Bonnie Doon Drive-In

Freakin love this place. Cannot beat the burgers and fries. For ice cream get either peanut butter, lemon custard, or blue moon. I’m sure they have other amazing flavors, but those are all that I try. The sundaes are out of this world. Wish I were eating one right now.

I have so many great memories of visiting Bonnie Doon’s while growing up. I’m sad that the other locations are no longer available and the ice cream is no longer Bonnie Doon’s — but this is still a great place to visit. The blue moon ice cream is always a favorite and I especially love the sundae with blue moon, marshmellow and strawberries.

Thanks Unilocalers for making me aware of this place! It’s a gem! It’s a total time machine– you could pretend you’re back in the 50’s. Even the soundtrack is right-​they play doo-​wop records– the album covers decorate the walls as well. Sat inside and had a medium sized hot fudge sundae. It was delicious. Can’t wait to go back!

Excellent service had me some bear schlitz flavor ice cream. amazing definitely worth the detour.

Truly vintage carhop/​drive-​in — the last of a long-​lived empire. I’m glad to see that Bonnie Doon still exists, at least in some form.
The good:
Straight out of the 50s. You can pull up to a drive in spot out back and your order will be brought to your car. Love it. Interior is just as preserved.
The prices. We just had ice cream. We had three cones, 2 one-​scoops and 1 two-​scoops and paid less than $ 7. That’s way better portion sizes and way better pricing than your frozen-​monolith places offer, plus you’re supporting a local business (or two).
The staff. Super friendly and chatty. We were offered menus twice even though we were just getting ice cream and our scooper made pleasant small talk with us as we waited for our treats.
The okay:
If you park and walk in through the back door, you walk right through the kitchen and register area which is a little odd. I hesitated but was reassured by the staff to come on through.
The Blue Moon. Bonnie Doon’s no longer makes ice cream. It’s now from Valpo Velvet, though they have a lot of flavors that look an awful lot like the old BD stuff. Didn’t notice any Crummy Cookie or Pecan Praline (mostly because I had zeroed in on what I came for) but was glad to see Peppermint Stick (in July — woo hoo!) and mint AND mint chip so choco-​mint sodas can be made properly. Anyhow, I had a spoonful of Blue Moon to taste, and was pleased with the flavor. But it was a bit subtle. Blue Moon is already subtle and ethereal and hard to place, but after a few licks, it wasn’t as distinguishable as the old Bonnie Doon’s formula.
No sugar cones? At least we weren’t offered a choice.
Again, I’m really glad this outpost of an old favorite still exists, even if it’s not quite the same. For someone who lives 4000 miles away, it’s close enough!

The best ice cream on either side of the Mississippi. As a traveling musician I see a lot of burger joints and drive-​ins but this one tops them all. Make sure to get a hot dog with bacon and an ice cream soda. Not only will you enjoy the food and ice cream but there’s a ton of history at this place.

I like to get ice cream here. A lot of the food is overpriced and the portions are small so I’d recommend this as an ice cream shop but not as a place to have dinner. The service is good and he atmosphere reminds me of a 1950’s soda shop.

Solid food, & nice environment. Gave me a legitimate 50’s old school drive-​in feel. Wasn’t particular impressed w/​my ice cream. I got chocolate chip cookie dough & it was pretty average. However the Bonnie Burger salvaged my trip. I thought it was a surprisingly savory & I’m happy w/​the cost of the meal. Definitely gonna take another trip, & check out that Peanut-​Butter Burger! Along w/​some of the other unique items they featured on the menu.

Great drive in experience with great food.

One of the best local businesses to support!
Tonight we arrived after they had closed… It was rainy and cold and they served us anyway. We had our two dogs in the trunk so rather than going in the owner walked out in the rain and served us himself. Excellent service, great food (and ice-​cream… whoa), and such a classic. After over 70 years, they still try and keep the atmosphere exactly as it was when it opened.
So grateful for local places like this that keep South Bend feeling like a neighborhood and preserve our history!

Blue moon and Bubble Gum baby!

It is kind of run down but I still like the place. Good shakes and the food isn’t too bad. My wife and I currently live close so we sometimes walk there for supper. Every Sunday during the summer they have «old car» night which is kind of cool too.

Bonnie Doon’s is keeping the tradition a 50’s drive in dinner alive in Northern Indiana. Prices aren’t quite as low as you would have found during the heyday of small diners but the atmosphere makes up for the slight inflation. (Most meals will come with fries and a drink/​shake for less than $ 5.) Seating options are yours choose to sit outdoors on their patio, indoors with the sounds of the Jukebox playing classic hits from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, or in your car with friendly fast service. Bonnie Doon’s also has it’s own line of ice cream and it’s a definite highlight of the eating experience. Overall the low prices, family atmosphere, and nostalgia make Bonnie Doon’s a great choice for a quick lunch, family dinner, or stop for dessert. For those who want something more family oriented and less chain than Dairy Queen be sure to check out either of the two South Bend/​Mishawaka area Bonnie Doon Diners.