Bend, situated in Central Oregon, is a remarkable destination known for its exceptional local beers, outdoor adventure opportunities, and delicious dining options. It serves as an idyllic location for both weekend getaways and extended stays. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Bend attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its charming craftsman-style homes, unique coffee shops, and thriving craft beer scene. This vibrant community offers the perfect gateway to the nearby parks and mountains. The restaurant scene in Bend is thriving, with many must-visit eateries nestled in the downtown area. As you explore this remarkably walkable town, be sure to discover the following dining establishments in Bend, Oregon.

The Lot

Address: 745 NW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97701 Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM

This venue stands out among typical food truck locations and has gained immense popularity. Surrounded by multiple food trucks, it offers a diverse menu along with a comfortable sit-down area featuring a bar. Unlike conventional picnic tables, The Lot provides table settings in enclosed areas with heated seats and overhead heaters. For those inclined to brave the outdoor elements, heated seats around cozy fire pits are available. A must-visit in Bend, ensure you try the fish tacos from the vibrant green bus.

Sen Thai Noodles and Hot Pot

Address: 69 NW Newport Ave Suite 100, Bend, OR 97701 Hours: Closed on Mondays; Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM; Extended hours until 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. If you have a penchant for Thai cuisine, Sen presents a more upscale dining experience. The name “Sen” translates to noodle or thread in Thai, reflecting the owners’ mission to offer a unique take on traditional dishes and street food. While it may lean towards the higher end of the price spectrum, it provides an ideal setting for special occasions or date nights. A wide variety of noodle options are available, including noodle soups, dry noodles, and stir-fried selections. Additionally, if noodles are not your choice, explore their enticing street food offerings or consider their hot pot options perfect for group dining.

Bend Brewing Company

Address: 1019 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97701 Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM This establishment offers not only excellent local beers but also delightful dining. Nestled along the Deschutes River, it’s an ideal spot during the summer months. Due to its popularity, consider making a reservation. In the colder months, you can always enjoy a beer outdoors, seated on their heated patio while you wait. Sharing nachos is a great option, but do not miss the risotto or fish tacos if available. The menu offers a variety of enjoyable pub fare in a lively atmosphere.

10 Barrel Brewing Company

Address: 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend, OR 97701 Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 AM to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday 11 AM to Midnight

This venue offers a relaxed, pub-style dining experience with popular options like the porknado pizza and elk burger. Their snacks are the perfect complement to their extensive range of tap beers. While the offerings may change, the pork bites paired with a spicy strawberry sauce are simply exquisite. The unique atmosphere, featuring ample outdoor seating, contributes to its charm, with enclosed spaces equipped with picnic tables and traditional outdoor arrangements positioned around fire pits. This spot sees great crowds during the warmer months.

Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House

Address: 1044 NW Bond St., Bend, OR 97703 Hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM Located downtown, Deschutes Brewery offers a convenient opportunity to sample their renowned beers while enjoying a meal. If you’re in the mood for a snack, their garlic French fries are a must-try. While the menu may be concise, it features delicious small plates, with their pizzas being particularly noteworthy. Options range from the hearty Meathead pizza to a supreme vegan selection, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Miyagi Ramen

Address: 550 SW Industrial Way STE 102, Bend, OR 97702 Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 AM to 8 PM; Friday and Saturday 11:30 AM to 9 PM

A personal favorite, Miyagi Ramen is situated in the Old Mill District. Offering casual dining, this small venue excels in providing some of the finest ramen available. The vegan ramen is highly recommended, particularly for the addition of pickled mushrooms. Moreover, patrons have praised the spicy ramen, making it another excellent choice during your visit.

Spork

Address: 937 NW Newport Ave #130, Bend, OR 97703 Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM; Closed on Sunday

A local favorite, Spork can become quite busy. Diners often rave about their spicy pork noodles, which truly deliver on flavor; however, my personal favorite was the Dan Dan noodles, minus the peanuts, as I prefer a milder taste. This establishment is so delightful that we visited multiple times during our stay, a testament to its quality.

Bar Rio (occasionally referred to as Barrio)

Address: 915 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 3 PM to 10 PM; Thursday to Saturday 3 PM to 11 PM

Bar Rio may be slightly pricier, yet it is certainly worth the visit. It specializes in a tasting menu style with a variety of tapas, enabling guests to sample diverse flavors. Arriving during happy hour can lead to significant savings on food and drinks. My standout dish was the paella, a crowd-pleaser that complemented my meal perfectly. While seating may be limited leading to potential wait times, the experience is undeniably rewarding, and its central location in Old Bend makes it easily accessible.

Sparrow Bakery Northwest

Address: 2748 NW Crossing Dr #110, Bend, OR 97701 Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 4 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 3 PM

When discussing food in Bend, one cannot overlook this must-visit breakfast spot. Although slightly outside the main town area, it’s well worth the drive. The Ocean rolls are particularly popular, which I had not encountered before visiting, and they are truly delightful! I also recommend trying their lemon pastry, and should you arrive closer to brunch time, they offer a fantastic selection of sandwiches.

Honorable Mentions

Pine Tavern restaurant

Address: 967 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97701 Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12 PM to 8 PM; Sunday 2 PM to 8 PM; Closed on Mondays I must mention the Pine Tavern. Although I did not manage to eat here, this establishment holds significant historical value. During my visit, it even received a feature on local news. It’s renowned for the tree that grows through its center, and it embodies a remarkable story of a woman who opened it during a time when the restaurant industry was largely male-dominated.

Concluding Thoughts

With such a diverse array of dining options, it may be challenging to choose just one. However, this guide serves as a solid starting point. If you’re staying in Bend, be sure to explore Mount Bachelor for outdoor activities, whether it’s winter sports or mountain biking.