Amy's Guidebook
Food scene
Dishes from all over the world that work really well together. Interesting cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks (I love the ginger drinking vinegar mixed with any other flavor). Locally owned by good people.
You order at the counter, there’s usually a line and the bar has three tiny seats
234 locals recommend
Spork
937 NW Newport AveDishes from all over the world that work really well together. Interesting cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks (I love the ginger drinking vinegar mixed with any other flavor). Locally owned by good people.
You order at the counter, there’s usually a line and the bar has three tiny seats
This restaurant has an open kitchen and large bar and wine selection. The cocktails are classic and made right. Bistro style but Northwest influenced, the food is reliably good and the service is always top-notch.
77 locals recommend
900 Wall
900 NW Wall StThis restaurant has an open kitchen and large bar and wine selection. The cocktails are classic and made right. Bistro style but Northwest influenced, the food is reliably good and the service is always top-notch.
This is an old West-side house converted to a funky public house. Fun place to sit at the bar and have an apres-sport cocktail or coffee drink. They serve pub food that is delicious and the staff are super friendly. Back patio in the summer time is worth waiting for. The Spicy Buffalo Mac n’ Cheese is my family’s favorite and the wings are the best in town.
Note: There are two Brother John’s Public Houses. One is downtown and one on Galveston Ave. The food and drinks are great both places. The one on Galveston has more quirky charm.
88 locals recommend
Brother Jon's Public House
1227 NW Galveston AveThis is an old West-side house converted to a funky public house. Fun place to sit at the bar and have an apres-sport cocktail or coffee drink. They serve pub food that is delicious and the staff are super friendly. Back patio in the summer time is worth waiting for. The Spicy Buffalo Mac n’ Cheese is my family’s favorite and the wings are the best in town.
Note: There are two Brother John’s Public Houses. One is downtown and one on Galveston Ave. The food and drinks are great both places. The one on Galveston has more quirky charm.
This is an off-the-beaten path breakfast spot that is close to the hideaway but not walking distance unless you enjoy huffing up a huge hill after a big breakfast. Classic and large portions, this is a family favorite. Expect a line in the summer on weekends. But they serve coffee while you wait, so it’s tolerable. Cinnamon rolls - you must.
123 locals recommend
McKay Cottage Restaurant
62910 O. B. Riley RdThis is an off-the-beaten path breakfast spot that is close to the hideaway but not walking distance unless you enjoy huffing up a huge hill after a big breakfast. Classic and large portions, this is a family favorite. Expect a line in the summer on weekends. But they serve coffee while you wait, so it’s tolerable. Cinnamon rolls - you must.
Located in Northwest Crossing (NWX). The Ocean Roll is hands-down the local’s favorite if you like sweets. But the Bacon-Breakfast-Sandwich is delicious.
103 locals recommend
The Sparrow Bakery
2748 Northwest Crossing DriveLocated in Northwest Crossing (NWX). The Ocean Roll is hands-down the local’s favorite if you like sweets. But the Bacon-Breakfast-Sandwich is delicious.
Healthy, locally owned juice cafe. Their sandwiches, salads and juices are all super fresh and most of the fruits and veggies are locally-sourced. I love the Tropical Fuji Smoothie and Avocado Caesar Salad.
49 locals recommend
Mother’s Juice Cafe
1255 NW Galveston AveHealthy, locally owned juice cafe. Their sandwiches, salads and juices are all super fresh and most of the fruits and veggies are locally-sourced. I love the Tropical Fuji Smoothie and Avocado Caesar Salad.
Such good food. And the best (in my humble opinion) wine menu in town. Their cellar has wines from all over the world, but the selection of the best of the best Oregon wines can’t be beat. Anything from Ken Wright Cellars will not disappoint. And you will never forgive yourself if you don’t order the BBQ Shrimp appetizer. You’ll dream about it later.
The bar is great for solo-travelers. Make a reservation.
177 locals recommend
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
919 NW Bond StSuch good food. And the best (in my humble opinion) wine menu in town. Their cellar has wines from all over the world, but the selection of the best of the best Oregon wines can’t be beat. Anything from Ken Wright Cellars will not disappoint. And you will never forgive yourself if you don’t order the BBQ Shrimp appetizer. You’ll dream about it later.
The bar is great for solo-travelers. Make a reservation.
Tacos and Margaritas. Locals favorite. Either location. Order at the counter. Expect a line. Just order a pitcher.
28 locals recommend
El Sancho Taco Shop West
1254 NW Galveston AveTacos and Margaritas. Locals favorite. Either location. Order at the counter. Expect a line. Just order a pitcher.
Probably our best fine dining option. Owned by a husband and wife chef team and family operated. The food is unforgettable and on the rustic side. Perfectly prepared and seasoned and high quality. You must make a reservation a few weeks in advance. If you don't have a reservation, and want to try to get in, your best bet is to arrive right at opening or after the dinner rush and grab a seat at the small bar.
81 locals recommend
Ariana Restaurant
1304 NW Galveston AveProbably our best fine dining option. Owned by a husband and wife chef team and family operated. The food is unforgettable and on the rustic side. Perfectly prepared and seasoned and high quality. You must make a reservation a few weeks in advance. If you don't have a reservation, and want to try to get in, your best bet is to arrive right at opening or after the dinner rush and grab a seat at the small bar.
Local's favorite bar with surprisingly well-done food. I prefer to sit at the bar or on the back patio (dog friendly). Perfect for an afternoon downtown happy hour rest. Owned by a legendary Bend local, and very local scene.
9 locals recommend
J DUB
932 NW Bond StLocal's favorite bar with surprisingly well-done food. I prefer to sit at the bar or on the back patio (dog friendly). Perfect for an afternoon downtown happy hour rest. Owned by a legendary Bend local, and very local scene.
If you are a whiskey drinker, you can't miss this place. They have an expansive menu of whiskies, and the drinks are perfectly crafted and mostly traditional. This is a good wintertime spot to warm-up when checking out downtown.
32 locals recommend
The Stihl Whiskey Bar
550 NW Franklin AveIf you are a whiskey drinker, you can't miss this place. They have an expansive menu of whiskies, and the drinks are perfectly crafted and mostly traditional. This is a good wintertime spot to warm-up when checking out downtown.
I'll just put it right out there and say that the food is very mediocre. But the compound is well-worth a visit.
The Turkish Bath is lovely in the winter time with it's open ceiling. The Fireside Bar is a perfect winter warm-up for drinks, and in the summer, the outdoor fire pits are always fun.
If you can catch a $3 movie on a Sunday, do it. But know to show up 30-45 minutes early to get in line. Yes, you can sip on a beverage while you wait, and there is interesting photography of Bend back when it was a logging town.
O'Kane's is a very primitive, small bar that only plays Grateful Dead and cigar smoking is usually happening.
There is a hidden bar called the Broom Closet in one of the buildings that you will want to find.
158 locals recommend
McMenamins
700 NW Bond StI'll just put it right out there and say that the food is very mediocre. But the compound is well-worth a visit.
The Turkish Bath is lovely in the winter time with it's open ceiling. The Fireside Bar is a perfect winter warm-up for drinks, and in the summer, the outdoor fire pits are always fun.
If you can catch a $3 movie on a Sunday, do it. But know to show up 30-45 minutes early to get in line. Yes, you can sip on a beverage while you wait, and there is interesting photography of Bend back when it was a logging town.
O'Kane's is a very primitive, small bar that only plays Grateful Dead and cigar smoking is usually happening.
There is a hidden bar called the Broom Closet in one of the buildings that you will want to find.
Exquisite food. And you will pay exquisite prices. The oysters are amazing and I don't even like oysters. There are steaks that taste and and feel like butter in your mouth. They have a collection of steak knives from all over the world for you to choose from.
If you're not in for the full experience, grab seats for two at the bar and enjoy a few tastes and a perfect cocktail or sophisticated wine. Service has always been impeccable - served with a side of Bend snobbery.
48 locals recommend
Bos Taurus
163 NW Minnesota AveExquisite food. And you will pay exquisite prices. The oysters are amazing and I don't even like oysters. There are steaks that taste and and feel like butter in your mouth. They have a collection of steak knives from all over the world for you to choose from.
If you're not in for the full experience, grab seats for two at the bar and enjoy a few tastes and a perfect cocktail or sophisticated wine. Service has always been impeccable - served with a side of Bend snobbery.
Bend's newest favorite on the restaurant scene, this place really focuses on their steaks done right. The cocktails are handcrafted with a distinct NW vibe. Must try the hush puppies!
Rancher Butcher Chef
Bend's newest favorite on the restaurant scene, this place really focuses on their steaks done right. The cocktails are handcrafted with a distinct NW vibe. Must try the hush puppies!
Mountain Biking
Bend’s best mountain biking trails. Don’t let the crowded parking area turn you off. Once you’re on the trail, it’s usually not crowded at all. Please don’t tell your friends but my favorite loop is up Ben’s, cross VooDoo and down Phil’s. Climbing and technical downhill. Not for beginners.
81 locals recommend
Phil's Trailhead
Bend’s best mountain biking trails. Don’t let the crowded parking area turn you off. Once you’re on the trail, it’s usually not crowded at all. Please don’t tell your friends but my favorite loop is up Ben’s, cross VooDoo and down Phil’s. Climbing and technical downhill. Not for beginners.
The ride can be any length you want.There are connectors so you can ride 8 miles or 23 miles. I highly recommend the latter. There are rocky, technical parts that everyone has to walk through. If you know when to dismount, this ride is great for intermediate and advanced riders.
Breakfast at the Cottonwood Cafe is always in order. They do serve alcohol if that’s your jam.
21 locals recommend
Peterson ridge Moutain Bike Trails
221-227 E Tyee DrThe ride can be any length you want.There are connectors so you can ride 8 miles or 23 miles. I highly recommend the latter. There are rocky, technical parts that everyone has to walk through. If you know when to dismount, this ride is great for intermediate and advanced riders.
Breakfast at the Cottonwood Cafe is always in order. They do serve alcohol if that’s your jam.
Dispensaries
It's like a candy-shop for grown-ups. Oregrown is within walking distance of the Hideaway. The owners are friendly and generous (known to donate to local non-profits.) The shop is always clean and well-stocked. They grow their own and also carry other locally grown products. The Hideaway is 420 friendly but please smoke only outside and dispose of any fully-extinguished butts in the garage trash bin or dumpsters.
Oregrown Bend
1199 NW Wall StIt's like a candy-shop for grown-ups. Oregrown is within walking distance of the Hideaway. The owners are friendly and generous (known to donate to local non-profits.) The shop is always clean and well-stocked. They grow their own and also carry other locally grown products. The Hideaway is 420 friendly but please smoke only outside and dispose of any fully-extinguished butts in the garage trash bin or dumpsters.
Hikes
Quintessential Central Oregon Beauty. The parking area takes you to the base of the largest falls, but if you keep hiking up. (Yes. This hike requires a climb), there are around six more waterfalls . It requires a $5 pass you can purchase at the trail head or in town.
Note: a 12-mile loop but only if you don’t have a dog. The backside is our watershed and no dogs are allowed on this stretch. Still 100% worth it as an out-and-back hike any length you want. Bring bug spray. Usually there are no mosquitos, but every once-and-a-while they come out with a vengeance.
214 locals recommend
Tumalo Falls
Quintessential Central Oregon Beauty. The parking area takes you to the base of the largest falls, but if you keep hiking up. (Yes. This hike requires a climb), there are around six more waterfalls . It requires a $5 pass you can purchase at the trail head or in town.
Note: a 12-mile loop but only if you don’t have a dog. The backside is our watershed and no dogs are allowed on this stretch. Still 100% worth it as an out-and-back hike any length you want. Bring bug spray. Usually there are no mosquitos, but every once-and-a-while they come out with a vengeance.
Walking distance from the Hideaway. There are back trails to get there if you are sure footed. The street grid fades out around the river, but most streets that are not paved all the way through are public rights-of-way. Once you get to the rapids, cross the bridge for a scenic route downtown or head down stream to see a gorgeous stretch of the Deschutes River. You will often see a family of swans, bald eagles, and if you're really lucky, a family of river otters. This is a favorite of kayakers.
10 locals recommend
First Street Rapids Park
1980 NW 1st StWalking distance from the Hideaway. There are back trails to get there if you are sure footed. The street grid fades out around the river, but most streets that are not paved all the way through are public rights-of-way. Once you get to the rapids, cross the bridge for a scenic route downtown or head down stream to see a gorgeous stretch of the Deschutes River. You will often see a family of swans, bald eagles, and if you're really lucky, a family of river otters. This is a favorite of kayakers.
Great hike just outside of town. My favorite is Benham Falls, but you can't go wrong anywhere on this trail. It used to be a great mountain biking trial, but as the town has grown, there tend to be too many people on the trail to ride it.
64 locals recommend
Deschutes River Trail
Deschutes River TrailGreat hike just outside of town. My favorite is Benham Falls, but you can't go wrong anywhere on this trail. It used to be a great mountain biking trial, but as the town has grown, there tend to be too many people on the trail to ride it.
World-famous climbing mecca and straight-up enchanting. The secret is out, so if you go mid-day on a weekend, expect to scavenge for parking. The best time to go is any evening in the summer. The crowds dies down, but the rock is still hot from the sun pounding on it all day. When you arrive at the park, look for the Day-Pass Fee area and drive right up to one of the parking spots in front of the machine to get a $5 day parking pass. It only takes cards.
Misery Ridge is spectacular.
If you are a climber, get your hands on a guide book. I might have one if it's not loaned out. It's mostly sport routes, but up stream there are a lot of trad routes. I know a lot of secret routes, so hit me up if you are going to climb.
If you are hiking and want minimal crowds, go right after you cross the bridge.
You can almost always count on it being 10 degrees warmer there than in town.
469 locals recommend
Smith Rock State Park
World-famous climbing mecca and straight-up enchanting. The secret is out, so if you go mid-day on a weekend, expect to scavenge for parking. The best time to go is any evening in the summer. The crowds dies down, but the rock is still hot from the sun pounding on it all day. When you arrive at the park, look for the Day-Pass Fee area and drive right up to one of the parking spots in front of the machine to get a $5 day parking pass. It only takes cards.
Misery Ridge is spectacular.
If you are a climber, get your hands on a guide book. I might have one if it's not loaned out. It's mostly sport routes, but up stream there are a lot of trad routes. I know a lot of secret routes, so hit me up if you are going to climb.
If you are hiking and want minimal crowds, go right after you cross the bridge.
You can almost always count on it being 10 degrees warmer there than in town.
If you and your pup enjoy a carefree off-leash hike, this place will make you both happy. With many trails to choose from, you can get away from crowds. If you only go once, take the trail to the river for gorgeous views of the Deschutes.
13 locals recommend
Good Dog Trail
18775 Cascade Lakes National Scenic BywayIf you and your pup enjoy a carefree off-leash hike, this place will make you both happy. With many trails to choose from, you can get away from crowds. If you only go once, take the trail to the river for gorgeous views of the Deschutes.
Sightseeing
Take short but steep drive up Pilot Butte. Or hike up from the trailhead. Either way, when you get to the top on a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood.
141 locals recommend
Pilot Butte
Take short but steep drive up Pilot Butte. Or hike up from the trailhead. Either way, when you get to the top on a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood.
If you want to learn about the natural history and cultural history of Central Oregon, this museum is a nice way to spend an afternoon. There are rescued indigenous animals that could not be reintroduced and birds of prey. There's currently an exhibit called "Infinite Moment: Burning Man on the Horizon," which delves into the history, art and culture of this event.
284 locals recommend
High Desert Museum
59800 US-97If you want to learn about the natural history and cultural history of Central Oregon, this museum is a nice way to spend an afternoon. There are rescued indigenous animals that could not be reintroduced and birds of prey. There's currently an exhibit called "Infinite Moment: Burning Man on the Horizon," which delves into the history, art and culture of this event.
Breweries
Fun Bend-style outside scene with some of Bend's best microbrews. Yard games and lounge areas, this place is super casual and dogs welcome.
*A note about dogs in dog-friendly restaurants: we treasure our dog-friendly establishments, so if your dog can't be chill in this type of setting, you may be asked to leave doggie in the car.
246 locals recommend
Crux Fermentation Project
50 SW Division StFun Bend-style outside scene with some of Bend's best microbrews. Yard games and lounge areas, this place is super casual and dogs welcome.
*A note about dogs in dog-friendly restaurants: we treasure our dog-friendly establishments, so if your dog can't be chill in this type of setting, you may be asked to leave doggie in the car.
Bend's original brewery, you kinda have to go there. Food is pretty standard pub food, but the beer is what put Bend on the map. Black Butte Porter will always be my favorite, but I'm Old School. They have cool swag if you're looking for tee shirts, cycling shirts baseball caps, or nice sweatshirts.
Deschutes also has what we call "Brew 2" which is where they produce most their beer. They offer all the swag and Brewery Tours which are definitely worth your time. You can sample most of the brews.
208 locals recommend
Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
1044 NW Bond StBend's original brewery, you kinda have to go there. Food is pretty standard pub food, but the beer is what put Bend on the map. Black Butte Porter will always be my favorite, but I'm Old School. They have cool swag if you're looking for tee shirts, cycling shirts baseball caps, or nice sweatshirts.
Deschutes also has what we call "Brew 2" which is where they produce most their beer. They offer all the swag and Brewery Tours which are definitely worth your time. You can sample most of the brews.
Newer restaurant by the folks who began this label. The food is not your normal pub food, but it's not why we go there. Boneyard RPM IPA has won many awards, and is hand-down the local's favorite. There is also a full bar.
76 locals recommend
Boneyard Beer
37 NW Lake PlNewer restaurant by the folks who began this label. The food is not your normal pub food, but it's not why we go there. Boneyard RPM IPA has won many awards, and is hand-down the local's favorite. There is also a full bar.
In the summer, there is often live music and always a family-friendly, expansive outdoor area. Decent food and a full bar. Dog friendly. Sunset is the best time to go.
119 locals recommend
Worthy Brewing Company
495 NE Bellevue DrIn the summer, there is often live music and always a family-friendly, expansive outdoor area. Decent food and a full bar. Dog friendly. Sunset is the best time to go.
Grocery Stores
My favorite grocery store in Bend. This is a local, family-owned Kroger franchise that was the only grocery store on the Westside until recently. The fish is the highest quality you will find and their wine selection is well-curated. They also have a liquor store in the market and some quirky gifts. And yes, there is a reason locals call it the "Newport Mark-Up."
149 locals recommend
Newport Avenue Market
1121 NW Newport AveMy favorite grocery store in Bend. This is a local, family-owned Kroger franchise that was the only grocery store on the Westside until recently. The fish is the highest quality you will find and their wine selection is well-curated. They also have a liquor store in the market and some quirky gifts. And yes, there is a reason locals call it the "Newport Mark-Up."
Beautiful new grocery store with a great selection of pre-made foods. Nice wine and beer selections with a little tasting bar. Located near the Old Mill District and adjacent to the historical first homes in Bend.
94 locals recommend
Market of Choice
115 NW Sisemore StBeautiful new grocery store with a great selection of pre-made foods. Nice wine and beer selections with a little tasting bar. Located near the Old Mill District and adjacent to the historical first homes in Bend.