Iconic eateries with a legacy of service are closing up shop, along with restaurants that were only getting started. Last month, Bend said goodbye to organic juice bar NW Raw on Century Drive after its owners announced the news on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Over the summer, The Phoenix Restaurant closed after 15 years in business, stating several factors, none of which included a lack of community support.

This year also saw the transformation of Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge into Kobe Sushi & Hibachi Grill on Greenwood Avenue and Boxwood Kitchen into Mill Works Pub in the Old Mill District. Downtown, Crater Lake Spirit’s Tasting Room and The Point Pub and Grill shuttered.

Even the multinational pancake house restaurant chain IHOP closed its location off of Highway 20 in the Bend River Promenade Plaza earlier this year.

As was previously reported, the closing of Century Drive’s Cabin 22 has allowed owners of Bend’s Hook & Plow restaurant to open a legacy bar in the space. As light renovations have been made to the bar, it has become commonplace for Bend residents to wander in and share memories attached to the structure, according to new owners, Lauren and Lisa Cassity and Chris Copelan.

The building is soon to be Cassity’s Bar & Grill, but in years past, it was home to Cabin 22, Players Bar and Grill and Blue Pine Kitchen and Bar.

The Bulletin wants to hear from you. Indulge us as we travel down memory lane and remember the ghosts of Bend restaurants past. What were your favorite dishes? What are your most cherished memories of dining in bygone eateries? We want to hear it all.

Email me at jwright@bendbulletin.com with the subject line “missed restaurants.” Top answers and analysis will be published in November, when together, we’ll celebrate the fantastic dining establishments that once were.

In the meantime, patronize your favorite restaurant while you still have the chance — there’s no guarantee it’ll be open next year — or next week.

From the 2024 archives:

February: Owner of Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro sets his sights on Hollywood

March: Bend’s Old Mill District introduces new concept with Mill Works Pub

June: Kobe Sushi & Hibachi Grill serves up big portions at good prices