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We’re Paige and Mason. The Bend Banner is our way of keeping tabs on this wild, beautiful place we call home. To the mornings that start with coffee and mountain air, the trails that somehow always lead to a brewery, and the kind of small-town stories that remind you why you chose to live here in the first place.

A Taco Spot You Might Not Know About

Tacos are a simple food. And when they’re done right, they’re exceptional. No shortcuts. No weird twists. Just good meat, warm tortillas, and flavors that make sense together.

That’s why Tacos El Machin works so well.

It’s over on the Eastside, right next to Timbers, and it feels like the kind of place you end up at because someone you trust said, “Just go. Order a few. You’ll get it.” They’re not wrong.

The asada has real char and seasoning. The shredded chicken is juicy and comforting. The pastor is the one you keep reaching for until suddenly it’s gone. Chips and salsa are self-serve, which is always a good sign.

And don’t skip the salsas. Try all of them. That’s part of the experience. The spicy avocado salsa is the standout. Creamy, bright, and just hot enough to make you slow down and pay attention. Even our 2-year-old enjoyed the salsas.

Pricing is great. Taco Tuesday means $2 tacos. Happy hour runs every day after 5 pm with $5 margaritas that show up cold and balanced, not watered down. It’s an easy place to bring kids, friends, or anyone who just wants a solid meal without a lot of fuss.

No hype. No overthinking. Just tacos done the way they’re supposed to be. And they have more than tacos.

Go hungry and don’t forget to try all the salsas.

Beer History in Bend

Bend didn’t stumble into being a beer town. It earned it. Slowly. Then all at once.

Long before IPA arms races and brewery maps folded into glove compartments, Central Oregon was already full of saloons, small brewers, and thirsty people doing hard work in cold places. Before Prohibition hit the brakes, Oregon had a thriving brewing scene, and Bend was very much part of it. Then the 1920s showed up, slammed the door, and everyone pretended soda was enough.

It wasn’t.

Fast forward a few decades, and the spark came back. First quietly. Then loudly. The arrival of places like Deschutes Brewery and Bend Brewing Company didn’t just bring beer back to town. It reshaped Bend’s identity. What followed was the snowball effect we all know today: more breweries per capita than anywhere else in Oregon, patios full year-round, and a local economy that somehow manages to orbit hops.

This month’s January History Pub is digging into that whole story. From the earliest frontier days to the modern boom. From forgotten saloons to the places you probably have a loyalty punch card for.

Leading the night is Jon Abernathy, the creator of The Brew Site, the longest-running beer blog in the country. He’s been writing about craft beer for over a decade, brewing it even longer, and documenting Bend’s beer evolution while it was happening in real time.

This isn’t a sales pitch for beer you already drink. It’s the backstory. The context. The why-this-place question answered over a pint.

If you’ve ever said “Bend is such a beer town” without knowing how it got that way, this one’s for you.

Stay One Scoop Ahead of the New Year

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Start One Simple Habit

🐾Bend’s Best Good Boys & Good Girls 🐾

🐶 Buddy – 1 year, Poodle Mix
Energetic pup looking for lots of stimulation and playtime with his next family. He is very energetic at first with new dogs.

🐱 Sailor – 2 years - Terrier/Pit
Social and friendly with the dogs he’s met, this boy loves to play. He will be a great companion to anyone.

🐶 Bella- 7 years- American Bulldog
This adorable older girl is the best snuggler and so easy to spend time with.

The Bend Banner is as local as it gets — written here, for the people who actually call this place home.

No big media machine, no out-of-town editor guessing what Bend cares about. Just a weekly letter built from real conversations, real places, and real curiosity.

If you choose to support it, every bit helps me bring you more of the good stuff — the stories, the characters, the weird corners of this town that deserve a spotlight.

Appreciate you, friends. Thanks for being part of this.

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