Best Folks, Beer & Food Relaxing: Deschutes Tasting Room is off the beaten path
By Richard Sitts
For a special treat, I like to venture up to the Deschutes Tasting Room, up on the hill overlooking the Old Mill. It's a little out of the way, but plenty of visitors still find their way here. Stop in for lunch and a pint, or two. There's always several pub exclusive beers on tap that you won't find anywhere else. Stout aged in tequila barrels, anyone?
Parked outside are three real-deal food carts. 'Wich Doctor Sandwich Co. takes it to another level. WillieBurger's smash burger, with its crispy edges, overflows its cardboard tray, which barely contains this flavor bomb. Who needs fries?! Former Best Of winner Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery has a cold noodle dish that I can't get enough of. I'm a carnivore, but rather than the chicken or steak, the tofu is my favorite.
This place is a mellow hang where you're bound to meet some interesting folks, locals and visitors alike.