Jared Rasic: Normally when we’re headed into a restaurant to review food for the Chow section, we try as many dishes as possible. It allows us to get a varied sampling of the menu to write about and, selfishly, to have plenty of delicious delectables to mow down upon. At Olde Towne Pizza, however, one […]
Bend Oregon Restaurant
Food Cart Pod Lands in Sisters
The high-profile food scene in Bend tends to overshadow what’s cooking in Sisters. At first glance, the tight-knit community seems to be behind the times with 1880’s facades and the downtown blocks you can count on two hands—but in reality the home of the world’s biggest little rodeo is also home of some of the […]
Little Bites 8/17-8/24
Aloha, Shred Town We love seeing our Bend small businesses grow, and that is exactly what is happening to Kurt Voorhees’ food cart, Shred Town. Located outside of Aspect Boards & Brews on NW Galveston, now Voorhees is able to expand his business. Where? To Hawaii. Kona, on the Big Island, is an even bigger […]
Festivals of All Kinds
The paddleboard’s been paddled, the lake swum in, the trail hiked, an unduly large number of food-stall dumplings consumed; now it’s time to cap off the summer with some beer. Summer is always a busy time for craft enthusiasts, but over the years, Bendites have seen the second half of August turn into an unofficial […]
A Vessel Worthy of the Craft
For the past 10 years or so, the watchword for Central Oregon beer has been “expansion.” It’s a trend that continues apace, although it’s perhaps not so noticeable at the moment because not as many new breweries are opening. But our existing breweries are expanding like there’s no tomorrow. So it goes, as well, for […]
Best Vegetarian
Most menus in Bend provide ample options for vegetarians on the hunt for a meatless meal – so in that way, the best vegetarian category has some meaty competition. Still, it’s Laughing Planet that came out, well, laughing. Their well-designed menu makes it easy to decipher which plates are veg-friendly. Meat is by no means […]
Best Mexican
This year’s Best Mexican is an ace up the sleeve, for sure. If you don’t know El Rancho Grande, you should. It’s in the Cascade Village Shopping Center across from the water fountain. You can’t miss it because there’s a giant bucking bull out front. That’s Diablo, their mascot. The dining room is lined with […]
Best Ethnic Food
Serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food with a Bend twist for 10 years as of this October, Kebaba is your best bet for ethnic food. Jackpot dishes include a lamb gyro made from house roasted, all natural, hormone-free lamb leg, served on a homemade fresh-baked pita. Also noteworthy are the chicken, lamb, salmon or prawn […]
Best Thai
Let’s be honest: Bend drew an Ace when Wild Rose opened downtown. Everyone loves the place because you can play this card multiple different ways. The cozy, eclectic atmosphere is inviting for any occasion. You could bring your mom, have a business meeting, or go on a Tinder date and you’d still feel right at […]
Best Dessert
Serving up hand-crafted, artisan gelato and sorbets that trump all other desserts, Bontà Gelato sources its ingredients from farms and companies like Rainshadow Organics, Miracle Acre Farm, Tumalo Lavender, Jem Nut Butter, Freddy Guys Hazelnuts, Thump Espresso and Eberhard’s. Much like they have done since their start in 2011 at NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market, the […]

