Whether it’s after work or après ski, Central Oregonians take happy hour seriously. There are a variety of great options, both indoor and out. Several breweries in town offer weekly “Locals’ Night” deals where you can get a pint for less than $5. Other pubs and bars have special pricing on late afternoon beverages.
On Monday, check out the crowded but convivial scene at Deschutes Brewery’s downtown location. Pints are $3.50 until 11 p.m., and it’s a great opportunity to try something new from its expansive tap selection. Be sure to check out the pub exclusives before falling back on an old favorite like its flagship beer, Black Butte Porter.
Out and about on Tuesday? Head to Bend Brewing Company, also in downtown Bend, for $2.75 pints. The winner of multiple Great American Beer Festival medals, BBC brews a variety of traditional and experimental beers and has some solid seasonal options in addition to its year-round offerings. I look forward to Scottish Heart Scotch Ale every year.
If you don’t mind braving the winter chill, then bring your mittens and head over to some other great locations.
Happiest of Hump Days are a short trip North, at Redmond’s Wild Ride Brewing where there’s $1 off select pints. Grab a bite from one of the food trucks at the adjacent pod, and cozy up to the fire pit on the patio. While most of their beers are a little on the hoppy side for me, Wild Ride’s Stand Up and Shout Stout is tasty and great on a cold day.
Thursday, Friday and any other day, try Crux or McMenamins. While service at these locations is not stellar, the ambiance and offerings do a bit to make up for this. Crux offers drink and appetizer specials during Sundowner Hour, from thirty minutes before until thirty minutes after sunset. Grab a pint and a snack from its newly revamped menu (I recommend the curds), and watch the action as the sun dips behind the Cascade Mountains. At McMenamins, you can get $3.25 pints, 3 to 6 p.m. anywhere on the property. I like to catch an early movie and score a happy hour burger and beer deal, or warm up by the fire at O’Kanes and enjoy conversation with friends over a few pints.
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