Bend’s delectable dining scene gets tons of buzz, particularly around hotspots like Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District. But what about Bend restaurants a bit off the beaten path? Those Bend pubs and eateries beloved by many, but not known to everyone who’s ever hoisted a fork in Bend.

Wondering where to find tucked-away Bend dining spots guaranteed to please your palate? Here are a handful of my favorite culinary hidden gems.

Cellar 65 Speakeasy

Snuggled beneath Blissful Spoon (another great Bend dining spot!) the Cellar 65 Speakeasy isn’t easy to find. You’ll need to seek out the stairwell on the west side of the building and descend into a literal cellar.

But man, is it worth the hunt! Their hand-crafted cocktails are some of the best you’ll find in Bend, with freshly-squeezed juices, fresh herbs, and housemade syrups. They also boast an impressive lineup collection of mocktails.

Thanks to their world-traveled chef, you’ll find tons of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine on the menu. The ricotta & romesco appetizer will leave you swooning, with homemade rosemary ricotta, romesco dip, fresh shaved fennel, and housemade bread. I’m a sucker for tasty bastilla (filo pastry filled with chicken, egg, toasted almonds, and cinnamon, dusted with powdered sugar) and for the record, Cellar 65’s bastilla rivals the ones I’ve sampled around Morocco.

The space feels cozy and romantic, but it’s small enough you should make reservations unless you want to take your chances on scoring a spot at the bar.

Flights Wine Bar

This cozy wine bar on the corner of Newport and College Way is so much more than a place to sip great vino. Flights Wine Bar is well worth the three-minute drive just west of the downtown core.

This woman-owned business boasts amazing food, ranging from charcuterie plates to flatbreads to mouthwatering entrees like their to-die-for Soy Ginger Glazed Black Cod. 

Their event calendar is a great one to bookmark, as they’ve always got something happening. Look for fun dates like paint nights and women’s wine groups, or educational classes where you’ll learn more about the wines you’re sipping. And don’t get me started on the magnificence of their wine dinners featuring perfect pairings for each course.

Currents at Riverhouse Lodge

Booking a hotel room at Riverhouse Lodge is a smart idea no matter what kind of Bend vacation you’re planning. But even if you don’t stay here, the on-site restaurant is well worth a stop. 

Currents at Riverhouse Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a scenic, riverfront setting that’s tough to beat. Breakfasts are hearty and delicious, like their slow roasted beef brisket hash made with onion, bell pepper, potato, kale, poached eggs, horseradish cream and scallions.

The dinner menu changes seasonally, but you’ll always find creative twists on things like locally-sourced pork medallions, duck breast, and tasty seafood. If you see their fennel pecan slaw on the menu, add that to whatever you’re ordering—trust me on this one. You also shouldn’t miss their tasty cocktail menu. 

And on sunny summer mornings, make sure you score a brunch spot on the outdoor deck overlooking the Deschutes. #paradise

Moose Sisters

If you’re not looking for Moose Sisters, you’ll probably miss it. Heck, even if you are looking, this tucked-away eatery at the Cascade Village Shopping Center takes a tiny bit of searching to locate.

But it’s an effort you won’t regret to score the holy Bend trifecta of great stunning views, smaller crowds, and exceptional food and cocktails. Hit them for breakfast classics like Crispy Chicken and Waffles or their housemade cinnamon rolls.

When dinner rolls around, snap up their fresh seared ahi plate or scrumptious meatloaf made with ground beef, veal, elk, and Italian sausage with a crimini mushroom gravy. Prices here are comparable to what you’ll pay at any mid-to-higher-end Bend eatery, but with outstanding mountain views if you’re lucky enough to nab a seat by the window. 

The Jackalope Grill

While it’s long been popular with Bend locals, Jackalope Grill changed ownership a few years ago. Know what didn’t change a bit? Their outstanding food and one of the coolest patio dining spots in town.

From classic French dishes like escargot to German-inspired jagerschnitzel to Pacific Northwest seafood, elk, and beef dishes, you’ll find a little of everything here. The seared duck breast is one of my personal faves, made with a cranberry red chili reduction and served with golden yukon garlic parmesan smashed potatoes and seasonal veggie sides. Their impressive wine list ensures you’ll always find the perfect pairing for your meal, or hit the full bar for a handmade cocktail.

While the cozy dining room is lovely, it’s the magical outdoor patio that sets the stage for a unique and romantic meal. Lush with flowers and greenery and strings of twinkly lights, it feels like an intimate city courtyard that’s protected on all sides. Bring a sweater to ward off the evening’s chill, and plan on lingering over apps, dessert, and good wine.

JIA Street Kitchen

A locals’ favorite on the southwest side of Bend, JIA Street Kitchen serves fresh cuisine inspired by street markets and lush jungles of Asia. 

The menu features an eclectic array of dishes with influences from Vietnam, China, and Thailand, with a super-cool ambiance and decor that’ll have you snapping pics for the vacation album. Switch your camera to video mode when ordering the Tiki Torch cocktail made with rum, pomegranate, lemon, pineapple, ginger beer, cinnamon powder, and an actual fire presentation at the table.

Then put down the phone and dig into mouthwatering dishes like Vietnamese lemongrass chicken or clay pot Thai steamed mussels. They’ve also got a great selection of mocktails and veggie dishes, which means my vegetarian teen often begs to come here.

That Guy’s Bistro

You’ve gotta hand it to That Guy’s Bistro. Besides having a cool name, they have three locations that are all just a little bit hidden. There’s a restaurant on the south end of Bend in Brookswood Plaza, a food cart in Sunriver, and a food cart in Redmond.

I tried them initially because a co-worker swears they’ve got some of the best fries in Bend, and he’s not wrong. They’re the exact right blend of crispy on the outside and plush on the inside, and the main bistro on the south end of town does them best.

But they also sling one of the most scrumptious West Coast Filly sandwiches you’ll ever try, packed with tender hunks of beef, house marinated onions, mushrooms, and peppers with melted provolone, a drizzle of aioli on flatbread. 

And though all their locations offer excellent food, you’ll get the best experience (not to mention a broader menu) at the southside restaurant location.

Bo’s Falafel

While falafel might be central to the name, Bo’s Falafel offers so much more at their friendly location on the fringe of the Century Center. In the morning, check out their impressive assortment of bagels and bagel sandwiches, including lots of tasty vegetarian picks (don’t worry, meat lovers—there’s plenty of bacon and sausage for you!) They also have several fun spins on classic hashbrowns, including one that’s topped with spiced apple compote, a dollop of sour cream, red onion, and fresh dill.

Lunch is when Bo’s really shines, with a build-your-own bowl option that thrills my palate. Start by picking your protein, which you can probably guess includes falafel. There’s also a smoky-sweet chicken that’ll please poultry-loving diners. From there, choose your toppings from a jaw-dropping list that includes everything from pickled onions to pomegranate slaw to sweet corn to feta, plus a huge array of sauces. You can also assemble it in sandwich form if you prefer warm, fluffy pitas over a bowl.

Their cozy space makes for a nice dining experience, but the portability of their food makes this a great grab-and-go dining for a Bend picnic. Don’t forget an extra side of hummus, and maybe an order of french fries because why not? You’re on vacation!

Rapa Nui Tiki Lounge

Located in the Old Mill District up a steep flight of stairs in a spot you won’t find unless you’re searching, Rapa Nui Tiki Lounge is a vibe unto itself. They go all in on decor, from faux palm fronds strewn everywhere to screens playing tiki bar films to kitschy tropical glassware. If you’re craving a taste of summertime in Bend, Rapa Nui’s the place to be.

It’s tough to pick just one or two cocktails to spotlight, but I’m diggin’ the Saturn these days. It’s made with lemon, passionfruit, orgeat, velvet falernum, and gin, or try the Viking Fog Cutter made with lemon, orange, light rum, cachaca, brandy, and akvavit. 

And while the tasty tiki drinks are a highlight at Rapa Nui, you’ll find some pretty darned delicious dining options as well. Think Vietnamese sticking wings, tuna poke, fried chicken bites, and Korean bbq street tacos—all of which make great sharable nibbles when dining with a group.

Los Jalapeños

There’s a good chance my coworkers are getting tired of me slipping Los Jalepeños into every blog post, but what can I say? They’re just that fantastic.

This funky little bright green building on Greenwood Avenue doesn’t look like much, but man do they dish up some of the best Mexican fare you’ll find anywhere. It’s quaint and tiny and I could eat one of their breakfast burritos every day for the rest of my life.

I’m particularly fond of the Machacha Breakfast Burrito made with shredded beef, bell pepper, hash browns, two eggs, and cheese. There’s also a great array of lunch and dinner options, from tacos to fajitas and some excellent margaritas. 

Space is limited inside, but their sunny patio makes a great summertime spot, or pack up a pile of burritos for your day’s adventures. 

Craft Kitchen & Brewery

One of the most hidden spots on the Bend Ale Trail, You’ll have to hunt a bit to find Craft Kitchen & Brewery on the north end of Bend. It’s tucked in an industrial area in an itty-bitty lot filled mostly by a trailer.

But inside that trailer is where much of the magic happens, including some of the most mouthwatering barbecue you’ll find anywhere in Bend. Their pulled pork and brisket pair perfectly with The Juice is Loose, a hazy northeast-style dry-hopped IPA (say that six times fast). Make sure you add a side of their Napa slaw, made with shredded napa cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots toasted with their housemade remoulade vinaigrette (roasted red pepper, shallots, garlic, lemon, and paprika).

Even if you don’t come for the beer and food, you should bookmark the events page on their website. It’s a little jaw-dropping how many cool shows they attract, from standup comedy to improv events to trivia nights. Buy tickets early, as the most popular shows sell out fast.