Sen Thai Noodles and Hot Pot - Troy’s pick
Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot is a riverside Thai restaurant known for its flavorful noodle dishes and interactive hot pot dining experience. Located in downtown Bend with views along the Deschutes River, it combines Thai street-food style noodles with rich, customizable hot pot broths and a menu that includes everything from classic pad Thai to unique regional specialties. Diners often note the inviting ambiance, friendly service, and variety of options (everything from vegetarian choices to shareable hot pots), making it a popular spot for lunch and dinner.
4-minute drive, 0.9 miles from Bend Riverside
Address: 69 NW Newport Ave Suite 100, Bend, OR 97703
Phone: (541) 385-6479
Website: https://senhotpot.com/
La Rosa - Joe’s pick
La Rosa brings a vibrant modern twist to Mexican flavors in Bend’s Northwest Crossing neighborhood. Awarded multiple times for Bend’s Best Margarita and Best Mexican Restaurant, it serves fresh, authentic dishes using top-quality vegetables, seafood, meats, and spices. The menu highlights favorites like street tacos, ceviche, enchiladas, fajitas, and creamy seafood stews.
9 minute drive, 3.1 miles from Bend Riverside
Address: 2763 NW Crossing Dr, Bend, OR 97703
Phone: (541) 647‑1624
Website: larosabend.com
El Sancho - Sierra’s pick
El Sancho is a go-to for bold, no-frills Mexican street food in a laid-back, colorful setting. What started as a food cart has grown into two taco shops in Bend, both known for flavorful fillings like barbacoa, chipotle chicken, and roasted mushrooms. Everything is made from scratch, and the house margaritas (especially the pineapple-serrano) are worth the trip on their own.
6 minutes, 1.5 miles from Bend Riverside
Address: 335 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, OR
Phone: (541) 312-2022
Website: https://www.elsanchobend.com
Wildwood - Brandi's pick
Tucked into the historic Box Factory, Wildwood Bar & Grill is a laid-back local favorite where hearty, eclectic grub meets handcrafted cocktails and a lively vibe. Locals and visitors alike show up for casual meals like Buddha bowls, hot dogs, falafel, and other approachable fare alongside a full bar with fun drinks. The space often doubles as an entertainment hub with live music and social events that give it a relaxed, welcoming feel.
7-minute drive, 1.4 miles from Bend Riverside
Address: 550 SW Industrial Way #120, Bend, OR
Phone: (541) 593-6138
Website: https://wildwoodbendoregon.com/
Pastini - Rhiannon's pick
Pastini is a warm, unpretentious Italian spot in the Old Mill District that’s been a Bend favorite for classic pasta and rustic Italian-Americana fare with a Northwest twist. Perched along the Deschutes River with indoor and patio seating, it’s a go-to for everything from carbonara and shrimp scampi to hearty lasagnas, fresh salads, and antipasti, all paired with a thoughtful wine list or a local craft brew.
8-minute drive, 2.8 miles from Bend Riverside
Address: 375 SW Powerhouse Dr #3436, Bend, OR 97702
Phone: (541) 749-1060
Website: https://www.pastini.com/
Spork - Holley’s pick
Spork is a local favorite, known for its bold, globally inspired dishes and cozy ambiance. Originally a food truck, it now operates just outside downtown Bend in a bright, modern space with indoor and patio seating. The menu blends flavors from Asia, Latin America, and beyond—think coconut curry, fried rice, and smoky pork tacos—with plenty of options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners.
6 minutes, 1.3 miles from Bend Riverside
Address: 937 NW Newport Ave #130, Bend, OR 97703
Phone: (541) 390-0946
Website: https://www.sporkbend.com
