Washington Celebrates Two Years
Get your island groove on at the two-year anniversary celebration at Washington Dining & Cocktails Summer Blowout Island Beach Party. Family festivities include Caribbean food from Chef John Gurnee and live music from Cinder Valley Magic. Adults can enjoy exotic libations from the tiki bar, including frozés and daiquiris in coconut shells. We heard there…
Weekly Dinners at River Run Event Center
Savor dinner on Monday and Thursday evening overlooking the beautiful Deschutes River at the River Run Event Center at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond. On Monday nights, Bad Boys BBQ is serving up its signature barbecue with a selection of meats and a variety of salads. Each Thursday has a different global theme with two…
Author! Author! Lineup Announced
Deschutes Public Library Foundation’s popular Author! Author! literary series is back for its seventh year, beginning Oct. 5. The foundation announced its 2018-2019 lineup of authors Wednesday morning, which includes Maria Semple, Sarah Vowell, Colum McCann and Richard Russo. Semple, who kicks off the series on Oct. 5, started out writing for television shows such…
Gung Ho For Shows: Appaloosa
Another Friday has arrived — quick, make plans! If you’re getting antsy this afternoon at the office, why not bug out early to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sisters Farmers Market? Friday, Aug. 17, local Americana band Appaloosa will be recording their fourth album live at the market. Formed in 2013 by husband and…
Rock Steady, Aretha
In homage to the Queen of Soul, who died today in Detroit, Mich., we submit one of our favorite songs from her extensive repertoire. Rest in peace, Aretha Franklin. You are already missed dearly.
Best IPA
1st Place: RPM IPA, Boneyard Beer Boneyard Pub 1955 NE Division St., Bend 541-241-7184 2nd Place: Comatose Imperial IPA, GoodLife Brewing GoodLife Brewing 70 SW Century Dr., Bend 541-728-0749
Best Sports Bar
1st Place: The Hideaway Tavern 939 SE Second St., Bend 541-312-9898 2nd Place: Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill 1020 NW Wall St., Bend 541-385-8898
Best Lunch
1st Place: One Street Down Cafe 124 SW Seventh St., Redmond 541-647-2341 2nd Place (tie): Soup 2 Nuts 457 SW Sixth St., Redmond 541-526-5611 Redmond Burger Company 249 NW Sixth St., Redmond 541-316-5262
Best Breakfast
1st Place: Cafe Sintra – Sunriver 57031 Ponderosa Rd., Sunriver 541-593-1222 2nd Place: Hot Lava Bakery 57100 Mall Dr., Sunriver 541-593-3986
Best Bartender
Buck Bales is training a new guy when I belly up to the bar at D&D Grill. “You’re not going anywhere, are you?” I ask, slightly concerned that maybe the new guy is Bales’ replacement. “They won’t let me,” he says with a chuckle. Bales is something of a legend in this bar, which has…
Best Garden Store
Driving on 27th Street south of Bear Creek Road, it’s hard to miss the giant, colorful rooster that watches over Eastside Gardens. Avid gardeners can spent a great deal of time scanning the selections at nurseries and garden centers to find the best plants, but Eastside Gardens brings it all together under one roof. They…
We aren’t the enemy of the people. We ARE the people.
A note from the Source editorial board: This week, newspapers across the nation are taking a collective stand in issuing this joint editorial, aimed at standing together in defense of the institution of journalism and the absolutely crucial role it plays in a government for, and by, the people—regardless of political affiliation or the stance of…
Laird Hamilton
Call him Creamer Guy. His real name is Laird Hamilton. He’s a big-wave surfer—maybe the best, ever. He’s also an inventor, SUP godfather (remember the Blame Laird campaign?), fitness guru, waterman… and now, he’s working on creating the second coming of Newman’s Own. On July 16, Hamilton came to Sisters to christen the opening of…
Best Bank Branch
1st Place: SELCO Community Credit Union – 88 SW Scalehouse Loop, Bend – 501 NE Bellevue Drive, Bend – 137 SW Century Drive, Bend 800-445-4483 selco.org 2nd Place: OnPoint Community Credit Union – 950 NW Bond St, Bend – 61276 S Hwy 97 #100, Bend 800-527-3932 onpointcu.com
Best Beauty Boutique (makeup, skincare, etc.)
1st Place: Angelina’s Organic Skin Care 838 NW Bond St #1, Bend 541-647-1655 angelinaskincare.com 2nd Place: Bend Skin Company 1208 NE 4th St., Suite B, Bend 541-390-3338 bendskincompany.com
Best Thai
1st Place: Wild Rose 150 NW Oregon Ave., Bend 541-382-0441 2nd Place: Noi Thai Cuisine 550 NW Franklin Ave., Bend 541-647-6904 Related Stories
Best Bar / Brewpub
1st Place: Wild Ride Brewing 332 SW Fifth St., Redmond 541-516-8544 2nd Place: Cascade Lakes – Pub at 7th Street 855 SW Seventh St., Redmond 541-923-1795
Best Steak
1st Place: Bos Taurus Steakhouse 163 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend 541-241-2735 2nd Place: The Blacksmith Restaurant 211 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend 541-318-0588
Best Place for a Bloody Mary
1st Place: Victorian Café 1404 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-382-6411 2nd Place: CHOW 1110 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-728-0256
Best Drive-thru Coffee
1st Place: Dutch Bros – NE Third St. 1143 NE Third St., Bend (541) 955-4700 2nd Place: The Human Bean 1041 NE Ninth St., Bend 541-382-0659
Best Place to Buy Produce
1st Place: Bend Farmers Market Brooks Alley, between Oregon & Franklin, Bend 2nd Place: Newport Avenue Market 1121 NW Newport Ave., Bend
Best Mexican
What do El Sancho’s shop, shack and cart all have in common? They all serve up delicious tacos, of course. The El Sancho Taco Cart launched in 2010 and quickly became a Bend favorite. Locals may remember the El Sancho Taco Shack’s first location at Pakit Liquidators, a used-materials business turned concert venue. After the…
Best Western Wear
1st Place: Desperado Boutique 330 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 120, Bend 541-749-9980 2nd Place: Boot Barn 2221 NE 3rd St, Bend 541-382-3795 bootbarn.com
Best Art Gallery
1st Place: Red Chair Gallery 103 NW Oregon Ave., Bend 541-306-3176 2nd Place: Mockingbird Gallery 869 NW Wall St, Ste 100., Bend 541-388-2107
Best Beauty Studio (nails, lashes, waxing, etc.)
1st Place: Penny Lash 1303 NW Galveston Ave, Bend 541-941-7757 pennylash.com 2nd Place: Bend Skin Company 1208 NE 4th St., Suite B, Bend 541-390-3338 bendskincompany.com
Best Vegetarian
1st Place: Laughing Planet 913 NE Third St., Bend 541-306-3995 2nd Place:
Best Boutique
1st Place: Welcome Home 229 SW Sixth St., Redmond 541-617-1259 2nd Place: The Blvd. 522 SW 6th St., Redmond 541-923-7555 (permanently closed)
Best Asian (excl. Thai)
1st Place: Chi Chinese & Sushi Bar 3118 North Hwy 97, Bend 541-323-3931 2nd Place: Pho Viet & Cafe 1326 NE Third St., Bend 541-382-2929
Best Bar / Brewpub
1st Place: Sunriver Brewing Co -Sunriver Pub 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver 541-593-3007 2nd Place: Mountain Jug 56805 Venture Ln., Sunriver 541-390-0214
Best Happy Hour
1st Place: 900 Wall 900 NW Wall St., Bend 541-323-6295 2nd Place: Pine Tavern 967 NW Brooks St., Bend 541-382-5581
Best Dental Group
1st Place: Bend Dental Group 901 NW Carlon Ave #1, Bend 541-389-1884 benddentalgroup.com 2nd Place: Deschutes Dental Center 159 SW Shevlin Hixon Drive, Bend 541-317-1300 deschutesdentalcenter.com
A River Runs Through Here
“Without water – no farms – no food.” With that simple statement, Jefferson County Commissioner Mae Huston emphasizes the importance of irrigation water for farms near Madras, in Jefferson County, where the seed industry, along with other crops, are the lifeblood of the rural community. Without adequate water supplies for farmers, she says the City…
Summer Swim Spot
Paulina Lake and East Lake, sometimes called Twin Lakes, sometimes called the other Crater lakes, are both excellent for fishing, paddling sports or just relaxing in your cabin or with your toes in the clear water. Both lakes are part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, about 40 miles southeast of Bend. I’ve fished both…
Best Furniture Store
Bend UpStyle is elevating the experience for shoppers. New owners Randy and Jeanette Wright have transformed the store on Greenwood Avenue—once focused on consignment furniture—to an upscale joint full of new furniture, including locally made pieces and custom work. UpStyle also does window coverings—from measurement to install—and home staging to help people sell their houses.…
Best Barber Shop
1st Place: Bond Street Barber Shop 841 NW Bond St, Bend 541-312-2121 bondstreetbarbershop.com 2nd Place: Bishops 130 NW Oregon Ave, Bend 541-647-2703 bishops.co
Best Day Care / Preschool
1st Place: The Cottage Day Care 1415 NE Williamson Blvd, Bend 541-389-7380 cottagedaycare.com 2nd Place (3-way tie): Aspen Academy Preschool 2461 NW Marken St, Bend 541-231-9845 aspenacademybend.com Bloom Children’s Center 541.306.4592 bloombend.com Cobblestone Children’s Center 63176 Watercress Way, Bend 541-318-5455 cobblestone.care
Best Local Brewer
1st Place: Sean Garvin, Deschutes Brewery 2nd Place: Tonya Cornett, 10 Barrel 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Pub & Brewing Facility 62950 NE 18th St., Bend 541-241-7733
Best Burger
1st Place: Bend Burger Company 1939 NE Third St., Bend 541-382-1914 2nd Place: Dandy’s Drive-in 1334 NE Third St., Bend 541-382-6141
Best Budtender
1st Place: Rick Eslinger, Miracle Greens Miracle Greens 905 SE Third St., Bend 541-952-2363 2nd Place: Jodie Brosius, Diamond Tree DiamondTREE (Westside) 1233 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-388-7901
Best Breakfast
1st Place: Sisters Bakery 251 E Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-0361 2nd Place: Cottonwood Cafe 403 E Hood Ave., Sisters 541-549-2699
Best Lunch
1st Place: Sno Cap Drive -In – Sisters 380 W Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-6151 2nd Place: Depot Cafe 250 W Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-2572
Best Excuse to be a NIMBY
There were numerous choices to fill this bill: The Old Ray’s Food Place building, the hotel on Century Drive and Mt. Washington Drive or any additions to Oregon State University-Cascades, but the one that really seems to stick in the NIMBY craw is the Evergreen Housing Development at the intersection of SW Shevlin Hixon Drive…
Best Bang for Your Buck
Who doesn’t love a good burrito? And one that’s only $6?! Get out of here—you can’t even buy a smoothie in Bend for $6! Well, at any of Parrilla’s locations you can get that burrito. A mere $6 gets you a Classic Burrito with cilantro lime rice, black or pinto beans, cheese, sour cream and…
Best Women’s Clothing
1st Place: Vanilla Urban Threads 661 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend 2nd Place: Lulu’s Boutique 150 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend
Best Local Radio Personality
1st Place: Tracee Tuesday, Power 94 power94.fm 2nd Place: Megan Sinclair, 107.7 The Beat 1077thebeat.com
Best Ski and Board Shop
Sixty years deep in the Bend winter sports scene, Skjersaa’s offers it all. Their passion and dedication to snowboarding and skiing started with Olaf Skjersaa back in the day and is reflected in the present staff through product knowledge and customer service. Packed all your kiddie stuff but forgot your own gloves? Need a beer…
Best Coffee Shop
1st Place: Brewed Awakenings Coffee Roasters 57100 Beaver Drive, Sunriver 541-678-5288 2nd Place: Hot Lava Bakery 57100 Mall Dr., Sunriver 541-593-3986
Best Burrito
Who doesn’t love a good burrito? And one that’s only $6?! Get out of here—you can’t even buy a smoothie in Bend for $6! Well, at any of Parrilla’s locations you can get that burrito. A mere $6 gets you a Classic Burrito with cilantro lime rice, black or pinto beans, cheese, sour cream and…
Best Brewpub
1st Place: Deschutes Brewery & Public House 1044 NW Bond St., Bend 541-382-9242 2nd Place: Crux Fermentation Project 50 SW Division St., Bend 541-385-3333
Best Health Food Store
1st Place: Market of Choice 115 NW Sisemore St., Bend (541) 382-5828 2nd Place: Whole Foods Market 2610 Hwy 20, Bend 541-389-0151
Best Bang for Your Buck
1st Place: Madaline’s Grill & Steak House 2414 Hwy 97, Redmond 541-548-9964 2nd Place: Rigoberto’s Taco Shop 433 W Antler Ave., Redmond 541-923-1305
Best Bike Shop
1st Place: Hutch’s Bicycles Eastside 820 NE Third St., Bend 2nd Place: Pine Mountain Sports 255 SW Century Dr., Bend
Best Pet Store
Before Julie Hunter started Bend Pet Express in 1993, her dog became very ill. She worked with a vet locally and looked at what she was putting in her dog’s body versus what options were available. Her research and continued education resulted in the birth of what would go on to become the Bend Pet…
Best Specialty Cocktail
Velvet, the double decker lounge on Wall Street, serves up plenty of good, good, good—good libations, but none better this year than the winner of the best specialty cocktail, the Blue Velvet. The Blue Velvet is made with house-infused blueberry vodka, house-made lemonade, Yerba Mate and infused Oregon blueberries. It’s served in Velvet’s traditional mason…
Best Dinner
Bend might get a lot of play when it comes to talking about eats and drinks in Central Oregon—but look out, Beer Town, USA, because Redmond is coming after you with a charm all its own. From brew pubs serving up tasty suds to restaurants with loads of curb appeal, Redmond is far from a…
Best Doughnut
1st Place: The Dough Nut – Westside 1227 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-241-8788 The Dough Nut – Midtown 755 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend 541-241-8788 2nd Place: Richard’s Donuts & Pastries 61419 S Hwy 97, Bend 541-385-3310
Best Casual Dining
1st Place: Pine Tavern 967 NW Brooks St., Bend 541-382-5581 2nd Place: Spork 937 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-390-0946
Best Cider
1st Place: AVID Cider Co. Taproom 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend 541-706-9240 2nd Place: Tumalo Cider Co. tumalocider.com
Best Boutique
1st Place: The Lazy Daisy 57100 Beaver Drive, Sunriver 541-593-4654 2nd Place: Village Threads Boutique 57100 Beaver Drive, Sunriver 541-593-0114
Best Sushi
1st Place: Kanpai 990 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-388-4636 2nd Place: Five – Modern Japanese Bar & Retaurant 821 NW Wall St., Bend 541-323-2328
In A Landscape
Central Oregon is known for its rugged landscapes and the beauty that comes with them. Over the summer and into the fall, the “In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” concert series combines the picturesque landscape with the intensity and beauty of classical music. The outdoor concerts showcase Oregon’s industry, history and culture by…
Best Community Problem Solving
It was already past the worst of winter when I set foot inside the Sagewood Sanctuary on Greenwood Avenue, near Bend’s downtown. The year 2018 won’t go down as one of the worst winters, but for someone who lives without permanent—and properly insulated—shelter, temps that dip below freezing pose a host of challenges and dangers.…
Best Medical Group
1st Place: High Lakes Health Care 929 SW Simpson Ave #300, Bend 541-389-7741 highlakeshealthcare.com 2nd Place: Summit Medical Group – Bend Memorial Clinic 1501 NE Medical Center Drive, Bend 541-382-2811 bendmemorialclinic.com
Dig into these Dishes
Tired of the same old brown-bag lunch? Check out these nifty—and tasty—grub ideas. Beet Poke, $7.95 A great lunch for a busy day. Pick it up on your way to work in the grab and go case at the Humble Beet. Golden beets act like the Beyond Meat of poke. It tastes so much like…
Best Place to Avoid at 5pm
I’m lucky enough to avoid driving on the Bend Parkway at anytime, but I’m most thankful I don’t have to be anywhere near the Empire/Parkway/Hwy 97 disaster that goes north to the light at Cooley Road during 5pm traffic. If you look at the traffic map of Bend in that area about 5pm, the line…
Best Lunch
1st Place: Sunriver Brewing Co -Sunriver Pub 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver 541-593-3007 2nd Place: Blondie’s Pizza 57195 Beaver Dr., Sunriver 541-593-1019
Best Place for a Margarita
1st Place: Hola! – Downtown 920 NW Bond St., Bend 541-728-0069 2nd Place: La Rosa 19570 Amber Meadow Drive, Bend 541-318-7210 La Rosa NW Crossing 2763 NW Crossing Dr., Bend 541-647-1624
Best Coffee
1st Place: Backporch Coffee Roasters – Greenwood Ave. 706 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend 541-678-5458 Backporch Coffee Roasters – Newport Ave. 1052 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-617-3984 Backporch Coffee Roasters – Downtown 55 NW Franklin Ave., Bend 541-797-6647 2nd Place: Thump Coffee – Downtown 25 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend 541-388-0226 Thump Coffee – York 549 NW…
Best Bakery
1st Place: The Sparrow Bakery 50 SE Scott St., Bend 541-330-6321 The Sparrow Cafe & Bakery 2748 NW Crossing Dr., Bend 541-647-2323 2nd Place: Foxtail Bakeshop & Kitchen 555 NW Arizona Ave., Bend 541-213-2275
Smells Like Quarantine Spirit and Love You Faux Ever
I’m a 41-year-old married lesbian. My wife and I used to work from home together. She recently got an important job, and she’s now gone all day, five days a week. I’m happy for her, and this is good for us in the long run, but I’m really sad and lonely. —Isolated Avoid any temptation…
Best Shoe Store
1st Place: FootZone 842 NW Wall St., Bend 541-317-3568 2nd Place: North Soles Footwear 800 Wall St., Bend
Best Green Business
Meeting people halfway and making green accessible is what Josh Sims says sets his business, The Gear Fix, apart. For many outdoorsy locals, stopping in during lunch break to rummage through the climbing gear (or snow sports selection in the winter) is a weekly ritual. For tourists and others, buying used outdoor gear just wasn’t…
Best Golf Course
1st Place: Tetherow Golf Club 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend 2nd Place: Widgi Creek Golf Club 18707 SW Century Dr, Bend
Best Place to Get a Tattoo
1st Place: Monolith Tattoo Studio 1050 SE 3rd St., Bend 541-647-2347 monolithtattoostudio.com 2nd Place: White Light Tattoo Studios 164 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend 541-639-8443 whitelighttattoo.com
Big Screen Creepypasta
Making a movie about Slender Man in 2018 is akin to making a biopic about the creators of the Macarena. The time has passed. Don’t get me wrong—filmmakers can still get a ton of mileage from one of the first internet urban legends, but some of the true stories that emerged from the legend are…
Best Day Spa
Nestled between the lush Cascade Range and the juniper and sage of Central Oregon’s high desert, Anjou Spa is a lifestyle and wellness spa dedicated to the art of helping guests look and feel good, inside and out. Anjou’s owners consider the pursuit of well-being a lifelong goal. They want to guide guests in getting…
Best Car Dealership
1st Place: Team Kia of Bend 611 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend 541-550-5555 goteamkia.com 2nd Place: Subaru of Bend 2060 NE Hwy 20, Bend 541-389-3031 subaruofbend.com
Best Seasonal Beer
1st Place: Red Chair, NWPA, Deschutes Brewery 2nd Place: Twilight Ale, Deschutes Brewery
Best Dark Beer
1st Place: Black Butte Porter, Deschutes Brewery 2nd Place: Crux Stout, Crux Fermentation Project Crux Fermentation Project 50 SW Division St., Bend 541-385-3333
Best Coffee Shop
1st Place: Sisters Coffee Company – Sisters 273 W Hood St., Sisters 541-549-0527 2nd Place: Sisters Bakery 251 E Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-0361
Best Supporters of Local Food
“Every aspect of our lives is, in a sense, a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.” Frances Moore Lappé, author of “Diet for a Small Planet” Locals, how many times have you touted local beer, local culture or the fact that your parents’ parents’ parents came here on the Oregon Trail—thus vetting…
Best Florist
1st Place: Donner Flower Shop 605 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-382-3791 donnerflower.com 2nd Place: Wild Flowers of Oregon 920 NW Bond St., Bend 541-389-3442 wildflowersoforegon.net
Flagline Trail open Aug. 15
Flagline Trail consists of three sections in the upper ramparts of Bend’s mountain bike trail system, exploring the Alpine environment of the High Desert. Ripping downhill sections through old growth forest, quaint meadows and creek crossings give Flagline a uniquely Alpine feel. Upper and Lower Flagline, and the Flagline Tie trail, are used to skirt…
Best Bagel
Whether you’re looking for the best bagels in town or delicious sandos with house-braised meats, Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge can’t be beat. They also cater to the vegan and gluten-free crowd. (You can find the menu online at rockindaves.com—I know ya’ll like to plan ahead.) The highlights: a vegan breakfast burrito and gluten-free…
Best Realtor
1st Place: Kelly Johnson, Bend Premier Real Estate 2nd Place: Dana Furlan, Bend Premier Real Estate Bend Premiere Real Estate 550 NW Franklin Ave., #108, Bend 541-323-2779 bendpremierrealestate.com
Stage Mom
The last time I interviewed Jessica Hernandez, things were different. She wasn’t married and her 6-month-old daughter Stella hadn’t yet made her debut. For the last five or six years, I’ve seen Hernandez and her band The Deltas perform a handful of times—each time a worthy, sweat-filled dance session. And now with a baby in…
Best Bar / Brewpub
Round about 10 years ago, I started hearing whispers in the Willamette Valley about the little town of Sisters, Ore. It’s charming, they said. It has this Old West feel, they chattered. It even has its own cool brew pub, they raved. While it’s safe to say Sisters boasts a lot of spots that make…
Best Family Dining
1st Place: Jackson’s Corner – Delaware Ave. 845 NW Delaware Ave., Bend 541-647-2198 2nd Place: Red Robin 625 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend 541-382-9234
Best Wine Shop
1st Place: Evoke Winery Bend 330 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend 541-386-3700 2nd Place: The Good Drop Wine Shoppe 141 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend 541-410-1470
Best Italian
1st Place: Trattoria Sbandati 1444 NW College Way, Bend 541-306-6825 2nd Place: Pastini Pastaria 375 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend 541-749-1060
Best Dinner
1st Place: The Open Door 303 W Hood St., Sisters 541-549-6076 2nd Place: Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill 190 E Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-7427
Northwest Stone Carving Symposium
Awesome local art, found on Instagram Ryan Choate @ryan_choate When I view Ryan Choate’s work, I often think, “This guy really gets trees.” What I mean by that, is it takes someone with an intimate understanding of something to be able to showcase its beauty beyond a singular medium. Choate’s clear connection to the natural…
Best Exercise Studio
1st Place: barre3 Studio 805 SW Industrial Way #7, Bend 2nd Place: Orange Theory Fitness 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, #170, Bend 541-904-5123 bend.orangetheoryfitness.com
Free Will Astrology—Week of August 15
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant,” wrote French author Honoré de Balzac. I think that’s an exaggeration, but it does trigger a worthwhile meditation. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re in a phase of your cycle when you have maximum power to raise…
Best Kept Secret
Floating the Deschutes River is a pastime near and dear to Bendites’ hearts. (That part about the Best Kept Secret? That was a joke, peeps. If you’re a local, no need to read any further.) On any given weekend, you can find happy faces floating through town on tubes and, in some cases, questionable floatation…
Best Sandwich / Deli
Whether you’re looking for the best bagels in town or delicious sandos with house-braised meats, Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge can’t be beat. They also cater to the vegan and gluten-free crowd. (You can find the menu online at rockindaves.com—I know ya’ll like to plan ahead.) The highlights: a vegan breakfast burrito and gluten-free…
Best Place for Medical-Cosmetic Enhancement
With over 20 years in the aesthetic industry, EsthetixMD founder Rebecca Covey knows how to get results. Working in many different positions throughout the aesthetic industry—from product development to clinician to educator—Covey has put together a stellar team that can tailor fit a skincare treatment to your needs. Growing from a small team of three…
Best Bang for Your Buck
1st Place: Sno Cap Drive -In – Sisters 380 W Cascade Ave., Sisters 541-549-6151 2nd Place:
Best Breakfast
1st Place: McKay Cottage 62910 O.B. Riley Rd., Bend 541-383-2697 2nd Place: CHOW 1110 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-728-0256
Best Lunch
1st Place: Spork 937 NW Newport Ave., Bend 541-390-0946 2nd Place: Croutons 335 SW Century Dr., Bend 541-330-1133 Croutons 564 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend 541-728-0825
Best Caterer
1st Place: Bleu Bite Catering 63060 Nels Anderson Rd, Bend 541-388-1104 2nd Place: Tate & Tate – Bend 1205 SW Indian Ave., Redmond 541-548-2512
Best Way to Win the War on Cars
Ooo, girl! Shock me like an electric bicycle. Bend locals are revolutionizing the road scene and cutting down on traffic and parking problems with electric bikes. Sometimes referred to as e-bikes, these machines are for everyone from novice riders who need an extra push, to dedicated riders who want to go far and wide. E-bikes…
Best Job (When you don’t wanna work in Bend)
In Bend, it’s typical to hear someone mutter, “Doesn’t anyone work in this town?” Well, friend, why live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth if you’re going to sit in an office all day? Many Bendites have found ways to make a living without working a traditional 9 to 5 desk job.…
Letters to the Editor
In response to the response to “Nothing Idle About Idling,” Letters to the Editor on 8/2 Tori Pearce, you clearly live in the paradigm where someone else is going to fix this for you; where you have no agency and little things don’t count (because they’re just so darn inconvenient). I cannot fathom what you…
Best Food Cart
Food carts seem to sprout up in Bend faster than new residents. Picking the best food cart must have been a difficult task, but the readers have spoken, and they made an excellent choice. Ronin is a Japanese comfort food cart located at The Bite in Tumalo. Its menu changes depending on what fresh fish…
Best Outdoor Clothing Store
1st Place: REI 380 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend 2nd Place: Mountain Supply 834 NW Colorado Ave, Bend
Irish Heritage
As humans, it could be said that music is our legacy. Altan performs traditional Irish music that ranges from reels and jigs to heartwarming and sensitive old Irish songs. For Altan and founding member Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, the traditional music of Ireland is a great heritage that has survived for generations. The band has spread…
Best Dinner
When we began discussing Marcello’s Cucina Italiana to cover it for this issue, a co-worker remarked that his aunt and uncle had eaten there three times in the past week. Case in point, if I’ve ever seen one. People love Marcello’s and come back time and again. Marcello’s is a family spot where the tables…
Best Children’s Clothing
1st Place: Hopscotch Kids 1303 NW Galveston Ave, Bend 541-213-2245 facebook.com/Hopscotch-Kids-A-childrens-Store 2nd Place: Stone Soup 1740 NW Pence Ln # 4, Bend 541-323-7117 stonesoup.com
Best Light Beer
1st Place: Pub Beer, 10 Barrel 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Pub & Brewing Facility 62950 NE 18th St., Bend 541-241-7733 2nd Place: Sweet As Pacific Ale, GoodLife Brewing GoodLife Brewing 70 SW Century Dr., Bend 541-728-0749
Best Patio Dining
1st Place: Worthy Brewing – Main Pub and Brewery 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend 541-241-6310 2nd Place: Greg’s Grill 395 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend 541-382-2200
Best Chef
1st Place: Chef Andres Fernandez – Ariana Restaurant Ariana Restaurant 1304 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-330-5539 2nd Place: Chef George Morris – Bos Taurus Bos Taurus Steakhouse 163 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend 541-241-2735
Best Local Band
Back in the day, Best Local Band was a category readers could vote for. Past winners included Larry and His Flask, Mosley Wotta and Corner Gospel Explosion. This year, Best Band is a staff pick category, so I’m writing a special “Pick’s Picks.” Chris Fraser on vocals and lead guitar, Devrett Gupta on bass and…
Best Smoking Accessories
1st Place: Hempies 2570 NE Twin Knolls Drive, Bend 541-977-1710 2nd Place: Piece of Mind 806 NW Brooks St., Bend 458-206-4766
Boxwood Kitchen Opens Brick and Mortar
Boxwood Kitchen, a chef-inspired food delivery service featuring global cuisine, will open a brick-and-mortar location in the Old Mill District this fall, with plans for an upscale yet casual lunch and a supper club-themed dinner (high class but affordable) with beer, wine and classic cocktails. Co-owners Eric Rud and Riane Welch said, “Bend’s rapid growth…
Best Health & Rec
1st Place: Juniper Swim & Fitness Center 800 NE Sixth St., Bend 2nd Place: Athletic Club of Bend 61615 Athletic Club Dr, Bend
Best Outdoor Gear Shop
1st Place: Pine Mountain Sports 255 SW Century Dr., Bend 2nd Place: The Gear Fix 550 Industrial Way Suite 183, Bend (541) 617-0022
An ADU May Be More Feasible Than You Thought
An article in the most recent issue of Realtor Magazine on additional dwelling units mentioned a Portland company called Dweller making ADUs available to homeowners. ADUs come up frequently as a way to increase housing affordability and availability and, in recognition of this, cities are relaxing standards for them. In a nutshell, Dweller provides homeowners…
Best Veterinary Clinic
In Bend, we place as high a priority on the health and wellness of our pets as we do on ourselves. It takes a lot to stand out among the pack with a large number of excellent veterinary clinics in town, yet Bend Veterinary Clinic continues their ‘Best of’ win streak by fetching the prize…
Best Fine Dining
1st Place: Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails 919 NW Bond St., Bend 541-312-2899 2nd Place: Ariana Restaurant 1304 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-330-5539
Best Boutique
1st Place: Bedouin 143 E. Hood Ave., Sisters 541-549-3079 2nd Place: Wander+NW 200 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters
Best Pizza
1st Place: Pizza Mondo 811 NW Wall St., Bend 541-330-9093 2nd Place: MOD PIZZA – Colorado Crossing 110 NW Sisemore St., Bend 541-317-4151 MOD PIZZA – Bend North 20516 Robal Rd., Bend 458-256-3165
Best Dessert
1st Place: Bonta – Downtown 920 NW Bond St., Bend 541-306-6606 2nd Place: Ida’s Cupcake Cafe – SW Division 1155 SW Division St., Bend 541-678-5057
Best Men’s Clothing
1st Place: Revolvr Menswear 945 NW Wall St. Suite 100, Bend 541-647-2627 2nd Place: Vanilla Urban Threads 661 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend
Best Hair Salon
1st Place: Blue Star Salon 1001 NW Wall St suite 103, Bend 541-306-4845 2nd Place: Tangerine Salon 10 NW Minnesota Ave., #130, Bend 541-389-9090 tangerinehairsalon.com
In Search of
Homebrewing has gone a long way since Jimmy Carter legalized it on the federal level in 1978. The early days were packed with innovative people, including Ken Grossman, who welded kettles together from things such as used dairy equipment and scrapyard metal to put together his first system. (Grossman later founded Sierra Nevada Brewing in…
May the Source Be With You
Here we are, living though another sweltering hot week while we wait for the sweet release of air conditioning to take us away on its centrally cooled wings. With MoviePass changing its service from unlimited movies to only three movies a month, it’s financially understandable to be a little discriminating when it comes to theatrical…
Best Staycation Destination
1st Place: Sunriver Resort 17600 Center Dr., Sunriver 2nd Place: Brasada Ranch House 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd., Powell Butte 866-373-4882
Best Place to Work (under 50 employees)
In Bend, we place as high a priority on the health and wellness of our pets as we do on ourselves. It takes a lot to stand out among the pack with a large number of excellent veterinary clinics in town, yet Bend Veterinary Clinic continues their ‘Best of’ win streak by fetching the prize…
Best Clothing Consignment
1st Place: Cosa Cura 910 NW Harriman, Suite Suite 150, Bend 541-312-2279 cosacura.com 2nd Place: Bag Ladies of Union Street 1319 NW Union St, Bend 541-388-4422 facebook.com/BagLadiesofUnionSt
Best Bang for Your Buck
1st Place: Sunriver Brewing Co -Sunriver Pub 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver 541-593-3007 2nd Place: El Caporal Family Mexican Restaurant 62040 NE 27th St., Bend 541-318-1492
Best Breakfast
1st Place: One Street Down Cafe 124 SW Seventh St., Redmond 541-647-2341 2nd Place: The Hideaway – Redmond 507 SW Eighth St., Redmond 541-526-5989
Best Home Decor
1st Place: Abode 1326 NW Galveston Ave, Bend 541-668-6913 ju-bee-lee.com 2nd Place: Lark Mountain Modern 831 NW Wall St, Bend 541-797-2099 larkmountainmodern.com
Best Local Fundraiser
1st Place: Fur Ball, Bend Spay & Neuter Project bendsnip.org/collections/furball Bend Spay & Neuter Project 910 SE Wilson, Suite A1, Bend 541-617-1010 2nd Place: Tuxes & Tails, Humane Society of Central Oregon hsco.org/tuxes-tails-2018
Best Hangover Grub
It’s 11 am and your teeth are sporting wooly sweaters. You’re sweating out last night’s six-plus-pack of craft brews, and your mom’s yelling into the basement to turn off the sound on your Fortnite game, or else. Sounds like it’s time for some hangover grub. Lucky for you, your mom doesn’t much care for the…
Natural World
If you’re tuned in, you know our western monarch butterfly—the only butterfly in North America that migrates to keep from freezing its butt off—is in a heap of trouble. The species just doesn’t have the necessary food to make it from egg to adult, then to slurp nectar to make the long voyage to California.…
More Affordable Housing Coming Soon
Pacific Crest Affordable Housing, a Bend-based developer of affordable housing projects, has received millions in federal and state tax credits in an effort to afford to build the $15 million, 48-unit affordable apartment building near Pine Nursery Park in northeast Bend. The project, Canal Commons, is slated to have 12 one bed, one bath units,…
Best Yoga Studio
1st Place: Groove Yoga 1740 NW Pence Ln, Bend 5417069288 2nd Place: Namaspa Yoga Studio 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend
Best Outdoor Music Venue
1st Place: Hayden Homes Amphitheater 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend 2nd Place: Century Center 70 SW Century Drive, Bend info@centurycenterbend.com centurycenterbend.com
Best Instagram Feed
An exquisite waterfall. A rockin’ concert. A smiling paddler, about to try out a new SUP. And Mt. Bachelor—a little point in the galaxy, positioned under a rush of stars. If those images don’t sum up what Oregon is all about, I don’t know what does. As I’m writing this, those are the four most…
Best Food Service
1st Place: Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails 919 NW Bond St., Bend 541-312-2899 2nd Place: Ariana Restaurant 1304 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-330-5539
Best Salad
1st Place: Croutons 335 SW Century Dr., Bend 541-330-1133 Croutons 564 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend 541-728-0825 2nd Place: Jackson’s Corner – Delaware Ave. 845 NW Delaware Ave., Bend 541-647-2198
Best Local Tea
1st Place: Brew Dr. Teahouse 835 NW Bond St., Bend 541-312-2001 2nd Place: Metolius Artisan Tea (available at various locations) 833-242-4832 metoliustea.com
Best Jewelry Store
1st Place: Silverado 1001 NW Wall St # 101, Bend 541-322-8792 silveradogallery.com 2nd Place: Saxon’s Fine Jewelers 3298 SW Powerhouse Dr #110, Bend 541-389-6655 saxonsfinejewelers.com
Best BBQ
Baldy’s has provided tender, mouthwatering smoked meats to the hungry people of Central Oregon since 2005—as well as voted “Best BBQ” every year since they have opened their doors. Brian and Paige Dioguardi, the husband and wife team behind Bend’s tastiest barbeque, say that their most popular dish is probably a toss-up between pulled pork…
Best Silver Lining on a City Council Decision
If you’ve been keeping up with the ongoing, dramatic saga surrounding noise and concerts in the City of Bend, then you know that earlier this year the City Council voted to limit the number of Temporary Change of Occupancy permits. What does this mean to the live music community? The Century Center, one of the…
Best Toy Store
1st Place: Leapin’ Lizards 953 NW Wall St., Bend 2nd Place: Hopscotch Kids 1303 NW Galveston Ave., Bend 541-213-2245
Best Tour Company
1st Place: Wanderlust Tours 61535 S Hwy 97, Bend 541-389-8359 2nd Place: The Bend Tour Company 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend (541) 480-8477
Best Radio Station
1st Place: 92.9 FM Local Independent 929online.com 2nd Place: 88.9 KPOV kpov.org
Best Indoor Music Venue
It seems whenever you hear anyone talking about the live music scene in Bend, the words “best music year in Bend ever” escapes their lips. That’s thanks in part to the hardworking people within the industry, busting their behinds to bring you rad musicians. All year long, Volcanic Theatre Pub brings in quality bands, singers,…
Best Grocery Store
1st Place: Newport Avenue Market 1121 NW Newport Ave., Bend 2nd Place: Market of Choice 115 NW Sisemore St., Bend (541) 382-5828
Best Gift Store
1st Place: Ju-bee-lee 903 NW Wall St, Bend 541-678-5651 ju-bee-lee.com 2nd Place: Clementine Urban Mercantile 855 NW Wall St, Bend 541-306-3099 facebook.com/clementineurbanmercantile
Best Coffee Shop
1st Place: Green Plow Coffee Roasters 436 SW Sixth St., Redmond 541-516-1128 2nd Place: Dutch Bros – Redmond – 1501 SW Highland Ave. – 650 NW Jackpine Ave. – 1990 S Hwy 97
Best Locally Made / Designed Product
1st Place: Hydro Flask 525 NW York Dr, Bend 888-584-9376 hyrdoflask.com 2nd Place: Maya Moon Designs mayamoondesigns.com
Best Place to Work Remotely
Technically, this one should probably have been voted on, instead of being a staff pick. But since I do most of my work as a freelancer, it’s clear to me that Spoken Moto is the hub for remote workers in Central Oregon. Whether you’re a realtor looking for a spot to meet with clients or…
Best Thrift Store
1st Place: Humane Society of Central Oregon Thrift Store 61220 S Highway 97, Bend 541-388-3448 hsco.org/hsco-thrift-store 2nd Place: Goodwill 61315 S Highway 97, Bend 541-312-9070 goodwill.org
The Death of Sara: Not a One-Off
“Women are constantly told what they need to do to keep themselves safe, what not to wear, where not to go, who not to talk to. When will we start expecting men and predators to change their behavior?” —Anonymous Sara Diana Gomez’s local domestic violence story went viral when she was reported missing earlier this year.…
Drudge Report
A new report is out, examining how Oregon is doing with our recreational cannabis program. Much like Thomas Kinkade, it paints an ugly picture. Oregon Attorney General Billy Williams says Oregon’s cannabis is “out of control.” The “Insight Report: An Initial Assessment of Cannabis Production, Distribution, and Consumption in Oregon 2018,” was prepared by a group…
Best Wedding Venue
1st Place: Aspen Hall 8920 NW Shevlin Park Rd, Bend 541-706-6217 bendparksandrec.org 2nd Place: Elk Lake Resort 60000 Century Dr, Bend 541-480-7378 elklakeresort.net
Best TV Personality
1st Place: Bob Shaw, KTVZ ktvz.com 2nd Place: Samantha O’Connor, KTVZ ktvz.com
Best Kombucha
1st Place: Humm Kombucha Taproom 1125 NE Second St., Bend 541-213-2247 2nd Place: Caboost Kombucha caboostkombucha.com
Best Seafood
1st Place: Anthony’s at the Old Mill 475 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend 541-389-8998 2nd Place:
Best Locally Brewed Beer
1st Place: RPM IPA, Boneyard Beer Boneyard Pub 1955 NE Division St., Bend 541-241-7184 2nd Place: Fresh Squeezed IPA, Deschutes Brewery
Best Marijuana Dispensary
1st Place: Oregrown 1199 NW Wall St., Bend 844-673-4769 2nd Place: Tokyo Starfish West 542 NW Arizona Ave., Bend 541-797-2110 Tokyo Starfish South 61230 S Hwy 97, Bend 541-241-2387
Best Sidewalk
Bend has a lot of good things going for it, but what about the best of the worst? The Source Weekly’s staff did a rundown on sidewalks in its 2018 Transportation Issue, which talked about the many ways to commute in Bend. It included a section called “Sidewalk Talk”—a mix of articles that described local…
Best Local Home Builder
1st Place: Hayden Homes 2464 SW Glacier Place, Suite 110, Redmond 1-800-923-6607 hayden-homes.com 2nd Place: Pahlisch Homes 210 SW Wilson Ave., Suite 100, Bend 541-204-2370 pahlischhomes.com
Best Lodging
Oxford Hotel, McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel
Best Auto Repair
1st Place: Happy Danes Auto Repair 233 SE 2nd St, Bend 541-382-8555 happydanesautorepair.com 2nd Place: Import Performance 20680 Empire Blvd, Bend 541-382-9599 importperformanceusa.com
Best Nonprofit
1st Place: Bend Spay & Neuter Project 910 SE Wilson, Suite A1, Bend 541-617-1010 2nd Place:
