Bend, OR - Deschutes Brew Pub

Deschutes Brew Pub in downtown Bend, OR. 

Deschutes Brew Pub: a classic brew pub located in scenic Bend, Oregon

What did we have:  A sampler of Deschutes amazing beers.

What's fun:  A lively brew pub located in a vibrant downtown Bend, offering a wide variety of their excellent microbrews.


If you love beer, a visit to the world famous Deschutes Brew Pub  in Bend, Oregon is a must.  Established in 1988, this is the real deal.  Located in the heart of downtown Bend, Deschutes is a bustling pub filled with enthusiastic patrons.  The pub is currently undergoing a major renovation, which is much needed.  There are currently 25 tables, and there is almost always a wait.  We were told 40 minutes when we arrived on a Friday evening around 5:30 pm, but it was worth waiting.  The new expansion will triple the size and include a banquet room.  There is no disruption of service while the expansion is taking place, and the doors to the new addition should be open in early 2012.  In the mean time, we made our way up to the busy bar and enjoyed a pint as we waited for our table.  Bend is a truly friendly town, and we struck up conversations with both locals and visitors as we were waiting.  A mix of singles, couples, and groups of friends surrounded the bar.  The Deschutes dining area is family friendly and there were many family groups with children at the tables.

A fine sampling of six great Deschutes beer. 

What did we have:  Once seated I selected the sampler which included six 5 oz glasses.  I was able to select any combination I wanted from the 22 beers on tap.  I chose the Twilight Ale, Black Butte Porter, Pompion Nitro, Mathilda's Ring, Benderweisse and Prima Chela.  What a great selection!  I really loved them all, but I can't stop thinking about the Prima Chela, a great concoction combining malt from Vienna, yeast from Mexico City and hops from Germany. Mellow and tasty! Another standout was the Pompion Nitro, a pumpkin beer with the flavor of many different spices.  I really must rave about Deschutes beer.  It really is something special.  We also enjoyed the ahi tuna and fresh halibit sandwiches accompanied by a wonderful side salad with Deschutes special vinaigrette dressing.  We topped our meal with a chocolate sundae shooter, the perfect ending to great evening.

The bartender fills the growler for a happy customer. 

What's fun:   First of all, Bend is such festive town, that the location in the heart of the city is perfect.  The clientele includes a nice mix of locals and visitors, and everyone is congenial.  If you're in town by yourself, Deschutes would be the perfect place to go to make a friend or two. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, the service outstanding, and the BEER....what more can I say.  They serve their beverages in a great selection of interesting glasses.  If you want a keepsake, you can buy one to bring home. The t-shirts are colorful and attractive as well.  I promise, that once you visit Deschutes Brew Pub, you're not likely to forget the experience.

A chocolate sundae to finish our meal.