Downtown Bend is the lively core of Bend, with many shops, activities, lodging and restaurants, all just a couple of blocks from the glittering Mirror Pond, part of the Deschutes River. Whether a visit takes you browsing through downtown stores, taking a stroll through Drake Park or walking through the nearby historic neighborhoods of Bend, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, downtown Bend is adorned end-to-end with delicious breakfast joints, hole-in-the-wall eateries and upscale restaurants.
Top Places to Eat Breakfast in Downtown Bend
Cafe Sintra
On a sunny summer morning, Cafe Sintra transports diners to the streets of Sintra, Portugal. Find specialties like a fried egg sandwich or a spinach crepe—stuffed with sauteed spinach, eggs and goat cheese. Stay for a while—or come later in the day—and order from the just as superb lunch menu.
The Lemon Tree
Just around the corner from Brooks Alley, or up the path from Drake Park, The Lemon Tree is a true experience in gourmet breakfast and lunch dining. On blue-sky Central Oregon days, sit outside on the sidewalk patio, and take in the rays of sunshine with a seared steak Benedict and a blood orange mimosa.
Roam
Located within Bend’s Oxford Hotel, Roam’s mission is founded on sustainable and delicious food. Though the restaurant is open for all meals, head over for breakfast and try a menu of pancakes slathered in syrup. Or, lounge around town and come in later to try one of the brunch specialties such as biscuits and gravy.
Best Downtown Lunch Spots in Bend
Plankers Sandwiches
Take them to go or stay awhile, the sandwiches at Plankers Sandwiches are handcrafted and made to order. Sauces and spreads at Plankers are made using local ingredients whenever possible. Grab a pork belly sandwich or a tomato panini with fresh basil mayo, and head to the park for a picnic by the water.
Beach Hut Deli
For layers of meat, cheese and veggies, the Beach Hut Deli is a one-stop shop. Try the California sandwich: stacked with cheese, avocado, peppers, spinach, onions and tomatoes. Located in Brooks Street Alley, choose to sit inside the surf inspired restaurant or outside on the raised patio while taking a break from shopping at local boutiques.
Noi
Find delicious Thai food throughout downtown Bend any time of day. If you’re stopping by Noi earlier in the day, enjoy the lunch-specific menu which includes the restaurant’s specialty dish: Crispy Garlic Chicken. Or, try one of the lunch combos which pair terrific noodle dishes with a side of curry or stir-fry.
Brother Jon’s Alehouse
Across the street from the infamous Deschutes Brewery and Public House, Brother Jon’s Alehouse is a pub tucked away on the outskirts of downtown offering unmissable food. Try the chef’s recommendation, the BLTA made on Big Ed’s wheat. While enjoying the feeling of a true pub, try one of the 17 beers on-tap.
Wild Rose
You won’t find any basic pad Thai here at Wild Rose. Instead, try authentic, specialty dishes such as Moo Gratiem: pork stir fried in garlic sauce, which are inspired by Northern Thai cuisine. The ambience of the restaurant, paired with the exceptional food, delivers an experience like no other in downtown Bend.
Top Dinner Restaurants in Downtown Bend
Bar Rio
Two cuisines merged to create something spectacular. Barrio—incredible Latin American dishes—and ShimShon—amazing Israeli Street Food—combined their menus for unique dishes like chicken shawarma tacos—thinly sliced meat served on warm flatbread. Stop by Bar Rio after a day of sightseeing and have a seat in the festive dining area. While you’re at it, grab a cocktail (or two) such as the Grilled Pineapple Mezcal or the Tel Aviv Sour.
Bend Brewing Company
Popular for the brews, the second-oldest brewery in Bend also serves outstanding food. Take a seat at Bend Brewing Company’s large outdoor dining area and enjoy the view of Mirror Pond behind towering pine trees. Dinner items include a kimchi burger and a refreshing chicken caprese salad. Pair with any beer from the extensive tap list such as the Metolius Golden Ale.
Deschutes Brewery-Bend Public House
A few streets up from Bend Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery’s Bend Public House is known for their quality in beer and in food. Sit down to try one of the 19 beers on tap and you’ll soon end up ordering a full meal off the handcrafted, must-try menu. Popular favorites at the restaurant include mac and cheese with breadcrumbs, and any of the pizzas which can also be substituted with vegan mozzarella.
Sen Thai Noodles and Hot Pot
From the same owners of Wild Rose, Sen brings another unique culinary experience to downtown Bend. Nestled at the edge of Mirror Pond, diners are able to watch paddle boarders float past the floor to ceiling windows while waiting for an order of Hot Pot as a group or individually.
Bos Taurus
The upscale steakhouse, Bos Taurus, is the perfect place for celebration. Order one of the many different cuts from ranches across the country so you know exactly where your food is coming from. While enjoying a juicy, perfectly prepared steak, try an option from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
Offering fine dining inspired by both northwestern and southern cuisine, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails is located in the heart of downtown Bend. This is an ideal place to grab dinner, or a specialty cocktail such as the Ring of Fire—house infused jalapeno tequila—and a few shareable appetizers like the barbeque shrimp or artichoke corn fritters.
Jackalope Grill
With the menu changing seasonally at Jackalope Grill, you’ll always have a surprise to look forward to. The restaurant sources from local farms to provide the freshest ingredients in all of their delicious menus. Take a seat inside the gorgeous dining room and prepare to be stunned by this fine dining experience.
After enjoying these downtown Bend dining options, remember to take the culinary exploration further with dining options throughout Central Oregon.
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