Picture yourself on a patio. There’s a tranquil river flowing along the walkway and a gentle breeze ruffling your hair. The white wine in your glass is almost as delicious as the sun on your bare shoulders, and the soft melody of an acoustic guitar ripples out over the water.

Sound dreamy?

Outdoor dining in Bend is full of dreamy deliciousness with chilled beverages, tasty bites, and views that might make you go weak in the knees. So pull up a chair next to a crackling outdoor fire pit, gather the whole family around the wooden table with killer views of the Cascade mountains, or schedule that special anniversary dinner alongside glittering views of the Deschutes River.

When the weather’s fine and the sky’s filled with endless sunshine on a warm summer day, there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal outdoors at one of Bend’s mouthwatering restaurants, food carts, breweries, breakfast spots, or kid-friendly eateries.

The Old Mill District serves up casual alfresco dining with dazzling Deschutes River views at Greg’s Grill or Anthony’s. Or wander through charming downtown and pull up a seat on the patio at Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot or Pine Tavern for fresh air, great food, and sparkling views.

No summertime visit is complete without stopping at one of Bend’s food cart pods. Choose from a wide variety of tasty meals, locally crafted beverages, and plenty of picnic tables in the sun. With so many delicious options to choose from in one spot, the whole gang will find something to satisfy their cravings.

Snowy days and chilly weather doesn’t keep us from indulging outside. Stop by several eateries in Bend that offer outdoor seating even when the temps drop. You’ll find fire pits and heated lamps at restaurants like Crux Fermentation Project, Bend Brewing, or Anthony’s in the Oldmill District. You and yours can watch the snow quietly fall while staying warm and spirited with a hot apres-ski beverage or a heaping hot bowl of chili and a thick dark beer. Yum!

Want to skip the restaurant scene? Fill your picnic basket at Newport Market, then head for one of more than 80 parks in the Bend city limits.