It's no secret that Bend does outdoor living better than almost anywhere. The sun shines over 300 days a year, the scenery is stunning, and the local restaurant and brewery scene has become one of the best in the Pacific Northwest.
We’re locals at Sojourn Vacation Homes, and helping our guests find the best restaurants, breweries, and outdoor dining experiences in Bend is one of our favorite parts of the job. So we put together this guide to our picks for the best patios, breweries, and outdoor dining spots in Bend. These are the places we actually go, and where we send our friends and families when they ask for recommendations.
Whether you're already in town and looking for somewhere to spend your afternoon, or you're in the planning stages of a trip to Bend, you’ll want to save this one.
From riverside craft breweries and rooftop Cascade Mountain views to local food truck lots and epic riverside decks, here's our roundup of the best outdoor dining and drinks in Bend, Oregon.
If you ask a Bend local where to enjoy a pint and a meal in the sunshine, Crux comes up every single time. This sprawling outdoor space was recently renovated and it’s better than ever! It features a large lawn area, fire pit, food trucks, and some of the most creative craft beer in Central Oregon. Kids and leashed dogs are welcome, and the atmosphere captures what a Bend summer is supposed to feel like.
Good to know: Food trucks are open on varying days. Check their social media for the most current hours.
A Bend staple with a spacious grass area, a full playground for kids, and an awesome tap list. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, which is exactly what you want after a day on the trails or the river. One of the best kid-friendly brewery patios in Bend and a crowd-pleaser for groups of all sizes.
Walking distance from Columbia House and Baltimore Bungalow.
For a patio with a view, it's hard to beat Bend Brewing Co. Situated right along the Deschutes River near Mirror Pond in downtown Bend, the outdoor lawn area here is one of the most scenic spots in the city for locally brewed craft beer and great pub food.
Good to know: Planning to work your way through Bend's legendary craft beer scene? The breweries on this list are part of the Bend Ale Trail, a self-guided tour of Bend's best craft breweries that's become a bucket list activity for beer lovers visiting Central Oregon. You can learn more via our friends at Visit Bend.
Right next door to Bend Brewing Co. and sharing that same beautiful riverside setting, Sen Thai is the move when you're in the mood for something beyond pub fare. Fresh, flavorful Thai food with an outdoor deck overlooking Mirror Pond. They take reservations, which we’d highly recommend. Don't skip the fun, Thai-inspired cocktails!
The outdoor seating here frames one of the most beautiful perspectives in Bend with views of the river and iconic smoke stacks in the Old Mill District. This Belgian-inspired brewery is slightly under the radar compared to some of Bend's louder brewery destinations, and it’s absolutely worth the visit!
Walking distance from Millpointe Modern and Mill Quarter.
Grab a drink from Waypoint BBC and a bite from the Market Hall, then settle into their dog-friendly outdoor patio. They have live music and events throughout the summer to keep the crew entertained.
Good to know: Check their social for the most current music lineup + community events.
Head upstairs to the rooftop deck at Lifty's and you'll be rewarded with some of the best Cascade Mountain views from a restaurant patio in Bend. The setting alone is worth the trip. Reserve a sand volleyball court for a fun afternoon of play, grab something casual from the menu, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that Bend does better than anywhere.
An easy stroll from Broken Top #6 and Atomic Ranch.
A Bend institution and quintessential patio experience, Greg's Grill sits right on the Deschutes River in the Old Mill with outdoor seating that puts you front and center on the water. If you happen to be there on a concert night at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, you’ll be treated to a show as the music drifts right over the river. Plan to make a reservation in advance, especially on concert nights and weekends.
Walking distance from Millpointe Modern and Mill Quarter.
This beloved local food truck lot has dining options to satisfy everyone in the group, a massive tap list, a large grass area perfect for kids and leashed dogs, and a stage for live music. Check their website for the current music schedule, the food truck lineup, and rotating tap list.
Minutes from The Still House.
Thump Coffee has multiple locations across Bend, but the patio deck at their Northwest Crossing location on York Drive earns a special mention with its sweeping Cascade Mountain views and locally roasted coffee. Perfect for a slow morning before a day of adventure, or an afternoon break with something refreshing. A standout cafe patio and a local favorite for good reason.
Before we wrap up, we'd be remiss not to mention something our guests discover with each visit: some of the best outdoor areas in Bend aren't at restaurants at all. They're right outside your vacation rental door!
We take outdoor living seriously when we design and curate our properties. Here are just a few of our favorite homes for the outdoor living spaces:
Mill Quarter Situated in the heart of the Old Mill District with mountain views and easy walkability to several of the spots on this list, Mill Quarter's dual deck spaces are a perfect perch for morning coffee or evening cocktails.
Atomic Ranch A private, nearly half an acre lot on Bend's beloved westside, this mid century modern home includes a natural gas BBQ, Adirondack chairs around the firepit, a brand-new 6-person hot tub integrated into the deck, and a darling kids’ play area.
Tallpine Tuckaway Nestled on two peaceful acres just 10 minutes from downtown Bend, Tallpine Tuckaway's backyard is a vacation oasis! Enjoy a large grass area, kids' play structure, saltwater hot tub, natural gas firepit, and a full outdoor BBQ and dining setup.
The best way to experience Bend's outdoor dining scene is from a home base that puts you close to all of it, and gives you an equally great outdoor space to come home to.
Sojourn Homes manages a collection of vacation rentals across Bend and Sunriver, each one professionally managed and positioned to give you easy access to the best of what this area has to offer.
→ Browse All of Our Bend Vacation Rentals
Have questions about which property is the best for your group? Send us an email and let us help!
And don’t miss our complete Bend Area Guide with more recommendations for the best places to eat, drink + play around Bend.
See you on a patio soon! ☀️
