Planning a trip to Bend, Oregon? After 14 years managing vacation rentals in Central Oregon (and as locals ourselves!), we've become experts at answering the question every guest asks: "Where should we go?"
This post shares our favorite Bend restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and activities. These are the places we actually recommend to friends and family, not just tourists. Whether you're staying in a downtown Bend vacation rental, near the Old Mill or on the way to Mt. Bachelor, these recommendations will help you experience Bend like a local.
Want the full insider experience? This post covers some of our top picks, but our complete downloadable guide includes special occasion restaurants, the perfect itinerary for an evening in Bend, family activities, date night spots, and hidden gems most visitors never find. Get the free guide here and make the most of your Bend vacation.
The Lemon Tree
The line outside the door every weekend morning tells you everything you need to know. This downtown Bend gem serves some of the best brunch in Central Oregon with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Must-try: Avo Hash Smash and their house-made matcha latte
Local tip: Arrive before 9am on weekends to avoid the wait
Victorian Cafe
"The Vic" has been voted Bend's best breakfast 15 times. This cozy Galveston neighborhood spot is famous for creative seasonal dishes and the best Bloody Marys in town.
Must-try: Eggs Benedict, seasonal menu rotations
Local tip: Patio seating moves faster on busy weekends
Walkable from: Baltimore House, Delaware House, Mill Quarter
These are just 2 of our favorite breakfast spots. Our downloadable guide has you covered with even more dining recommendations, including THE pastry that Bend is famous for, and you just can’t miss!
Spork
Year after year, Spork wins "Best Restaurant in Bend." This globally-inspired spot serves creative dishes with local ingredients—casual enough for families, special enough for date night.
Must-try: Spicy Fried Chicken, Carnitas Tacos (plenty of vegan/GF options)
Local tip: No reservations, so plan to arrive before you’re hungry and grab a craft cocktail or mocktail while you wait!
Walkable from: Kingston House
Wild Rose Northern Thai Kitchen
Authentic Northern Thai cuisine (no Pad Thai here) has made Wild Rose a cult favorite. Bold flavors, fresh ingredients, intimate space.
Must-try: Khao Soi curry noodles, Tom Kha
Local tip: Reservations strongly recommended or plan for takeout
Walkable from: Delaware House, Mill Quarter
Want more dining recommendations? Our complete guide includes special occasion restaurants, family-friendly spots, and the best drink + dinner combos in Bend.
Bend has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere in the country. Here are two you can't miss:
Bend Brewing Company
The best outdoor dining view in downtown Bend, right on the Deschutes River. Watch paddleboarders float by while you enjoy craft beer and classic pub food.
Must-try: Elk Lake IPA, fish and chips
Local tip: Arrive early for riverside patio tables (no reservations)
Crux Fermentation Project
Incredible Cascade Mountain views, excellent beer, and a massive outdoor space where kids can roam. Perfect for families staying in Bend vacation rentals.
Must-try: Crux Pilz, El Sancho food truck (when available)
Local tip: Fire pits and lawn games make this ideal for long afternoons
Walkable from: Mill Quarter, Millpointe Modern 4.0, Millpointe Main 3.0, Millpointe Studio 1.0
Nancy P’s
Where Bend locals go for morning coffee and legendary pastries. The quiche and savory pockets are the best around.
Must-try: Savory pockets, any quiche, locally roasted coffee
Walkable from: Columbia House, Kingston House
Lone Pine Coffee Roasters
Locally roasted beans and house-made nut milks you can actually taste the difference in. Instagram-worthy aesthetic, but more importantly, some of the best coffee in Central Oregon.
Must-try: Pour-overs, matcha latte, cortados
Local tip: Bring a to-go mug and plan to walk around downtown and Drake Park
Outdoor Adventures
Deschutes River Trail: Over 12 miles of trails along the Deschutes River, including paved trails near the Old Mill District, perfect for walking, jogging, and biking around Bend. Many of our vacation rentals are minutes from trail access, including Millpointe Modern and Columbia House.
Mt. Bachelor: Just 30 minutes from Bend. World-class skiing in winter, mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer. Our Mt. Bachelor Retreat and Milepost Manor vacation rentals are perfectly positioned just 18 miles from the slopes.
Phil's Trail Network: World-class mountain biking with 50+ miles of trails for all skill levels, minutes from town.
This blog shares our top recommendations in each category, but there's so much more to discover. Download our complete guide and get:
✨ Special occasion restaurants for celebrations
✨ The perfect itinerary for an evening out in Bend
✨ Family activities with kids of all ages
✨ Parents' night out guide (so you can enjoy date night)
✨ Best drink + dinner pairings
✨ Seasonal events and hidden gems
✨ Shopping favorites
✨ Insider tips from 14+ years of local expertise
Download the Free Bend Local's Guide →
Just enter your email and we'll send it right over—plus occasional updates on Bend events and vacation rental availability.
Ready to experience everything Bend has to offer? Our locally-owned vacation rentals combine prime locations, thoughtful amenities, and personalized service that hotels and corporate rental companies can't match.
Why Book a Vacation Rental vs. Hotel?
✅ Space for everyone - Full kitchens, living areas, 6-12 guests
✅ Prime walkable locations - Downtown, Old Mill, near trails
✅ Pet-friendly options - Bring the whole family
✅ Unique amenities - Hot tubs, saunas, game rooms, fire pits
✅ Local expertise - We live here and share insider recommendations
Browse all Bend vacation rentals →
✅ Best rates guaranteed (no third-party fees)
✅ 24/7 local support
✅ Restaurant & insider tips
✅ Professionally managed, impeccably clean
✅ 14+ years of Bend expertise
Questions? Contact us—we'll help you find the perfect vacation rental for your trip.
