Backporch Coffee Roasters: This Oregon-based coffee roaster is a favorite of ours. Their coffee is smooth, the baristas are knowledgeable, and they have several locations around Bend! (@backporchcoffeeroasters)
Thump Coffee: Strong coffee. Strong branding. Their downtown location is always hopping - and for good reason. It’s delicious! (Try their chai) (@thumpcoffee)
Companion Coffee: This local favorite is an expansion off of the ever-popular downtown bakery, Bad Wolf. Not only do they serve really great coffee, but they have incredible pastries too! (@companioncoffeehouse)
Breakfast
McKay Cottage: This cozy breakfast & lunch spot is nestled in a 1916 craftsman bungalow. But while the atmosphere is positively dreamy, the food is the real star here. It’s been voted “Best Breakfast” in Bend every year since 2010! You can’t go wrong with the menu, everything is awesome. Make sure you get a chocolate chip cookie for dessert! (McKay Cottage on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Gourmet Breakfast Sandwich
Alli’s pick: Farmer’s Veggie Omelette
The Sparrow Bakery: Best known for their famous “Ocean Roll”, this quaint, homey bakery serves up some of the best pastries and breakfasts in town! Hands-down our favorite thing to get here is the Bacon Breakfast Sandwich (one of the best breakfast sandwiches we’ve ever had!)… and a few Ocean Rolls “for the road”. ;) (@sparrowbakery)
Fix and Repeat: Hip, healthy, and extremely dog-friendly - this is our go-to for fresh juices and smoothie bowls. You can even get a green smoothie for your pup! (@fixandrepeat)
Lunch/Dinner
Spork: Oh man. How do we even describe this place - or how good it is!? The culinary geniuses have created a Latin American-Asian-African fusion of flavors and dishes that are all truly remarkable. Get there early, or expect to wait in line. (It’s so worth it.) (Spork on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Spicy Fried Chicken
Alli’s pick: Lomo Saltado
Barrio: Best (in our opinion) Latin-inspired grub in town - and they have a mean happy hour! Seven days a week, 3-5pm, you can enjoy delicious margaritas, tacos, nachos, and more for a fraction of the price. Best deal in Bend! (Barrio on Instagram)
900 Wall: Our favorite date night spot in Bend. 900 Wall serves some of the best stone-oven pizzas in town (sourdough crusts - need we say more?), but really everything is good here. If you’re a burger connoisseur, you have to try theirs! (900 Wall on Instagram)
One of the many things we love about Bend is their breweries. They’re SO fun (and their beers are tasty). Most of them have plenty of outdoor seating, are dog friendly, and have live bands on the weekends. It’s truly life as it should be. Here’s a few of our favs:
Crux Fermentation Project: Love their beer, love that they have wine options as well, and love the food trucks on property. You could easily spend your entire afternoon here. (@cruxfermentationproject)
Spoken Moto: What do you get when you put together craft beer, coffee, and a motorcycle repair shop? Spoken Moto!! They have some great food trucks on-site too, and if you’re lucky you’ll could catch some live tunes! (@spokenmoto)
Goodlife Brewing Company: This is a classic Bend brewery - solid beers, spacious patio, friendly service. Their cheese plate is awesome too! (@goodlifebrewing)
Tetherow Resort: Located on a stunning 18-hole golf course, this resort is incredibly peaceful and picturesque. (Definitely request a room with a view of the course.) Their rooms are luxurious and modern - and they’re dog friendly! (@tetherowresort)
Pronghorn Resort: Also located on a golf course, Pronghorn Resort has cozy accommodations that are great for bigger groups. There’s also tennis courts, footgolf, pools, playgrounds, and more! (@pronghornresort)
Sunriver Resort: Twenty minutes outside of Bend is one of our favorite places in the PNW, Sunriver Resort. You could easily spend your whole trip here - as they have numerous restaurants, pools, hiking trails, 63 holes of golf, biking, kayaking, white water rafting… Oh, and Mt Bachelor is only 20 minutes away if you want to ski/snowboard! (@sunriverresort)
Float the Deschutes River: If you’re in Bend in the summertime, you have to float on the Deschutes. Pack a few beers, slather on some sunscreen, rent a raft, and you’ve got the makings for a perfect afternoon.
HIKE! Bend is known for their plethora of hiking trails. Whether you want something quick and easy or you’re looking to spend the day on the trails, the options are basically endless. Here’s where you can find all of the best hikes in the area.
Tour the Deschutes Brewery: They offer four tours a day, seven days a week. It’s a 45-minute “beerventure”, and for only $5 a person, it’s a total steal. You’ll even get a can to enjoy during the tour!
Bend is one of the most dog-friendly cities we’ve ever traveled to. If you’re considering bringing your pup along, DO IT. Most every spot we’ve mentioned is great for pups (but always double-check). From the hiking trails to the dog-friendly breweries… your pup will feel right at home!
