Nightcap Recap: Riverside S’mores & Cocktails at the Riverhouse

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By Jon Jones

When you think of core summer memories, you might imagine roasting s’mores over an open fire while camping near the water. Now, you can experience an elevated iteration of this outdoor pastime at Currents at the Riverhouse.

Recently, I had the opportunity to “staycation” at the newly-renovated Riverhouse in Bend, soon-to-be Riverhouse Lodge. Here, I enjoyed “adult s’mores” and late-night cocktails on the patio. Picture the tides of the Deschutes setting the background for this incredible evening.

man holds a cocktail in front of a fire pit at riverhouse in bend
Photo @thebendfoodie

Recent renovations at Currents at the Riverhouse in Bend have transformed the patio into a vibrant and inviting space. Updates include expanded dining and lounge areas, modern furniture, and an irresistible new menu. Whether a Riverhouse guest or local seeking a nightcap, s’mores and cocktails at Currents should be on your list. Here’s why!

Adult S’mores

If you haven’t spent time on their restaurant patio in the evening, it’s a fond and memorable occasion; there’s really nothing like it in Bend. We made reservations for our s’mores kit in advance, and they were delivered tableside by our firepit.

S’mores kits include marshmallows and toasting sticks, chocolate rounds, graham crackers, and fresh strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

tray of s'mores offerings
Photo @thebendfoodie

The excitement of elevated s’mores roasting incited childhood nostalgia, reminiscent of outdoor camping adventures with a grownup twist. And, the inclusion of fruit was a welcome variety of ingredient options, which made for a fun way to choose your own flavor experience!

Dining Along the Deschutes

After enjoying a fantastic, thematically themed coursed dinner at Currents, we decided to unwind alongside the firepits. We opted for the wood-fired flames for a genuine roasting experience.

Envision a relaxing evening on their modern outdoor patio space, seated in their signature orange Adirondack chairs while cozied up to one of their warm and inviting fire pits. Here, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Deschutes River, streaming with the idyllic sounds of the humming rapids. Lit only by lanterns and string lights, the warm amber glow frames the ambiance throughout the deck.

orange adirondack chairs in front of riverhouse hotel fire pit
Photo @thebendfoodie

Nestled into an urban nature setting, the dark sky freckles with bright stars on a comfortably warm Bend evening. Nearby, the crackling of wood burns while orange and yellow streaks flicker against the backdrop of the river.

Nightcap at Riverhouse on the Deschutes

With a brilliant and mood-setting glow, the smell and haze of the smoke beckons a fond reminder of the adventurous spirit of the Oregon outdoors. After all, who doesn’t love a good s’mores experience? Toasting marshmallows to a melty golden brown, paired with a bite of rich chocolate, and further enhanced with fresh Oregon berries.

Truly, a fortuitous after-dinner treat to unwind only steps from a cozy Riverhouse guest suite. Now, what better way to round out an adult s’mores excursion than with aptly paired cocktails?

cocktail in front of a gas lit fire pit
Photo @thebendfoodie

My drink of choice, befitting a late evening, is the classic espresso martini. Slightly sweet and abundantly rich, this creamy cocktail offers an indulgence that only s’mores could match.

However, If you prefer to skip the evening coffee buzz, consider their Mid-Century cocktail featuring rye whiskey, honey syrup, Lillet Rouge, and bitters. Additionally, the Mezcal Negroni, which comes with mezcal, Campari, and Cocchi Americano, lends an enjoyable smokiness and citrus nuance to the palate.

Staycation at Riverhouse in Bend

Whether visiting, enjoying a staycation, or looking for a cozy and unique riverside nightcap, the firepit s’mores excursion at Currents is a must-try. With a newly revamped setting and inviting atmosphere, it captures the essence of outdoor dining in the Pacific Northwest.

patio along the deschutes river at currents restaurant at riverhouse in bend
Riverhouse in Bend: Courtesy Riverhouse Lodge

Assemble your posse, plan your date night, and prepare for a memorable s’mores and nightcap at the Riverhouse. S’mores on the Currents patio is open to all, and reservations are encouraged. Call ahead to secure your s’mores platter and see why this new Riverhouse experience is a local and foodie favorite.

Author

  • Jon Jones

    Jon Jones, aka "The Bend Foodie," has lived in Central Oregon for over 25 years and has a background in the restaurant review space. His work includes writing for publications like Bend Magazine, The Source Weekly, Issue Magazine, and The Eat Guide. Jon owns Upper Left Digital Media, a Bend based marketing company with a focus on local, small to mid-sized businesses.

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Nancy Patterson of Eat Drink Bend takes a picture of beer on a table outside in Bend, Oregon.
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