Boss Rambler Beer Club
1009 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97701
URL: bossrambler.com
info@bossrambler.com @bossramblerbeerclub
Located on Galveston Ave, just blocks from the Deschutes River, Boss Rambler is Bend’s “Must Visit” brewery, serving up good times and cold beers daily! Although Boss Rambler was voted Top3 Best New Brewery in 2021 by USA Today, beer isn’t the only thing they are slinging - they are also known for their famous boozy slushies (available in-house and in 16oz pouches to-go)! $12 Burger & Beer special every Thursday noon-sold out. Burgers by the one and only Blue Eyes Burgers + Fries (Voted The Source Weekly’s Best Burger 2023 + 2024).
Cellar 65
65 NW Newport Ave, Bend
541-323-0765 cellar65.com
Welcome to Cellar 65 -- an intimate, underground restaurant and bar in Bend’s downtown. Specializing in traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful craft cocktails and specialty wines, Cellar 65 is the perfect place when you are looking for a special evening out on the town.
A great ambiance with a speakeasy vibe, the restaurant is hidden beneath Blissful Spoon at 65 NW Newport Ave in Bend, Oregon -- look for the door at the top of the ramp. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5:00-9:00pm only. Reservations are recommended, walk-ins welcome.
Crux Fermentation
50 SW Division St, Bend OR 97702
541-385-3333
Since 2012, Crux Fermentation Project has been experimenting with beers, wine, whiskey and cocktails. Come by our Bend Tasting Room to try our latest beers, grab some food and relax on our lawn.
Looking for a mid-week break? Join us for Happy Hour every Monday - Friday from 2-4 PM for $1 off beers plus food specials!
URL: cruxfermentation.com @cruxfermentationproject
We made it through the smoke, fires and traffic this summer — let's celebrate!
W e love the warm days of summer as much as the next person, but when fall comes around, and the activity slows down in our pretty little city, we look forward to hanging with friends and family, sipping something warm and watching the world go by. Inside this happy hour guide, find ideas for the many scenarios you might find yourself in this fall: going out with the workmates, organizing a ladies’ night or just seeking out some yummy local happy hour eats you’ve never tried before. It's all inside this guide — so cheers to you!
—The Source Drinking Team
Editor: Nicole Vulcan
Editorial@bendsource.com
Advertise@bendsource.com
Reporters: Julianna LaFollette, Savannah
Mendoza, Jared Rasic and Alyson Brown
Advertising: Ashley Sarvis, Ban Tat, Chad Barnes
Art Director/Production: Jennifer Galler
Ad Designer: Ben Irish
Copy Editor: Sally Compton
Publisher: Aaron Switzer
HAPPY HOUR, HAPPY HOUR, outdoors
outdoors
Happy hour hotspots in Bend where you can watch the world go by
Story and photos by Savannah Mendoza
With Bend being an outdoor-centric town, this year’s Happy Hour Guide had to feature spots that highlight outdoor seating, where people can unwind with a refreshing drink or meal. Who doesn’t love sitting outside with a cold IPA or cocktail after an adventure or a long workday in Central Oregon? When I heard about the buzz surrounding Hawkeye & Huckleberry, which opened in southwest Bend at the former Walt Reilly’s, I knew I had to check it out.
One of Bend’s newest dining destinations, Hawkeye & Huckleberry blends a modern-cowboy theme, ranch-to-plate cuisine and craft cocktails. Led by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, the restaurant embraces the outdoor, Western spirit of Central Oregon, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Malarkey, known for his appearances on “Top Chef” and the Food Network, teamed up with his brother James to create a space that honors their ranching and rodeo heritage while paying tribute to their hometown roots.
Hawkeye & Huckleberry kicks off each day with happy hour from 4-5pm in its spacious bar, lounge and patio areas. Each space offers a unique setting, from the large square-shaped bar lounging on plush couches with guitars hanging in the background, or soaking in the fresh air on the outdoor patio.
The happy hour menu keeps the cowboy theme alive, featuring a $10 Hawkeye Burger, a crisp Romaine Salad, $5 Draft Beer, $8 Pacific Northwest House Wines and $2 off their signature cocktails. Of course, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try one of the specialty cocktails for happy hour, so I opted for the Tumalo Honey – a rich blend of Old Forester bourbon,
blackberries, pink peppercorn, sage honey and lemon. The result was a cocktail that balanced sweetness with a touch of warmth, perfect for a sunny late afternoon on the patio. My colleague Julianna LaFollette accompanied me and went for the cleverly named “I’m Your Huckleberry,” a mix of Empress rose gin, Wild Roots Huckleberry, lemon, basil and egg whites. The cocktail was light and refreshing, with a silky, foamy top that added a luxurious texture. The name, referencing Val Kilmer’s famous line in “Tombstone,” made it even more fun to sip.
Walking into Hawkeye & Huckleberry, you immediately feel the blend of rustic charm and modern flair. The space is expansive but cozy, with leather seating, cowhide pillows, canvas camp tents and vintage western posters decorating the walls. Whether you’re seated at the sleek marble bar lounging on the plush couches or enjoying the fresh air on the patio, guests are treated to a welcoming ambience that feels authentically cowboy modern.
The Malarkey brothers’ roots in ranching and rodeo culture don’t just inspire the décor – it’s also evident in the menu. Locally sourced ingredients are a cornerstone of their dishes, and their high-quality steaks, sourced from the Malarkey’s ranch in Tumalo, are a standout feature. From the smoky, juicy Hawkeye Burger to the crisp Romaine Salad, each happy hour dish brings a taste of ranch-to-plate to the table. SW
Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge
Happy hour daily 4-5pm
225 SW Century Dr., Bend hawkeyeandhuckleberrylounge.com
Other great patio spots for happy hour:
Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot
Happy hour Tue-Sun 3-5pm
Closed Mondays
69 Newport Ave. #100, Bend senhotpot.com
Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market
Happy hour Mon-Fri 2-5pm
21175 Reed Market Rd., Bend cascadelakes.com
Tumalo Honey
Old Forester bourbon, blackberries, pink peppercorn, sage honey and lemon.
The Dez Lounge
643 Colorado Ave (Palate Coffee Bar). thedezbend@gmail.com
URL: thedezbend.com
@thedezbend
The Dez Bend
Welcome to The Dez Lounge. A space where folks can come together and be social without the alcohol component. Gathering is all we truly crave anyway! We strive to create an atmoshpere of delight and comfortable colloquy. Enjoy craft quality drinks, gorgeous grazing boards, sweet treats and body groovin beats in a cloud of booze free revelry!
El Rancho Grande
63455 N HWY 97, Suite #23, Bend, OR 97701
541-312-2022
URL: dinewithdiablo.com
Our hand crafted Margaritas bring all the flavors perfectly together. From a Patron Margarita to a Prickley Pear, we custom make them to your liking.
Ranch water, or Rancho water, as we like to call it, has the perfect amount of great tequila, lime and Topo Chico for a refreshing summer drink. Low calorie too! We have added a twist with a cucumber version and a jalapeño as well.
Come enjoy the garage doors in the lounge, patio or dining room. El Rancho Grande is not just a restaurant with delicious food and great drinks. We bring family and friends together for lasting memories. Yeah Buddy!
El Sancho - Westside Taco Shop
1254 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703
541-797-7999
Hours: Open 11am – 10pm, 7 days a week
Happy Hour: 3pm – 5pm, Monday through Friday
Come in to our Westside location for happy hour tacos, select margaritas and more!
Our crowd favorite, queso dip is also back on the Happy Hour too!
FOOD MAKES ME HAPPY
Story by Jared Rasic, photos by Jennifer Galler
There are a lot of happy hour options in Bend, let alone all of Central Oregon. In fact, there are a ton of options just in downtown to choose from, and it’s a choice that never gets easier as we get new restaurants what seems like every week. On the list of most underrated restaurants in downtown Bend has long since been Chomp Chomp, but I don’t think most people realize how good they are; not just for lunch and dinner - And they easily have one of the finest happy hours in all of Central Oregon.
Since somewhere around the fall of 2022, I’ve been saying Chomp Chomp’s happy hour is being slept on, and after checking back in this week, my opinion stands. From the deep bench of playfully curated cocktails to the Japanese/Northwest fusion menu, Chomp Chomp cares about flavor, texture and complexity in ways that most restaurants don’t have time for during happy hour.
Open for lunch starting at noon Tuesday-Sunday, the happy hour runs 3-6pm Tuesday-Saturday and then all day Sunday. Since we’re taking about happy hours, that’s what we’re focusing on, but there really isn’t a bad time to show up and fill yourself with Fusion Perfection. If they had breakfast, I would be there, day-drinking and texting ex-girlfriends.
I started with the One Night in Bangkok, which has long been my favorite downtown specialty cocktail featuring a legitimately spicy house-made vodka, sweetened with coconut and lime. The heat from the vodka and the seductive, milky, nutty, tropicality of the coconut give the drink genuinely singular flavor. The Moscow Mule is also pretty fantastic, but the real surprise was the Strawberries N’ Coconut mocktail — light and refreshing in very floral and unexpected ways.
I tried almost everything on the happy hour menu (I like to be thorough), starting with the buttery and filling Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($10) in a divine lemon sesame sauce with pickled carrots and wontons. It was the perfect beginning for a sampling of the happy hour menu, since next came the Crab Rangoons ($12) stuffed with real crab meat and a light, chili-flake-infused cream cheese. Lemme tell you, these ‘goons are the real deal, and I don’t think I ever knew how key real crab was to the flavor profile of this iconic snack food.
Next was the Kara’age ($13), fried dark meat chicken served with rice and pickled veggies. This right here is enough for an entire meal and easily has been my favorite go-to snack food downtown for a minute. Honestly, over the last few years, it seems like their food has only gotten better. I also went at the Sticky Wings ($15), which are, yes, quite sticky and just bursting with complexity in their sweetness, savory notes and ability to make your mouth water while actively eating them.
Wrapping up this entirely too decadent table full of food, were the Pork Belly Bao Buns with insanely tender slow-roasted pork belly and some of the softest open-faced bao buns I’ve had in a long time. Everything was delicious and reminded me of how much care Chomp Chomp has always taken with their menu. Every item is approached in a way that leads with originality, quality and flavor-forward innovation. SW
other great SPOTS for snacks and more:
The Flamingo Room
70 SW Century Dr., Bend #130 theflamingoroombend.com Happy hour daily 4pm-6pm
Los Jalapeños Taqueria
601 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend losjalapenosbend.com Happy hour Mon-Sat Noon-6pm
One Night in Bangkok
Chomp Chomp
945 NW Bond St., Bend
Happy Hour: 3pm - 6pm daily and all day Sunday.
https://www.chompchomp-bend.com/ for more
Strawberries N' Coconut Mocktail
Three Bend Spots for the Perfect Office Happy Hour
Story and photos by Savannah Mendoza
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Conveniently located in downtown Bend, McMenamins Old St. Francis School is an ideal spot for an office happy hour or post-work drinks. Once a Catholic school house built in 1936, this charming venue has been transformed into a casual hangout with vibrant, quirky décor and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re settling into the Fireside Bar, finding your way to the hidden Broom Closet or enjoying the warmth of an outdoor fire pit at O’Kane’s, McMenamins delivers a happy hour experience that’s hard to beat.
like the famous Cajun tots, crispy McMenamins fries, truffle fries or a hearty cheeseburger.
Happy hour runs from 3-6pm Sunday through Thursday offering $1 off pints, ciders, well drinks and wine, plus $2 off Distillery Flight, and $5 off Edgefield bottled wines. Pair your drinks with a menu of favorites
After work, my colleague Chad Barnes and I headed to O’Kane’s, once the schoolhouse’s former garage and now a laid-back retreat with stained glass windows and crackling outdoor fire pits. We sipped on a refreshing 33rd State IPA, crafted with Mosaic hops for a citrusy, slightly bitter punch and a Spiced Cranberry Margarita mixed with Lunazul Blanco Tequila, cinnamon, cranberry and freshly squeezed lime.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
700 NW Bond St., Bend mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school
900 Wall Wildwood Bar & Grill
For more of an upscale happy hour, 900 Wall is an excellent choice. Located in a two-story brick building in downtown Bend, the restaurant features modern cuisine with a refined atmosphere, making it a great spot for a post-work gathering. The airy dining room and chic bar area set the tone for an elevated yet approachable happy hour experience.
Happy hour is available nightly from 3-5:30pm with $1 off draft beers and $7-$8 wines and craft cocktails. The menu includes thoughtfully crafted small plates, sandwiches and pizzas, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the country-style terrine or the Draper Valley chicken sandwich, layered with herbed ham, mozzarella and crisp romaine.
Sip on classic cocktails, from a lemon drop with tart, zesty flavor to a sidecar, while enjoying good food and great conversation for a memorable office happy hour.
900 Wall
900 NW Wall St., Bend 900wall.com
Nestled at The Box Factory in the former Brown Owl space is Wildwood Bar & Grill. It exudes the same cozy, welcoming charm as its predecessor, with warm wood accents and a rustic feel that invites you to kick back and relax. The lounge area in the back creates a comfortable spot for groups of co-workers to gather and settle in after a long workday.
Wildwood offers happy hour Tuesday through Sunday at 3-6pm with $2 off pints of beer, cider and seltzers, plus $1 off craft cocktails. Its signature cocktails are not to be missed, featuring drinks like the Strawberry Sparkler – a bright, fizzy blend of strawberry-infused Aperol, lemon, soda and cava - and the Bronx Sour, a bold mix of bourbon, lemon and simple syrup, with a red wine served over a large ice cube.
Pair your drinks with Wildwood’s food offerings, including a flavorful Buddha bowl, crispy falafels and golden sweet potato fries. Stop by with your co-workers to unwind with a well-deserved drink, great food and a friendly atmosphere after a day at the office. SW
Wildwood Bar & Grill
550 SW Industrial Way #120, Bend Wildwoodbendoregon.com
Esta Bien
221 NW Hill St, Bend
541-318-1111
URL: estabienbend.com
Esta Bien was established in 2015 by Marcos Rodriguez serving Bend Oregon. We are very proud to serve traditional taco’s & pupusas from Guadalajara, Mexico, and El Salvador. Our menu is simple and to the point covering the most traditional Mexican dishes and sampling what is most popular of the culinary diversity in the region. Great selection of drinks and Margarita’s. Join us for Happy Hour Sunday – Thursday 3-5pm for $6 Margaritas!
@Estabien2
@Estabnbend
Fat Tony’s Pizzeria
215 NW Hill St. Bend
541-550-3570
URL: fattonysbend.com
@fattonysbend
Tucked away in the scenic beauty of Bend, Oregon, Fat Tony’s embraces the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Our pizzeria melds local ingredients with time-honored Italian techniques and Portland pizza greats inspiration . We source the freshest produce from Oregon’s lush valleys and pair them with a crust that’s achieved by the freshness of the Cascades’ pristine waters. While our handcrafted pies are the heart of Fat Tony’s, the soul is our vibrant community of loyal patrons. Whether you’re returning from an adventure at Mt. Bachelor or simply strolling through Bend’s charming streets, Fat Tony’s Pies offers a warm, rustic retreat where memories, just like our pizzas, are made from scratch. Join us under the backdrop of the Cascades and savor the taste of Bend in every bite. Open 7 days a week, 11am – 10pm, Lunch Specials 11am – 4pm. Catering Available.
Fire on the Mountain
637 NE 3rd Street, Bend, OR 97701
541-241-2652
Fire on the Mountain’s diverse menu revolves around 12 homemade, mouthwatering sauces. While serving some of the tastiest wings outside the city of Buffalo, FOTM is also known for their fries, sandwiches, salads, vegan wings…and of course fried Oreos. We are also proud to serve a number of our own beers.
We are a perfect place to watch or cater your gameday this football season!
URL: fotmbend.com @fotmbend
Happy Hour Guide
NO FRILLS, NO FRILLS,
When you need a dark bar on an otherwise bright day
By Nicole Vulcan
Maybe you’re nursing a broken heart or recovering from a bad day at the plant. Or maybe you’re just a beleaguered office jockey with too much to do, not enough hours in the day to finish all of life’s busywork, and a strong need to pair whiskey with that final draft you need to write. (If you’re starting to think this scenario is autobiographical, I am appalled!)
The D
For those with a craving for a strong drink and a dark place to crawl into, we got you. Among my first choices for such endeavors is of, course, the D&D Bar & Grill, where the lights are never turned up, and the happy hour food is exactly what I crave. You’ll be set quite right with a solidly poured, tall glass of whiskey and Coke and an order of happy-hour chicken strips and beer batter fries. Don’t fight the vibe this place is oozing from every crevice. You came here for no frills and daytime thrills, right?
D&D Bar & Grill
927 NW Bond St., Bend
facebook.com/DandDBend
M&J Tavern
There’s also the M&J Tavern –slightly sunnier during the daytime, but equally as welcoming to its many overworked and underappreciated local denizens. Get the jojos. You’re welcome. Even better for the day-drinking crowd: M&J is now open at 9am on the weekends. Now that’s a recipe for a weekend of blurry bliss/forgetting life’s woes/having your parents drive you home from downtown at 1pm on a Sunday.
M&J Tavern
102 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend
Timbers East
If you’re an east sider (me too), and downtown or the west side seems like too much work, then let Timbers East be your guide to day-drinking obscurity. The bar opens at 9am on weekends and 11am on weekdays, and it’s always game day inside this spot. SW
Timbers East
2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr., Bend
Nicole Vulcan
ladies' NIGHT ladies' NIGHT
Find fun, creative beverages at the ideal night
NIGHT DEALS NIGHT DEALS
at these local happy hours for night on the town
Story by Julianna LaFollette
Photos courtesy of ABD Creative
SMALL PLATES + SNACKS
“3-4 PM at The Corner”
Open 5pm to 10pm Wed through Sat
643 Colorado Avenue (Palate Coffee Bar).
Grand Opening
Friday, Sept 13th 5pm to 10pm Saturday, Sept 14th
Happy Hour Daily from 3 to 5:30
$2 off well drinks and draft beers
$3 off appetizers
Daily happy Lunch special 11:30 til 2pm
$15 burger or brat and a pint of oblivion beer
NFL Happy Hour sundays 4.50 pints of oblivion beer
22 big screen tvs and 10 personal tv booths to watch the game of your choice
Bar Rio
Nearly a year after its opening, downtown Bend’s Bar Rio stands out as a great choice for those looking to enjoy delicious drinks, great atmosphere and endless happy hour specials. Bar Rio is a 21-and-up cocktail and tapas bar from the creators of Barrio and Shimshon. Located on Wall Street, the bar offers an aesthetic atmosphere accompanied by two separate daily happy hours; 3-5pm and 9pm-close.
On top of its regular happy hour, Bar Rio offers a numbers of weekday specials from 3-10pm, including a $10 Wine Wednesday, $10 Sangria Sunday and a Tequila and Taco Tuesday, advertising three tacos and a margarita for $20.
We arrived at the bar on a Thursday around 5pm, which happened to be Ladies’ Night. The Thursday special has $8 limoncello-spiked bubbles and $2 off all menu cocktails from 3-11pm. We decided to order the specialty prosecco and the classic margarita. The limoncello beverage was a tasty take on a classic glass of prosecco and the margarita extremely light and refreshing, especially outside on a hot sunny day.
In addition to its house margarita, Bar Rio has several creative flavors, including Jalapeño, Hibiscus, Mango, Tamarind, Guava, Passionfruit, Prickly Pear and Fresca.
Our drinks certainly did not disappoint, and the food didn’t either. The robust tapas menu offers a number of tasty options that could certainly satisfy any customer, with dishes such as Patatas Bravas, which customers can order as a small or large, Cuban Sliders and a shareable Paella, which comes with choices like chicken, shrimp and chorizo.
The menu also has four dessert items, all for $13, with favorites including a classic Flan and churros with chocolate.
After a few sips of our drink, and a long day of work, we decided to go with the chips, salsa and guacamole. The house-made chips were crispy and salty and paired well with the yummy dips. SW
Bar Rio
915 NW Wall St., Bend barriobend.com
Also check out these options for a fun ladies' night:
Lady Bird Cultural Society
Happy hour 3-5pm daily
375 SW Powerhouse Dr. #130, Bend ladybirdbend.com
Flights Wine Bar
Wine Wednesday and daily happy hour from 3-5pm 1444 NW College Way, Bend flightswinebend.com
The Hideaway Bend
939 SE 2nd St. Bend Oregon 97702 541-312-9898
The Hideaway Bend is a top destination for sports fans, offering an award-winning atmosphere and voted Bend’s Best Sports Bar. Boosting 18 taps and top notch bartenders, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink and dine on delicious fare. Their kitchen team, inspired by their sister restaurant, The Victorian Café, crafts delicious meals with fresh ingredients. Join them for weekly specials and don’t miss Happy Hour daily from 2-5 PM, where you can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, fantastic food and a great atmosphere!
Bend’s Best Sports Bar and Grill
Where Food Network meets ESPN
The Hideaway Redmond
507 SW 8th St, Redmond, OR 97756 541-526-5989
Menu: hideawaytavernredmond.com
If you can imagine it, we can make it! Come in and experience our full bar of well and premium liquors!
The Hideaway Redmond serves up everything you love about the Bend location but in the Hub City! High quality delicious meals, taps for days and an expansive cocktail menu to enjoy in the company of great friends and your favorite sports teams. Don’t be fooled though, the Hideaway Redmond is more than sports, with high quality, fresh ingredients, unique cocktails and a rotating menu – it’s a foodies dream! Don’t miss their Happy Hour daily from 2-5!
Hola! Nouveau Mexican and Peruvian Cuisine
Visit us at one of five locations in Central Oregon. URL: holabend.com
Hola prides itself on the freshest ingredients, the most unique flavor combinations, and the finest tequilas for truly unforgettable margaritas. Join us today at one of our five locations. It’s time to say adios to boring, and Hola! to delicious. Enjoy chicken mole, ceviche, enchiladas, and several mouth-watering seafood dishes. Amazing Caipirinhas, Margaritas and an expansive selection of tequilas. Outdoor dining available.
Join us for Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-5pm. $4 beers, $3 off appetizers, $2 off cocktails and $1 off wine. Hola!
a bitter love affair: a bitter love affair: of the the history of the
Istill remember the first time I tried a Negroni. It was a sweltering night in the Philippines, and I was visiting my dad. We were sitting together, catching up over drinks after the sun had set. I had a beer in hand when my dad ordered a Negroni. Curious, I asked for a sip, having never tried one before. The bitterness took me by surprise — it was so sharp, it gave me the shivers! Fast forward 16 years and countless cocktails later, the Negroni is one of my favorites — as well as it’s riffs. With Negroni Week just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate with a little dive into its history.
negroni
The Negroni — a cocktail that’s as bold as it is bitter — has a history as rich as its ruby-red hue. Born in the heart of Italy, this iconic drink has been charming cocktail enthusiasts for over a century, and like all good things, it starts with a story worth toasting to.
While there’s no official documentation of its origin, the legend begins in 1919 at Caffè Casoni in Florence, where Count Camillo Negroni decided his Americano (a blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water) needed a little something extra. So, what does a man of taste and swagger
do? He swaps the soda water for gin, of course. The bartender obliged and just like that, the Negroni was born. Word spread quickly — after all, who could resist a drink with such a delightful bite? Soon, the Negroni became the go-to aperitivo for those who preferred their pre-dinner drinks with a side of intrigue. The cocktail soon found its way across Europe and eventually to the United States. American bartenders, ever eager to impress, welcomed the Negroni with open arms (and shakers), introducing it to a new audience who quickly fell under its bitter spell.
Story and photos by Alyson Brown
Since 2013, this iconic cocktail has earned its very own week of celebration. Negroni Week, held this year September 16-22, is a global event presented by Imbibe Magazine and Campari. What began as a simple homage to this classic drink, has grown into an international celebration of creativity and charity, with bars around the world offering their takes on the Negroni while raising money for various causes. A win-win if ever there was one!
Making a Negroni is as easy as it gets: one part gin, one part Campari, one part sweet vermouth. Stir it up, pour it over ice and garnish with an orange slice or orange twist. It’s a simple recipe, but don’t be fooled — the flavor is anything but. Each sip is a perfectly balanced dance of bitter, sweet, and botanical notes.
In recent years, the Negroni has strutted back into the spotlight,
Negroni
Sbagliato
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• 2 oz sparkling wine
• Orange slice
Place a large cube of ice in a rocks glass. Add sweet vermouth and Campari and stir. Top with Prosecco and stir again.
Garnish with an orange slice.
fueled by the craft cocktail renaissance. Bartenders worldwide have played with variations — swapping out gin for whiskey or tequila, or the Campari for other bitter liqueurs — but the classic remains an unrivaled favorite, a true testament to its enduring charm. Here’s to one of my favorite riffs!
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something with a little bite and a lot of character, grab yourself a Negroni, and don’t forget — Negroni Week is just around the corner. Salute! SW
—Alyson Brown is a beverage photographer and drink stylist with an appreciation for a well-built cocktail. Her passion for cocktails led to her first book, The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers With A Twist. Presently, Brown resides in The Stacks Studios in The Old Mill District, situated right in the heart of Bend.
White Negroni
• 1 oz Lillet blanc
• 1/2 oz Suze or other gentian liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz gin
Stir ingredients together in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe to serve up or into a rock glass with ice. Garnish with an lemon twist.
For a fun variation on the White Negroni, add 1/4 oz of pineapple juice!
Classic Negroni
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz gin
Stir ingredients together in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe to serve up or into a rock glass with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Jackson’s Corner
845 NW Delaware Ave.
541-647-2198
URL: jacksonscornerbend.com
Stop by Jackson’s Corner for our $5 Happy Hour every day from 3-4 PM at our Old Bend spot. Five bucks gets you a pint, cocktail, glass pour, or a tasty bite. It’s a laid-back way to take a break and connect with the community. Stay for supper and savor our scratch-made, locally sourced small plates, pasta, pizza, and salads. Nothing fancy— just good food, good drinks, and good people.
Lady Bird Cultural Society
375 SW Powerhouse Dr, Unit 130, Bend, OR 541-382-8345
Come fly away with us to a separate time and space. A wondrous and splendid destination full of vintage flair and modern twists. Savor a distinctive wine or one of our beautifully crafted prohibition-era style cocktails while tapping your foot to music of a bygone era and reveling in a parade of novelties from our kitchen. If your flock is a bit larger or you desire something a touch more intimate be sure not to overlook our private chinoiserie parlor and allow our kitchen to curate an exclusive menu for you and your guests. Take part in our dream of a place built with love and care that combines beautiful food and a magical ambience. Lady Bird offers you the setting to create exceptional moments and to celebrate enduring memories.
URL: ladybirdbend.com ladybird_bend
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
700 NW Bond St, Bend 541-330-8563
The happiest of hours! $2 off handcrafted wine, cider, cocktails and award-winning beers brewed onsite, plus a list of delicious deals on bites and meals like Cajun Tots, Cheeseburger Slider Trio, pizza and more.
Five days a week, Happy Hour rules in the pub, three bars and theater at Old St. Francis School.
Hour
AprEs Ski `
What better way to end a ski day than happy hour prices?
By Julianna LaFollette
While those who frequent the mountain still have a few months till the start of the season, some upcoming after-mountain happy hour deals can give people yet another thing to look forward to. After a day on the mountain, an occasional trip to a local watering hole or restaurant can be a great way to continue the fun. We compiled a list of three options for après ski deals that are hard to pass up.
Boss Rambler Beer Club
Boss Rambler, located in Bend’s westside neighborhood, is another fun choice for après ski specials. All you have to do is flash your ski pass, and you’ll be able to get in on the daily deals from noon to 5pm. Last winter, the happy hour menu consisted of a number of specials, from $3 Stokes Light Pints, $8 cocktails and slushees to $3 shot skis. The brewery also offers grub from Blue Eyes Burgers and fries daily from 12-8pm.
1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend bossrambler.com
M&J Tavern
102 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend
541-389-1410
URL: mj-tavern.com @mandjtavernbend
The M&J Tavern is an institution that has been serving locals since 1946. With more than 200 bottles, we have the largest selection of tequila in Central Oregon. We offer cheap drinks from our full bar, 18 taps of ice-cold beer, dozens of bottled and canned beverages, and a full menu of great food. For years, the M&J has been where local bands come to make a name for themselves. Come enjoy our pool tables, pinball, jukebox, and lottery. We have all college and NFL football games all Saturday and Sunday with drink and food specials.
Open weekdays from 11:00am to 1:00am; Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am to 1:00am. Daily happy hour specials from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Industry Night on Monday. Karaoke and Tequila Specials on Tuesdays. Open Mic on Wednesday. Free Peanuts on Friday. Free Pool on Sunday.
Boss Rambler Beer Club
Noi Thai Cuisine
550 NW Franklin Ave, Suite 148, Bend
541-647-6904
URL: noithaicuisine.com
@noithaicuisine_bend /noithaicuisinebend
At Noi Thai Cuisine, we bring you an authentic taste of Thailand with dishes crafted to order using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Our Executive Chef and his skilled culinary team ensure that every detail is taken care of, providing you with an exceptional dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a familiar favorite or trying something new, we promise a meal that is both memorable and delicious. Join us for a special event or a romantic evening, and immerse yourself in the true flavors of Thailand.
Ponch’s Place at VRCCO
62889 NE Oxford Ct. Bend, Oregon 97701
541-236-5426
ponchsplace.com info@ponchsplace.com @ponchsplace
Ponch’s Place
Ponch’s Place is a food truck pavilion and beer garden located outside of the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. This pavilion offers local craft beverages and cuisine from five delicious food trucks: Carmelitas, Sweet Herb, Wrap Star, On a Wing & a Crêpe and 5th Street Bagels. Ponch’s Place is also a community space that offers various weekly events: $1 off beverages for locals on Mondays at 5pm, Trivia Thursdays at 6pm, Live Music Fridays at 5:30pm and Saturday Screenings (throughout October) at 6pm. Please visit our website to learn more: www.ponchsplace.com.
Portello Wine and Spirits
2745 NW Crossing Drive - Suite 104 Bend, OR 541-385-1777
Portello Wine and Spirits brings a cozy, fun vibe with a stylish updated interior for you to have a great cocktail, a glass of wine from a vast wine selection, and some delicious food! A perfect spot for a fun night out! Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday 4-6PM - discounts on cocktails, wine, and food.
URL: www.portellowinecafe.com @portelloawineandspirits
The Row at Tetherow
If you’re looking for a spot closer to the mountain, The Row, located at Tetherow Resort off of Century Drive, is a great option on the way back to town. It’s a pub-style, casual restaurant with 12 beer taps and a menu filled with American and Scottish-inspired dishes. The spot has unique small plates, as well as traditional menu items like soup and salad, sandwiches and burgers. For a special treat, try the locally sourced Ono Rach
Oblivion Pour House
61276 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702 541-388-2337
Pizza Mondo
Those who often find themselves both thirsty and hungry after a day of skiing likely know about the beloved deal at Pizza Mondo. The compact eatery, located in downtown Bend, offers an after-mountain special from 3:305:30pm, with two slices of pizza and a bottomless soda for $9 or a beer for $12.
Pizza Mondo has rotating beers on tap, with several local favorites and a variety of pizzas ready to enjoy. This week, I went in to take part in this deal (yes, they also offer this in the summer). I ordered a slice of cheese and one of the meat options, which came with chicken, bacon, pineapple, jalapeños and more-and a local pilsner on tap.
The deal, along with the delicious pizza and beer, makes this the ideal locals’ spot for post-ski grub.
Pizza Mondo
811 NW Wall St., Bend pizzamondobend.com
Wagyu Burger, with beef from a ranch in Redmond. It’s après ski menu includes deals on bites, meals and drink from 2-5pm daily. SW
The Row
61240 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend tetherow.com/dine/the-row
Oblivion Pour House Grill is the largest family friendly SPORTS BAR in beautiful Bend, Oregon. We feature 36 beer’s, wine’s and cider’s on tap. Big screen TVs for college and professional games, and an exclusive menu with weekly rotating specials. Our customer favorites include hamburgers, Philly cheese steaks, smoked chicken breast sandwiches, salads, chicken wings and BBQ. We also offer regular happy hour every day from 3pm to 5:30pm.
URL: pourhousegrill.com @pourhousegrill
Julianna LaFollette
Cheers winners
Best Bar
1st: San Simón 2nd: Flamingo Room
Best Bloody Mary
Best Dark Beer
Our annual Best of Central Oregon readers' poll elicits a lot of winners in the beverage department.
Here's a recap of the drinks category, for your drinking pleasure.
Best Kombucha
1st: Deschutes Brewery –Black Butte Porter
Best Sour Beer
1st: The Victorian Café 2nd: Washington Dining & Cocktails
Best Brewery
1st: Deschutes Brewery 2nd: Crux Fermentation Project
Best CBD Beverage
1st: Ablis CBD 2nd: Boneyard Elixir
Best Cider
2nd: Bevel Craft Brewing – Black Ace
Best Happy Hour
1st: 900 Wall 2nd: Bar Rio
Best Hazy Beer
1st: Humm Kombucha 2nd: Compassion Kombucha
Best Light Beer
1st: Goodlife Brewing Company – Sweet As 2nd: Deschutes Brewery – King Crispy
Best Margarita
1st: 10 Barrel Brewing – Cucumber Crush
2nd: The Ale Apothecary – Sahalie
Best Specialty Cocktail
1st: Five Fusion – Clarified Paper Plane 2nd: San Simón – Pain Killer
1st: Deschutes Brewery –Fresh Haze
2nd: 10 Barrel Brewing –Cloud Mentality
Best Hotel Bar
1st: ROAM – Oxford Hotel Bend
2nd: Canteen – Campfire Hotel
1st: Avid Cider Company 2nd: Bend Cider Co.
1st: Hola! 2nd: El Sancho
Best NonAlcoholic Beer
1st: Crux Fermentation Project – NØ MØ
2nd: Deschutes Brewery – Fresh Squeeze N/A IPA
Best Sports Bar
1st: The Hideaway Tavern
2nd: Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill
Best Wine Bar
Best IPA
1st: Boneyard Beer –RPM
2nd: Van Henion Brewing Company – IPA
Best Seasonal Beer
1st: Deschutes Brewery –Red Chair NWPA
2nd: Deschutes Brewery – Jubelale
1st: Flights Wine Bar
2nd: Portello Winecafe
Rancho South
19550 Amber Meadow Dr, Suite 120, Bend, OR 97702
541-241-6921
Welcome to our new location. We hope you enjoy our fun atmosphere and great drinks. Hand Crafted Margaritas, cold draft beer, delicious food and our amazing happy hour. Can’t wait to see you here!
URL: ranchosouth.com @rancho_south
Salute Restaurant & Bar
1045 NW Bond St. Bend, Oregon 97703
541-323-0279
URL: salutebend.com
Contemporary, Chef inspired, Passionate. Highest quality Italian and local Northwest Ingredients. Well stocked bar, carefully chosen wine list. Come check us out! We have all the dishes guaranteed to please. From steak and seafood to house-made pastas and desserts, the food and beverages at Salute are top-notch.
Happy Hour at Salute! 4 to 5 pm
$3 off cocktails and glasses of wine, $5 pints and Peroni bottles. Special Happy Hour Food Menu. All you early birds come in for great drink deals!!
Wayfarer
SCP Redmond Hotel, 521 SW 6th St Ste 100, Redmond, OR 97756
541-526-3608
info.rdm@scphotel.com
Inspired by the rich history of Oregon exploration, Wayfarer features tavern-style small plates and hand-crafted cocktails in a space designed for mingling and memorable moments. Relax after a hike, get lost in the library’s adventure books, or just grab a spot to plan your next adventure. Plan for an extraordinary time at Wayfarer’s happy hour and enjoy half-off house cocktails, $5 draft beer, or $6 glasses of wine.
Happy Hour is hosted daily at Wayfarer from 3 pm to 5 pm inside SCP Redmond Hotel.
