Discover Bend: Top 16 Eateries and Attractions You Can't Miss
When Oregon calls your name, jet on over to Bend for an exceptional experience like no other. It’s where the air smells like pine, adventure is around every corner, and the food scene punches way above its weight!
Trust us, you’re about to fall head over heels for this town. To kickstart your love affair with Bend, we’ve rounded up 15 absolute must-dos that will have you texting your boss about extending your vacation indefinitely.
Best Restaurants in Bend, OR
There’s no doubt about it—Bend’s dining game is strong. You can count on finding local ingredients transformed into bold, inventive dishes everywhere you turn. Don’t get lost in the delicious chaos. Check out these must-try eateries between adventures.
1. The Lemon Tree
718 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97703
When you’re craving brunch, do yourself a favor and dine at The Lemon Tree. Worldly yet homey dishes abound, ranging from ultra-rich Crab Cake Benedict to Turkish Eggs with za’atar garnish. Or you can go all out with their Nasi Goreng—a national dish of Indonesia featuring prawn, chicken, and veggie fried rice.
In a hurry? Just pop by for some pastries or banana bread from the bakery. But be forewarned: That means you’ll miss out on sipping kombucha, mimosas, and everything in between while soaking in the low-key Mediterranean vibe.
2. McKay Cottage Restaurant
62910 O. B. Riley Rd #340, Bend, OR 97703
Set in a 1916 craftsman bungalow, McKay Cottage Restaurant takes you on a trip through time while satisfying your every craving. Everything’s made from scratch daily, from their legendary Pecan Sticky Buns to the Cast-Iron Baked Oatmeal. It’s breakfast comfort food, wrapped in a warm hug of nostalgia.
But what many people don’t know is this restaurant does lunch just as well. Their hearty sandwiches pair beautifully with soup or salad, while cocktails and local brews round out the meal. Don’t miss the West Coast Reuben with Winter Salad on the side for a one-two punch of flavor in every bite.
3. Currents at the River House
3075 US-97 BUS, Bend, OR 97703
Want to dine with a front-row seat to Bend’s natural beauty? The Currents at the River House is the place to go. For the ultimate view, come at the golden hour when the Deschutes River turns a vivid liquid copper. Although you cannot go wrong with a visit for Sunday Brunch.
Either way, you’re sure to find imaginative dishes galore. Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket Hash, Burnt Ends Mac ‘N’ Cheese, and Carlton Farms Pork Medallions are just some of the standouts on the menu. Even the cocktails get in on the act—Pomegranate Mezcal Mule, anyone?
4. 900 Wall
900 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701
Set in the heart of downtown Bend, 900 Wall pairs industrial chic with historical charm. Then, the ever-changing seasonal menu ties it all together with out-of-this-world flavor combinations. The Beef Tartare gets a kick from the horseradish-gruyere custard, while the Rigatoni’s elevated by Calabrian chiles.
Cocktails? Just as crafted. Try the G&T on the Mezz, featuring Plymouth, house-made tonic, lime, and grapefruit. Or, if you’re really in the mood for something lavish, splurge on a wine cellar favorite, like the Dominus “Uhrirtion Moneix"—a vintage Cabernet blend worthy of its $450 price tag.
5. Bos Taurus
163 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR 97701
When nothing else will do but steakhouse excellence, the Bos Taurus won’t let you down, especially if you go for the full Wagyu Experience. First, pick your cut, ranging from A2 to A5, and then decide whether you’d like it OG, Far East, or Umami & Spice rubbed versions. Not sure? Order the Wagyu Tasting instead.
You could even rebel against the status quo and set your sights on everything “Not Steak.” The Wild Boar, in particular, is absolutely worth skipping the steak. Its chocolate glace elevates the rich, gamey flavors, taking you on a culinary journey unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
6. Spork
937 NW Newport Ave #130, Bend, OR 97703
Spork lets you step into a world of global street food remixed using everyday PNW ingredients. Taco truck goodness? They can do that. Banh Mi, Dan Dan Noodles, and Lomo Saltado? You bet. Just be sure to bring a huge appetite because you’re going to want to try everything at least once.
When you’re too tired for the full restaurant experience, that’s no problem, either. Order up your favorites from the “Family Style Takeout Menu.” From Peanut Tomato Curry to Thai Steak Salad, each dish serves five, plus you can add on any sides you’d like, including their Spiced Yuca Chips with Chili Mayo.
7. Ariana Restaurant
1304 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703
For a truly upscale dining experience, set your sights on Ariana Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a six-course chef’s tasting menu with surprises around every corner. Changing weekly, this menu promises to take you on a seasonal odyssey through everything PNW. Dungeness Crab, Pacific Northwest Oysters, Elk Tartare—you name it.
Of course, you can always order a la carte if you prefer. It’s a great way to curate your own multi-course meal. Imagine starting with Carpaccio, cleansing your palate with the Soup Du Jour, and then rounding it all out with Hokkaido Scallops. Be sure to save room for dessert to delight in Mozza’s Budino, featuring sticky salted caramel over rich vanilla Italian pudding.
Most Popular Activities in Bend
Once you’ve had your fill of Bend’s food scene, it’s time to stretch your legs. Luckily for you, there are endless opportunities for adventure in this corner of Oregon. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic hike or something totally unexpected, you’ve got options. Let’s take a look.
8. Mt. Bachelor
13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
If you’re looking for the ultimate mountain adventure, Mt. Bachelor is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Bend. In the winter, this 9,065-foot mountain is all about skiing and snowboarding. With over 4,300 acres of runs, there’s something for everyone—easy trails for beginners, tree runs for explorers, and steep slopes for those who want a challenge. The snow is some of the best in Oregon, and the views from the lifts are incredible.
In summer, the mountain changes completely. The ski slopes turn into hiking and biking trails, and the chairlift keeps running so you can ride to the top for a 360-degree view of the Cascade Range. You might see wildflowers along the trails and even catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
Only a 30-minute drive from Bend, Mt. Bachelor is a year-round adventure spot that’s perfect for both thrill-seekers and anyone who just wants to enjoy the mountain scenery.
9. Starlight Cave Tour
Want to explore Central Oregon’s volcanic past? Reserve your spot on the Starlight Cave Tour. It’s a fun, hands-on way to see lava tubes up close, with just your headlamp cutting through the inky darkness. As you gaze in wonder at the glittering rock walls, keep an eye out for crickets, salamanders, and spiders—all perfectly adapted to thrive in this underground world.
10. Newberry National Volcanic Monument
As you probably know by now, volcanoes are kind of a big deal around Bend, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument is the ultimate showcase. It has a little bit of everything, from lava fields and obsidian flows to crater lakes. Hiking here feels like exploring an alien world, so bring your camera to capture every otherworldly view.
11. High Desert Museum
59800 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702
History, art, and wildlife come together beautifully at the High Desert Museum. And you’ll probably appreciate these animal encounters a bit more than the cave crickets. Gaze in wonder at otters playing underwater, see raptors majestically capture their “prey,” and get surprisingly close to prickly porcupines. Leave time to explore the many other exhibits, though, where you’ll learn all about the unique spirit of the High Desert.
12. Deschutes National Forest
Covering over 1.6 million acres, Deschutes National Forest is like a humongous outdoor playground. The sky is the limit to what you can do. Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, or even just picnicking are all on the table. It’s the perfect spot to truly disconnect from the everyday world and reconnect with the wild.
13. Old Mill District
520 SW Powerhouse Dr #624, Bend, OR 97702
The Old Mill District is the top spot for a relaxing day out. For starters, it’s a former lumber mill that’s had quite the glow-up, transforming into Bend’s shopping and entertainment hub. The iconic red smokestacks still stand tall, but now they tower over boutique shops, art galleries, and so much more. It’s also where you’ll find amazing shows at the Hayden Homes Amphitheatre year-round.
14. Drake Park
777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701
Dark Park awaits whenever you just need a quiet moment to reflect. Despite being downtown, this 13-acre urban oasis offers a peaceful escape any time of the day. You’ll feel worlds away as you stroll under the ponderosa pines and relax alongside the serene Mirro Pond. Want to stay all day? Simply bring a picnic lunch and a blanket to lay out on the lawn.
15. Tumalo Falls
Is there anything more picturesque than a waterfall cascading down rugged cliffs? Go to Tumalo Falls and try to argue otherwise. It’s impossible. This 97-foot stunner is always pure drama as it plunges over basalt walls into the misty canyon below. The only drawback is that it’s difficult to capture all its beauty on camera, so you’ll always find yourself hankering to come back for another glimpse.
16. Smith Rock State Park
Even though it’s technically in nearby Terrebonne, no Bend trip is complete without a trip to Smith Rock State Park. Why? It’s the birthplace of American sport climbing, and its golden cliffs will take your breath away, whether you’re scaling them or just admiring them from below. It’s another spot begging for a golden hour visit, when the setting sun creates the perfect backdrop for travel selfies.
Whether you’re after the food, views, or unforgettable adventures, Bend, Oregon, has a way of leaving its mark. To ensure you can get the full experience, think weekend getaway, not day visit. Ready to make that happen? Our local community partner, Arrived, has your perfect Bend vacation rentals waiting. With their help, you’ll never be far from the best restaurants, activities, and parks in Oregon.
