Put your pinky up and be a little fancy if the mood strikes you. In the 19th century, the slang term pinky up originated from commoners holding their teacups with all five fingers, while the elite knew to clasp their teacups with only three. Some historians say that this is total crap. Millennials’ most common pinky up reference may even be from the SpongeBob SquarePants episode where SpongeBob puts his manners in front of his basic needs in a dry, underwater chamber of doom.
It can be nice to lean into a classier vibe on occasion: to get dressed up and put your pinky up. Other times, rolling into the casual neighborhood dive bar where you can come as you are, dirt from the day and all, feels more soothing. Whatever aesthetic suits you at the time, enjoying artful libations can be both comforting and adventurous. Here are four of the best bars (and their best cocktails) in Bend, Oregon.
The Best Bars in Bend
The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
Any local asked about cocktails will recommend The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin in downtown Bend. The endearing part is not just the suggestion of the restaurant but the fact that one particular drink gets recommended within the same breath. That drink is called The Beetnik. The Beetnik is an up-styled drink made of beet-infused vodka, ginger, and lemon. It lives up to its reputation.
Their dark wood, two-story interior has cozy seats and festive art decorating the walls. Their menu offers other delicious liquor cocktails, beer and wine, and a few smaller portioned bar snacks. The giant Philip Newsom painting on the wall when you walk in shows a scene of different animals partying around a bonfire. Live DJ sets here on the weekends accent this painting, aiding your imagination. It could be us.
147 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR, 97701
Tues-Sun, 5 pm-12 am
The Flamingo Room
The team behind The Flamingo Room describes the place as “a vaguely equatorial bar in Bend, Oregon.” Newly opened in 2022, The Flamingo Room features plants everywhere and a glass garage door that opens for fresh air on hotter days. While many establishments become campy in their quest for a certain vibe, this self-description rings true. You are instantly transported from the high desert environment of Bend to a tropical place far away. Their location is the perfect pre-show gathering spot with the Volcanic Theater Pub, a small music venue, next door.
The Flamingo Room offers high-quality, delicious cocktails that incorporate fruity drinks that are not overly sweet. Those seeking a craft refreshment without the booze can choose from a few mocktail options. The food at The Flamingo Room put it at a higher caliber than other cocktail bar options. You can create a mix-and-match plate of tapas. The empanadas come with three per order and a side salad. If you have a sweet tooth, finish your visit with a Rilly Ronka, a petit chocolate teacup filled with Diplomatic Rum.
70 SW Century Dr #130, Bend, OR 97702
Thurs-Fri, Sun-Mon, 4pm-12pm, Sat, 4pm-1am
McMenamins at Old St. Francis School
Brian and Mike McMenamin, brothers hailing from northeast Portland, opened their first namesake establishment inspired by the community-style public houses of Europe in 1983. Twenty of the current 62 Mcmenamins are on the National Register of Historic Places, their halls echoing foreign stories other than those of brewpubs. Built in 1936, McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Bend’s downtown location, was a catholic schoolhouse. Renovated in 2004 and 2016, this establishment has multiple buildings which include a hotel, movie theater, saltwater soaking pool, music venue, brewery, and numerous bars.
The Broom Closet, the stained glass window interiors, and the winding paths from room to room make you feel like you are walking through an art exhibit. The Fireside Bar has cozy booths, two shuffleboard tables, and classically delicious cocktails. A Ruby’s Citrus Smash, a mixture of Spar Citrus Vodka, muddled raspberries, fresh-squeezed lemon mint, and soda water is a favorite regardless of the season. Sipping your cocktail by the fire pits outside or while playing shuffleboard inside, the day’s stress melts away. This place is family-friendly and has the most casual vibe on this list.
700 NW Bond St, Bend, OR, 97703
8 am- 10 pm Daily
900 Wall
Located in central downtown, 900 Wall offers modern American-style cuisine with French influences, headed by Executive Chef Cliff. Chef Cliff puts his values of seasonal and responsibly sourced food into the heart of this place. The interior includes two stories within a beautiful 1920s brick building. 900 Wall’s wine program has earned them the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for three years in a row. Their diverse wine list offers more than 250 wines by bottle. They have over 65 options by the glass, which they claim is the largest selection of wine in Central Oregon.
The Bruja, one of their house cocktails, is a beet-infused vida mezcal, cocchi americano, Espolon reposado tequila, and lemon black pepper bitters. 900 Wall is one of the best dinner date spots in town and hosts one of the best happy hours. The ingredients and quality do not feel skimped on due to this slash in pricing. Discounted oysters and shrimp are available nightly. A few happy hour food options include the pork belly sliders, 900 Wall burger, french fries, deviled eggs, and pizza. Well drinks, a greyhound, a lemon drop, and a sidecar are among the happy hour cocktail options. There are enough food and drink options here, happy hour or not, to please even the pickiest of diners.
900 NW Wall St, Bend, OR, 97701
Sun-Mon: Closed, Tues-Thurs: 3 pm-9:00 pm, Fri-Sat: 3 pm-9:30 pm
