Where to ‘Drink Dry’ in January in Downtown South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- While many people are heading out to ring in the New Year, others are looking ahead to Dry January — and finding ways to stay social without alcohol in downtown South Bend.

Dry January is a popular health trend in which participants abstain from alcohol for the month, often after holiday indulgence.

The movement is part of a broader national shift. According to a recent Pew Research study, young adults are drinking less alcohol than previous generations.

Local bar managers say they are responding by offering more nonalcoholic options year-round.

“It’s important to cater to everyone, not everyone wants to drink,” said Jeff Byers, general manager at The Exchange.

Choosing not to drink doesn’t mean missing out on nightlife in South Bend, business owners say.

“Traditionally speaking like, the bar, the tavern has always been a meeting place. And even if you’re doing dry January, you shouldn’t feel hesitant about coming out,” said Peter Greer, general manager at Hammer & Quill.

Hammer & Quill offers a dedicated mocktail menu year-round, including one of its signature nonalcoholic drinks.

“We call it the NA-groni,” Greer said.

The Exchange also features mocktails both regularly and as part of its seasonal offerings.

“So, we have three mocktails that we run year-round, The Lady Reserve, The Garden Tango, and The Rock Steady,” Byers said.

Whether customers are designated drivers or simply choosing to skip alcohol, Byers said having options matters.

“If they come to a place like this, we just want to make sure they have options,” he said.