It’s a common misconception that That Guy’s Bistro is attempting to re-create the Philly cheesesteak with its ‘filly’ sandwiches. But that was never the intention.

“It was a play on words. We just found a flatbread and we fill it up,” said Ben Miller, owner of That Guy’s Bistro.

Miller is technically “That Guy” behind the bistro. However, he couldn’t run the business without wife and silent business partner Wendy, son Brennan and the manager of Bend’s south side location, Anthony Leal.

That Guy’s Bistro began as a food truck in Redmond in 2018 and has since expanded to include a brick-and-mortar location and food truck in Bend.

The restaurant on Bend’s south side is sandwiched between Solar Nails and the Bend South Liquor Store, with an atmosphere more akin to a bar than a strip mall joint with tasteful accents such as ceiling tiles, a chandelier and loud music.

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Quality bistro-style grub

The bistro’s no. 1 seller since 2018 has been the tri-tip filly ($17), or the “West Coast Philly.” It’s made up of tri-tip steak, grilled onions, mushrooms, red bell peppers, provolone and a drizzle of aioli held together by flatbread.

The sandwich has a hearty amount of steak, and the vehicle of the flatbread makes it easy to hold. It’s served upright in a stainless-steel stand with a side of fries that are anything but standard. The fries are cut in a curlicue shape, dusted with Cajun-style seasoning and served with a side of chipotle ranch.

The shrimp tacos are similarly presented in a small stand and offer an explosion of flavor. Four juicy shrimp covered in a plum sauce constitute the top of each taco with a helping of coleslaw underneath.

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Fried balls of goodness

There used to be fried mozzarella on the menu until the dish was removed because it kept falling apart in the fryer, said Abby Copelan, who works at the restaurant. It’s since been replaced with other fried balls of goodness, such as fried guacamole and Mega Tots ($14).

I wish I’d known about the Mega Tots sooner. Each Tot was more than double the standard Tater Tot size with bits of bacon and chives mixed throughout. It was easily a two-bite snack, with strings of cheese oozing out with the first bite and it came with a side of hot Chipotle ranch, an appropriate accompaniment.

Copelan said she and Leal brought the idea for the Tots back to Bend after tasting a similar appetizer in Chandler, Arizona.

And That Guy — Miller — doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. The restaurant hosted a four-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu and there are plans to open for breakfast on the horizon, dependent on factors such as staffing, he said.

That Guy’s Bistro locations, hours

That Guy’s Bistro in Pinebrook Plaza

Location: 61147 South Highway 97, Bend

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

That Guy’s Bistro at Van Henion Brewing

Location: 63067 Plateau Ct., Bend

Hours: Noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

That Guy’s Bistro at Blacksmith Public House

Location: 308 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Sunday

Contact: thatguys.com

Price Range: Entrees range between $10-$19