With over 30 breweries packed into a town of just 110,000 people, Bend has one of the highest breweries-per-capita ratios in the country. Whether you’re a hophead, a sour lover, or a stout devotee, there’s a taproom in Bend that’s basically been waiting for you.
The Pioneers
It all started with Deschutes Brewery back in 1988, when a small brewpub opened on Bond Street in downtown Bend. Fast-forward to today, and Deschutes is one of the largest craft breweries in the nation — but they’ve never lost that Central Oregon soul. Their Mirror Pond Pale Ale remains a local staple.
The Innovators
Crux Fermentation Project, tucked beneath the Cascade peaks on the south side of town, is where Bend’s beer scene gets experimental. With two dozen beers on tap at any given time, Crux pushes boundaries with wild ales, barrel-aged projects, and seasonal releases that keep locals coming back.
Then there’s Boneyard Beer, known for RPM IPA — one of the most beloved IPAs in the Pacific Northwest. What started in a tiny garage has grown into a Bend institution.
The New Guard
The newest wave of Bend breweries includes spots like Terranaut Beer, which burst onto the scene and quickly earned the title of 2025 Small Brewery of the Year at the Oregon Beer Awards. Their taproom is already a local favorite.
The Bend Ale Trail
If you really want to explore the scene, grab a Bend Ale Trail passport. Launched in 2010 as the first beer trail in the West, it now covers over 30 breweries and tasting rooms across seven territories. Collect stamps, earn prizes, and discover your new favorite pour along the way.
Cheers to living in a town where “just grabbing a beer” is practically a cultural event.