From hoppy brews and riverfront spritzes to craft mocktails that rival the real thing, Bend’s zero-proof scene proves you don’t need alcohol to raise a glass.

Bend’s reputation as a craft beer capital is well earned—but there’s something new bubbling up in this mountain town: a zero-proof scene that’s every bit as creative, flavorful, and social as its boozy counterpart.

This year, in the lead-up to my 30th birthday, I’ve decided to go booze-free. Rather than slowing down my social life, it’s turned into a surprisingly fun adventure: post-run “beers” that still hit the spot, mocktails that feel anything but secondary, and nights out that don’t come with a side of regret. What I found is a scene that’s inclusive, inventive, and distinctly Bend.

Mocktails & zero-proof cocktails
Brews, bubbles & hop water
Elevated dining & hidden gems
Where to stock up
Why Bend’s zero-proof scene works

Mocktails & zero-proof cocktails

Let’s start with the fun stuff: cocktails without the compromise. Bend’s mocktail scene isn’t about half-hearted sodas or sugary stand-ins. These drinks are thoughtful, creative, and just plain good. Each comes crafted with the same care and creativity as their spirited counterparts.

Start at The Dez Lounge, where Palate, a coffee bar, transforms after 5 p.m. into Bend’s dedicated alcohol-free cocktail lounge. The vibe is intentional—soft lighting and drinks that actually surprise you. The Bora Bora Blue pops with tropical flavor, the Lychee Martini leans floral without being sweet, and the Sicilian Spritz nails that classic bitter sparkle usually reserved for Aperol.

At Jia Asian Street Kitchen, the zero-proof lineup matches the food’s playful, flavor-packed vibe. The Ube Lavender Sparkler is fizzy and floral, the Passionfruit Mango Iced Tea topped with whipped cream and diced mango basically doubles as dessert, and the Tiki Panda mixes fruit and fizz with a little whimsy.

When the night calls for something slower, San Simon or The Flamingo Room are my go-tos. Both lean into that moody, candlelit vibe that makes you want to stay awhile, and their zero-proof options hold their own. The Calm the F**k Down (lavender, chamomile, ginger, and CBD) does exactly what the name suggests, while Three Men in a Tub—with watermelon shrub and lime—feels like summer in a glass.

Dogwood at the Pine Shed is one of those places that just works: good music and mocktails that keep up with the night. It’s become a favorite this year for staying social while keeping my booze-free streak intact.

And then there’s Velvet, downtown’s late-night classic. It’s a little irreverent, always buzzing, and never lacking in energy. I’m not usually the one to close down the bar (sunrise runs up Pilot Butte don’t exactly pair with a 2 a.m. bedtime), but in this booze-free year, their spirit-free options make it easy to stay in the mix without paying for it the next day.

Brews, bubbles & hop water

As much as I love a good mocktail, nothing hits quite like that post-adventure beer—the one after a trail run, ride, or float when you’re sun-warmed, a little dusty, and ready to sit down with friends. The good news? In Bend, you don’t have to give that up. Local breweries and beverage makers have stepped up their N/A game, turning “beer without the buzz” into something worth looking forward to.

Crux Fermentation Project is my go-to for that ritual. Their NØMØ series is packed with real hop character and zero compromise. This time of year, the Fresh Hop NØMØ is the star—bright, seasonal, and exactly what you want after a fall day on the trails.

Deschutes Brewery bridges Bend’s beer legacy and the zero-proof wave. Their Black Butte N/A keeps that roasty, chocolatey depth intact—perfect for fireside hangs when the evenings cool down.

Boneyard Brewing takes things in a different direction with its CBD Elixir, on tap at the pub in two rotating flavors. It’s light, crisp, and not overly sweet—exactly what hits after a day on the trails when a full pint sounds like too much. 

For easy-drinking options after any Bend adventure, 10 Barrel Brewing (with two locations, east and west) and Bridge 99 both have reliable N/A beers that don’t overcomplicate things.

Worthy Brewing’s Hop Quencher has become one of my warm-weather staples. Hoppy, crisp, and wildly refreshing, it’s exactly what you want after a long climb or a hot summer day.

And then there’s DownShift. It’s sparkling, infused with terpenes and a touch of hemp-derived THC (under 0.3%). Zero sugar, zero booze, and built for unwinding. I usually grab one at Silver Moon during trivia nights, and it’s become a solid sipper for mellow evenings.

Elevated dining & hidden gems

For the nights when the drinks are just one part of the experience, Bend’s elevated dining scene has started giving zero-proof the same attention as everything else on the table.

Bar RBC brings modern, upscale energy to downtown, and their zero-proof menu matches the mood. The Phony White Negroni is crisp and refreshing, while the Shindig leans punchy with pineapple and lime.

A few blocks away, Dear Irene is where I’d send anyone looking for an intimate, elevated spot to enjoy zero-proof drinks and small plates without feeling like the odd one out. Their Path Less Taken—made with Pathfinder and bitters—gives off Old Fashioned vibes in the best of ways. My friend ordered a martini while I went zero-proof, and we shared Oregon crab arancini and king salmon tartare. It felt like a proper night out, not a consolation prize. 

(Also…the bathroom wallpaper. Mischievous monkeys and a “Monkey Business” cocktail to match? IYKYK—chef’s kiss.)

Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails rounds out the trio with elevated comfort food and a strong zero-proof lineup. Alongside their house drinks, they also serve Crux NØMØ IPA on the beer menu, which hits the spot every time.

Where to stock up

Whether you’re filling the cooler for a trail day or packing for a lazy river float, Bend makes it easy to keep the good stuff on hand.

Third Street Beverage is a bit of a hidden gem. Even though it’s a liquor store, their lineup of alcohol-removed spirits, wines, and N/A beers is seriously impressive—perfect for experimenting with your own zero-proof creations at home.

Newport Market is one of my favorites. It’s employee-owned (❤️) and always has a strong mix of N/A beers, mixers, and unexpected finds tucked onto its shelves.

Market of Choice is another go-to, especially for its growing selection of N/A wines alongside craft beers and kombucha. I always seem to walk out with something new to try.

And of course, you can stock up straight from the source at Crux, Deschutes, and 10 Barrel, where cases of their N/A releases are usually available to-go.

Why Bend’s zero-proof scene works

If you’d told me a year ago I’d be this excited about drinks without booze, I probably would’ve laughed. But Bend has a way of changing your mind. The zero-proof scene here isn’t a watered-down version of the real thing—it’s creative, intentional, and genuinely good.

Whether it’s a hoppy N/A cracked open after a long ride, a thoughtful mocktail at golden hour, or something fizzy during trivia, the experience is still there. The only real difference? No recovery day required.