Wow, Issue #40! Welcome to the 104 new Banner readers. We’re Paige and Mason. The Bend Banner is our way of keeping tabs on this wild, beautiful place we call home. Every Tuesday, thousands of you open this email and spend a few minutes just loving where you live. That's the whole point, and it still gets us every time. Here's to 40 more.

Want The Summer Mailer?

There is something about this time of year here. The smell of ponderosa on a warm evening. The way the light hits the Deschutes in July. The moment you realize you have lived here for years and still have not done half the things on your list.

The Summer Mailer is our attempt to bottle that feeling and put it in your mailbox.

Inside you might find a Bend Summer Bucket List built by people who actually live here, a Summer Almanac, food and drink recipes, and some of our favorite local food and drink partners thrown in for good measure.

It’s something worth keeping on your kitchen counter all summer.

Pre-Order Yours

The Bend Patio Guide

Summer in Bend is basically one long argument about where to sit outside. We asked the internet, and the internet delivered. Here is what your neighbors had to say about the best patios in town, plus a few of our own picks.

Bend Brewing Company came up almost immediately. If you want riverfront, this is your spot. It runs a little cooler than the rest of the city thanks to the shade and the breeze coming off the river, which on a hot July afternoon feels like a genuine gift. Parking can be a little spicy in summer, but that is what bikes are for.

On Tap is one of our family favorites. Big grass area, plenty of shade, cornhole, and live music on a regular basis. It is the kind of place where you show up for one drink and find yourself still there two hours later, wondering where the afternoon went. No complaints.

GoodLife Brewing gets called out every summer for good reason. If you have kids, this place is basically a park that happens to serve beer. There is a full playset. Your kids will want to go here every time.

Crux Fermentation Project is a big one. Huge space, lots of sun, and kids running around come with the territory, and most people seem okay with that. They recently added some food carts as well.

Silver Moon Brewing is a quieter pick but a good one. Their patio has a nice mix of sun and shade, and when the sun goes down, the fire pits come on. That is a patio doing its job correctly.

Monkless Belgian Ales got a shoutout for their deck. It is one of those spots that people who know Bend tend to keep to themselves. Now you know.

Greg’s Grill is perfect if you’re looking for something more upscale. Head here for one of the best river views in Bend.

The Commons is the bring-your-own-food situation with cold, cheap beer. Three-dollar Rainiers were specifically mentioned. That sounds great to us.

And then there is the newest, and maybe the most secret addition: Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails reportedly has a rooftop open Wednesdays and Thursdays with what one local called the best view in town by far. That is a bold claim, and we think someone should go verify it this week.

Last but absolutely not least: every food truck lot in Bend deserves a spot on this list. The combination of outdoor seating, rotating menus, and a cold drink from whatever brewery is nearby is peak Bend summer. If you need a full rundown of where to find them, we've written the guide right here.

The summer here is short and beautiful, and it goes fast. Go sit somewhere.

The Breakfast Burrito Hunt

We Have a Winner

Last week, we asked Bend a simple question. Where is the best breakfast burrito in this town?

You nominated. You voted. And the results were not close.

Burrito Sunrise took home more than a third of all nominations, and honestly, it wasn't a surprise to anyone who has pulled up to that bright yellow truck outside of Campfire Hotel. Reader after reader sent it in, nominating four different items off the menu. One of you put it this way: "I have made a personal mission to find the answer to this question, and this is far and away the answer." Another kept it tighter: "Because I said so, that's why."

So on Saturday morning, we showed up to find out.

My 2.5-year-old son and I arrived at 7 am sharp, and there were already three people in line ahead of us. At 7 am. On a Saturday. That tells you something.

We ordered The Hog and The Plain, took them home, and the first bite was everything. What makes it work is the proportions. Proper meat, proper egg, proper potato, all layered and grilled to order right in front of you. Nothing is muddled together; every ingredient holds its own. The hot sauce is excellent and worth using. And if you like heat, add the jalapeños.

Some Honorable Mentions

The competition was real. A few spots that came up again and again and deserve your attention:

Wandering Ranchero pulled in nearly 12% of nominations, with readers calling the al pastor "probably a top three ever burrito." High praise in a town full of opinions.

Burrito Hooch earned a devoted shoutout for being massive, made with fresh ingredients, and delivering what one reader called "overall the best flavor."

Don Gabino's La Gloria got nominated for its chorizo burrito and what one reader described as "perfect ratios of everything in it." Which, as we now know, is the highest compliment you can give a burrito.

This Week’s Conditions
☀️ Sunrise: 5:42 am
🌅 Sunset: 8:47 pm
High Temp: 80°F :)
Local Shop of the Week: Old Boy Vintage
Local Art of the Week: Art In Public Places

🐾Bend’s Best Good Boys & Good Girls 🐾

🐶 Halo – 1 year, Retriever Mix

This one-year-old lab mix is ready to find her forever family. Great with other dogs, she'd also make an awesome hiking buddy, and she and her foster mom have enjoyed exploring all the trails in Bend.

🐶 Walter – 4 years, German Shepherd Mix
Walter is a smart and silly dude who will fall in love with you. Clever and smart, Walter is picking up training quickly.

🐱 Oceana – 6 months - Mix
This pup is shy but has been very friendly with everyone. She’s been super sweet and will need some socialization to help her get more acclimated.

If you’re fostering a dog, reach out. We’d love to help get them adopted.