In celebration of its tremendous 50-year anniversary milestone, Riverhouse Lodge in Bend has undertaken the largest renovation in the hotel’s history.
Improvements include upgrades to all 221 rooms, many with beautiful riverfront views and gas fire pits on their patios. Interior design changes with an outdoor recreation theme and exciting upgrades for resident restaurant and bar, Currents.
As a Bend centralized location, Riverhouse Lodge serves as an ideal launch pad for all of the fun and tasty adventures during your stay. From the new menu at Currents to relaxing on your room’s balcony, you can enjoy scenic views from anywhere at the hotel.
Here, we’ll share new amenities and experiences, including places to dine out during your staycation at Riverhouse Lodge.
Staycation at Riverhouse Lodge
Room upgrades, expertly curated in collaboration with Echo Marie Studio, are rooted in the Bend exploration lifestyle. Its new design draws inspiration from the lodge’s idyllic riverside setting and mountainous energy. Moreover, these upgrades take on an urban modernity while highlighting the rustic outdoor recreational vibe.
New upgrades include:
- Outdoor lounge areas throughout the property
- Family-style rooms with bunk beds
- Outdoor fire pits in select rooms
- Lounge and living space
- Work-from-vacation desks
Fuel Up for Adventure
With so many outdoor adventures in Central Oregon, you’ll want to first fill up your fuel tank—your stomach, that is! Bend and Central Oregon are known for a diverse selection of food trucks, breweries, and dining establishments throughout the region.
However, knowing where to kick off your morning will ensure a day chock full of outdoor recreational enjoyment. From fast-casual breakfasts to a sit-and-stay dining experience, check out these three breakfast options in Bend at or near Riverhouse Lodge.
Breakfast at Currents
Riverhouse Lodge’s resident restaurant, Currents, offers a remarkable new patio and menu just in time for summer. When you’re looking to sit down for breakfast or brunch, Currents is the spot to go. After all, it’s just steps away from your guest room!
Their staff is highly knowledgeable of the new menu and can comfortably answer questions and offer recommendations.
Breakfast and brunch standout starts include the following:
- Scratch-made biscuits: warm and fluffy inside, with a nice outer crunch and buttery flavor.
- Slow roasted Beef Brisket Hash: loaded with onion, bell pepper, potato, kale, poached eggs, a yummy horseradish cream, and scallion.
- House-Cured Back Bacon and Currents Breakfast Potatoes: wonderful additions as a side or for the table to share!
Of course, you can enjoy classic brunch cocktails like Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Breakfast at Sparrow
When you want something quicker than a sit-down brunch, but not as quick as a grab-and-go, head to Sparrow Bakery. This iconic Bend bakery has been making waves in Central Oregon since 2006. Moreover, visitors flock to Sparrow to get a taste of their famous ocean roll pastry.
Grabbing breakfast at Sparrow is simple: place your order at the counter, find a seat inside or on the outdoor patio, and enjoy as much as you’d like in-house.
Want to take that breakfast sandwich to go? No problem! Almost all of Sparrow’s menu items are easily consumed on the run.
Still, there are a few menu items that one must try when visiting Sparrow.
Here are a few favorites:
- Ocean roll: the most popular pastry, filled with cardamom and vanilla sugar, all wrapped up in croissant dough.
- Breakfast sandwich: this savory sando comes on a fresh croissant with poached egg, arugula aioli, and avocado. Choose between bacon or havarti cheese for your protein.
- Beignets: a spin on the classic, these beignets are made with pâte à choux batter for a lighter texture and served with creme anglaise for dipping.
- Fresh grapefruit: with all of these amazing, yet rich, options, a side of grapefruit is quite refreshing. Crack into the brûlée of sugar for a citrusy treat!
Sparrow Bakery, in the heart of Northwest Crossing, is only ten minutes from Riverhouse Lodge. And, it’s on the way to many local attractions like Tumalo Falls, Skyliner Lodge, and Shevlin Park where you can enjoy a day hike in Bend.
Breakfast at Burrito Sunrise
When you want to grab and go, Burrito Sunrise is your spot. Not only will these hearty breakfast burritos satisfy your appetite, but they’ll also keep you satiated and fueled all day.
Located near Downtown Bend on Greenwood Ave, this bright yellow food truck is hard to miss. Serving loaded California-style breakfast burritos, you’ll have more than enough “fuel” for your day of exploring Bend.
Featuring six staple burritos and rotating specials, all burritos can come as an omelette-style bowl
Here’s what customers are loving at Burrito Sunrise:
- The Hog: Ham and bacon, scrambled egg, hash browns, sour cream, cheddar, grilled bell pepper and onion, and salsa verde.
- The Supreme: This highly regarded recommendation features pasilla and guajillo chile-infused ground beef in addition to all of the fixings.
While this on-the-go breakfast burrito cart is a popular spot, your wait is sure to be short. After all, there’s a reason why Burrito Sunrise was voted “Best Breakfast Burrito” by The Source Weekly!
Lunch at The Podski
Looking for a spot to break from exploring? Visit The Podski food cart lot near Bend’s Box Factory. Just minutes from Riverhouse Lodge, The Podski offers a diverse selection of food carts, indoor-outdoor tap house, and picnic table seating.
Some lunchtime options include:
- Americana Burger: one of the best smash burgers in Bend! Choose between the classics or go for one of their outlandish daily specials. And, gluten-free buns are available!
- Toasty: this plant-based food cart is well known for its vegan spin on a Taco Bell favorite—the crunch wrap supreme. Using cashew queso and cashew-based sour creams, you’ll never guess it’s vegan!
- Mother Shuckers: not your typical food cart offering, Mother Shuckers has some of the best oysters in town. Go for the combo platter, with various oysters served on the half-shell with champagne mignonette.
Date Night Near Riverhouse Lodge
A staycation in Bend isn’t complete without a date night out on the town. With its growing wine scene and expansion of wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and farm-to-table experiences, Bend offers a selection of date night destinations for an evening to remember.
Wine Tasting at Domaine Serene
If you’re looking for an unforgettable wine and dine experience, head to America’s most-awarded winery right here in Central Oregon. Domaine Serene Wine Lounge offers pours, tastings, and sips from their Oregon and Burgundy-grown varietals.
Upon arrival, request a tour of the historical Downtown Bend building that homes Domaine Serene. Explore its dynamic modern remodel of the lava rock-lined basement speakeasy, formerly part of the Bend underground tunnel system.
Start with a pour of their flagship Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir, and follow with recommendations by one of their Sommeliers. Snack on Shigoku oysters on the half shell or the citrus cured hamachi crudo. You can’t go wrong with the charcuterie plate, and the Lyonnaise salad is a fabulous share plate before dinner.
Whether you’re craving a full dining experience or prefer a multi-destination excursion with a quick sip and bite, Domaine Serene is a fantastic choice. Additionally, Domaine Serene makes a great spot for a nightcap in front of their roaring double-sided fireplace or cozied up at the bar.
Dinner at Dear Irene
Since its launch in summer 2023, Dear Irene has quickly established itself as one of the hottest restaurant destinations in Central Oregon. As one of the anchors of Downtown Bend’s expanding Brooks Alley, Dear Irene’s 21-and-over dining and cocktail lounge delivers a dining experience that’s as exciting as its avant-garde-esque design.
Seasoned and highly talented Chef Jonny Becklund and wife Irene wanted to launch a concept inspired by their wealth of experiences and world travels. Their mission is simple: “to provide a dining experience that delights and surprises from the first visit to the final bite.” And, it certainly does.
The best way to experience Dear Irene is to share. While each seasonal dish is a standout in its own right, these plates are considerably high on our list:
- Oregon Dungeness Crab Arancini: hand-picked crab, arborio rice, Calabrian chili lemon aioli, parmesan, topped with chives.
- Taleggio Grilled Cheese & Duck Egg: constructed on Sparrow Bakery Sourdough bread, melty taleggio cheese, a rich duck egg, and black truffle honey.
Perhaps their two most notable entrees, and local’s faves are the Short Ribs and Seared Diver Scallops, both of which are rich and decadent enough to savor with the table. Signature cocktail, Dear Irene, offers an elegant spin on a dirty martini. And, for a really memorable experience, add an Osetra caviar “bump” to your cocktail.
Dinner at Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge
The newest and hippest dining experience in Bend is happening at Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge. This much-anticipated restaurant is the creation of celebrity Chef and Top Chef Masters alum, Brian Malarkey.
Here, you’ll find an elevated cowboy theme with a glamping vibe. This immaculately designed space brings a casual elegance to Bend, including its western-themed cocktails and steak-forward menu.
Sip: start with a watermelon moonshine or fancied-up Old Fashioned, the Doc Holliday.
Start: share plates like Oregon bay shrimp cocktail toast, Oregon beef tartare, and beef tongue tostadas.
Savor: go all-in with a 32 oz. Porterhouse, or share a bone-in ribeye with sides like crispy loaded potato and bone marrow gravy.
Sweet tooth: you can’t go wrong with a cast iron pineapple upside-down cake or an Oregon berries pie with honey lavender ice cream.
If you’re looking for an experience, Hawk & Huck is the place to visit. Its lively atmosphere, paired with flawlessly curated plates and cocktails, makes it one of the best places to visit in Bend.
Nightcap at Riverhouse Lodge
Regardless of where you dine out, you can always end the evening at Currents. Sip on a Mezcal Negroni or Aperol punch for a nightcap while roasting s’mores on the outdoor patio. Then, relax in front of your riverfront patio on the deck at Currents while getting roasty and toasty.
Outdoor Adventures in Bend
As one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, with the awards to prove it, Riverhouse Lodge offers a pet-friendly stay for all guests. After all, your dog needs a vacation, too! Explore the Deschutes River on a paddleboard with your best furry friend, or visit a dog-friendly brewery or food cart lot.
Seasonally, you can enjoy nearby golf courses and the lodge’s outdoor pool. Explore Bend’s hiking trails, or check the lodge’s calendar for seasonal resort activities.
During cold months, soak in the year-round heated indoor pool or hot tub. What’s better, Riverhouse Lodge offers a free local shuttle upon request, so you can explore Bend without a vehicle.
Plan a Staycation at Riverhouse Lodge
Undoubtedly, Riverhouse Lodge offers an incredible staycation or place to call home for a Bend vacation. Between its indoor and outdoor amenities, robust dining options, nearby adventures, and cozy new upgrades, it has it all.
Drift off to the sounds of the river rapids outside your guest room, and spend your mornings around your private fire pit with a coffee in hand. Take a break from the screens and take in the sounds of nearby nature. As they say, the best way to recharge is to unplug.
Plan your staycation with Riverhouse Lodge here.
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