Good Bend, OR Rides?

[snapdragen]

and I seem to remember some pretty fine vodka.......

[tealamb]

Wow! Not only do I get a great link and a ride recommendation, but bonus food recs, too! Thanks so much, SadieKate. Never occurred to me to Google "Deschutes biking"...

We'll for sure do the ride around Mt. Bachelor (Route 2b). It looks gorgeous and challenging. Gotta work off the calories we'll end up consuming at Nancy P's anyway; might as well have stunning views to go along with the pain.

And inquiring minds do want to know: what's the best local brew?

Thanks again. I'm getting SO excited to get away and ride some new rides!

[SadieKate]

BEST BEER - Deschutes Brewery is widely considered by many to be the best brewery, but we have a truckload of local breweries so it's always best to make your own tests for the best beer.

I will warn you that the Deschutes Brewery pub in downtown Bend can be a meat market atmosphere and jammed with tourists. Food is pretty good, but it is the beer that makes the trip worth it. Go during the day at odd hours if you can, especially since you'll be there on a holiday weekend.

DB just released for their 20th Anniversary the Black Butte Porter XX. Perfect for dessert.

Their seasonal Rooster Tail Cream Ale (I think I have the name right) is pretty darn good. You can always get a spiffy growler filled and take it back to Sunriver, then repeat. Great home-brewed rootbeer also.

They also do tours and tasting Tuesday-Saturday.
http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/Abou...s/default.aspx

BEST BURGER WITH A VIEW OF MIRROR POND - On the beautifully landscaped Pine Tavern patio. Ask for the "Little Menu" which has all kinds of reasonably priced burgers, salads, sandwiches, to die for mac n' cheese, etc. Make sure to try the fried scones with honey butter. Regular menu has the best steak in town.

[jobob]

Jobob give Dechutes brewery and especially the Rooster Cream Ale a big thumbs up.

BEST BURGER WITH A VIEW OF MIRROR POND - On the beautifully landscaped Pine Tavern patio. Ask for the "Little Menu" which has all kinds of reasonably priced burgers, salads, sandwiches, to die for mac n' cheese, etc. Make sure to try the fried scones with honey butter. Regular menu has the best steak in town.

Is this Bend Brewery pub you're describing? (which also serves a mighty fine brew, and has a much nicer dining atmosphere than the Deschutes pub, IMHO).

[melissam]

Jobob give Dechutes brewery and especially the Rooster Cream Ale a big thumbs up.

Public Service Announcement: When Jobob recommends a particular brew, those inclined to drink good beer should listen. Or so I've been told...

[SadieKate]

Public Service Announcement: When Jobob recommends a particular brew, those inclined to drink good beer should listen. Or so I've been told...

This sounds like she hasn't been sharing.

Oh yeah, am I supposed to be doing any shopping?

[SadieKate]

Jobob give Dechutes brewery and especially the Rooster Cream Ale a big thumbs up.

Is this Bend Brewery pub you're describing? (which also serves a mighty fine brew, and has a much nicer dining atmosphere than the Deschutes pub, IMHO).

Nope. The Pine Tavern. This is the "fine dining" restaurant a couple doors before the Bend Brewery though you can go in your shorts and tennies (no fine dressing required). We didn't know about the "Little Menu" until recently so we'd been only going for special occasions. The "Little Menu" is comparably priced with the nearby brew pubs and has the best seating/viewing of the river. Even inside, the back dining room has a good view of the river and two big ponderosas growing up through the floor and ceiling.

Though I have to agree with you as far as the atmosphere between the DB and the Bend Brewery (but then you knew that).