Thinking of Moving to Bend Oregon? Even if you’re just visiting Bend, this guide will tell you where to eat, drink and explore. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, endless outdoor summer and winter adventure opportunities, and countless breweries and restaurants, it’s no wonder so many people want to live and vacation in Bend Oregon! I'm constantly scouting new restaurants, running new trails, and tasting the best beers (it's a tough job!) so that I can help my clients who are moving to Bend know the spots to visit. For a complete calendar of events, be sure to check out Visit Bend's Community Calendar.
Favorite Hikes & Trails:
Whether you're looking for something simple to hike or a longer, more difficult excursion, Central Oregon offers hikes for everyone. Some of my favorites include:
Green Lakes - One of the most popular hikes in Central Oregon, this trail can get very busy on weekends. If you want to have it to yourself, it's best to plan a weekday hike. It's 9.5 miles out and back, so plan a good 4-5 hours and bring a nice lunch to eat as you sit by the lake.
Golden Lake - This hike is still popular, but seemingly less traveled than the Green Lakes trail. You can take a side trip from Golden Lake to Green Lakes (about 3 miles rt) and it's well worth it. I recommend this for a nice overnight backpacking trip. To get away from other campers, hike up along the creek and find your own secluded spot overlooking Broken Top.
Shevlin Park - This gem in the city shouldn't be missed! With Tumalo creek running through the park, it feels like you're worlds away from Downtown Bend. There are several options for hiking, running and mountain biking at Shevlin.
Deschutes River Trail - If you're looking for a spot in town to take a stroll, complete a scenic trail run, or just enjoy Bend's natural scenery, the River Trail is your best bet. Easily accessible from nearly all parts of Bend, the River trail consists of paved and un-paved surfaces. The trail is dog friendly, but be sure to check on current leash laws.
Tumalo Mountain - Great for summer hiking or winter show shoeing, this trail is short but steep. You gain nearly 1,000' of elevation over 1.5 miles. The views along the way and especially up top are more than worth the effort. **Locals Tip: There can still be some snow on the ground up there as late as June, so plan accordingly.
Pilot Butte - You can either walk the road or the trail path up one-mile walk up to an amazing view of town and the mountains. For an extra challenge, grab a friend and take a walk up to the top for one of the best sunset views in town. If walking up steep hills isn't your thing, grab some Cuppa Yo and drive up and watch the sun dip behind the Cascades.
Broken Top - This hike is only accessible a few months out of the year, unless you're ok hiking partially through snow. During the late summer and early fall, the unmaintained service road is open so you can drive to the trailhead, making the round trip hike roughly 4.5 miles. The road, however, is one of the worst roads in Oregon with deep ruts, large rocks and other obstacles that make it tough for anything other than a high clearance 4WD vehicle to maneuver. Your other option is to begin your hike at Todd lake, which adds a couple of miles each way. It's a beautiful hike all season and one I truly recommend.
Misery Ridge - The name says it all, but if you're up for a challenge that offers remarkable views (and bragging rights) then this is the hike for you. (Be extra careful on this trail as there are a few steep drop offs. Keep small children, pets and clumsy friends away from the edge)
Benham Falls - This is a great out and back trail near Bend that offers a relatively easy hike with beautiful river and rapids views. Great for all hiking abilities, you can make this hike as long or as short as you want. Mountain biking is also allowed. My preferred starting point is the east trailhead off of Hwy 97. Take the Lava Lands Visitor Center exit and continue of forest road 9702. The road is bumpy.
Sparks Lake - This is a small but beautiful lake to hike around or paddle. Offering amazing mountain views, Sparks lake is close to town and is an easy path or trail hike. Bring bug spray as the high lakes almost always have mosquitos.
Dry Canyon - Redmond - If you live in Redmond, especially SW, then you know how great walking/hiking the dry canyon can be! With natural wildlife, native plants and trails for walking and running, the Dry Canyon is a great local option for getting outdoors.
Phils Trail is a household name among mountain bikers in the NW. Complete with singletrack trails that wind through the beautiful Deschutes Forest, it's a great trail for beginners and those looking for a fun mountain bike trail right in town.
Best Bites & Beer
West Side:
To start: The Bend Ale Trail - If you haven't completed the Ale Trail yet, grab your wallet, your map or the App, and a DD and get crackin'. The Ale Trail is a great way to get to know ALL of the Central Oregon breweries. Plus, when you finish, you get a fun prize!
El Sancho Tacos - Find them at their food cart at Crux, their roaming cart at Crows Feet concerts and other Bend events, or visit one of their brick and mortar restaurants. Whatever you do, just find them. My favorite: Cheese & Green Chile. You can thank me later.
Silver Moon Brewing - Just a great place to grab a (delicious) beer. Every time I visit, it's like I've known the bartenders for years - they're all just incredibly friendly and willing to offer beer advice. They also recently updated their digs and their food menu, so now is a great time to revisit this Bend staple.
Bo’s Falafel - If you don’t like melt in your mouth, hand made falafel OR supporting an incredibly local (like, the owner grew up here local) business then you shouldn’t visit Bo’s. But if delish food, amazing atmosphere and community activism is your thing, then I can’t recommend Bo’s enough. I’ve never had falafel that was this yummy. Oh, and they now offer Bo’s Bagels in the morning too. Chewy, crispy and unique - their bagel line is usually quite long but worth the wait.
Goodlife Brewing - Tucked away in the Century Center off of NW 14th, this little pub packs a big punch! Amazing beers, yummy pub food, and an outdoor area that provides for tons of summer fun make Goodlife a must visit while you’re in Bend.
Ale Apothecary - While you’re over at Goodlife, pop into this hidden gem just around the corner! You might need a compass and a beer sniffing dog to find it, but once you do you are in for a treat! Small batch, open fermentation, and a secret hidden spot in the woods make their beer different than anything you’ve ever had. Plan to spend some time here getting to know the owners and bartenders - they will tell you all their brewing stories (Hint: They have limited hours, so check their website or call ahead to be sure they’re open)
Planker Sandwiches - When you think Bend food you don’t usually think of a sandwich shop, but this place is so much more. Conveniently located on Wall St in downtown Bend, they make everything from fresh ingredients and have a fantastic menu selection. Their sandwiches are huge and easy to share. My fave is the BLT, but I’ve heard rumors that they make their meatballs by hand, so that one is next on my list!
Bend Brewing Company - This downtown hot spot knows how to keep the party going. Perfect for those with or without kids, their outdoor seating and lawn are the perfect place to sip a cold beer (they also have wine and cocktails!), read a book and enjoy watching the river roll by. In my opinion, their food is just okay, but what it lacks in creative menu it more than makes up for in outdoor atmosphere and yummy drinks.
Sparrow Bakery - Shut the Front door! This is a "must stop" for breakfast or brunch while you're in Bend whether you're craving amazing pastries (including their famous ocean roll), soup, sandwiches, bagels or desserts. They're open daily and I recommend arriving early on Weekends as the line tends to snake out the door.
Wild Rose - I almost didn’t add this little Thai place to this list because it’s already hard enough to get a table there for dinner or a weekend lunch, but it’s just too good not to share. Consistently voted as one of Bend’s best restaurants, Wild Rose has a menu that stays true to it’s Thai roots. I’ve even heard that the owner flies back to Thailand JUST to get ingredients you can’t get in the US. If you go (and you should go), go during off hours for a better shot at getting a table without having to wait outside.
McKay Cottage - While we're discussing brunch, you can't miss a stop at McKay Cottage in NE Bend. They've been voted Central Oregon's Best Breakfast for 7 years in a row. And that's saying a lot with how many amazing spots we have to grab breakfast grub! Get on the waiting list and enjoy their to die for cinnamon roll, one of their famous hashes, or sip on a specialty coffee cocktail and reminisce about your weekend.
Zydeco - A great spot for date night! Zydeco fuses cajun spice with American favorites like BBQ shrimp, etouffee, and of course staples like duck breast, juicy steaks and fun pasta combinations. This hip spot can get busy for dinner so be sure to make a reservation or check them out for lunch!
900 Wall - This Downtown Bend staple offers classic modern American fare with strong French & Italian influences. They're only open for dinner and reservations are recommended. If you're looking for a great cocktail and lighter fare, check out their happy hour from 3-7pm. My personal favorite: The Prosciutto pizza!
Esta Bien - A locals favorite that offers an array of Spanish dishes like tacos and tamales, but what they're famous for are their pupusas. If you're in Bend and want to avoid the tourist crowd and eat some amazingly authentic Spanish fare, don't miss Esta Bien.
Crux Fermentation Project - Craft beer and outdoor seating galore, Crux is a Bend, Oregon must do. Grab a cold beer from their restaurant or outside beer garden and get in line at the El Sancho taco cart and you won't be disappointed. Claim your spot on the lawn and soak up the famous Central Oregon sunshine. **Local's-tip: It's best to bring your own chair or blanket as seating can be hard to come by.
Life & Time - This locally owned drive through focuses on fresh food served quickly. You’ll find everything from salads to fried chicken to smoothies and with it’s killer location on the way to the Mountain, it’s a great spot to stop for a quick breakfast of apres lunch.
The Brown Owl - What started as a food cart now has it's own cocktail bar space in the Box Factory in Bend. With rich wood accents, ample seating, and some amazing cocktails (local beers on tap, too, of course), the Brown Owl is a great spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Their original food cart sits out front ready to make you delish local fare!
Spork - Don’t let the name fool you - you won’t find any cheap fast food here. Another food cart turned restaurant success story, Spork’s menu draws from many regions including India, Africa, Asia, Latin America and more. Spork chefs redesign their menu often to create fresh dishes that are sure to please. But don’t take my word for it. Check out Spork for yourself! And don’t forget to try one of their amazing cocktails. (Hint: Spork gets b-u-s-y during peak lunch and dinner times. Try popping in for a late lunch to avoid a long line)
Jackson's Corner - This local & sustainable restaurant is housed in an adorable downtown Bend cottage and offers classic, handmade Italian fare including wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and delicious salads. On a busy summer night, the line to order can stretch around the corner, but it's well worth the wait (and is a great opportunity to chat with others about what looks good on their mouth watering menu).
Backporch Coffee - If you love a great cup of coffee, Backporch has you covered. But be warned: Once you have their coffee you’ll likely be ruined for all other coffee shops. They have 4 spots throughout Bend and have staff that are as friendly as their coffee is delicious. Tip: If you are a little sensitive to caffeine like I am, I recommend getting a half caff beverage.
Deschutes Brewery can sometimes be thought of as a tourist trap, but locals and visitors alike love their delicious, consistent food, craft beers, and convenient downtown location. They have a rotating specials menu that doesn't disappoint so there's always something new to try. **Tasters Tip: If you want to try several beers for FREE, check out their Tasting Room on SW Simpson.
Brother Johns - Affectionately known to locals as “Bro Jos”, this no frills pub offers delicious burgers, salads and more, but what they’re really known for is their mac n cheese. Yep, they offer a mac special pretty much every day at their Public House on Galveston and it’s always tasty. If you check out their downtown Ale House location, I highly recommend the buffalo chicken salad. It’s healthy because it’s a salad, but also offers fried buffalo chicken so you feel a bit naughty as well.
Cabin 22 - One of the best patios in town also happens to offer fun cocktails and a great selection of local beers. With several televisions (usually always showing sports) that can be seen sitting inside or out, Cabin 22 is great for day or night!
Bosa - Okay…So this might be my new favorite place to eat in Bend. It’s a bit spendy, but perfect for a date night, special occasion, or, if you are feeling frisky then just a fun Thursday night dinner. They serve more of a traditional style Italian meal where pasta isn’t the main event but merely a part of the overall experience. I highly recommend their burrata and whatever pasta is on special. I’ve had a few and they’re all DELISH!
Ladybird Cultural Society - Another newer addition the Bend food scene, Ladybird is housed in the Old Mill and serves up fabulous dishes that have vintage flair with a modern twist. And if you see the sundae on their dessert menu I highly recommend ordering it. It’s not your ordinary sundae and will have your table fighting over who gets the last bight
EASTSIDE
Boneyard Beer - I gotta be honest, I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t love their new pub as much as their old small tasting room; but the reality is that they preserved the Boneyard Attitude and mixed it with some classy Bend vibes. Their food is delish and innovative and their beer is still outstanding and unique. Another place where it feels like, even when they're busy, everyone knows your name.
OnTap - This east side tap house and food cart pod is excatly what this part of town needed! Offering dozens of beer options from local breweries and some of your favorites from neighboring states you can’t go wrong with your drink choice. Grab a pizza from Rush’s Squares (easily my fave pizza in Bend), a cold beer and enjoy a game of cornhole, a summer concert or just catching up with friends around their firepit.
Backporch Coffee - If you love a great cup of coffee, Backporch has you covered. But be warned: Once you have their coffee you’ll likely be ruined for all other coffee shops. They have 4 spots throughout Bend and have staff that are as friendly as their coffee is delicious. Tip: If you are a little sensitive to caffeine like I am, I recommend getting a half caff beverage.
Too Sweet Cakes - This cute little cafe specializes in all things sweet (hence the name) but my favorite is their cronuts (croissant donuts). They have different flavors each day and they’re the perfect mix of sweet and crispy.
Hablo Tacos - This new(ish) taco spot has delish tacos and some fun favorites you can’t find anywhere else in Bend like vampiros, refried bean dip, queso (like legit queso), and more! They have a ton of covered outdoor seating and margaritas and other cocktails. I highly recommend their Al Pastor taco.
Sunriver Brewing - This classic brewery has opened their 2nd location in Bend near the OnTap food carts. Offering their regular menu with some new favorites, Sunriver Brewing is upping the ante on the east side brewery game. You can also visit them at their west side pub or down in their flagship pub in Sunriver!
10 Barrel Brewing - Their eastside pub is huge and beautiful! If you’re looking for the classic 10 barrel food you love you’ll definitely want to check out the newest addition to the 10 Barrel family.
Beyond Bend!
Wild Ride Brewing - If you’re in Redmond, check out this unique brewery located in an old lumber storage building in the heard to downtown. Their taproom is family friendly and has fantastic food and unique and tasty beers.
Sisters Coffee Company - This is a must-stop spot when you’re in Sisters. Delicious pastries, tons of coffee and non-coffee drinks, and all packed into a cute spot with tons of seating. Be prepared for a long line especially if you go on a weekend, but it’s definitely worth the wait!
Where to Stay
McMenamins Old St. Francis School - The McMenamins family of hotels and restaurants knows how to make you feel right at home. Complete with a restaurant, several bars, a movie theater and soaking pool, you can experience a vacation inside of your vacation when you stay at this Downtown Bend Oregon hotel.
Pine Ridge Inn - A boutique experience in a natural setting. The Pine Ridge Inn is tucked away from main roads and overlooks the beautiful Deschutes River. It's the perfect location to find the tranquility you're looking for while having easy access to downtown Bend, the Old Mill District, hiking, biking, and Mt. Bachelor.
**Please note that businesses mentioned on this page are solely my personal recommendations. I do not receive any compensation or benefits (but if Crux or Boneyard wanted to toss in a free beer, I wouldn't turn it down) for listing them here nor is their service guaranteed.