The Friendly Confines patio vote tabled until July 24

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Fighting to ‘Save the Deck’ at a local watering hole.

In baseball terms, it’s the bottom of the ninth inning and a last chance to give patrons at The Friendly Confines neighborhood bar in South Bend an outdoor space.

After a small victory in front of the Zoning Board last week, it was supposed to be back to the County City Building on Monday.

Instead, the bar's owner and his fans will have to take a seat for another two weeks.

Monday’s decision to re-open the patio was tabled until Monday, July 24 so that every member of the council can be on hand.

Bob burg is the owner of The Friendly Confines.

“There was a lot of disappointment. People on your behalf or taking time out of their life to show support for something they believe in and then you gotta call them last minute and say, not tonight. I’m pretty sure the same people, which I’m sure they will because they’re loyal, that they will be back on the 24th,” said Burg.

Since the patio opened in 2014, some folks who live nearby have spoken up saying it needs to be shut down and the bar should possibly close its doors with it.

Kevin Wooding has lived in the neighborhood for years.

“We’ve gotten a lot of problems from the bar since he moved in. Primarily, since he’s opened up the outdoor patio area. Loud noise from patrons, bands, DJ’s, karaoke until one, two, three o’clock in the morning,” said Wooding.

Neighbors and long-time west side residents like Katie Reaves, are standing up for the bar saying it brings a vibrancy that has been lacking to South Bend’s west side.

“They’ve invested so much money in the community, not only with the look of the bar but also with some charitable contributions. Just like to see the west side get better. Why can’t we have nice things,” said Reaves.

Burg says they will be ready with a compromise when the time finally comes for a decision.

He says if they come out victorious they will close the patio at 11 p.m. every night and move the much maligned music indoors.

No matter how or when, a win would be a win, and the ‘W’ flag would once again be flying high at The Friendly Confines.

“People just want to sit outside. They want a burger. They want a beer. It’s a beautiful deck. Nice area. People come out here and say, man I don’t’ feel like I’m on the west side. We want the west were everyone can feel good about. So hopefully we can accomplish that,” said Burg.