I love beer, and I’m always on the lookout for great breweries. Bend, Oregon is a beer lover’s paradise, with tons of awesome spots to grab a pint. It’s hard to narrow down the options, but I’ve picked out my top 5 favorites to share with you.
These 5 breweries in Bend offer amazing beers, cool vibes, and fun experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, or funky sours, there’s something for everyone at these spots. I can’t wait to tell you about the unique flavors and atmospheres that make each of these breweries special.
1. Bend Brewing Company
I recently visited Bend Brewing Company and was blown away by the experience. As the second oldest brew pub in Bend, this place has a rich history that you can feel as soon as you step inside.
The beer selection is amazing. I tried a few of their rotating taps and each one was better than the last. The brewers here really know their craft, and it shows in every sip.
What really sets Bend Brewing Company apart is its location. Sitting right on the Deschutes River, the views are stunning. I loved sipping my beer while watching the water flow by. It’s so peaceful and relaxing.
The atmosphere inside is warm and welcoming. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about their beers. I felt right at home chatting with them about the different brews on offer.
Rating: 4.4 (1200 reviews)
Location: 1019 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97701
Contact: (541) 383-1599
Website: Visit Website
2. Crux Fermentation Project
I love visiting Crux Fermentation Project when I’m in Bend. It’s a brewer-owned spot that really knows its craft. The moment I walk in, I can feel the passion for beer-making.
The tasting room has a great vibe. It’s always buzzing with locals and tourists alike. I enjoy sitting at the bar and chatting with the friendly staff about their latest brews.
Their beer selection is amazing. They offer everything from hoppy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts. My favorite is their crisp pilsner – it’s perfect on a hot day. The food menu is also tasty, with options that pair well with their beers.
One of the best things about Crux is the view. The outdoor seating area looks out over the Cascade Mountains. It’s a great place to relax with friends and watch the sunset while sipping on a cold brew.
Rating: 4.6 (1300 reviews)
Location: 50 SW Division St, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 385-3333
Website: Visit Website
3. Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House
I love visiting Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House. It’s a craft beer paradise in downtown Bend. The place has a rich history dating back to 1988 when they brewed their first beers.
Walking in, I’m always struck by the friendly vibe. It’s perfect for hanging out with friends or family. They have 19 taps, so there’s plenty to choose from. I usually go for their Black Butte Porter or Jubelale.
The food is great too. They serve farm-to-table dishes that pair well with their beers. My favorite part is the game room upstairs. It’s fun to play shuffleboard or try out some vintage video games between pints.
If you visit often, joining their Pub Club is a good idea. You get special brews and discounts. It’s a cool way to feel like a local, even if you’re just visiting Bend.
Rating: 4.5 (2200 reviews)
Location: 1044 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703
Contact: (541) 382-9242
Website: Visit Website
4. The Cellar – A Porter Brewing Company
I recently visited The Cellar, and I was blown away by their dedication to traditional brewing methods. This place is a hidden gem in Bend, serving up authentic cask-conditioned ales that are truly one-of-a-kind.
As soon as I walked in, I noticed the unique hand pumps they use instead of regular taps. The staff explained that these beer engines are imported from the UK, adding to the pub’s authentic feel. I loved how they serve their brews in proper 20 oz imperial pints.
The atmosphere at The Cellar is cozy and welcoming. It’s family-owned, and you can really feel the passion they have for their craft. I enjoyed sipping on their malty goodness while chatting with other beer enthusiasts.
One thing that stood out to me was how they serve their ales at cellar temperature. It might sound odd at first, but it really brings out the flavors in each brew. I tried a flight and was impressed by the range of tastes they offer.
Rating: 4.8 (297 reviews)
Location: 206 NW Oregon Ave Suite 2, Bend, OR 97703
Contact: (541) 382-1645
Website: Visit Website
5. Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie
I recently visited Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie and was blown away by their authentic Belgian-style beers. The brewery focuses on crafting smooth, refined ales that stay true to tradition.
What stood out to me was how they let the Belgian yeast work its magic without overdoing hops or spices. This really lets the classic flavors shine through. Their patient brewing process results in consistently delicious beers.
The taproom has a cozy, welcoming vibe that’s perfect for sipping and savoring their unique brews. I loved trying their different Belgian styles and appreciating the subtle differences between them.
If you’re looking to expand your beer palate, Monkless is a must-visit in Bend. Their commitment to quality and authenticity makes for a memorable tasting experience.
Rating: 4.7 (1600 reviews)
Location: 803 SW Industrial Way #202, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 797-6760
Website: Visit Website
The Craft Beer Scene in Bend
Bend’s craft beer scene is a thriving hub of creativity and flavor. I’ve seen it grow from humble beginnings to become a major draw for beer lovers like me. The local beer culture here is something special.
History and Evolution
Bend’s beer story started in 1988 when Deschutes Brewery opened its doors. I remember how exciting it was to see our first craft brewery take off. Since then, the scene has exploded. By 2025, we have over two dozen breweries in this small city!
In the early 2000s, more breweries popped up. Places like 10 Barrel and Boneyard Beer joined the mix. Each new spot brought its own style and flair to Bend’s beer scene.
Today, I’m amazed by the variety. We’ve got everything from classic IPAs to cucumber-flavored brews. It’s a beer lover’s paradise!
Local Beer Culture
Beer isn’t just a drink in Bend – it’s a way of life. I love how it brings people together here. You’ll often find locals and tourists alike bonding over pints at our many brewpubs.
We take our beer seriously, but in a fun way. The Bend Ale Trail is a popular activity. It’s a self-guided tour of local breweries. I’ve done it a few times, and it’s always a blast.
Our brewers are like local celebrities. They’re always trying new things and pushing boundaries. It’s not uncommon to chat with a brewer while enjoying their latest creation.
Bend’s beer culture goes beyond drinking. We have beer-themed events, beer-pairing dinners, and even beer-inspired art. It’s a central part of our community’s identity.
Brewing Techniques Unique to Bend
I’ve discovered some cool brewing methods that make Bend’s beer scene special. The city’s mountain water is a big deal. It comes from snowmelt and springs, giving the beer a crisp, clean taste.
Many Bend brewers use local ingredients. They pick wild hops and add juniper berries for a piney kick. Some even use sage from nearby deserts.
I’ve noticed a trend of barrel-aging in Bend. Brewers use old whiskey or wine barrels to add complex flavors. This technique makes some really interesting beers.
Bend breweries often experiment with wild fermentation. They catch wild yeast from the air to make sour and funky beers. It’s pretty neat!
Here’s a quick list of unique Bend brewing techniques:
• Using pure mountain water
• Adding foraged local ingredients
• Barrel-aging in old whiskey casks
• Wild fermentation with local yeasts
I think these methods help make Bend’s beer scene stand out. It’s fun to taste how each brewery puts its own spin on these techniques.
