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If you’re familiar with the Bend beer scene, you’ve likely heard the town’s stats on suds. Central Oregon is now home to a whopping 25 craft breweries, which works out to roughly one brewery for every 3,600 of its 91,000 residents. That’s a lot of hops.
Beer is in-grained here. Almost everyone you meet, from your Uber driver to the naturalist leading your canoe tour, speaks on the subject like a certified cicerone. They welcome questions and love giving recommendations.
Which small brewery has the best food? Which is the most family friendly? And who makes the best cider? Here are three Bend-er approved spots to answer those questions — and more.
Sunriver Brewing Galveston Pub
This industrial-style brewpub — a two-year-old spin-off of the award-winning brewery in Sunriver Village — features two small dining rooms and an outdoor patio, with a fire pit and replica of Oregon’s Shevlin Bridge. Chef Justin Goin’s gourmet comfort food is exactly what you crave when sipping Sunriver’s clean, fresh hop IPAs, like the citrus-driven D’Bomb ($5.75). Pub Nachos ($10.50) with green chile beer cheese is perfect for sharing. Hungrier? Order the massive Pub Burger ($14), made with Northwest Natural beef from Corvallis and topped with smoked Gouda, beer-braised onions and peppered bacon.
Details: Open from 11 a.m. daily at 1005 N.W. Galveston Ave., Bend; www.sunriverbrewingcompany.com
Avid Cider Co
Oregon’s second largest cider maker changed its name from Atlas to Avid earlier this year to avoid a trademark tangle. Luckily, nothing cider-related has changed. Their flagship Dry Organic Apple Cider is as crisp as ever, and the taproom, located in The Box Factory next to Immersion Brewing, is a total draw — cool and contemporary, with arcade games and an apple-shaped fire pit. Enjoy a pint ($5) or flight (six 4-ounce tastes, $12), including any blends or seasonals, like the aromatic Vanilla Bean Pear Cider, paired with Avid’s cakelike cider-infused doughnuts (three for $6). Delish.
Details: Open from 11 a.m. daily in the Box Factory at 550 S.W. Industrial Way, Suite 190, Bend; www.avidcider.com
GoodLife Brewing
This family-friendly brewery is reminiscent of traditional German beer halls, with a few Bend twists. In addition to a dozen beers on tap, including the American Beer Festival’s 2018 gold medal-winning Sweet As! wheat beer, you’ll find kombucha and local cider. In the summer months, garage-style doors roll up for yard games in the biergarten; in winter, it’s all about stout and football. Food is fresh and hearty, from salads and sandwiches ($9.50-$13.50) to Waygu beef and Heritage pork hot dogs ($9.50 each) from Oregon’s Pono Farms in Culver. Totally farm-to-table.
Details: Open daily from noon at 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; www.goodlifebrewing.com
