Happy hour at El Rodeo in Bend is friendly, affordable

Published 11:45 am Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Food

“Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while!” said the bartender at El Rodeo Family Mexican Restaurant with enthusiasm.

She was greeting the couple next to me at the bar with the same warmth one might greet a family member they hadn’t seen in a long time.

At El Rodeo, regulars are family. The Mexican restaurant also serves up happy hour every weekday from 3-6 p.m. at the bar.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Thursday with half off appetizers sans seafood and $1 off margaritas, beer and well drinks. The combo appetizer ($8.25, regular $16.50) is a great happy hour deal made with chicken taquitos, beef nachos and a chicken quesadilla. It’s easily enough to feed two.

Or try the “super nachos” ($13.75 regular) like I did, also enough for two. The bartender took my order and asked if I’d like to add meat, to which I answered yes and chicken. She buoyantly affirmed my decision.

The super nachos came out on a steaming hot plate covered in melted cheddar and jack cheese. Above the thick layer of cheese were chopped tomatoes, green onions and a scoop of sour cream and guacamole. Underneath, refried beans were slathered on the tortilla chips, making the appetizer a satisfying meal unto itself. Jalapeños dotted throughout the dish added a little spice and the chicken was cut into large, satisfying chunks.

Service

The servers are so accustomed to regulars they seemed a little surprised I’d never come in before and that I wasn’t visiting from out of town.

That isn’t to say the staff isn’t welcoming to newcomers, however.

I was warmly greeted by both a server and the bartender. The bartender beamed as she talked about how long she had worked at El Rodeo.

Atmosphere

I was surrounded by the Spanish of servers as they communicated with one another, and Mexican music quietly played in the background.

El Rodeo has been around since 1999 and is owned by husband-and-wife team Rudy and Lorena Arias. Based on its loyal customer base, I have a feeling it will continue to be a Bend staple for a long time to come.

More info

Location: 785 SE Third St., Bend

Contact: 541-617-5952, elrodeobend.com

Hours: 3-9 p.m. daily

Price Range: $8.25-$25.95

Happy Hours: 3-6 p.m. weekdays

Happy Prices: Half off appetizers without seafood, $1 off margaritas, beer and well drinks

Cuisine: Mexican