and cheese was just ok. The goat cheese came in a sea of salsa (not indicated on the menu), it was ok but also gross since it just turned into this weird cheesy-​salsa muck in no time.
I used to consider this place one of the best restaurants in South Bend. Now, I’d easily choose fast food or anything else over this place. The prices have gone way up, and the quality is at rock bottom. We spent almost 300 $ and will never be coming back.
Save yourself and save your money and avoid this place at all costs.

My mom loves the Cuban sandwich. The service is always on point. My experience with the food has always been pretty good. This last time, I ordered the Black bean burger– it comes on a GF bun. I’m a gluten free vegetarian, so it was awesome to see an option for me on the menu. I wish I would have gone with the beet salad or the cauliflower entrée because the burger was like a taco on a bun. That is not appealing to me at all, and I think they ought to amend the description so people know what they’re getting. Or change the seasoning so it’s not so overwhelmingly «taco flavored».
But like I said, this is sort of unusual. Most everything else I’ve had there has been pretty good. And they have a great selection of Wine. We go here every time I come to town to visit.

The Mark Dine and Tap must have had a rocky start to their operation a few years ago based on the handful of sandbagging reviews here on Unilocal.Either I’m ignorant or this superb dinner spot has really turned it around. Living close by this is our go to spot whenever we want a nicer dinner within a short walk. Every item I’ve ever ordered has been well prepared and delicious. The pretzel appetizer comes with 3 dipping sauces, 2 of which are so good you’ll want to order a second round for your main course.
Main plates include entrée sized salads (the blackened chicken caesar is worth every penny), cooked to order burgers (the Mark comes with a fried egg — need I say more), sandwiches, pastas, steak, duck, and seafood. Of the restaurant options in Eddy Street Commons The Mark Dine and Tap easily wins for best selection, presentation, and taste.
On to the beer. You would be correct in assuming their wine list is extensive, but while their draft list is shorter it makes up for it in pure quality. St. Bernardus ABT 12 on tap every single day. The last time I’ve seen that as a mainstay draft was at a high end beer bar in Washington DC. They also have La Fin du Monde and Brother Thelonious. If those are too far out of your wheelhouse you can find regional brews from New Holland and 3 Floyds and a smattering of other choices.
To date I’ve yet to try any of their desserts although they look great. I’m always so full on appetizers, entrees, and a nice warming brew that I simply can’t fit any more in.

The food at the Mark is consistently good, and tonights experience was no different. I had the Veal meatloaf, and it was worth it. with a roasted beet gorgonzola salad that was delicious.
Service was good… not particularly friendly but things arrived on time, drinks were refilled and she checked back within 2 bites and didn’t rush us through a meal.

Went here for a few drinks and some appetizers while in town for ND weekend. Everybody was friendly and we found some open seats at the bar.
They have a bunch of beers on draft and a plethora of appetizer choices. We picked the Bavarian Pretzels with 3 dipping sauces. Everything was delicious. We will be back.

Needing an afternoon nosh, I stopped my The Mark for a bite to eat and the highly recommended Bloody Mary. The drink was suitably spicy and very fresh, with a cheese stuffed olive that was a nice touch. I ordered the chicken soba noodle salad, and practically licked the bowl clean. The bartender was chatty, and the place was not overcrowded, although the Football team had an away game, and I’d guess that things are a bit livelier on game weekends. High marks all around.

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 100 000 000 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!

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 entrée 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.