We asked, you answered. Here are Bend’s most missed restaurants.
Published 10:30 am Monday, November 25, 2024
- Ramsey Hamdan, left, chef and owner of Joolz, which has since closed its doors, and Sergio Maldonado prepare ingredients in the kitchen in 2014.
Last month, The Bulletin asked readers what Bend restaurant they’d bring back if they could.
You delved into your memory banks, remembering the diners, delis, cafes, drive-ins and restaurants that formed your most cherished memories. We received a whopping 72 email responses with 161 votes for Bend’s bygone eateries.
And your responses did not disappoint. Here are the restaurants you told us you missed most, with some submissions edited or condensed for clarity.
Bend’s most-missed restaurants
It’s probably a surprise to no one that Bend’s most missed eateries are Kebaba and Joolz. The two were neck-in-neck in popularity, with Kebaba marginally pulling ahead with 15 email votes cast, versus 14 for Joolz.
Some expressed hope that Kebaba might one day reopen, remembering evenings spent on the patio delving into its family-style Mediterranean food. Emily Prud’homme bemoaned the restaurant’s closing when she saw a man wearing a shirt with the restaurant’s name emblazoned on the front, recalling its flash-fried cauliflower and hummus plate with pita, wishing she would have ordered one more plate.
Others yearned for Kebaba’s falafels, gyros, salmon wrap, lentil soup and fish and chips.
“Kebaba holds a special place in my heart,” said Jovana Espinoza. “The chicken rice bowl and chicken shawarma were my absolute favorites, but I truly enjoyed trying everything on the menu — each dish was a delight. If they ever decide to reopen, I’ll be first in line.”
Hannah Glader shared strong sentiments for the shuttered Middle Eastern restaurant, along with other readers.
“I feel very passionate about this one,” she said of Kebaba. “Nothing can compete, I miss it so much.”
“My bygone eatery is Joolz, hands down. Their forbidden black rice chicken bowl was incredible. If I had a flux capacitor, that would be my first stop.” — Tyler Neese
Viewpoints were similar for Joolz, a lovingly remembered restaurant that rose to the top of the list for many of our readers. According to the wistful emails we received, the Middle Eastern fusion restaurant was beloved for its service, cocktails and unwavering consistency. The date cake was a favorite, accompanied by mentions of the former restaurant’s labneh dip and beef kabobs.
“My bygone eatery is Joolz, hands down,” said Tyler Neese. “Their forbidden black rice chicken bowl was incredible. If I had a flux capacitor, that would be my first stop.”
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Hans and The Phoenix
After Kebaba and Joolz, the two most missed restaurants were Hans and The Phoenix Restaurant, tied for five votes each.
The Phoenix, popular for its happy hour menu, closed over the summer after 15 years in business. Charlotte Box said she misses the pork loin dinner, pear and gorgonzola pizza and raspberry salad the most. Debbie Boeddeker laments the closing of The Phoenix because it was filled with community, incredible food and fair pricing.
Hans, a restaurant, bakery and wine cellar that became a fixture in downtown Bend after opening its doors in 1983, was known for its German bread, cookies and lunch specials, according to The Bulletin’s archives.
“Wave a wand and bring back Hans. The bakery and restaurant on Wall Street were perennially lovely,” said Nancy Prosser.
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Fourth place contenders
Tied for fourth place were Alpenglow Cafe, Cork Restaurant, Pilot Butte Drive-In and Westside Bakery and Cafe.
Vickie Chisholm said she has yet to find an egg scramble, omelet or French toast in Oregon or Washington comparable to what was offered by Westside Bakery and Cafe.
“Anything on the menu was always made to perfection,” Chisholm said, as she reminisced on the decor, which encompassed a train affixed close to the ceiling, a giant gorilla and a life-size statue of Elvis Presley.
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More missed restaurants
Three votes were tallied for the following, tying these eateries for fifth place: A Cup of Magic, Black Forest Restaurant, Original Joe’s, Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge and Taco Stand.
Gale Salinas said she first patronized Axel Hoch’s Black Forest Restaurant several years after it opened in 1977.
“The owner made the best German food I have ever eaten,” she said, remembering the Bavarian meat soup that was almost as thick as gravy. When Salinas asked for the recipe, Hoch said it was his mother’s and would stay in the family. She attempted to recreate the recipe to little avail, always sensing something was missing.
Many thanks to all who took the time to email me with their most nostalgic remembrances. It was a joy to reminisce with you.
Have an idea for our next foodie poll? Shoot me an email at jwright@bendbulletin.com. I’d love to hear it.