Patrons sit down on wide, wooden chairs with white linen table cloths draping their laps. Outstretched umbrellas shade diners from the sun overhead without blocking their view of Broken Top and South Sister mountains. A railing loops around the patio, safely securing customers. As for the lighting, it’s au naturel. Yes, the view from Broken Top Club Restaurant is a stunner.

Central Oregon is filled with outdoor lovers who show their appreciation in many forms, so it’s no surprise many visitors and residents alike seek outdoor dining experiences. While some restaurant goers opt for an eatery with a view, others seek an intimate atmosphere or a trendy downtown scene or a spot surrounded by greenery.

Restaurateurs know it, too. Eateries are increasingly trying to meet that demand, whether it’s a few tables on the sidewalk in front of their businesses or remodels that include brand new areas.

Among the latest to create a new outdoor dining option is Bend Brewing Co. On Saturday, the brewpub, located next to Pine Tavern in downtown Bend, opened its doors to show off a new, elevated 1,500-square-foot wrap-around patio overlooking Mirror Pond. “We’re the only brewery with such a great amenity, such a great setting to enjoy a pint,” said Packy Deenihan, co-owner of Bend Brewing Co. Since the remodel, the patio has doubled in size to accommodate about 75 people and features a 25-foot long gas fire pit and heated benches. “We also built a grass area that’s fenced in so people can bring their dogs and let their kids play out there,” Deenihan said.

Beer drinkers can bring their brews out to a new common area on the lawn to play cornhole with their family and friends. The brewpub added two new bike corrals with a public bike tuning station for cyclists to stop by and pump up their tires in between rides. The brewery plans to host live music shows outside throughout the summer.

In 2012, The Bulletin published a list of locations for diners seeking alfresco breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Since then, the dining scene has expanded throughout Central Oregon.

The list has been updated and a few standouts are spotlighted below.

Broken Top Club Restaurant

“I think we have the best view in town, as far as restaurant-wise goes,” restaurant manager Chris Marshall said. Not only does the area include a backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, but it overlooks a large pond near the driving range. Golfers are just close enough that diners can remark on golf shots, but far away enough not to worry about being hit by a ball. The outdoor seating goes from casual at lunchtime to more formal for dinner.

Patrons can order anything from cocktails to appetizers to a multi-course dinner. The restaurant also serves fresh-juice cocktails in the summertime.

“Even if they’re just coming in for small bites off the golf course or after a hike, we give them a small bite menu with some potato skins, chicken wings, things like that,” Marshall said. “They can just sit out there, relax and enjoy the sun.”

While Broken Top Club is for members only, the restaurant is open to the public. Seating on the deck accommodates about 30 to 36 people.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery

Craft Kitchen and Brewery sits just above the bend in the Deschutes River, adjacent to Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. If you are looking for a river view, it’s one of the best options in town.

Seating includes a combination of dark wooden picnic tables and high-top tables for two that can accommodate about 75 people. From the deck, diners can see Deschutes Brewery, Les Schwab Amphitheater and the Old Mill District. If you’re looking to learn some kayaking tricks, the restaurant overlooks a dock where kayaks and canoes are put in and taken out of the river.

What really sets the spot apart is the second-story location, which offers a view unlike other restaurants in the Old Mill District. Rather than looking across the walking path to see the river, diners have a bird’s eye view of the area.

No need to dress up for Craft Kitchen and Brewery; the setting is casual and comfortable. This summer, there will also be live music on the deck.

Pine Tavern

Pine Tavern has one of the most picturesque views of the Deschutes River in town. “We’re actually one of the only patios that is actually on the water, that I’m aware of,” said Michael Poe, Pine Tavern’s general manager.

In addition to having a riverfront view, the patio is surrounded by greenery. The garden is vibrant and well-maintained with colorful flowers, shrubs and shading trees. The combination of the two is a big draw for visitors and locals alike.

“I find that to be true all over Bend, that if you have outdoor dining, that’s people’s first choice,” Poe said.

Pine Tavern is close to Newport Avenue, but diners can’t hear the road noise from behind the restaurant. In the fall, the eatery remodeled the outside area to include seating for about 24 patrons on the deck, in addition to the 64 seats at circular tables on the patio.

Terrebonne Depot 
Food+Drink

Hikers heading to or from Smith Rock have no doubt gone past Terrebonne Depot Food+Drink, which serves American dining fare, such as burgers, fries, fish tacos, chili, steak and salads. Outside, the restaurant has metal chairs and tables, and the patio sits on the corner of Smith Rock Way and A Avenue. The scenery is impressive, featuring views of Smith Rock, the surrounding high desert landscape and nearby train tracks. The casual environment is inviting and after hiking the Misery Ridge Trail, a burger and beer at Terrebonne Depot Food+Drink sounds appealing every time.

Sunriver Brewing Co. 
(on Galveston)

The Sunriver Brewing Co. brewpub on Galveston Avenue has turned its patio dining into a setup that you’d expect to find at a biergarten in San Francisco or Portland. “One of the reasons I think it’s a really good spot is that it’s completely hidden from any road traffic — it has a really nice private feel to it,” said Ryan Duley, director of sales and marketing.

The atmosphere is both laid back and vibrant, being an eatery friendly to larger parties. There is a replica of Shevlin Bridge in the outdoor area that acts as a community table with covering and seating for about 26 to 28 people.

“Where we’re sitting right now, it’s a nice big table, there’s plenty of space to spread out, and it’s nice and quiet back here,” said Bend local Jacob Alvord.

The patio is lit by a gas fire pit and hanging string lights, and groups can keep warm in the heated areas on cooler summer nights.

“It reminds me a lot of places in San Diego, where you have that indoor/outdoor kind of seating,” said Aubree Dorsey, who lives in Southern California. For those of you who haven’t tried Sunriver’s food yet, it’s just as good as the craft brews. The menu has a range of items including pineapple poppers, steak bites, tacos, fish and chips, sliders and salads.

“We love it, it’s nice,” said Aubree’s husband, Brian. “The beer’s good, and the food’s good.”

Barrio

The Latin restaurant is a local favorite for lunch and dinner. It has an urban setting, centered in downtown Bend near Drake Park. While it may look like part of the alleyway from the back, the patio option at Barrio feels more secluded when you’re actually sitting down and eating there. The fencing around Barrio’s outside seating is just tall enough to block out cars and people walking by the patio.

Since last summer, Barrio has given its deck a face-lift by swapping out its neutral patio furniture for colored tables, taking away the fabric covering and decorating with hanging flower pots. Metal fencing and wooden beams block out surrounding shops and restaurants. The hanging string lights enhance the summertime feel. It’s a great place to enjoy some chips and guacamole after shopping at local boutiques.

Whether diners want to eat fancy fare on a resort patio or visit a burger joint with outdoor picnic tables, Central Oregon has plenty of options.

— Reporter: 541-383-0351, mcrowe@bendbulletin.com

Below is an extended list of restaurants if you are looking for additional outdoor dining options. While we included as many alfresco dining options of which we’re aware, Central Oregon has a vast list of eateries with pleasant outdoor seating areas and it’s possible that there may be some restaurants that are not included.

10 Barrel – Westside, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday

Contact: 10barrel.com or 541-678-5228

10 Barrel — Eastside, 62950 NE 18th St., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday

Contact: 10barrel.com or 541-241-7733

900 Wall, 900 Wall St., Bend

Hours: 3-9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 3-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, 3-10 p.m. Thursday, 3-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: 900wall.com or 541-323-6295

Angeline’s Bakery & Cafe, 121 W. Main Ave., Sisters

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

Contact: angelinesbakery.com or 541-549-9122

Anthony’s at the Old Mill District, 475 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday

Contact: anthonys.com or 541-389-8998

The Backyard at Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Drive, Sunriver

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-close daily

Contact: destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort or 541-593-3790

Bad Wolf Bakery and Bistro, 1133 NW Wall St., Suite 100, Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

Contact: badwolfbakeryandbistro.com or 541-617-5770

Bangers and Brews, 1288 SW Simpson Ave., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: 541-389-2050

Bend Brewing Co., 1019 NW Brooks St., Bend

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: bendbrewingco.com or 541-383-1599

Brand 33, 16900 Aspen Lakes Drive, Sisters

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

Contact: aspenlakes.com or 541-549-3663

Brickhouse, 5 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend

Hours: 4:30-9 p.m. daily

Contact: brickhousesteakhouse.com or 541-728-0334

Cabin 22, 25 SW Century Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday

Contact: 541-306-3322

Cafe Yumm!, 325 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 130, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

Contact: 541-318-9866

Chi Chinese and Sushi Bar, 70 NW Newport Ave., Bend

Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Contact: bendchi.com or 541-323-3931

Chow, 1100 NW Newport Ave., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

Contact: chowbend.com or 541-728-0256

Croutons, 335 SW Century Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact: croutonstogo.com or 541-330-1133

Currents at the Riverhouse, 3075 N. U.S. Highway 97, Bend

Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact: currentsbend.com or 541-389-8810

Deschutes Brewery & Public House, 1044 NW Bond St., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: deschutesbrewery.com or 541-382-9242

Diego’s Spirited Kitchen, 447 SW Sixth St., Redmond

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: diegosspiritedkitchen.com or 541-316-2002

Drake, 801 NW Wall St., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: drakebend.com or 541-306-3366

Greg’s Grill, 395 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: gregsgrill.com or 541-382-2200

GoodLife Brewing Co., 70 SW Century Drive, Bend

Hours: noon-10 p.m. daily

Contact: goodlifebrewing.com or 541-728-0749

Flatbread Neopolitan Pizzeria, 375 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 130, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact: flatbreadpizza.com or 541-728-0600

Hola!, 920 NW Bond St., Bend

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

Contact: holabend.com or 541-647-2711

Hola!, 2670 NE Highway 20, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Contact: holabend.com or 541-647-2711

Immersion Brewing, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: 541-633-7821

Jackson’s Corner – Westside, 845 NW Delaware Ave., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Contact: jacksonscornerbend.com or 541-647-2198

Kebaba, 1004 NW Newport Ave., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

Contact: kebaba.com or 541-318-6224

La Rosa: A Modern Mexican Kitchen, 2763 NW Crossing Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: larosabend.com or 541-647-1624

Laughing Planet Cafe, 913 NE Third St., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Contact: laughingplanetcafe.com or 541-306-3995

Level 2 Global Food and Lounge, 360 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

Contact: 541-323-5382

Longboard Louie’s, 1254 NW Galveston Ave., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact: longboardlouieswest.com or 541-383-2449

Los Agaves Mexican Grill, 291 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday

Contact: agavegrillsisters.com or 541-549-0770

The Lot, 745 NW Columbia St., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Contact: 541-610-4969

McKay Cottage Restaurant, 62910 O.B. Riley Road, Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

Contact: themckaycottage.com or 541-383-2697

McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: mcmenamins.com or 541-382-5174

Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery, 1054 NW Milwaukee Ave., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

Contact: nancyps.com or 541-322-8778

One Street Down, 124 SW Seventh St., Redmond

Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily

Contact: onestreetdowncafe.com or 541-647-2341

Parrilla Grill, 635 NW 14th St., Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: parrillagrillbend.com or 541-617-9600

Pastini Pastaria, 375 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: pastini.com or 541-749-1060

Rancho Viejo, 150 E. Cascade Ave. Sisters

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

Contact: 541-549-3594

Range Restaurant and Bar at Brasada Ranch, 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Road, Powell Butte

Hours: 5-9 p.m. daily

Contact: brasada.com or 866-373-4882

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, 625 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: redrobin.com or 541-382-9234

Rockin’ Dave’s Bagel and Bistro, 661 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: rockindaves.com or 541-318-8177

Seventh Street Brewhouse, 855 SW Seventh St., Redmond

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: 541-923-1795

Sno Cap Drive In, 380 W. Cascade Ave., Sisters

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact: 541-549-6151

Spoken Moto, 310 Industrial Way, Bend

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: spokenmoto.com or 541-306-6689

Tetherow, 61240 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Contact: tetherow.com or 877-298-2582

Thai Thai, 745 NW Mount Washington Drive, Bend

Hours: 4-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon-8:30 p.m. Saturday

Contact: thaithaibend.com or 541-633-7722

The Victorian Cafe, 1404 NW Galveston Ave., Bend

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

Contact: victoriancafebend.com or 541-382-6411

Washington, 900 Mt. Washington Drive, Bend

Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Contact: washingtonbend.com or 541-640-8257

Wild Ride Brewing, 322 SW Fifth St., Redmond

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Contact: wildridebrew.com or 541-516-8544