Your 3-Day Food and Drink Itinerary for Fall Weekends

Author: Bailey Spaulding

Welcome Weekend. Four men standing in front of the Hesburgh Library

There's so much to see and do while you're on campus. Make the most of your fall weekends at Notre Dame as you dine, stay, explore, cheer, and gather your way through Our Lady's University. 

Friday:

  • White coffee to-go cup with Café J sleeve
    Breakfast: Cafe J
    • Location: Inside Morris Inn

    • Fare: Coffee and pastries

If you’re like us, morning coffee is a must. Cafe J, located inside of Morris Inn, is the perfect spot to stop for a quick pick-me-up. Don’t forget to grab a delicious pastry made by our very own Executive Pastry Chef, Sinai Vespie. Choose from options like a vanilla latte, cappuccino, a blueberry muffin, and more.

  • Lunch: Flip Kitchen

    • Location: LaFortune Student Center

    • Fare: Wraps, flatbreads, quesadillas, smoothies

All of the excitement and activities are sure to make you hungry. There are over 21 retail dining locations and two dining halls to choose from for a filling meal. Stop by Flip Kitchen, located inside of LaFortune Student Center, for a delicious meal like a pesto chicken flatbread, super green toasted wrap, or a buffalo chicken quesadilla.

  • Dinner: Legends of Notre Dame

    • Location: 100 yards south of Notre Dame Stadium

    • Fare: Sharables, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and a full bar

If you are looking for a place to share in Notre Dame tradition and spirit, Legends is the place for you. Legends of Notre Dame dates back prior to 1982 and is a great place to check off your Notre Dame bucket list. Enjoy dishes like nachos, a PB&J burger, or baby back ribs. Don’t forget to order key lime pie for dessert.

With so much excitement, you may want to stop for a moment of peace. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a breathtaking stop for a moment to reflect, pray, and learn more about how Notre Dame fosters the spiritual development of its students. Don’t forget to stop by and attend a Mass while you are here.

Saturday:

Ivan’s Cafe is a hidden gem on campus. If you are a lover of aesthetics and art, this stop is especially for you. Located inside of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, you can enjoy coffee with a view. Pick from items like an iced caramel macchiato and a chocolate croissant.

  • Lunch: Chick-fil-A

    • Location: Duncan Student Center

    • Fare:  Boneless chicken sandwiches and nuggets, waffle fries, salads, and more

Looking for a classic lunch? Stopy by Chick-fil-A for fan favorites that are sure to keep you full and energized for your weekend adventures.

  • Dinner: Rohr’s

    • Location: Inside Morris Inn

    • Fare: Bright, flavorful food

If you are looking to try a Notre Dame classic, Rohr’s is the choice for you. Located inside Morris Inn, this elevated fare will be sure to be a crowd favorite. Don’t forget to check out Wind Family Fireside Terrace when dining here, first-come, first-served. Make a reservation for Rohr’s dining here.

The Grotto is the perfect stop for a moment of peace and quiet. Come by and light a candle, say a prayer, and take in the sacredness of the space.

Sunday:

  • Exterior of Au Bon Pain café with yellow awning
    Breakfast: Au Bon Pain
    • Location: Inside Hesburgh Library

    • Fare: Sandwiches, salads, coffee, and fresh-baked treats

On the way to a scheduled event? Stop by Au Bon Pain for a quick breakfast. Enjoy items like a power protein egg wrap, toasted bagel, and avocado toast. Top off your breakfast with an iced chai latte or an iced americano.

  • Lunch: Street Fare

    • Location: LaFortune Student Center

    • Fare: Tortas, tacos, rice bowls, and more

Street Fare has something for everyone. Try delicious empanadas, sushi, street fries, and a number of other offerings.

North Dining Hall is a modern dining hall and the perfect place to make a new friend. Choose from a number of options and experience the hard work of campus dining chefs and employees.

  • Runners jog along the lake. Full and bloomed trees line the path and lake.
    Scenic Stop: The Lakes
    • Location: Northwest edge of campus

The Lakes are a relaxing spot for a walk or run. Get some exercise in while admiring the beauty of St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s lakes. Don’t forget to check out the Our Lady of the Lake World Peace Plaza and the dock along your way.

The last honorable mention goes to the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore. Make your way to Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore to stock up on Notre Dame merch. Choose from brands like Under Armour, Champion, and more.

If none of the above options strike your fancy, check out other spots on campus like Starbucks, Taco Bell, and more. For off-campus options around the South Bend area, navigate to Visit South Bend for a few South Bend and Mishawaka community favorites.

Originally published by Bailey Spaulding at experience.nd.edu on July 27, 2024.