Where to GO! in Central Oregon for a breakfast sandwich or bagel

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 16, 2019

Central Oregonians who enjoy starting their day with a bagel and a schmear voted Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge as Where to GO! for a breakfast sandwich or bagel.

Rockin’ Dave’s, which added a lounge and restaurant in 2016, offers 16 flavors of New York-style boiled bagels made daily by hand. “They’re the only boiled bagels in Bend,” according to daytime manager Cayla Clark.

“I think the bagels are the best in town for sure,” Clark said. “We get approval from legit New Yorkers.”

Bagel toppings include fresh-ground peanut butter, hummus and about 10 cream cheese options, including spicy jalapeño, seasonal berries and Dijon horseradish. You can also pile on the protein with Rockin’ Dave’s pastrami and pork belly. The meats are smoked at the restaurant. For $1 more, add local eggs to a breakfast sandwich. Dine-in customers know their food is ready when someone calls the iconic rock band the customers have been assigned, such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

“The atmosphere has something to do with (the recognition),” Clark said. “It’s a super friendly, not too serious, chill vibe.”

Contact: Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro, 661 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.rockindaves.com or 541-318-8177.

No. 2: The Sparrow Bakery

No. 3: Big O Bagels