We are big fans of Bend, Oregon. I’ve been visiting Bend and Sunriver since I was a kid — I remember taking my American Girl doll I got for Christmas when I was probably… 7? — and it’s a tradition I’ve continued with my kids. Both my kids have lots of memories of Bend: Forrest’s first trip was in February 2016, Violet’s was July 2023. I can measure their ages and growth in Bend and Sunriver visits.
For a few years, Bend was our stop on the way to Idaho: we had a handful of favorite hotels, restaurants. My parents own a house in Sunriver now and since 2023, we’ve created a fairly strong tradition of things we love to do, have to do, and look forward to.
Some of those (ok, a lot of those) are restaurants. After a successful Labor Day weekend in Bend, I wanted to share our top 3 restaurants. These are the ones my kids ask about — “are we going to…” as we drive over Willamette Pass — and are considered must visits even on the shortest trips.
1. Casa Sur
The quesa birria tacos — huge, delicious, filling.
Casa Sur is a restaurant that serves food from Southern Mexico. And when I tell you it’s good, it’s good. It’s so good, in fact, that Danny and I both consider it the best Mexican food we’ve ever had. It’s a relatively nondescript building on the west side of Bend — sort of between the Old Mill and downtown — and is easy to mistake for a bank. However, don’t let the experience fool you. It’s a fantastic restaurant. The inside is modern and sleek, but still cozy: think dark colors with light wood accents, neon signs, cactuses, flags. The porch to sit outside is beautiful and features a fireplace for colder months.
We’ve tried a variety of things on the menu; the Mexican Street Corn bowl is a total standout, alongside the quesa birria tacos (pictured). Our kids love the cheesy fries and chicken nuggets, but honestly the thing they eat the most of is the chips and refried beans that are brought once you’re seated. (I’m a sucker for their salsa too — it is smoky, spicy, and so so good. It’s not just straight tomato with some cilantro, it’s so dimensional and delicious.)
Service is fantastic and every employee we’ve encountered has been fantastic. They’re attentive without hovering, quick with refills, and love to make recommendations. This is a great spot for a casual lunch after a busy morning at High Dessert Museum, before stopping at the candy store at Old Mill.
2. Old St. Francis School McMenamins
We love McMenamins — I know this is perhaps a controversial statement in some parts of Oregon. But I love them. And I especially Old St. Francis School — it was the first Catholic School in Central Oregon and still has many of the hallmarks of an old Catholic school. Think stained glass windows, heavy pew-like booths, old fashioned wood carvings… it’s beautiful inside. I love it.
The menu is the same as basically every McMenamins: a ton of local beers, plus burgers, a few salads, breakfast… the usual suspects. My son especially loves it here; he always orders the kids sliders with the fries well done and extra Mystic 88 sauce. My husband and I try to get something different every time, but it really does always taste delicious. This place is an old faithful for dinner. However, I did carry my toddler out of here like a surfboard the last time I was there — so if any employees of Old St. Francis School see this, I’m sorry.
3. Big O Bagels
This is a new-to-us, but not to Bend, situation. My husband and I are on a hunt to find good bagel places near us. In Eugene and surrounding areas, it’s really hard to find (my favorite bagel place shut down — RIP to the downtown Bagel Sphere). However, Bend has tons of bagel shops and we’re slowly working our way through them.
Big O Bagels is on South 97, near the Walmart, which we always stop at for groceries in Bend. So it’s a really convenient side quest to run to Big O, grab some bagels for breakfast, and carry on with our day. I had the BLT bagel (on a sourdough bagel) — incredible. Forrest and Violet split a chocolate chip bagel with strawberry cream cheese. These bagels were 10/10 — chewy, flavorful, and perfect for a sandwich before heading out on a hike or to visit downtown.
I’m so obsessed with these 3 places — but I told Danny, we have to try some place new next time!
A few honorable mentions:
Dandy’s Drive In: This old fashioned style drive thru is so fun for kids (and Forrest loves their corn dogs). The prices are a little high and we found it a little slow, but it’s super fun, great for if you’re craving a milkshake and burger.
Bangers & Brews: Not my favorite place to eat, but it is my husband’s and he would be offended if I did’t include it. I do like the bangers and mash; Danny loves trying a new variety of hot dog or sausage. They also have reindeer dogs, which I do want to try.
Village Bar & Grill: This is a Sunriver staple for us. It is a little expensive, but it has my favorite sandwich of all time on the menu: the chicken caprese sandwich. It’s so dang good. My kids also love eating here — Forrest loves the root beer and Violet always gets the kids sliders.