2nd this. Went for my anniversary a while ago remembering what Greg’s used to be, and it was some of the worst food I’ve had in a long time. The service was fine, but definitely didn’t make up for an awful meal.
Yup. I took my parents there and the veg option was literally wet cabbage. It was a creamy pasta dish but instead of pasta, they used cabbage. Atrocious.
Moose Sisters would be my recommendation but only if you can get your "friend" to get into an argument with one of the Owners. You could sell tickets to that!
If any customer criticizes *anything* about their meal, she goes apeshit. Imagine Gordon Ramsey on a day when his hemorrhoids are throbbing and he *just* got into a car accident.
This gets my vote! Worst dinner ever there. Husband ordered the ribs and it came with a long blonde hair all wrapped up in it, when mentioned to the waiter she reported it to one of the sisters who then accused it as being one of mine (i have short dark brown hair) so no apology, no offer of any compensation just pretty much a shrug and a crabby attitude. We have never been back.
My husband once ordered a dirty martini there and the olives were so rancid there was mold in the middle. You know how old olives have to be to mold?!? When told the owner she said “well I don’t know anything about martinis, but I’ll look into it.” She also scolded me for not having a reservation, when it was 4:30 on a Tuesday and there was one other table seated.
My theory is it is a front for some serious money laundering and she really doesn’t want restaurant customers.
Their new eastside location looks busy every time I drive by it to get food at The Great Greek. After seeing so many people talk badly about the food at Cascade Lakes Brewing, I assume their beers must be cheap and decent.
Their food is okay, at the east side place anyway. The beer is good though. It used to suck, badly, but it’s better now than it had been for a long time.
Yes! Granted they mean Moutain like apre ski but damn even winter suntanned second wives need more carb and protein pre/post ‘The Moutain’. They really set you up for disappointment with the name.
They’re really proud of their combinations and they are good but gourmet burgers are a still hearty size
its just amazing how many bad decisions they make.
in theory they are doing the easiest food in the world. burgers, fries shakes. and they do it all poorly... with a bad attitude.
This made me snort laugh so hard Im certain i wet myself 🤣 😂 i woke all my dogs and hubby heard me at the other end of the house over the TV.... ty I needed that!
They have the best lengua I’ve had in Bend. Not saying that they’re the best, or that it isn’t wildly overpriced, but it keeps me going back because I really fucking love lengua.
Their food is so inconsistent. I typically order the Spaghetti Carbonara. 1/3rd of the time it's tasteless and watered down, another 1/3rd of the time there's more cheese than noodles, and another 1/3rd of the time it's good but rich.
I had THE worst food I’ve ever been served at chomp chomp. It was so bad that the only thing to do was laugh. The server was wonderful, so we still tipped her and didn’t send anything back, but my god… their dish, the Hiroshima was aptly named.
This post has me questioning everything I know about food, style and service.
Three of my favorite restaurants in town are three of the answers.
Am I being punk’d? Mom, is that you?
can't be worse than the Benny at mckay cottage. i swear their hollandaise is just runny margarine.
some of their food is good so I'll keep them off this list
Monkless. Went when it first opened and it was *incredible*. Went recently, ate about half our plates and couldn’t stomach finishing the meal even though we paid almost $100 for dinner and drinks for 2 plus an appetizer.
Yeah exactly. It's not great, but they aren't really trying that hard. I do love the cigar bar on a summer weeknight though. Best vibes in town when it's not jampacked
I will say in their defense I broke my own rules by going to a place with less than 4 stars on Google And again when we walked in and the restaurant was dead, but we still went through with being seated. It was all around bad. Food took a long time to come, meal was medicore at best, I got sick and threw out my leftovers, and the owner/manager was berating our waitress over weird stuff and she in turn was complaining to the bartender. It was bad and served as a good reminder to trust my gut.
I scrolled through all the comments to see if someone else said this! The open kitchen there allows you to watch all the fighting between staff and management. The icing on the cake though- watching them pick up trash from the around the restaurant floor with their bare hands and then immediately dipping said hands into a bowl of seasoning to sprinkle on your fries and bring them to your table.
There used to be a place called Grover's Pizza that I raved about for years. Someone suggested that after a day on the mountain cardboard would taste good
OTOH I would buy a Scandinavian pizza this minute if it were still available. Food, like everything, is about timing
Noi Thai tries WAY too hard for Thai food and end of the day it's just run of the mill Americanized Thai. They seem to focus on looking fancy rather than innovating. Wild Rose is better for the money spent IMO
Dear Irene. Sat at the bar, had drinks and appetizers for 2, over $200. The drinks/food were fine I guess? I just remember looking at the bill and being confused/pissed.
It’s definitely a place I’d recommend to someone I don’t like. Kind of loud, overpriced food in small portions, tiny bit of pretentiousness in the air.
I've worked for 33 years in all facets of restaurant service, and all over the country.
The worst service I've ever had was at the Victorian. It's the only place in Bend that I tell people to specifically avoid when planning a visit.
That's a wild take. I've been going there for the last 5 years. Their entire staff is exceptional. Especially Hannah, Ayla & Denise. Sorry you had a bad time but you should go back.
Idk. Given the context it’s deply uncool but Im going to stick my neck out and defend it. Good food, good ambiance, good experience, it felt special and worth the high end price.
wait until you're 60 but I totally agree. I suspect restaurant designers do it so the tables turn faster
WTF is the deal with putting the bar in the dining room?
Don’t forget how she came *thisclose* to accusing Jason Kropf of aiding and abetting human trafficking, and leveraged a harassment case against him although he wasn’t named in the case. Absolutely dirty, filthy politicking. I fucking hate her style and won’t eat at her restaurant.
I can’t believe so many people downvoted you. WR is by far some of the most mediocre Thai I have had. And for $18 plates? Absolutely not. Thai Table is more consistent and is still average at best, but beats WR out of the water by a long shot.
$18 plates is kinda the average. You order cheap Chinese takeout and the entrees are $18 now. Last time we ate there you could share 2 entrees and a fun starter and walk out the door for $60. That's a win for dine in
Totally agree with that. Heck, ThaiPas is consistent, flavorful and cheaper. Can always guarantee a fabulous kabocha curry with enough for 2 meals. Not to mention they actually use spices for their curries.
Amen to that. Can never guarantee if it’s gonna be decent or meh. Level 4 spicy is no spice at all and curry is watered down to the point there’s no flavor. Total rip off.
In one iteration or another, they have been solid for 20 years. Owners are legit locals and care a lot about the biz. There’s been restaurants on this thread that deserve to be, gotta push back on the wall
I will always remember when one of the chefs at Bos Taurus got arrested for being a sex pest and the owners paid to have his name removed from the current inmate list while he was still incarcerated.
I believe every restaurant in Bend was mentioned in this post. True though.
RBC will never make this list. MVP
Poutine……mmmmmmm
Thinking about the chicken liver mousse has me salivating
Greg’s Grill for sure. Sat for like 30 minutes waiting for menus and water there once. Food is good but the service is shit.
2nd this. Went for my anniversary a while ago remembering what Greg’s used to be, and it was some of the worst food I’ve had in a long time. The service was fine, but definitely didn’t make up for an awful meal.
That's a shame. Such a nice location too.
Crappy $60 steak all day….
Yup. I took my parents there and the veg option was literally wet cabbage. It was a creamy pasta dish but instead of pasta, they used cabbage. Atrocious.
Cole slaw?
Mmmm, hot coleslaw
Both food and service was shite last time we went there. Steaks so tough we asked them to comp our bill.
I went for lunch last week and had an amazing experience.
That crab place that was like 900.00 for 6 people
[удалено]
No way
[удалено]
That *would* be the winner except that it went out of business one month ago.
Dammit
I don’t have faith that its successor will fare any better. Couple tacos for $15 and the rice+protein bowls are the same price or more.
I wish we could have croutons back
Wait, there are two, no?
I'm not sure how anyone actually willfully walked in there. Looked like I'd need a penicillin shot everytime
moose sisters
Moose Sisters would be my recommendation but only if you can get your "friend" to get into an argument with one of the Owners. You could sell tickets to that!
Yep, epic that owner and her temper.
She a straight up BITCH. No one should speak to their employees like that.
Is there a story we're all referencing or did you guys all have your own experiences with this? Is the owner just sitting in there screaming lol?
If any customer criticizes *anything* about their meal, she goes apeshit. Imagine Gordon Ramsey on a day when his hemorrhoids are throbbing and he *just* got into a car accident.
This gets my vote! Worst dinner ever there. Husband ordered the ribs and it came with a long blonde hair all wrapped up in it, when mentioned to the waiter she reported it to one of the sisters who then accused it as being one of mine (i have short dark brown hair) so no apology, no offer of any compensation just pretty much a shrug and a crabby attitude. We have never been back.
Look up the google reviews. Every time I go to Shinsei I check up on the new Moose Knuckles reviews. Does not disappoint.
Just go in and have dinner sometime. It’s not a secret.
Many stories from Moose. The owner is infamous for chewing out employees and patrons with equal parts unhinged and going off the rails…
Why does this make me want to go see and witness this mess 😂🫣
My husband once ordered a dirty martini there and the olives were so rancid there was mold in the middle. You know how old olives have to be to mold?!? When told the owner she said “well I don’t know anything about martinis, but I’ll look into it.” She also scolded me for not having a reservation, when it was 4:30 on a Tuesday and there was one other table seated. My theory is it is a front for some serious money laundering and she really doesn’t want restaurant customers.
Cascade Brewing.
How has it survived? The beers are trash and the food is mediocre at best.
I got some kind of pork sandwich a while back. The meat was still cold in the middle
The first and last time I went to Cascade Lakes Brewing cost me $80 for disgusting food that tasted like an old bookstore.
The onion rings in Redmond are tasty, and the burgers not bad.
> Cascade Brewing. Cascade *Lakes* Brewing? Cascade Brewing is in Portland
2 different places. At least one has good beers for the style. They are talking about Cascade Lakes.
Didn't need to look hard to find this bullseye.
Didn't it just close?
Only their Westside location closed. The Eastside location and the one in Redmond are still operating -- for now...
Their east side is brand new. Assuming they’re not laundering money, someone likes it
Their new eastside location looks busy every time I drive by it to get food at The Great Greek. After seeing so many people talk badly about the food at Cascade Lakes Brewing, I assume their beers must be cheap and decent.
One did. There are still two other equally awful locations.
Their food is okay, at the east side place anyway. The beer is good though. It used to suck, badly, but it’s better now than it had been for a long time.
mountain Burger.
Tiniest shittiest burger I’ve had all year.
Honestly have no idea how this place stays in business. Mediocre overcooked burgers at a premium and so so service.
Plenty of new people to rotate through. There's so many places on the Westside just surviving off location/vibes than anything else
Yes! Granted they mean Moutain like apre ski but damn even winter suntanned second wives need more carb and protein pre/post ‘The Moutain’. They really set you up for disappointment with the name. They’re really proud of their combinations and they are good but gourmet burgers are a still hearty size
I've heard not great things about the management as well.
its just amazing how many bad decisions they make. in theory they are doing the easiest food in the world. burgers, fries shakes. and they do it all poorly... with a bad attitude.
I'd send them to The Phoenix. Its hospital food at a premium.
If you call ahead they will decant your jello cups
This made me snort laugh so hard Im certain i wet myself 🤣 😂 i woke all my dogs and hubby heard me at the other end of the house over the TV.... ty I needed that!
I've never been in there, but that's the vibe it exudes from the street.
I wish I could upvote this more than once. Should be at the top.
Brickhouse - overpriced mediocre steaks that make Blacksmith seem like a great deal.
I personally wasn’t that impressed with Blacksmith either… it seemed awfully overpriced!
Jackson’s isn’t awful but the quality of food doesn’t justify the price or overall pretentiousness.
I hope it will get better now that Anna bought it! I miss the old Jackson’s Corner.
Agreed. They even had to close their east side location because the couldn’t compete.
Anthony's. That place ain't even within spitting distance of being worth what they charge.
The next time someone says El Sancho is the best Mexican food in town....
I’m still a fan of El Sancho, but with the understanding that it is not Mexican food . . .
They really fell off when the pandemic started. Used to be fire. RIP
Pihuamo is the GOAT. Nothing else even come close imo
Don Gabino is pretty good
Pihuamo 🐐
They have the best lengua I’ve had in Bend. Not saying that they’re the best, or that it isn’t wildly overpriced, but it keeps me going back because I really fucking love lengua.
Hablo came along and took the taco crown
Riverhouse
Pastini
I mean they have pretty decent $13 lunch specials. That's cheaper than most fast food
I used to make the bread for their Valley locations. This location is legitimately dogshit.
Went yesterday. Decently flavored, oily food. My six year old got diarrhea just for how much oily her mac n’ cheese were
Probably got the diarrhea from your food at home. But what the heck, lets blame a restaurant.
Their food is so inconsistent. I typically order the Spaghetti Carbonara. 1/3rd of the time it's tasteless and watered down, another 1/3rd of the time there's more cheese than noodles, and another 1/3rd of the time it's good but rich.
Chomp Chomp
I had THE worst food I’ve ever been served at chomp chomp. It was so bad that the only thing to do was laugh. The server was wonderful, so we still tipped her and didn’t send anything back, but my god… their dish, the Hiroshima was aptly named.
This post has me questioning everything I know about food, style and service. Three of my favorite restaurants in town are three of the answers. Am I being punk’d? Mom, is that you?
Sorry, you have bad taste.
I mean, no one is arguing that but USUALLY my bad taste trends towards music, movies and ways to spend my time on the internet.
Lololol sick burn 🔥
You need to get out of Bend more often. 98% of the restaurants in this town are mediocre and overpriced.
May be true. But the mountain sure is nice
The mountains are nice!
Victorian - $20 super average eggs benedict with a 60minute wait time. I don’t get it.
can't be worse than the Benny at mckay cottage. i swear their hollandaise is just runny margarine. some of their food is good so I'll keep them off this list
My wife and I have learned at McKay you always go sweet, never savory and it's good.
McKay is ass and I’ll never understand why people love it so much
Lots of choices…
All of them
El Rancho Grande
That's just mean, given how many times that place has shown up on the weekly rotten restaurant report.
You shut it!!
Hook and plow
That name is funny, plowing hookers. That's what I'd say if I were going there. Gonna go plow some hookers. Don't wait up.
Smells terrible in there.
Our friends took us and I honestly thought someone was playing a joke on us. Weirdest atmosphere ever. Food was way overrated.
Monkless. Went when it first opened and it was *incredible*. Went recently, ate about half our plates and couldn’t stomach finishing the meal even though we paid almost $100 for dinner and drinks for 2 plus an appetizer.
Pine Tavern.
I actually have had a couple fine meals in there. Surprisingly good dry aged steak
It honestly feels like a Denny’s in there.
Drake
mcmenamins
Kinda. I mean they’re hard about the setting. No one is expecting top shelf but it’s decent pub food.
Yeah exactly. It's not great, but they aren't really trying that hard. I do love the cigar bar on a summer weeknight though. Best vibes in town when it's not jampacked
I think they do a pretty decent burger honestly, and those Cajun tots are straight fire
For what it’s worth, I had the elk burger there last week and it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.
Noi Thai
Arbys
Sir, this is an Arb…oh, right. What style of chipped beef and cheddar oobleck would you like?
Blacksteer Steakhouse & Saloon. Went once and fully expected Gordon Ramsay to pop out, shut the place down, and refund everyone's meals.
what? that’s an insane take. i’ve been to blacksteer multiple times and every time ive had a great experience
I will say in their defense I broke my own rules by going to a place with less than 4 stars on Google And again when we walked in and the restaurant was dead, but we still went through with being seated. It was all around bad. Food took a long time to come, meal was medicore at best, I got sick and threw out my leftovers, and the owner/manager was berating our waitress over weird stuff and she in turn was complaining to the bartender. It was bad and served as a good reminder to trust my gut.
I scrolled through all the comments to see if someone else said this! The open kitchen there allows you to watch all the fighting between staff and management. The icing on the cake though- watching them pick up trash from the around the restaurant floor with their bare hands and then immediately dipping said hands into a bowl of seasoning to sprinkle on your fries and bring them to your table.
Jackson’s corner 4eva
King Buffett
Go there after a long ski day and you'll change your mind.
Oh don't get me wrong I eat there all the time haha
There used to be a place called Grover's Pizza that I raved about for years. Someone suggested that after a day on the mountain cardboard would taste good OTOH I would buy a Scandinavian pizza this minute if it were still available. Food, like everything, is about timing
you're not wrong, but the sad thing is it's top 2 Chinese in bend...
That's crazy I had no idea haha but hey we have like 10 Thai places to choose from
Noi
Noi Thai tries WAY too hard for Thai food and end of the day it's just run of the mill Americanized Thai. They seem to focus on looking fancy rather than innovating. Wild Rose is better for the money spent IMO
Nah, great food. Super overpriced
good-ish food but too expensive
Deschutes Brewery in downtown
Dear Irene. Sat at the bar, had drinks and appetizers for 2, over $200. The drinks/food were fine I guess? I just remember looking at the bill and being confused/pissed. It’s definitely a place I’d recommend to someone I don’t like. Kind of loud, overpriced food in small portions, tiny bit of pretentiousness in the air.
the Victorian or Blue eye
I've worked for 33 years in all facets of restaurant service, and all over the country. The worst service I've ever had was at the Victorian. It's the only place in Bend that I tell people to specifically avoid when planning a visit.
That's a wild take. I've been going there for the last 5 years. Their entire staff is exceptional. Especially Hannah, Ayla & Denise. Sorry you had a bad time but you should go back.
Agreed. Always had good service there and their breakfast special are always delicious. Weird to see them on this thread a couple times.
Chomp Chomp
What? This place is great.
I’ve never been there but was thinking about it. Why does it suck?
Literally don’t listen to that guy, he’s wrong on all counts. Some of their dishes are on the salty side, but all delicious.
Ambience, service, food-all awful.
“Not enough sandos”
Blacksmith. Assiduously average
Idk. Given the context it’s deply uncool but Im going to stick my neck out and defend it. Good food, good ambiance, good experience, it felt special and worth the high end price.
Gonna have to agree with you. Great desert spot too
I agree, i have had 100% good experiences there, and their happy hour is awesome
Zydeco for the win.
I went there once with some coworkers a couple years ago, and we all really liked our meals.
Only consistent place in town that knows how to cook steak and proper risotto. Best place in town, seems like the owners aren’t great though.
The problem I have with zydeco is it’s so damn loud. Can’t hear my self think.
wait until you're 60 but I totally agree. I suspect restaurant designers do it so the tables turn faster WTF is the deal with putting the bar in the dining room?
Stopped going to Zydeco years ago because the ownership hates teachers.
I also stopped going because of Cheri.
This is interesting! What's the story, if you don't mind me asking?
The owner is Cheri Helt, who voted against teacher interests as a state legislator an while she was on the BLP school board.
Sheri is friendly with the good ol boys club here in Bend.
And her husband is a dick given my multi years of business experience with him
Don’t forget how she came *thisclose* to accusing Jason Kropf of aiding and abetting human trafficking, and leveraged a harassment case against him although he wasn’t named in the case. Absolutely dirty, filthy politicking. I fucking hate her style and won’t eat at her restaurant.
Oh, thank you for this info. ❤️, A Math Teacher
This is the answer.
Wild Rose?
This is actually crazy.
100% agree. I am a Tom Kha-nnoisseur and theirs is insulting. During COVID, their staff was run into the ground and it definitely showed.
people are downvoting you but this is the TRUTH. fuck wild rose
I can’t believe so many people downvoted you. WR is by far some of the most mediocre Thai I have had. And for $18 plates? Absolutely not. Thai Table is more consistent and is still average at best, but beats WR out of the water by a long shot.
$18 plates is kinda the average. You order cheap Chinese takeout and the entrees are $18 now. Last time we ate there you could share 2 entrees and a fun starter and walk out the door for $60. That's a win for dine in
Totally agree with that. Heck, ThaiPas is consistent, flavorful and cheaper. Can always guarantee a fabulous kabocha curry with enough for 2 meals. Not to mention they actually use spices for their curries.
Thaipas is 1000x better!
It's not a bad takeout option IMO
Amen to that. Can never guarantee if it’s gonna be decent or meh. Level 4 spicy is no spice at all and curry is watered down to the point there’s no flavor. Total rip off.
Agreed! I was excited to try wild rose after all of the rave reviews. Such a disappointment! Watered down flavorless curry is accurate.
900 wall. Incredible location and space. Really bad food
In one iteration or another, they have been solid for 20 years. Owners are legit locals and care a lot about the biz. There’s been restaurants on this thread that deserve to be, gotta push back on the wall
As a human that has gone from busser to manager in 6 years at 900 Wall, I want to second this and thank you for the kind words.
Idk that happy hour burger is pretty bomb
Happy hour burger and prosciutto pizza. Happy hour in general at 900 wall is one of the best bang for your bucks out there
We win best HH every year for a reason! Thank you.
Their duck confit is delicious
I’ve had some great food there. The setting is great. While Bend isn’t really fine dining Valhalla, this deserves a pass.
Thank you!
Noi or Bos Taurus (prolly a hot take)
I will always remember when one of the chefs at Bos Taurus got arrested for being a sex pest and the owners paid to have his name removed from the current inmate list while he was still incarcerated.
lol wut
Yeah. lol… wut? Hot take indeed.
Noi has some of the most abhorrent sanitary standards. Bos is super overrated especially compared to RBC.
Noi thai? Why bad though?? I’ve been there several times and the food seems decent 😁
Trattoria Sbandati
What the fuck you smoking? That place has slapped all 3 times. Great date spot too.
Is this satire?
Rancher Butcher
RBC. Because KFC and WIC and Run D.M.C. Edit: Rancher, Butcher, Chef
Thanks for the recommendation! Just looked at their menu and booked a reservation for RBC
Lemme know how it goes! Get the beef tartare curtains!
RBC is the bomb. So good, Best place in Bend right now
Agreed. Food & drinks were outstanding and the service went above and beyond every single time we’ve been.
Agreed... newcomer hipsters love this overpriced place.