Guidebook: Some of Our Favorite Things
Drinks & Nightlife
Our favorite watering holes, including beer, cider, wine, and bars.
Rustic-chic and lively, Dogwood is a great place for a cocktail and tapas. Gather upstairs for a more intimate setting or stay where the action is on the lower level. We love the bacon-wrapped dates and flatbreads. Rotating menu always ensures there's something new when we go in.
52 locals recommend
The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
147 NW Minnesota AveRustic-chic and lively, Dogwood is a great place for a cocktail and tapas. Gather upstairs for a more intimate setting or stay where the action is on the lower level. We love the bacon-wrapped dates and flatbreads. Rotating menu always ensures there's something new when we go in.
WE LOVE: Dragon Fruit (seasonal), Watermelon and rhubarb (seasonal, new), Blackberry, games, free popcorn, comfy couches, and special events.
GREAT FOR: groups, couples, cider tastings, video games, bringing dogs (indoor and outdoor).
29 locals recommend
AVID Cider Co
550 SW Industrial WayWE LOVE: Dragon Fruit (seasonal), Watermelon and rhubarb (seasonal, new), Blackberry, games, free popcorn, comfy couches, and special events.
GREAT FOR: groups, couples, cider tastings, video games, bringing dogs (indoor and outdoor).
Silver Moon Brewing
24 NW Greenwood AveDelicious food lot "The Office" and tasty brews.
Our friend Kirk is the proprietor of this wine shop that offers daily tastings, special dinners, events, and a unique selection of wines for bottle service. This is where we source the wines that we gift to our guests. Feeling hungry? They often offer cheeseboards. Want more? The Poski Food Cart Lot is right next door. Grab a bite and enjoy your wine on their patio. Yes, the beepers work at Elixir!
Elixir Wine Group
11 NW Lava RdOur friend Kirk is the proprietor of this wine shop that offers daily tastings, special dinners, events, and a unique selection of wines for bottle service. This is where we source the wines that we gift to our guests. Feeling hungry? They often offer cheeseboards. Want more? The Poski Food Cart Lot is right next door. Grab a bite and enjoy your wine on their patio. Yes, the beepers work at Elixir!
The quintessential dog-friendly brewery complete with beir garden and outdoor food carts. Prefer an indoor seat? Grab a table in the pub and enjoy items from the pub menu. Great winter beers!
76 locals recommend
GoodLife Brewing Company
70 SW Century DrThe quintessential dog-friendly brewery complete with beir garden and outdoor food carts. Prefer an indoor seat? Grab a table in the pub and enjoy items from the pub menu. Great winter beers!
Cascade Lakes Brewing Company | The Lodge
1441 SW Chandler AveGreat beer! Enough said.
Fun atmosphere with live music weekly. Enjoy a birds eye view from the loft while you sip and savor, pull up a couch in front of the fire downstairs, or enjoy time with Fido on the patio while eating comfort food from The Woodsman food cart.
15 locals recommend
Brown Owl
550 SW Industrial WayFun atmosphere with live music weekly. Enjoy a birds eye view from the loft while you sip and savor, pull up a couch in front of the fire downstairs, or enjoy time with Fido on the patio while eating comfort food from The Woodsman food cart.
Looking for sophisticated debauchery? San Simon lives by this motto. For the mature crowd that likes craft cocktails, a lively environment, and sharable small plates.
22 locals recommend
San Simón
845 NW Tin Pan AlleyLooking for sophisticated debauchery? San Simon lives by this motto. For the mature crowd that likes craft cocktails, a lively environment, and sharable small plates.
Domaine Serene is a wine lover's dream. They have several tasting experiences that bring fine wine experiences to the heart of Central Oregon. The food is beyond compare and the somms have vast knowledge about the wines, foods, pairings, and, if your wine geeks like us, they'll even chat about the nuances of oenology and viniculture.
Domaine Serene Wine Lounge Bend
Domaine Serene is a wine lover's dream. They have several tasting experiences that bring fine wine experiences to the heart of Central Oregon. The food is beyond compare and the somms have vast knowledge about the wines, foods, pairings, and, if your wine geeks like us, they'll even chat about the nuances of oenology and viniculture.
This is a comfy speakeasy style wine bar with a small but fantastic food menu. The chicken and waffles are outstanding. The rotating list of wines, curated by the owner herself, always promises something fun. We love the lounge atmosphere. Lunchtime is not usually busy.
FLIGHTS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT
This is a comfy speakeasy style wine bar with a small but fantastic food menu. The chicken and waffles are outstanding. The rotating list of wines, curated by the owner herself, always promises something fun. We love the lounge atmosphere. Lunchtime is not usually busy.
Food Scene
Wild Rose
Monkless Belgian Ales is a beautiful brewery. Owners Robin and Todd (Todd is also the brewmaster) take special care in brewing only Belgian ales. They are the only brewery like this in Central Oregon. Beer lovers would be remiss to not visit while here. Our favorites include the Shepplekofeggan (for light beer lovers), Capitulations (for those who like more hops), and the Pour Pour Pitiful Me (a Belgian quad made with cherries). They do 4 oz and full pours at their tasting room.
35 locals recommend
Monkless Belgian Ales
803 Southwest Industrial WayMonkless Belgian Ales is a beautiful brewery. Owners Robin and Todd (Todd is also the brewmaster) take special care in brewing only Belgian ales. They are the only brewery like this in Central Oregon. Beer lovers would be remiss to not visit while here. Our favorites include the Shepplekofeggan (for light beer lovers), Capitulations (for those who like more hops), and the Pour Pour Pitiful Me (a Belgian quad made with cherries). They do 4 oz and full pours at their tasting room.
Wild Rose rivals the Thai food we have had in San Francisco and Washington, DC. Authentic, flavorful, and super satisfying. The best Thai in Central Oregon (and in the state, in our opinion). Great for lunchtime. Go early for dinner to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
160 locals recommend
Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats
150 NW Oregon AveWild Rose rivals the Thai food we have had in San Francisco and Washington, DC. Authentic, flavorful, and super satisfying. The best Thai in Central Oregon (and in the state, in our opinion). Great for lunchtime. Go early for dinner to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Great breakfast. Indoor and outdoor seating. The wait can be bit long Friday - Sunday before noon. Delish freshly-baked breads!
203 locals recommend
Jackson's Corner
845 NW Delaware AveGreat breakfast. Indoor and outdoor seating. The wait can be bit long Friday - Sunday before noon. Delish freshly-baked breads!
One of our favorite spots for date night and happy hour, especially with the pooches. Great location on the corner of Minnesota and Wall Streets. The best oysters on the half shell in town.
77 locals recommend
900 Wall
900 NW Wall StOne of our favorite spots for date night and happy hour, especially with the pooches. Great location on the corner of Minnesota and Wall Streets. The best oysters on the half shell in town.
Their happy hour specials are out of this world and the place is super kid and dog-friendly. If you love Mexican food or margaritas, La Rosa is the place.
35 locals recommend
La Rosa Modern Mexican Kitchen
2763 NW Crossing DrTheir happy hour specials are out of this world and the place is super kid and dog-friendly. If you love Mexican food or margaritas, La Rosa is the place.
Best soft tacos in town! Also yummy fried plantains, soups, bowls, and chips and salsa. Good for happy hour.
80 locals recommend
El Sancho Taco Shop East
335 NE Dekalb AveBest soft tacos in town! Also yummy fried plantains, soups, bowls, and chips and salsa. Good for happy hour.
Good food and beer all the way around. A town staple and popular all year round for visitors.
208 locals recommend
Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
1044 NW Bond StGood food and beer all the way around. A town staple and popular all year round for visitors.
This is THE place for a nice date night out. Owner, Ariana, is the head chef and creator of this five-star quality restaurant sitting sleepily in a converted historic house near downtown. Make reservations because they book a month out! Great for special occasions. We love sitting in the solariums for more privacy.
81 locals recommend
Ariana Restaurant
1304 NW Galveston AveThis is THE place for a nice date night out. Owner, Ariana, is the head chef and creator of this five-star quality restaurant sitting sleepily in a converted historic house near downtown. Make reservations because they book a month out! Great for special occasions. We love sitting in the solariums for more privacy.
Convenient location for good east and quenching brews.
64 locals recommend
Sunriver Brewing Co. Galveston Pub
1005 NW Galveston AveConvenient location for good east and quenching brews.
Our favorite location for Sunriver Brewing. Lovely afternoon lunch while sipping beers and enjoying their signature nachos or juicy burgers. Dog-friendly and good for a post-meal stroll through the village.
127 locals recommend
Sunriver Brewing Co. - Sunriver Pub
57100 Beaver DrOur favorite location for Sunriver Brewing. Lovely afternoon lunch while sipping beers and enjoying their signature nachos or juicy burgers. Dog-friendly and good for a post-meal stroll through the village.
Got kiddos or pooches? Crux has your back. With a large grassy area, cornhole, food carts, and circled in large trees, Crux is a local favorite for a reason. Their IPAs and barrel-aged beers are unparalleled.
246 locals recommend
Crux Fermentation Project
50 SW Division StGot kiddos or pooches? Crux has your back. With a large grassy area, cornhole, food carts, and circled in large trees, Crux is a local favorite for a reason. Their IPAs and barrel-aged beers are unparalleled.
Arts & Culture
Tower Theater has a hearty reputation for putting on fabulous shows, both local and international sensations. We have see Artrageous--a world-class traveling music/art troupe--and many other plays and musical acts. Great for date nights or family time. The size is small and ticket prices are very reasonable.
63 locals recommend
Tower Theater
835 NW Wall StTower Theater has a hearty reputation for putting on fabulous shows, both local and international sensations. We have see Artrageous--a world-class traveling music/art troupe--and many other plays and musical acts. Great for date nights or family time. The size is small and ticket prices are very reasonable.
High Desert Museum has hours of educational and entertaining exhibits, tours, talks, and experiences for animal lovers, and those who appreciate or what to learn about Native American and colonial history, nature, art, and innovation.
284 locals recommend
High Desert Museum
59800 US-97High Desert Museum has hours of educational and entertaining exhibits, tours, talks, and experiences for animal lovers, and those who appreciate or what to learn about Native American and colonial history, nature, art, and innovation.
Support local artist while shopping for gifts and practical items made by Bend's creatives. We love this spot! Also, it's right next to Cafe Des Chutes so you can grab a coffee or pastry before or after you browse.
9 locals recommend
The Workhouse
50 SE Scott StSupport local artist while shopping for gifts and practical items made by Bend's creatives. We love this spot! Also, it's right next to Cafe Des Chutes so you can grab a coffee or pastry before or after you browse.
Sightseeing
Lava Lands is right at Lava Butte and offers easy, paved walking paths that wind through the lava. Signs explain about the geologic history of the area and invite visitors to imagine how this place formed. The views from Lava Butte are spectacular. Great area for picnics, walking, learning about nature, and close to other trails and waterfalls.
72 locals recommend
Lava Lands Visitor Center
58201 US-97Lava Lands is right at Lava Butte and offers easy, paved walking paths that wind through the lava. Signs explain about the geologic history of the area and invite visitors to imagine how this place formed. The views from Lava Butte are spectacular. Great area for picnics, walking, learning about nature, and close to other trails and waterfalls.
See the whole city from the top of Pilot Butte. A short drive (closed to cars in winter) or hike up gets you to a 360-degree panorama of Central Oregon. See Mt. Hood and surrounding mountains and buttes, and sometimes even Mt. Saint Helens on a clear day. A must if you haven't been here.
141 locals recommend
Pilot Butte
See the whole city from the top of Pilot Butte. A short drive (closed to cars in winter) or hike up gets you to a 360-degree panorama of Central Oregon. See Mt. Hood and surrounding mountains and buttes, and sometimes even Mt. Saint Helens on a clear day. A must if you haven't been here.
Hike or ride up Lava Butte for a breathtaking sight. Only about 10-15 minutes from Simple Serenity, Lava Butte is at Lava Lands Visitor Center, near trails. At the top of the butte, you can see as far as the horizon will allow. The old watchtower at the top offers pictures and information about what you are seeing in all directions. Fantastic for people with dogs, families, and those interested in learning about the area. One of our favorite short day activities.
34 locals recommend
Lava Butte
Hike or ride up Lava Butte for a breathtaking sight. Only about 10-15 minutes from Simple Serenity, Lava Butte is at Lava Lands Visitor Center, near trails. At the top of the butte, you can see as far as the horizon will allow. The old watchtower at the top offers pictures and information about what you are seeing in all directions. Fantastic for people with dogs, families, and those interested in learning about the area. One of our favorite short day activities.
Lovely little town about 20 minutes north of Bend. Cute shops, good eats, easy walking around. They host an annual rodeo and quilt show.
Sisters
Lovely little town about 20 minutes north of Bend. Cute shops, good eats, easy walking around. They host an annual rodeo and quilt show.
City/town information
Sunriver is only about a 15 minutes drive south of here. The Village at Sunriver has numerous restaurants and shops and is close to paved trails that are bike and walking friendly.
60 locals recommend
Sunriver Resort
17600 Center DrSunriver is only about a 15 minutes drive south of here. The Village at Sunriver has numerous restaurants and shops and is close to paved trails that are bike and walking friendly.
Activities
Great for families. In the winter, they have a sledding, sleigh rides, and other snow activities. In the summer, the family will enjoy the waterpark and summer amenities that are open to the public.
60 locals recommend
Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center
57250 Overlook RdGreat for families. In the winter, they have a sledding, sleigh rides, and other snow activities. In the summer, the family will enjoy the waterpark and summer amenities that are open to the public.
One of our favorite spots for a relaxing picnic. Also a great spot to watch rafters go by. The water is shallow and calm enough to swim in.
Big Eddy Trailhead
One of our favorite spots for a relaxing picnic. Also a great spot to watch rafters go by. The water is shallow and calm enough to swim in.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy a wacky game of mini golf and other activities here. Stay an hour or stay all day!
26 locals recommend
Sun Mountain Fun Center
300 NE Bend River Mall DrKids and adults alike will enjoy a wacky game of mini golf and other activities here. Stay an hour or stay all day!
Got a penchant for classic video games? Come for an hour or for an all-day pass and enjoy everything from Miss Pacman, Space Invaders, Daytona USA, Donkey Kong and so much more. Also has pinball!
13 locals recommend
Vector Volcano Classic Arcade
111 NW Oregon AveGot a penchant for classic video games? Come for an hour or for an all-day pass and enjoy everything from Miss Pacman, Space Invaders, Daytona USA, Donkey Kong and so much more. Also has pinball!
Catch a movie on the couch while enjoying pub fare and your favorite beverages. We love its intimate environment evocative of home but with service! This is our favorite spot for watching a movie outside of our home.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School Theater
Catch a movie on the couch while enjoying pub fare and your favorite beverages. We love its intimate environment evocative of home but with service! This is our favorite spot for watching a movie outside of our home.
Dog Parks
Easy river access and close proximity to The Old Mill District, which as good eats on the river and shopping.
47 locals recommend
Riverbend Dog Park
799 SW Columbia StEasy river access and close proximity to The Old Mill District, which as good eats on the river and shopping.
Big Sky Park Off-Leash Dog Area
Our pooches love to romp and roam the off-leash area.
Whether you and Fifi want to do a mile or 5, GoodDog! has the trails for you. Great for a more open and less heavily trafficked trail experience with the pooches. That said, it is popular and dogs are often unleahsed.
13 locals recommend
Good Dog Trail
18775 Cascade Lakes National Scenic BywayWhether you and Fifi want to do a mile or 5, GoodDog! has the trails for you. Great for a more open and less heavily trafficked trail experience with the pooches. That said, it is popular and dogs are often unleahsed.
Wilderness-like area for pooches to roam with their humans. One our favs on the NE side of town.
Pine Nursery Dog Park
Wilderness-like area for pooches to roam with their humans. One our favs on the NE side of town.
A local favorite! Complete with garden, Homestead House, trails, natural areas, and more.
16 locals recommend
Hollinshead Park
1235 NE Jones RdA local favorite! Complete with garden, Homestead House, trails, natural areas, and more.