Oregon is one of the fast growing states in the country. The beautiful woods, easy access to the coast and highly educated population make it an alluring place. One of the most popular cities in the area is Bend, Oregon. Many people have chosen to make this their home. If you live here and want to try new things or you are visiting this region and wish to enjoy a great meal, there are several restaurants that should be at the top of your list. These places take full advantage of the region’s many fine products and offer the opportunity to get to know locals at the same time.
Drake
This neighborhood joint is a favorite for locals on their lunch break. Join them as they enjoy food that is both creative and comforting at the same time. Familiar items like burgers are right here along with salads, mussels and fries, a vast selection of sides and lots of cocktails to relax with as the day winds down. This makes the perfect stop if you want something that’s not fussy.
McKay Cottage
Start the day off on the right note with a fabulous breakfast. At McKay Cottage, breakfast is the focus. The emphasis here is on comfort foods. Try the delicate yet filling French toast. Items like cottage fries and omelets make it easy to get a hearty meal. If you have a sweet tooth, sample the homemade scones and the pecan sticky buns.
Joolz
Ethnic Lebanese food is on hand here. The chef is from Beirut. He’s take his roots and turned to the bounty of the region at the same time. The result is authentic Lebanese food made from high quality ingredients. This is the ideal place to stop if you’re looking for a fast lunch. Make a meal of the various small plates with dishes like spiced olives, Oregon lamb pitadilla and harissa spiced clams that call to mind places very far away.
Fusion & Sushi Bar
Upscale food from highly trained chefs can be found right here in Bend. Joe Kim is a three time semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard award. He brings his spin with Asian based flavor profiles to his own place. He also uses other kinds of cuisine ingredients to bring food that is uniquely his own. The ramen noodles carbonara illustrates his command of many kinds of ingredients. Sample the hot and sour soup topped with tortilla chips and try the barbecued pork made Chinese style with plenty of subtle heat that works well with one of the restaurant’s sweet desserts. There’s many Japanese and regional Asian wines on hand to complement his menu.
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
Cajun and Creole cuisine take center stage at this eatery. The luscious local produce pairs very well with the spices and elegant seasoning that are a hallmark of Louisiana cookery. If you’re in the mood for lunch, this is the place to explore this vibrant restaurant. Here, the goal is food that is bursting with flavor in every single bite. Vegetarians will find a full range of options including blackened tofu and lots of pasta choices. Meat eaters can relish the spices on hand in dishes that pay homage to one of America’s most celebrated cities. Multiple signature cocktails are on the menu, making it a great place to sample with lots of friends.
Spork
This widely hailed regional restaurant is about fun in a casual setting. The menu shows off the owner’s varied travels across the globe. Influences from Bangkok to Mexico bring his dishes a very special tang that has been widely noted by many local and national publications. People can sample fried chicken that is gently paired with homemade Korean kimchi. His many celebrated dishes include favorites like catfish tacos topped with a chili spiked mayo, grilled corn with lime butter, and a much adored salad of romaine lettuce with a strawberry and cumin dressing and a hint of poblano chilis. This is a nice place to appreciate all that is wonderful about living in the area and how chefs have been able to take advantage of it.
Ben was born and raised in Bend, Oregon. Because of that, he is really enthusiastic about the outdoors and just loves every activity associated such as rock climbing, rafting, and skiing.
