Decoy - Bend Oregon

Upon my first visit to the Decoy Bar and Grill I was not that impressed with the "club" sandwich that I was served. But I wanted to go back and sample something else on the menu. There have been a couple favorable reviews from trusted sources but I have received some mixed responses via email and amongst friends.

Recently, the wife and I made it downtown for some lunch at Decoy. She was excited since it was going to be her first time eating there. After reading through the lunch menu we thought we'd start off with the wings. For $9.95 we received some tasty wings in a mild sweet chili sauce. All 6 of them. 6 drumettes for $10. That's $1.66 a wing. They were pretty good but not anywhere near $10 for 6 wings good.


The wife decided on the Ruben and potato salad. Her sandwich was piled high with corned beef and sauerkraut. The sandwich was big and falling off the plate. She also got a healthy scoop of potato salad that was very good. It was also $10.

How can 6 drumettes sauced with the same sweet chili sauce I have in my fridge cost the same as a Ruben and salad? What am I missing here?

Good ol' Hack Bend has his favorable review of Decoy on his site and based off his recommendation, I decided to try the burger.

Hand pressed patty on two thick slices of sour dough with the traditional fixins and accompanied with fries for $12. The burger was juicy and messy. I was actually quite pleased with it and the fries. The fries were pretty good unlike the first go around.

My photos did not turn out very well so I'll not post them. All in all I enjoyed the meal but found the prices to be off.

Decoy Bar and Grill
1051 Bond Street, Suite 100
Bend, Oregon 97701
(541) 318-4833
http://decoybarandgrill.com/

Kebaba - Bend Oregon

First trip to Kebaba was not that great but there were a couple of good points. My recent trip to Kebaba was a treat. I really enjoyed the food, the service, and found the prices to be very fair.

We started off with a Mini Mezza from the specials menu, for $4 we got a little bit of this sour cheese stuff. It was similar to sour cream but saltier. Spreading the cheese on the pita and eating with the olives and pickled onions made for a great start to dinner.


The wife selected the Moroccan Steak for $14.95. Harissa rubbed sirloin steak topped with sweet and sour red onions. Served with rice pilaf and Kebaba salad. Everything was great. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly.


I went for the Sultan's Feast which isn't even on Kebaba's online menu. I'm the Sultan of Critiques. The Sultan of the Snark. The Sultan of BOR. I like to think that I'm something like a Sultan and I like to feast. I got to choose two kebabs, the type of Schwarma (special hummous, topped with roasted, spiced chicken or lamb), and comes with pilaf, veggies, and salad. I called it my new Tres Caballos out of respect to one of my favorite dishes at El Caporal consisting of bacon wrapped prawns, chicken, and steak. I'm just doing my part to keep those pesky animals in check. So with the Sultan's Feast, I devoured some lamb and steak kebabs and some Chicken Schwarma.


That will do it. For only $16 it was a feast fit for BOR and the price to match. I was stuffed. Washed it down with a couple of Stella Artois and went home happy, ready to rule whoever it is that a Sultan rules.

Kebaba
1004 NW Newport Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 318-6224
http://www.kebaba.com/

Jackalope Grill - Bend Oregon

Jackalope Grill

I love the Jackalope Grill. On my birthday I had some Nancy P's for breakfast, tried the Country Catering Company for lunch, and when it came to my birthday dinner, I decided on the Jackalope Grill. I've already discussed the layout of the Jackalope Grill and its odd location in the strip mall on my first post so I'll hold off on that this time around.

A new email buddy said that they wished the Jackalope Grill would take over the old Robby J's location and I couldn't agree more. That would be a great spot and if anyone could do well there, it would be them.

Of all my "reviews", non have the amount of positive comments that the Jackalope Grill has received. Nothing but glowing comments about this "hidden treasure" as one commentor put it.

Of course we started off with the clams and they were soooooo good. The sand quantity has been fixed or at least it was on this occasion. We soaked up the gravy with our bread again and enjoyed every bite.


The wife went for the Soup du Jour. She asked "What's the Soup du Jour?" and the waitress said "Its the soup of the day." The wife responded with "Mmm, sounds yummy. I'll have that."

I had the field greens salad. I know I know. Yes I do eat vegetables from time to time.


For my entree I decided on the Filet Mignon. The filet could not have been cooked any better. It was absolutely perfect. After a couple Sapphire Martini's I don't think I noticed that the filet was covered in the classic brandy sauce. Normally I want my steak to be seasoned with salt and pepper, then throw a pat of butter on it as it comes off the grill and call it a day. I am now a fan of the brandy and peppercorn sauce. It was very good and I may even get it again.



Awesome dinner! If you have not been to the Jackalope Grill yet, then you're stupid.

Jackalope Grill
1245 SE Third St.
Bend, OR 97702
http://www.thejackalopegrill.com/
541-318-8435

Celina's Latin Bistro - Bend Oregon

Celina's Latin Bistro

With Celina's Latin Bistro recently opening up on the East side of Bend this month, I've decided that I'm going to look into getting a condo out there or something to use as a vacation home. I could put together a 5 day 6 night vacation package with recommendations of where to eat every meal...well a few meals. With gas prices at $3.69 for unleaded, its cheaper to just get a place out there. Maybe I can do some HomeSwapping with those East Side bloggers.

My experience at Celina's was amazing. There is a familiarity to the drink menu with the Perfecta Margarita being available. Makes sense because the same owners of El Caporal and their many restaurants also own Celina's Gourmet Latin Bistro. I didn't actually get to see a menu as they haven't printed one off yet, but the waitress was happy to recite the options.

Celina's lunch and dinner menu's don't look a whole lot different aside from a couple dishes. You can get sandwiches on lunch, but you can't get any at dinner. My friend and I decided to split the Chorizo and cheese appetizer since we were just discussing the same dish at Baltazar's.


The sausage and cheese was good as only sausage and cheese can be but I'd rather have had chips or tortillas instead of the pitas. The dish is already filling enough, the pitas were rather thick. It was a meal in itself.

I had already ordered the Mole Poblano or else I probably would have been fine with the appetizer for my lunch. I was taking a little bit of a risk getting some chicken breast completely smothered in Mole as I have not been a fan of any Mole in any restaurant in Bend yet. Our waitress said that they make the Mole from scratch unlike restaurants that simply use the canned sauce.

The chicken breast was cooked perfectly, the home made mashed potatoes were seasoned perfectly and had that "home made" consistency, and the fried plantains added a nice fruity/sweetness to the dish.


Oh man, the mole sauce made the dish. It was so good. Not too sweet but just sweet enough with chocolate. I can't believe how good it was. I can't wait to hit the lottery so I can afford the gas to make it out East again for some Celina's.

Celina's chips and salsa was even impressive with it's presentation as well as the flavors. Reminded me of the three sauces that Hola started out service, just without the peanut butter one.



What a great lunch, I am really looking forward to my next east side adventure so I can try to hit up Celina's again.

Celina's Latin Bistro
547 N.E. Bellevue Drive (off 27th Street), Suite 109
Bend, Oregon
318-7567

Outdoor Dining Guide - Bend Oregon

Outdoor Dining Guide

Dining outside during the warm summer months in Bend Oregon is a great way to pass the time, relax, and enjoy some good food and drinks. I am very picky when it comes to outdoor dining. Most people are pleased as punch to be out in the sun as they eat. They like to be seen or to just soak up some rays or whatever. I don't like eating outside when there are cars puttering by or civilians walking too close to my table. I don't like people all up on my table with their kids coughing or their dogs doing their dog business peeing on a pole or plant within smelling distance. I don't like sitting outside while the bible thumper exercises his right to free speech so he belts out how I'm going to hell as I try to enjoy my happy hour peel and eat prawns and draft beers.

SO, just because you put some tables and chairs outside doesn't mean that you should offer outdoor dining. Here are the restaurants that claim to offer outdoor seating. Below is my guide to dining outside in Bend Oregon.

Outdoor Dining Guide as told by the Bend Oregon Restaurants Blogger:

Bend Brewing Company
1019 N.W. Brooks St.
Bend, Oregon
383-1599

Outdoor seating review - By far my favorite outdoor dining in all of Bend, Oregon. View of the river, no foot traffic, no vehicle smell all work in your favor while scarfing down some buffalo wings and downing some Outback Ale.



McKay Cottage
62910 O.B. Riley Road
Bend, Oregon
383-2697

Outdoor seating review - The outdoor seating at McKay Cottage is awesome, if it wasn't located on OB Riley Rd. Under that big ass tree, the scene is actually really nice. People seem to like it alot.


38 Degrees Mediterranean Bistro
745 N.W. Mt. Washington Drive (Northwest Crossing)
Bend, Oregon
318-8161

Outdoor seating review - Located on Mt. Washington Drive, you're going to hear some traffic fo sho, but the views of the Mountains are amazing. After some sangria, you wont care about the traffic at all.


Anthony's Homeport
475 Powerhouse Drive
Bend, Oregon
541-389-8998

Outdoor seating review - Beautifully located along the Deschutes river, Anthony's and Greg's Grill are equally great dining options. Big plus for being able to eat and drink while listening to whomever is playing at the amphitheater. Negative points for having outdoor seating with public access. I don't like being on display while eating.


Greg's Grill
395 S.W. Powerhouse Drive, The Shops at The Old Mill District
Bend, Oregon
382-2200

Outdoor seating review - Beautifully located along the Deschutes river, Anthony's and Greg's Grill are equally great dining options. Big plus for being able to eat and drink while listening to whoever is playing at the amphitheater. Negative points for having outdoor seating with public access. I don't like being on display while eating.


Baldy's Barbeque
235 S.W. Century Drive
Bend, Oregon
385-7427 (385-RIBS)

Outdoor seating review - For being located near a busy traffic circle at 14th and Simpson, Baldy has created a total backyard BBQ vibe...if we were in Beaverton. HAHA well he's done the best for what he's been dealt. Its actually quite nice with a separate bar, heating lamps and whatnot.


Baltazar's
1465 SW Knoll Ave (just off of 14th)
Bend, Oregon
382-6622

Outdoor seating review - Very similar to Baldy's, a nice little spot just off of 14th.


Bend Fish Company
212 NE Revere Ave.
Bend, Oregon
330-6131

Outdoor seating review - Not bad for being on the corner of busy and busier street with zero view. I'm not really a fan.


Downtowner
852 NW Brooks St
Bend, Oregon
388-2467

Outdoor seating review - Apparently the Downtowner has worked out something to expand the seating area just outside the breezeway. Seems like a decent spot, not a whole lot of traffic but you do get to observe, or deal with, the transients that hang out and the foot traffic. Not to mention the occasional street performance or art display or what not. All good for anyone that likes that crap.


El Burrito
335 N.E. DeKalb Ave.
Bend, Oregon
382-2177

Outdoor seating review - Nice deck but the location is not optimal for outdoor dining. I mean you might have a nice view of a mountain or the parking lot of starz. You might get a chance to see someone stealing your hub caps as you eat some Al Pastor burrito but that doesn't make for the best scenery.


Jake's Diner
2210 N.E. U.S. Highway 20
Bend, Oregon
382-0118

Outdoor seating review - Jake's has a nice deck for you to eat your over sized pancakes on. The view is of Pilot Butte. There is not any foot or motorized traffic or anything like that. Great place to watch the fireworks on the 4th.


Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar
990 N.W. Newport Ave.
Bend, Oregon
388-4636

Outdoor seating review - Located right on Newport, eating sushi on a hot day with traffic passing by at 25 mph doesn't getting any better.


Kebaba
1004 N.W. Newport Ave.
Bend, Oregon
318-6224

Outdoor seating review - Located right on Newport, eating a falafel sandwich a hot day with traffic passing by at 25 mph doesn't getting any better.


CHOW
1110 NW Newport Ave
Bend, Oregon 97701
541-728-0256

Outdoor seating review - Located right on Newport, eating a delicious but small portion of breakfast, lunch, or dinner on a hot day with traffic passing by at 25 mph doesn't getting any better.


La Rosa Authentic Mexican Kitchen
1444 College Way, #104
Bend, Oregon
318-7210

Outdoor seating review - The tiny outdoor seating on College Way and Newport right next to the new Chevron gas station doesn't offer the best views. Of course, since the Source says that La Rosa has already relocated to Northwest Crossing, the views from this location are probably awesome, and doesn't smell like gasoline.


Longboard Louie's
1254 NW Galveston Ave.,
Bend, Oregon
383-2449

Outdoor seating review - Right off of Galveston, the outdoor seating is actually really nice for what it is. Plenty of shade to keep you cool while eating your MBC burritos.


McMenamins
700 N.W. Bond St.
Bend, Oregon
382-5174

Outdoor seating review - With your 189 options for dining outside of McMenamins, how can you go wrong? For downtown outdoor dining options, this is probably second place in my opinion...if only it were not for the horrible service, shitty food, and subpar beer. Other than that, its quite nice.


Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar
900 N.W. Wall St.
Bend, Oregon
330-2304

Outdoor seating review - See the entry paragraph above. The wife reviewed this guide and thought that I should just lump all of the sidewalk dining restaurants together. Merenda, JC's, Decoy, Pizza Mondo, El Jimador, Soba, Marz, Toomies, and whoever else that put tables and chairs out on the sidewalk and call it good don't really count.


Parrilla Grill
635 N.W. 14th St.
Bend, Oregon
617-9600

Outdoor seating review - The only good thing about the outdoor seating here is when a band is playing...if they are good. Other than that I wouldn't eat outside.


Pizza Mondo
811 N.W. Wall St.
Bend, Oregon
330-9093

Outdoor seating review - Love the pizza, outdoor seating consists of two tables next to a bike rack which usually has a big ass dog tied up to it. I wouldn't sit there.


Soba Asian Bistro
945 NW Bond Street
Bend, Oregon
318-1535

Outdoor seating review - For being on the street in downtown Bend, at least the seats are set in to the building vs taking up valuable sidewalk space. So the civilians are not all up in your spicy shrimp noodle soup.


Super Burrito
1133 NW Wall St, Ste 101,
Bend Oregon

Outdoor seating review - Lots of space to enjoy your burrito's outside but you are right up on Greenwood/Newport/Hwy 20 and have a view of the Boondock's parking lot. I liked sitting out there while I waited 30 minutes for my panini from the previous occupants.


El Caporal West
744 NW Bond Street
Bend, Oregon
541-322-8916

Outdoor seating review - Decent spot to watch the criterium in the summer. I don't really like eating outside there as you're basically in the parking lot but on hot days it seems to be packed.


Staccato's at the Firehall
5 N.W. Minnesota Ave.
Bend, Oregon
312-3100

Outdoor seating review - Not bad seating normally, but for this summer you can expect plenty of construction to accompany your poor service and overpriced wannabe Italian cuisine.


Toomie's Thai Cuisine
119 NW Minnesota Ave.
Bend, Oregon
388-5590

Outdoor seating review - Same as Marz, sure you're outside but you're spitting distance from the street, and pedestrians are all up in your chicken red curry.


Victorian Cafe
1404 N.W. Galveston Ave.
Bend, Oregon
382-6411

Outdoor seating review - Best as it gets on a busy intersection. With the wait for a table getting over an hour on a regular basis, be happy with any spot you can get.


The Decoy Bar and Grill
1051 Bond Street, Suite 100
Bend, Oregon
318-4833

Outdoor seating review - Tables and chairs are outside, that's about it. Busy intersection with a view of the courthouse. Great.


Cascade Lakes Lodge
1441 SW Chandler Avenue
Bend, Oregon
388-4998

Outdoor seating review - Outside sipping on nasty beers next to a busy traffic circle. Nice location for those heading out Century Drive. When I drive by, I CRANK up my car stereo with some gangster rap. Its funny.


Alpenglow Cafe
1133 N.W. Wall St., Suite 100
Bend, Oregon
383-7676

Outdoor seating review - There is ample room to enjoy the sun but the views and traffic are lacking. Most of the time there is construction close by or the smell of vomit from last night's Joker's patrons trying to make it out the door. Kidding...Joker's aint even there anymore.


Bella Cucina Italian Cafe - Old Mill District
450 SW Powerhouse Drive
Old Mill District (across from Anthony's)
Bend, Oregon
385-7774

Outdoor seating review - Like Greg's Grill and Anthony's but with way more traffic (both foot and motorized), tons less space, and no view.


Fireside Red
803 SW Industrial Way
Bend, Oregon
306-3121

Outdoor seating review - Can't complain about the view much at all, mountains, river, Colorado Ave. Especially with all the floaters on the river having to get out to cross over the damn right there. You get the full view...of things. I can hear the owner's now - "Old Man BOR is here again requesting patio seating." I can't wait.


Marz Bistro
163 N.W. Minnesota Ave.
Bend, Oregon
389-2025

Outdoor seating review - Outdoor dingin in Downtown Bend is hard to come by. Marz throws some tables outside but every time I walk by them, I sort of laugh at the outdoor patrons. I like to pretend cough and pass gas just to help with the ambiance. Kidding of course, but I wont dine outdoors at most downtown restaurants for this reason.


Pine Tavern
967 NW Brooks St.
Bend, Oregon
382-5581

Outdoor seating review - Glorious spot, probably the best outdoor seating in all of downtown Bend, if only the food was good. The food was great in 1930, and the patrons that had it back then are still loving it today.


Pizzicato
1288 SW Simpson Ave.
Bend, Oregon
382-1228

Outdoor seating review - I'm sort of getting tired of writing these now...you get to sit outside and watch the cars go in and out of the Safeway parking long on Simpson Ave. The pizza is overpriced.


Scanlon's Athletic Club of Bend
61615 Ahtletic Club Drive
Bend, Oregon
385-3062

Outdoor seating review - GREAT views of the pool. You'd think that at an athletic club you'd see some hard bodies but unfortunately, it is not that great.

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Dining Guide - the Source Weekly

Last week the Source Weekly published their Dining Guide for 2008 complete with their restaurant of the year and their favorite 100 restaurants in Central Oregon that provide dinnertime table service. Sounds good...is there a restaurant in Bend that provides dinnertime table service that is NOT in the list?

Not counting the chain restaurants like Applebees or Outback...I can only think of La Costa Azul as not making the list but I don't know if they're even open anymore. So if basically every restaurant is in this list, why are they referring to the Dining Guide as "100 of Our Favorite Dining Spots?" I mean, that's all there is.

Before I get too far into my rant on the Dining Guide, let me say that I like the Source Weekly. I like that it is free in print and ONLINE (Bulletin). I like the editors that I've met and or emailed with. I think all in all, they do a good job for being advertiser funded. I am going to complain about the Dining Guide for a few issues but all in all, I think it is a good list of restaurants that serve dinner, offer tables and chairs, and employ waitresses.

So hopefully anything I complain about will be viewed as constructive criticism.

#1 - The restaurant of the year - I don't get it. What is the criteria for this sort of honor. Marz will have the plaque in the window for the next few years but what does it mean? Why or how did they beat out the rest of the competition? Because they "broke the steak and potatoes mold 10 years ago" tells me that they should have won restaurant of the year ten years ago. This isn't the hall of fame where your name comes up for eligibility years after retirement.

#2 - Why bother with Standouts and Regrets. We all know that the paper is advertiser funded and 90% of the ads in the Dining Guide are restaurants. So why have a Regrets line if all you're going to say is "can be a bit noisy", "can be a bit rowdy", "a bit inconsistent", "it's hard to extract yourself from those comfy chairs"....OOOO you sure taught them a lesson with that one. Every regret is a bit this or a bit that or could be this or maybe a little more that. Man up and just say it. "It's flippin noisy as hell in there. Makes my ears bleed." Or you could say "Sure they make their own beer but the food is served in plastic baskets, why are they on this list?"

#3 - Celina's Latin Bistro opened on Friday...two days AFTER the Dining Guide was published. Shouldn't a restaurant open before it gets a good review. I mean sure, the "regret" listed is "untested menu" but if it is untested, then why is it even listed in the Dining Guide? Who wrote the description?

#4 - La Rosa hasn't moved to Northwest Crossing yet.

#5 - Jake's Diner doesn't offer the Elvis Cinnamon Roll anymore.

#6 - "the most comprehensive and honest assessment of the Central Oregon dining scene you'll find anywhere around - guaranteed." See #3. I love coming across guarantees like this. Reminds me of Tommy Boy - "...I can take a shit in a box, and slap a guarantee on it, ...but all you're getting is a guaranteed piece of shit."

#7 - Prineville only has two restaurants listed. I mean come on! Oh wait, no, that's actually accurate. The Prineville Princess says that Barney Prine's is great but Club Pioneer is "glorified Sizzler." Isn't there a Chuck E Cheese in Prineville? There should be.

You can read the online version of the Dining Guide at:

http://www.tsweekly.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=listcats&cat_id=42&Itemid=142

Currently it is the 2007 version online but hopefully that will be updated soon.

The Source Weekly
http://www.tsweekly.com/

Victorian Cafe - Bend Oregon

Victorian Cafe

The Victorian Cafe or The Vic as the locals call it is a favorite of the Bendites. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I drive to the Victorian Cafe and upon hitting the traffic circle at 14th and Galveston and seeing the huge crowd waiting outside and all the cars lining the street, I'll continue to drive around and around the traffic circle while making my decision of going to Makahna's Cafe, Longboard Louies for a breakfast burrito, Original Pancake House, Nancy P's, or Westside Bakery. I'll just go round and round. I can't stand waiting an hour for breakfast, I don't care if the eggs are seasoned with stone ground diamonds.

"Look kids, there's Big Ben, there's Parliament" - Me

The wife and I decided to swing by The Victorian Cafe for lunch and sure enough there were a couple of open parking spots so we figured there wouldn't be a wait. When we walked in we got a great spot with a window immediately.

I browsed the menu of speciality drinks and contemplated the Man-Mosa - champagne and OJ in a flippin pint glass. Good lord, I wouldn't have been functional for the rest of the day. I had to pass. You won this round oh Pint Glass of Love, but I we will meet again.

After the comments and emails I've received about the eggs benedict being the best in town, I had to give em a shot. Looking over all the options for the eggs bene's, I decided on the Cali Benedicts which consist of your classic poached eggs, english muffins, and covered in hollandaise. But instead of ham or salmon you get turkey (hormone free for you hippies that give a crap about that sort of thing), spinach, bacon, and avocado slices. And I was pleased as punch to see actual avocado slices on top instead of guacamole like at McMenamins.


I can't praise this dish enough. I absolutely loved every bite and I ate it up. I made little stacks on my fork with a little of everything so each bite had all the ingredients. I even managed to make a couple mini-Bene stacks for the wife. She was quite jealous of my meal and even said "Next time I come back, I'm getting that."

Normally she's the one that gets something different that I normally wouldn't order and then that dish becomes my favorite. But how can you go wrong with eggs, bacon, turkey, and cover it with hollandaise? I mean that's a perfect storm in my gullet. These were the BEST eggs benedicts that I've had in Bend.

The wife went for the 18 Wheeler.


She was sort of happy with it but the biscuits were really thick and heavy. We like fluffy biscuits that soak up the gravy easily. I tried them and they seemed awfully dry even covered with gravy. So she sort of scraped all the gravy off and was still satisfied.

Victorian Cafe
1404 NW Galveston Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-6411

Nancy P's Baking Co

Nancy P's Baking Co sits to the left of the Newport Market. Not behind Newport Market or across the street like everyone kept telling me. Well technically it is across the street but when you say that, everyone is going to assume you mean across the street in front of the market. Am I wrong? When someone says across the street do you ever think that they mean across the street to the left or right? Or behind? Come on people, work with me.

I finally found this little bakery and when I visited at around 9am on a week day I found the place packed. In the small dining area there was not an empty seat. Sort of freaked me out. Don't you all have jobs?


There were all sorts of baked goods to browse though and we made a few selections The brownie was sooo sweet and rich that I couldn't finish it. That's not a knock on the brownie, it was very good but I can't take that much chocolate or sugar.


I was able to wrestle a couple of bites of the cinnamon roll away from the wife and considered fighting for more. But again, the sugar is a killer to my thunder thighs.


Instead I got this ham and cheese turn over thingy. I forgot what it was actually called. I didn't really care, I was just trying to decide between the ham and cheese or the one with bacon.

The wrap type thingy was good, the bread was soft and had some nice salty seasonings on it. I found that there was not enough ham and cheese and way too much bread. There was a stone ground mustard inside but it was not spread evenly. So when I ate this thing I had about half of it left and it was all mustard which wasn't on the first half....with the ham and cheese. Other than that it was good.

Nancy P's seems to have a loyal following. I get a couple emails here an there asking if I'd been there or when am I going to write about it. Well here you go, now you can shut it.

I have one small complaint. I would have liked to have seen prices on the items in the case while I was browsing. The wife paid so I have no idea how much our breakfast snacks cost. The wife has one complaint, why is the Nancy P's part of the sign out front sooooo tiny and the BAKING CO is sooo big? People should start referring to this place as the Baking Company instead of Nancy P's so we can find it.

Nancy P's Baking Co
1054 NW Milwaukee Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 322-8778

Breakfast, Bend Oregon

Breakfast in Bend Oregon - Judging from the comments and emails I get everytime I review a Breakfast restaurant in Bend, you all love your breakfast joints.

Below are the Breakfast restaurants that I've reviewed:

McKay Cottage
62910 O B Riley Rd
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-2697
http://www.themckaycottage.com/



Victorian Cafe
1404 NW Galveston Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-6411

Jake's Diner
2210 NE Highway 20 (Behind the A&W)
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-0118
http://jakesdiner.blogspot.com/

Makahna's Cafe
1227 Northwest Galveston Avenue
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 678-5750

Westside Bakery
1005 NW Galveston Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-3426

Cafe Sintra
1024 NW Bond St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-8004

Original Pancake House
1025 SW Donovan Ave
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 317-0380
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/

CHOW
1110 NW Newport Ave
Bend, Oregon 97701
541-728-0256
http://www.chowbend.com/

Bend Oregon Breakfast restaurants that I have NOT reviewed:

Alpenglow Cafe
1133 NW Wall St
Bend, OR 97701
541-383-7676

Batter & Beans
824 NW Wall St
Bend, OR 97701
541-317-5717

D & D Bar & Grill
927 NW Bond St
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-4592

Mother's Juice Cafe
1255 NW Galveston
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-0989

Nanette's Cinnamon Roll & Coffee Co
62090 Dean Swift Rd
Bend, OR 97701
541-385-6216

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Steak House, Bend Oregon

Steak House in Bend Oregon - I love a good steak. Below you will find all of the restaurants in Bend where you can get a good steak.

Below are the Steak Houses that I've reviewed:

Jackalope Grill
1245 SE Third St.
Bend, OR 97702
http://www.thejackalopegrill.com/
541-318-8435

Blacksmith restaurant
211 NW Greenwood Ave,
Bend, Oregon 97701
541.318.0588
http://www.bendblacksmith.com/

Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails
1085 SE 3rd st
Bend, OR
541-312-2899
http://www.zydecokitchen.com/



Greg's Grill
395 SW Powerhouse Dr
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 382-2200

Outback Steakhouse‎
269 SE Reed Market Rd
Bend, OR
(541) 383-8104
http://www.outback.com/

Bend Oregon Steak Houses that I have NOT reviewed:

Tumalo Feed Co‎
64619 Highway 20
Bend, OR
(541) 382-2202

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Asian Restaurants, Bend Oregon

Asian Restaurants in Bend Oregon - I wish we had enough restaurants from the Pacific Rim in Bend to not just lump all of Asia into one group. You know, China and Japan are two different countries.

Below are the Asian Restaurants in Bend Oregon that I've reviewed:

SOBA Asian Bistro
945 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97701
Ph: 541-318-1535
http://www.eatsoba.com/


Angel Thai Cuisine
1900 NE Division St., Bend
541-388-5177

Kanpai Sushi & Sake Bar
990 NW Newport Ave
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-4636

Double Happiness
2115 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701

Toomie's Thai Cuisine
119 NW Minnesota
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-5590

Deep
821 n.w. wall street, suite 100
bend, oregon 97701
telephone: 541.323.9841

Ode to Deep by MC Arl

Hong Kong Restaurant
530 Se 3rd St
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 389-8880

Chan's Chinese Restaurant
1005 SE 3rd Street
Bend Oregon 97702
541-389-1725

Sumi's Japanese Restaurant
1444 NW College Way, Suite 1
Bend Oregon

A Taste of Thailand
696 NE Greenwood
Bend, OR 97701
541-815-0180

Typhoon!
Franklin Crossing Building
550 NW Franklin Ave., Suite 148,
Bend, OR 97701
541-385-8885

Mongolian BBQ
61535 S Hwy 97
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-8500

Shoji's
62929 N. Hwy 97
Bend, OR
(541) 389-0701

Szechuan
1600 NE 3rd
Bend, OR 97701
541-383-9033

Bend Oregon Asian Restaurants that I have NOT reviewed:

China Sun Buffet
Bend River Mall
Bend, ST 97701
541-382-1122

Red Dragon
61247 S HWY 97
Bend, OR 97702
541-389-9888

Royal Thai Cafe
2210 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701
541-312-2240

Yoko's Japanese Restaurant
2670 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-3300

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Italian Restaurants, Bend Oregon

Italian Restaurants in Bend Oregon - I'm not sure why I really have this category. The only good Italian meal I've had in Bend is courtesy of Dr. Juri Spandati from Spandati Personal Chef Services. The second best Italian meal I've had in Bend is courtesy of American pizza.

Below are the Italian Restaurants in Bend Oregon that I've reviewed:

Sbandati Personal Chef Services
1466 Ne Revere Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 610-6278
http://www.sbandatipersonalchef.com/



Johnny Carino's Italian Restaurant
63455 North Highway 97
Suite 118
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 318-6300 Phone
(541) 318-6300 Curbside

Staccato at the Firehall
5 NW MINNESOTA Suite 101
BEND, OR 97701
Phone: 541.312.3100

Bend Oregon Italian Restaurants that I have NOT reviewed:

Bella Cucina
450 Powerhouse Dr
Bend, OR 97702
541-385-7774

Ernesto's Italian
1203 NE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-389-7274

Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant
932 NW Bond St
Bend, OR 97701
541-389-8899

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Pizza, Bend Oregon

Pizza in Bend Oregon - Below you will find all of the pizza places in Bend Oregon that I have reviewed.

My personal favorite right now is the Run Little Piggy pizza from Pizza Mondo. For a quick slice my favorite is Cibelli's New York Pizza on the west side.

Bend Oregon Pizza

Pizza Mondo
811 NW Wall St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 330-9093
http://www.pizzamondobend.com/


Olde Towne Pizza Company
118 NW Greenwood Ave
Bend Oregon 97701
541-318-9018

Cibelli's New York Pizza
318-2800 Westside
385-8646 Eastside
330-8646 Tumalo

Papa Murphy's Take n Bake Pizza
NE:
(541) 389-7272
211 Ne Revere Ave, Bend, OR

South:
(541) 382-6767
61160 S Highway 97 Ste E, Bend, OR

Bend Oregon Pizza restaurants not yet reviewed by me:

Abby's Pizza
1115 NE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-7372

Domino's Pizza
210 SE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-4681

Grover's Pub & Pizza
939 SE 2nd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-982-3754

Izzy's Pizza
2940 N Hwy 97
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-2135

Little Caesar's
1120 SE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97702
541-312-3377

Little Pizza Paradise
2625 NE Butler Mkt
Bend, OR 97701
541-312-2577

Papa John's
755 NE Greenwood
Bend, OR 97702
541-385-7272

Papa's Pizza Parlor
Bend, OR 97701
541-317-9095

Pizza Hut
2139 NW 3rd
Bend, OR 97701
541-389-5991

Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza
1288 SW Simpson
Bend, OR 97702
541-382-1228

Round Table Pizza
1552 NE 3rd
Bend, OR 97701
541-389-2963

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Mexican Restaurants, Bend Oregon

Mexican, Bend Oregon - Mexican food is probably my favorite. I could eat Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My personal favorite is El Caporal for a variety of reasons. I love the service and they have the best chips and salsa in Bend.

Below is a list of the Mexican restaurants in Bend Oregon that I have reviewed.

El Caporal
744 NW Bond
Bend, OR 97701
541-322-8916


Baltazar’s Seafood & Spirits
1465 SW Knoll Ave
Bend, OR 97702
541-382-6622

La Rosa
1444 NW College Wy
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-7210

Hola!
2670 NE Highway 20
Bend, OR 97701
541 389 4652
http://www.holabend.com/

Taco Stand
221 NW Hill St
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-0494

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
2650 NE Division
Bend, Oregon 97701
Phone 541-330-2652
http://www.mypepes.com/

Longboard Louie's West
1254 NW Galveston
Bend, OR 97701
541-383-2449

Parrilla Grill
635 NW 14th
Bend, OR 97701
541-617-9600

Tortillaria Reyes
1155 SE Division St
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 383-2025

Super Burrito
New address info soon to come.

El Burrito
335 NE Dekalb
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-2177

Los Jalapenos
601 NE Greenwood Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-1402
http://www.losjalapenos.biz/

El Rancho Grande
63455 N Hwy 97
541.312.2002

Taco Del Mar
63455 N. Hwy 97 Suite 41
Bend, OR 97701
541-317-1112
www.tacodelmar.com

Baja Fresh
916 NE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97702
541-617-8781


Bend Oregon Mexican Restaurants that I have not reviewed:

Del Taco
612 SE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97702
541-322-8702

El Jimador
801 NW Wall St
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-1333

El Rodeo
785 SE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-617-5952

La Cabaña
1939 NE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-312-9462

Las Cazuelas
547 NE Bellevue Dr
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-7567

Longboard Louie's East
62080 Dean Swift Rd
Bend, OR 97701
541-383-5889

Puerto Alegre
547 NE Bellevue Dr
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-7567

Ranchero Mexican Restaurant
150 Bend River Plaza
Bend, OR 97701
541-330-0685

Rico's Tacos Restaurant
1326 NE 3rd St-
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-4022

Rigoberto's (South)
1913 NE 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-6783

Rigoberto's (West)
1365 NW Galveston
Bend, OR 97701
541-389-6751

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Bend Oregon Brew Pubs

Bend Oregon Brew Pubs - Some of my favorite restaurants in Bend are the Brew Pubs. What's better than some local beers with your burger or hot wings while watching the game?

Below are the Bend Oregon Brew Pubs that I've reviewed:

Bend Brewing Company
1019 NW Brooks St.
Bend, OR, 97701
(541)383-1599


Deschutes Beer Pub
1044 NW Bond Street, between Franklin and Greenwood
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-9242

Cascade Lakes Lodge
1441 SW Chandler Avenue
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 388-4998

McMenamins - Old St. Francis School
700 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-5174

Bend Oregon Brew Pubs that I have NOT reviewed:

Silver Moon Brewing
24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-8331

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

Jake's Diner - Bend Oregon

Jake's Diner

Jake's Diner recently went through a make over in the main dining room. While the dining room has a new look and feel, the food has not changed....thank goodness!


I was able to cash in some savings bonds that my Grandparents gave me when I was a kid so I could fill up the gas tank for yet another trip to the East side of Bend. This time I was actually in search of the Aloha Cafe but forgot to look up the addy before heading East. When we finally found the cafe, we were already in the turning lane to head back to the West side and figure out where else to eat. My friend is a big fan of Jake's so we decided that we'll check out the new dining room and hit up Aloha some other time, when gas prices drop.

When gas prices drop! haha that's the new "When Hell freezes over" or "when pigs fly". I challenge you to use "When gas prices drop" today in conversation. When the kids get home from school and want to play video games tell them "sure, when gas prices drop."

"Hey, we should go try out the new Vola" - your spouse
"Sure thing babe, just as soon as gas prices drop....OOOoo IN yur FACE!!" - you

Try it and give me credit since I just made that up.

Jake's Diner serves up some great portions for low prices and everything can be covered in gravy and/or syrup. I've had the biscuits and gravy, a burger, the pancakes, and hash browns. I browsed the menu and decided on the Monte Cristo. Ever since having the Monte Cristo at McKay Cottage, I have been wanting one every time I see it on the menu.


Oh momma, french toast, turkey, ham, and slices of kraft singles type cheddar and Swiss in between creating this melty, fake cheesy goodness. What a great lunch for $7.95.

My favorite part of the redesign is that they have taken all the celebrity photos and articles, framed them, and placed them on the walls in various spots. Even BOR made it on the wall...


Immortalized.

Jake's Diner
2210 NE Highway 20 (Behind the A&W and the East side Liquor Store)
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-0118
http://jakesdiner.blogspot.com/

Country Catering - Bend Oregon

Country Catering, located WAAYYYY over there on the East side of Bend, has been on my list to visit for a long time. I heard about their tri-tip sandwich and breakfast burritos. It sounded good to me so I was really looking forward to it.

It was my BORthday so I wanted to try something new and I knew I could leverage that it was my special day/week/month/year to get my friends to go anywhere I wanted. So on a beautifully freezing day in Bend Oregon, we filled out gas tanks and headed east across the railroad tracks to seek out some tri-tip. Country Catering is not that far on the east side, I just like to make fun.

We walk in and start looking through the menu trying to figure out what to order while we waited in the short line. When it was our turn, everyone in my group was getting the sandwich deal which comes with your choice of salad and a drink for $6.50. We order but with each one of our orders the guy behind the counter asks us what salad we wanted. We look in the case and feel the pressure as the line is forming behind us. We scramble to make our picks as the cashier was not too happy with us holding things up. He seemed to be feeling the pressure of the line forming as well.

I ordered the spicy tri-tip with the cole slaw and took my seat in what appeared to be the only waiting area in Bend that is actually colder than it has been outside. It was sooo cold in there that no one in our group took their coats off and we contemplated eating outside. Seriously.


The sandwich tasted good although I had to add some hot sauce since it wasn't even close to being anything remotely spicy. The flavors of the sandwich and slaw were pretty good and for $6.50, it was a pretty good deal.

I did not care for the Laker's jersey hanging on the wall though. I guess it's fitting with all the Cali's coming to town that they bring some "fans" with them.

If I find myself on that side of the tracks again, I will give Country Catering another try. That is assuming that they are willing to turn on the damn heat. Their menu looks plenty big so there is plenty to try. I also noticed that the deli case has premade breakfast burritos at great prices for a quick grab.

Country Catering & Deli Co
http://www.bendcatering.com/
900 SE Wilson Ave
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 383-5014

Baltazar's - Bend Oregon

Blah blah blah Baltazar's Blah No kids Blah...yeah I've heard the news. But I loooove the chorizo and cheese that you can grab off of the appetizers menu. If you get the chorizo and cheese, some guac, and some tortillas, you don't have to get dinner. With a cast iron skillet filled with chorizo and bubblin hot cheese, I'm a happy BOR!


What I love about this dish is the simplicity but full of salty, greasy, cheesy, porky goodness. They use ground chorizo instead of being slices of sausage in it's casing. Oh it is soooo good.

Blah blah Don't go there, Blah. I'm sorry, I've gone there and I'll go there again (insert the two snaps and a twist like from In Living Color's "Men on Film"). You can't tell me what to do.

The fish tacos for lunch are also really good. I like how light everything is. Nothing heavy or greasy that makes you want to pass out when you get back from lunch. I call that feeling of wanting to crash after a heavy Mexican meal the Mexicoma.


Baltazar's
1465 SW Knoll Ave (just off of 14th)
541-382-6622