Bend, OR - Crux Fermentation Project

The stylistic sign welcomes beer loving patrons at night. 

Just when you think the beer scene in Bend, Oregon can't get any better, it does! During our winter visit we discovered a new exciting craft beer venue.  Crux Fermentation Project opened last June, but we didn’t get a chance to check it out until our visit this winter.  Now I’m sure it will be one of the first stops we make during our summer visit.

The door was open on this mild winter afternoon. 

Crux takes pride in producing small batches of beer with creative and complex tastes, and I’m happy to report they hit their mark...and then some.  It’s fun to find a new venue that is not just riding the super hopped band wagon foregoing all other beer styles.

The brew pub is busy during happy hour. 

The interior of Crux is not all that unusual.  They converted an old transmission shop and mill supply store into a brewery and pub with an industrial feel.   Patrons sit on heavy wood tables or at a long bar in view of the large gleaming vats of brewing beer. Lots of windows and the ubiquitous sliding garage doors surround the tasting room.  A good sized crowd was there the night I visited with my family.  We were in the mood to enjoy some full bodied beer and tasty food, and we were not disappointed.

Darcy likes the Nitro Stout the best!

We ordered two tasters and tried 12 of the 15 beers.  They also offered a draft cider. I don’t think there was one beer that we didn’t enjoy.  Our taste preferences vary and each of us was happy.  My husband goes for German style malt-driven beer.  Our daughter prefers a dark stout, and I’m all about a nice hop finish.  The Marzen, Nitro Stout and Imperial Triskel fit the bill. Original flavors and depth of character categorize their selection.  It’s clear that an experienced beer master created these brews. We ordered some tasty pub grub - sandwiches, wraps and salads - to accompany our beer.  It was one fun beer drinking experience! 

I’m told they open a beer garden in warmer weather and they are building a dog park in the back.  You can be assured we’ll be back to Crux this summer, not too long after we pull into town.

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.