There’s a good reason why Lifty’s restaurant and bar has an eclectic menu: Owner Chris Justema has been feeding Bend for decades and knows the diverse tastes of his patrons. He and his wife, Elizabeth, created it to be an extension of the mindset of Bend, something Justema calls, “Après anything.” Lifty’s celebrates family, community and connecting through shared passions and experiences. In fact, this is how the restaurant got its name in the first place. “I’m a die-hard skier and have been my whole life,” Justema said. “And I have a soft spot for all the lift operators who feed my passion and get zero credit.”
On any given day, patrons might be found relaxing around a firepit after burning their quads on hill repeats, tackling a mountain of nachos while watching a game on a big screen in the dining room or enjoying a drink—alcohol optional. This is exactly the point. After running Cascade Lakes Brewery, one of the first stops on the road down the hill from a ski day, for decades, Justema was ready for the next evolution with an emphasis on local favorites.
The menu reflects the broad tastes of Bend. Head Chef Alan Skelton has been given a clear mission to pull off the culinary trifecta: create unexpected whimsy, offer healthy options and absolutely nail the classics. With full autonomy to change the menu with the seasons, Skelton blends global flavors with Central Oregon favorites. “People come with different tastes, and we make sure not to stick to one type of food,” Justema said.
While the burgers, wings and salads are all well executed, Lifty’s menu stands out because of the bold, international dishes. The potstickers, for instance, balance lemongrass with savory chicken, and have a crisp crunch. Add a dip into the tangy and spicy Korean barbecue-style sauce with notes of ginger to ignite a gentle burn.
The colorful drunken noodles feature wide rice noodles tossed with peppers, onions, Thai basil and a rich, aromatic drunken sauce. The pork belly adds savory depth, but even without it, the dish would hold its own.
The Italiano sandwich is molto bene. Hot capicola and pepperoncini create a little heat between slices of airy schiacciata bread (a cross between focaccia and ciabatta). Order it with fries; they’re worth the extra calories.
Lifty’s also approaches drinks differently. Bend is a beer hotspot, and Lifty’s gives tribute to that tradition with local favorites and a rotating selection for those looking to discover something new. Justema goes a step further, paying equal attention to nonalcoholic beverages. “I feel like a lot of places ignore the NA drinker,” he said. “We want to change that. Some people still want to drink, they just don’t want the alcohol.” The result is a menu that treats NA beers, wines and mocktails with the same respect as any craft IPA or house cocktail.
Then there’s the surprise of a sand volleyball court with a very good reason for it—the Justemas are also supportive parents. Their daughter, Harper, was a competitive volleyball player in high school, and they wanted to honor her and the Bend beach volleyball tribe by giving them a place to gather and play.
While Lifty’s welcomes anyone from anywhere in need of fuel, it keeps its focus local. “We’re not in downtown, we’re off the beaten path,” said Justema. It’s a destination spot—a nice way of saying people are not likely to stumble upon it. But Lifty’s is worth seeking out, because whatever Bendites are into, this spot is up for après anything.
Learn more and see the menu at Lifty’s Restaurant, Bar, Grill and Sandbox.
More Restaurants in Bend to Check Out
