A Longtime Favorite Gets A Refresh

The transformation of the long-beloved Barrio into its stylish successor, Bar Rio, is complete and its doors in downtown Bend are now open. Owners Steven and Amy Draheim have curated a menu that celebrates the colorful and diverse flavors of Spain, Israel and Mexico.

Fresh Design

The cultural tapestry also influences the restaurant’s updated interior design. Thanks to the creative teams at LRS Architects and interior designer Trisha Plass, the fresh, soothing blues, Alhambra-inspired tiles and chic light fixtures brilliantly combine Mediterranean aesthetics with contemporary details.

Novel Menu Keeps Beloved Classics

Beyond the visual updates, Bar Rio’s chefs have also switched up their menu offerings, transitioning away from the original full menu towards a curated selection of tapas and cocktails. But die-hard Barrio fans will be happy to know that many of the original favorites are still available.

The jibaritos are one such nostalgic tribute, succulent pork carnitas or grilled yam piled on top of sweet fried plantains, which are then topped with Tajin and served with creamy guacamole. The patatas bravas are also still on the menu, crisp potatoes drizzled with tomato and verde sauces, Calabrian aioli and fresh herbs.

A highlight of the meal was the grilled green beans, tastefully charred with a Reserva Jerez vinaigrette and accompanied by almond slivers and crispy jamón. For a more hearty dish, try the shareable paella with saffron-infused rice, chorizo and a choice of chicken or shrimp. Use warm bread or tortillas to scoop flavorful bites.

Tasty Treats and Colorful Cocktails

The classic Spanish favorite of churros and chocolate makes for a sweet finish. Be sure to imbibe in one of the menu’s refreshing cocktails alongside your tapas. The Chavurah, a blend of jalapeño tequila, pomegranate lime and cardamom syrup, is a nod to both Mexican and Israeli flavors. Meanwhile, the Sunny Day on The Rim is a refreshing blend of vodka, pressed cucumber, lime and grapefruit bitters.

Bar Rio’s fusion of global fare, tasty libations and colorful design is the perfectly fun evolution for one of Bend’s most popular restaurants. Whether you sip margaritas on the beautiful back patio, slide up to the bar or cozy into one of its booths, Bar Rio is a festive option for drinks and nibbles in downtown Bend.

915 NW Wall St, Bend, OR | barriobend.com

Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Click here to read more about our local food and restaurant scene.

Nestled along the scenic shores of Suttle Lake, the Boathouse at Suttle Lake Lodge is the perfect destination for a relaxing late lunch, capping off a day of lake activities and shoreline lounging. Situated in the Deschutes National Forest, just a forty-minute drive from Bend, this seasonal gem is a quintessential summertime retreat.

Initially built in 1925, the lodge property underwent a remarkable transformation when it was acquired by the team behind Portland’s Ace Hotel in 2016. While retaining its nostalgic charm, the Boathouse now boasts contemporary flair and the ambiance of an elevated summer camp. The culinary offerings and cocktail menus have also evolved, rivaling those of trendy Portland bars and surpassing expectations for a typical lakeside lodge.

 

 

Overlooking the lake, the Boathouse’s waterside deck provides a delightful setting. Here, children jump from the docks, kayakers embark on leisurely lake tours and dogs splash in the water. Inside, the Boathouse exudes a bright and airy atmosphere. Guests can easily stock up on grab-and-go provisions to enjoy the lakeside. Or, for a full meal, head to the convenient walk-up counter, manned by a welcoming and attentive staff. The efficiency of the service ensures that diners can savor their meals without unnecessary delays, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Under the guidance of Joshua McFadden, a renowned Portland chef, the Boathouse offers a simple and curated menu with inventive twists. We decided to indulge in the delicious Fish and Chip Sandwich and Cold Sesame Noodles during our visit. To complement our meal, we opted for two of the menu’s specialty cocktails: the refreshing Lawn Margarita and the invigorating Frozen Pump, a tasty concoction of vodka, grapefruit, cappelletti and lemon.

 

 

Choosing to sit at the inviting picnic tables on the lush lawn above the Boathouse, we were greeted by the gentle sway of towering pine trees and a cool summer breeze that offered respite from the heat. From this elevated vantage point, we enjoyed a view of the shimmering lake and the swimmers in the distance.

A standout dish at the Boathouse is undoubtedly the Fish and Chip Sandwich. The perfectly fried, chip-crusted trout filet nestled between a soft potato bun, accompanied by tangy tartar sauce, pickles and crisp iceberg lettuce, created just the right balance of textures and flavors.

The Cold Sesame Noodles were equally impressive, bursting with flavor. A harmonious blend of delicate sesame-infused noodles, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of crispy chili oil resulted in a bright and refreshing dish with just the right amount of spicy kick.

The Boathouse at Suttle Lake Lodge, with its stunning lakeside location, exceptional dishes and welcoming atmosphere, is a secluded treasure and a must-visit for those seeking an idyllic summertime retreat.

13300 US-20, Sisters, OR | 541-638-7001

thesuttlelodge.com/the-boathouse/

---

Click here to read more about our local food and restaurant scene.