In a city that never hits the snooze button on breakfast, Bend emerges with a morning ritual that goes beyond mere sustenance. Here, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s a reboot, a delicious pact, a love language spoken through the dialect of food. And it’s totally worth getting up for. Eat some breakfast, and then change the world.
As Bend rises and shines, so does its breakfast scene, offering everything from good-for-you fuel-ups to indulgent delights and homestyle comforts.
Nourishing Nosh
Seize the day—and the spoon—with Fix & Repeat’s Acai Smoothie Bowl. This Maui-meets-Bend plant-powered energy boost is a symphony of superfoods conspiring for morning domination: sustainably sourced acai, almond milk, tart marionberries, banana, house made peanut butter and vanilla protein topped with goji granola, even more banana, berries, cacao nibs and coconut. “Fueled food heals your body faster so you can go out and repeat your life the next day,” said co-owner Leila Carter. “For us, it doesn’t get much better than knowing we’re providing something nutritious and good for people.”
Dive into the Riverside Bowl at Active Culture for a gluten- and dairy-free ode to plant-forward nourishment. A blend of organic quinoa and housemade almond milk is topped with organic granola, walnuts, banana, blueberries, local honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients take center stage in this cozy riverside hangout, where breakfast lasts all day.
Tucked away in downtown Bend, Salud is an oasis for delicious, nutritious and creative offerings. Toast isn’t just toast here; it’s a canvas. Using real, raw ingredients, Salud is the Michelangelo of gluten-free gastronomy. Whether adorned with sweet toppings such as peanut butter and fresh fruit or stacked high with savory delights like avocado, microgreens and garlicky vegan Caesar dressing, each creation promises a mouthwatering experience.
Delicious Decadence
Embark on a delectable journey at The Lemon Tree with its signature Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Benedict. This iconic dish features chunky East Coast crab mixed with herbs and finely diced vegetables from the restaurant’s small organic garden in Tumalo. Lightly seared for sublime caramelization, the crab cake rests atop a crisp toasted English muffin. Every ingredient reveals a world of flavor, from the perfectly grilled and seasoned tomato and microgreens to the creamy brown butter-infused Hollandaise sauce that adds depth and a subtle nuttiness to every sumptuous bite. The Lemon Tree’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, coupled with the passion and professionalism of an eager staff, is a true celebration of hospitality. “This is a happy, nurturing place,” co-owner and chef Betsy McDonald emphasized. “Everything is made with love.”
Blissful Spoon’s French Connection Waffle is the ticket for those craving a rendezvous with their indulgent side. Served with fresh sous-vide poached eggs, jambon de Paris (French ham), buttery rich manchego cheese and organic maple syrup, it’s a breakfast affair that oozes European sophistication, minus the pretentious vibes.
Nestled in a white picket-fenced cottage in downtown Sisters, Cottonwood Cafe serves up a PNW twist on traditional breakfast with the famous Blackstone Benny. Fresh cornmeal-crusted tomatoes, sauteed spinach, smoked bacon, poached eggs and a luscious béarnaise sauce create an elevated eating experience, Central Oregon style—where indulgence comes with a side of laid-back vibes.
Heartfelt Homestyle
Enjoy the timeless charm of McKay Cottage’s classic, love-infused twist on traditional French toast. Using locally sourced cinnamon swirl bread from Big Ed’s, the magic of Mama’s Cinnamon Toast lies in the batter—a blend of brown sugar, real vanilla bean paste and warming spices. Topped with strawberries, bananas or berries and served with fresh butter and a petite pot of real maple syrup, every bite becomes a nostalgic journey to grandma’s cozy kitchen. Don’t miss McKay’s homemade scones, a beloved breakfast staple boasting a light and flaky texture thanks to the yogurt-infused recipe. Favorite flavors include marionberry and seasonal options such as cranberry orange.
Sunriver’s Cafe Sintra pays homage to its Portuguese roots with the French Toast Trio. Chase that French toast high through soft, luscious layers of Portuguese sweet bread delicately dusted with powdered sugar. Inspired by the enchanting Portuguese town of Sintra, the menu offers fresh, homemade offerings that evoke the flavors of Europe at its downtown Bend location, too.
In the heart of Redmond, One Street Down beckons pancake enthusiasts with its love-at-first-bite Buttermilk Pancakes. This charming cottage cafe, celebrated for its artisan coffee, scratch-cooked meals and all-day breakfast menu, offers ample portions and impeccable service.
Sunrise Sips
Say “hey” to the start of a busy day with NW Raw’s Summit green smoothie—an invigorating tropical fusion of pineapple, banana, spinach, kale and coconut milk. The organic juice bar and restaurant passionately champions nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients for a wildly delicious body and mind reset.
Enjoy sunshine in a glass with refreshing cold-pressed orange juice (representing up to 15 pieces of citrus) from Mother’s Juice Cafe. The cafe has been juicing to order for more than 20 years, offering customizable fresh-pressed blends with fruits and veggies representing the best from local farms.
For a sip with some zip, the Victorian Cafe’s Proud Mary is a legendary 24-ounce Bloody Mary cocktail and a breakfast adventure in itself. With a charbroiled smokey prawn, housemade andouille sausage, a cube of pepper jack cheese and other zesty fixings, it’s a bold answer to the question, “What about a second breakfast?”
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