Where to Eat in Downtown Bend

If you think every other store in the city is a bistro, restaurant or coffee house, that would be an exaggeration.  That said, there's truly something for everyone here, and nothing exemplifies that better than Downtown Bend.  If you're charging up the mountain for a day of powder skiing or winding down with a relaxing three-star dinner, Downtown has what you're looking for.

If you want to start your day right, a hearty breakfast is called for.  Alpenglow has long been one of our favorites, utilizing fresh local ingredients and homemade breads in their dishes.  We're also fond of The Crepe Place, which specializes in those thin Scandinavian breakfast delicacies.  If you're looking for something to help take the edge off of last night, or maybe a little hair of the dog, Sidelines can hook you up.

If a quick cup of joe is what you're looking for, Downtown can hook you up there as well.  Both Thump Coffee, DiLusso's and Bellatazza offer fine brews and tasty pastries and scones to get you going for a day of hitting the stores. 

Come mid-day, you'll need to refuel with a hearty lunch.  If you want a quick bite to go, The New York City Sub Shop offers filling sub sandwiches at a nice price, and Pizza Mondo offers slices of New York-style pie.  We also like The Decoy Bar & Grill's selection of soups and sandwiches.  A quality brewery burger at either the Bend Brewing Company or Deschutes Brewery is also an excellent choice.  Go on, have a beer at lunch.  Have two even.  We won't say anything.  If anything, it's encouraged in this neck of the woods, especially when the beer is this good.

Downtown's dinner scene, now, that's where things really shine.  If you are looking for the three B's (beer, burgers, Blazers), The Summit Saloon, Sidelines and the Beaver-centric JC's can hook you up.  For history and old-school ambiance, the Pine Tavern - complete with ponderosas growing out of the dining room - can't be beat.  The food's pretty good, too.  Joolz, with its combination of American Southwest and Mediterranean flavors, has rapidly become a local favorite.  900 Wall, with its large selection of wines to complement a vast menu, is also worth a stop.