Not Your Grandma’s Meatloaf
Comfort food is more than what’s on the plate—it’s an open door, a shared table, the sense of being welcomed and well-fed. A little messy, never too serious. In Bend, a few new spots are spinning this familiar joy into the kind of food that scoots out a chair, sets down a plate and says, “Stay a while.”
‘Wich Doctor Sandwich Co.: All the Good Stuff in One Bite
For Cody and Brenda Gimbel, making a sandwich is more like casting a spell. Cody, a seasoned chef obsessed with flavor fusion, is always chasing the challenge of “How can I turn this into a sandwich?” The result is a menu that feels like a greatest-hits playlist of comfort food. This food truck-turned-sandwich lab on Bend’s west side churns out bold bites such as The Linda, a riff on the Cubano that throws tradition out the window, swapping out the usual pork and ham for applewood-smoked chicken and chili-citrus braised thighs, all slathered in lime aioli, then piled with pickled peppers and Swiss cheese. The wildly popular Cedar Street is inspired by the British cheese-and-pickle classic—only at ‘Wich Doctor, it’s roasted tri-tip, homemade shallot jam, Irish cheddar and a punch of arugula, piled on crusty ciabatta from M’s Bakery.
While ‘Wich Doctor’s foundation menu stays mostly the same, winter brings new warmth to the mix with heartier sides such as poutine and specials like the Black Sheep, featuring tangy black vinegar-braised lamb and local greens. Every sandwich feels like a childhood memory—familiar but full of surprises. “If it doesn’t bring comfort and joy in equal measure, it’s not going on the menu,” said Brenda.
Hasta Que Olvidemos: Bringing Wine and Oysters Down From Their Pedestals
At Hasta Que Olvidemos (“Until We Forget”), co-owners Brian and Ashley Trottier have made it clear: Wine should be for everyone. “It’s supposed to be a drink of the people, not a luxury,” Brian said, and their Napa wines and vermouths—crafted by longtime friend Tim Colla—are served from taps without a single Wine Spectator score in sight. Here, labels don’t matter, but flavor does. It’s wine without the fuss, served up in a space that’s more old-soul hideaway than wine bar—soft candlelight, ‘60s Samba spinning in the background and just enough room to get lost in conversation (and a bit of oyster brine).
The menu takes food from a fancy realm and brings it back down to earth. Fresh Pacific oysters are hand-shucked until closing, mingling on the menu with simple bites like caviar, sardines and olives. Ashley’s spontaneous daily specials, whipped up whenever inspiration strikes, are a lucky find for anyone who happens to wander in. From oysters and champagne to chips, dip and a glass of vermouth, Olvidemos on Bend’s lively Galveston Avenue, is an invitation to come as you are and happily lose track of time.
Americana Burgers: For When You Just Really Want a Burger
At Americana Burgers in Bend’s Podski food truck pod, Joseph and Olivia Franco keep it simple and satisfying. “Food should be affordable for families, not $100 for a meal,” insists Olivia. Their OG burger—two patties smashed into a smoking-hot grill, seared to crispy perfection on one side while the other side stays juicy under a blanket of melty American cheese—is piled with shredded lettuce, caramelized onions and a swipe of secret sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Americana’s fries are already the stuff of legend, often referred to as the best in town. Cooked in lard, they’re served golden and hot for that seductive combo of sizzle and salt.
Americana isn’t a food truck with fancy frills—the food speaks for itself. A burger is just a burger, and that’s the best part. Fans will soon be able to sink their teeth into a perfectly smashed burger at Americana’s new downtown brick-and-mortar location. The restaurant will offer its beloved classics—The OG, The Popper and The BBQ—plus a winter-ready tomato soup that pairs perfectly with a gooey twice-grilled cheese sandwich.
Read more about the dining scene in Bend, Oregon | See the Bend Dining Guide | Savor Magazine
