Ultimate Guide to Breweries in Bend & Central Oregon

Updated 12/16/25

Look, we all know Bend is practically synonymous with craft beer. It’s no secret that Bend and Central Oregon are home to some of the best craft beer in the country. From the OGs who put us on the map to the small-batch nano-breweries popping up in Redmond and Sisters, the variety here is unmatched.

We wanted to make navigating the scene easy. Check out the interactive map below to plan your route, then use the filters further down to find the specific vibe, beer style, or amenities you’re looking for. Grab a glass and stay awhile.

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How to Do Bend Beer Right: A Local’s Guide

You’ve got the map, but how do you actually tackle the scene without getting overwhelmed? Here is the lowdown on trekking the trail, getting around safely, and finding the best spots for every season.

Tackle the Bend Ale Trail™

If you are competitive (or just like free stuff), you need to get on the Bend Ale Trail. It’s the largest beer trail in the West, divided into seven distinct "territories" ranging from the Old Mill District out to Redmond and Sisters.

  • The Passport: You can grab a classic paper passport at the Bend Visitor Center downtown, or use the web-based app on your phone (no download required) to check in digitally.

  • The Prizes: Trekking pays off. You earn a prize for completing a specific territory, and a "Grand Champion" prize if you conquer all seven.

  • Designated Drivers: We take safety seriously here. Designated Drivers can stamp their own section of the passport and earn a special prize just for getting the crew home safe.

Getting Around Safely

Bend is spread out. While you can easily walk between the downtown breweries (like Deschutes, Bend Brewing Co., and Silver Moon), you will need wheels to get to the Eastside or Redmond.

  • Ride Share: Uber and Lyft are plentiful in town and usually the easiest option.

  • The Bend Trolley & Brew Buses: For a classic experience, look up The Bend Trolley or Wanderlust Tours (who run the "Local Pour" tour). They handle the driving so you can focus on the tasting.

  • Shuttles: If you are heading up to Mt. Bachelor, the shuttle often drops you right near a few Westside breweries for apres-ski.

Drink Beyond the IPA

Yes, Bend is famous for the West Coast IPA (and you should absolutely drink them), but the scene has evolved.

  • Sours & Wild Ales: Check out The Ale Apothecary for wild-fermented beers aged in the woods (literally), or Boss Rambler for fruity, modern sours.

  • Lagers: Craving something crispy? Van Henion Brewing specializes in European-style lagers that are perfect for a hot high-desert day.

  • Belgians: Monkless Belgian Ales focuses exclusively on traditional Belgian styles—expect high ABVs and complex flavors.

A Brewery for Every Season

  • Summer Lawn Life: When the sun is out, we head for the grass. Crux Fermentation Project has a massive lawn for sunset watching (locals call it "Sundowner Hour"), and GoodLife Brewing practically lives on its grassy outdoor stage.

  • Winter Fire Pits: When the snow falls, we head for the fire. McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a maze of cozy bars and hidden rooms, while places like Crosscut (a tap house) keep the fires roaring outside.

Dining: Food Carts vs. Pubs

Almost every brewery in Bend either has a full kitchen or a dedicated "pod" of food trucks, so you don't need to make separate dinner reservations.

  • Food Truck Meccas: Bevel Craft Brewing, Spider City, and Riverbend Brewing are surrounded by some of the best food carts in town.

  • Classic Pub Grub: 10 Barrel and Deschutes are legendary for their scratch-made pub burgers and pizzas.

The "Best of" Bend Brewery Cheat Sheet

The Beer Calendar in Bend

When to Visit: A Beer Calendar

  • Sept-Oct (Fresh Hop Season): This is the holy grail of PNW beer. Because we are so close to the hop farms, Bend breweries release "Fresh Hop" beers (brewed with hops picked that same morning) for a few fleeting weeks.

  • November (Bend Ale Trail Month): The crowds thin out, and the prizes get bigger. Visit in November to score exclusive trophies and extra swag for completing your passport.

  • February (Stout Month): Embrace the dark side. Breweries release their barrel-aged stouts, porters, and heavy hitters to warm you up after a powder day at Mt. Bachelor.

  • May (Bend Brews & Beyond): The unofficial kickoff to summer beer drinking, featuring craft producers from all over the state.

The "Non-Beer" Drinker Guide

Not into Beer? We Got You. Don't let the name "Beer Town USA" fool you.

  • Cider: Avid Cider Co. in the Old Mill offers a full lineup of dry, semi-sweet, and fruit-forward ciders.

  • Gluten-Free: Ground Breaker (found on tap at many local spots) and dedicated GF options at places like Deschutes (who often carry GF guest taps).

  • Kombucha: Bend is home to Humm Kombucha. You can find it on tap almost everywhere, or visit their taproom for experimental flavors you can't buy in bottles.

The O.G.s vs. The New Wave

The O.G.s vs. The New Wave

  • The Legends: It started in 1988 with Deschutes Brewery. Then came Bend Brewing Co. (1995) and Cascade Lakes. These spots built the foundation of the scene.

  • The New School: The scene never stops growing. Check out Van Henion (masters of Lager), Spider City (woman-owned and awesome), and Funky Fauna (bringing artisan ales to the outlying areas).

FAQs - Bend Breweries

How many breweries are actually in Bend?

It depends on exactly where you draw the line, but there are over 30 breweries in the Central Oregon region. Because new projects open frequently (and some favorite spots have multiple locations), the number is always shifting, but you could visit a new spot every day for a month and arguably not hit them all.

Can I bring my dog to breweries in Bend?

In most cases, yes! Bend is incredibly dog-friendly, and almost every brewery with an outdoor patio welcomes well-behaved pups on leashes. Some spots, like Crux Fermentation Project and GoodLife Brewing, have massive grassy lawns perfect for dogs. Just remember that health codes generally prohibit dogs from being inside the actual taproom where beer is poured, so plan for patio weather if you are bringing your furry friend.

Are Bend breweries kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The "Bend style" is very family-oriented. You will frequently see families at breweries, especially in the early evenings. Places like Crux, 10 Barrel, and Deschutes are known for being particularly accommodating with kid-friendly food menus and loud, lively atmospheres where a toddler making noise isn't a dealbreaker. Many spots with outdoor lawns also offer plenty of space for kids to wiggle around safely.

What is the Bend Ale Trail and how does it work?

The Bend Ale Trail is the largest beer trail in the West. It is divided into seven "territories" that cover everything from downtown Bend to Redmond and Sisters. You participate by collecting stamps—either in a paper passport (available at the Bend Visitor Center) or via the free web-based app. If you complete a specific territory, you earn a prize (like a custom taster glass), and if you conquer all seven territories, you get the "Grand Champion" prize.

Do I need a designated driver for the Ale Trail?

We highly recommend it, and the program actually rewards them. The Bend Ale Trail has a specific "Designated Driver" section in the passport. If a DD collects stamps for safely transporting the crew, they can redeem their passport for a special non-alcoholic prize.

I don’t drink beer (or I’m gluten-free). Are there options for me in and around Bend?

Yes. For gluten-free drinkers, Avid Cider Co. in the Old Mill District is a safe haven with naturally gluten-free ciders. Many breweries also carry guest ciders, wines, or hard seltzers. If you are avoiding alcohol entirely, the "N/A" (non-alcoholic) movement is huge here. Most breweries now offer high-quality non-alcoholic IPAs, kombucha on tap, or craft sodas like the famous Crater Lake Root Beer.

Do Bend breweries serve food, or is it just popcorn?

You won't go hungry. Almost every brewery in Bend operates as a full-service restaurant or hosts a dedicated "pod" of food trucks on-site. You can find everything from wood-fired pizza and elk burgers to vegan bowls and sushi. You generally do not need to plan a separate dinner stop; the brewery food here is often just as highly rated as the beer.