Bend’s buzzy bistros offer plenty of gastronomic pleasures.

BEND, OREGON » Wondering where to eat on your Oregon wanderings? Bend is home to some terrific bistros, brewpubs and cocktail bars. Here’s just a sampling to add to your must-nosh list.

Dogwood Cocktail Cabin

It’s difficult to describe Doug and Phoebe Pedersen’s eclectic, woodsy spot with its dark hues, unexpected art and cozy dining nooks without sounding a bit bonkers — delightedly, ecstatically so. There’s a tree rising through the bar, which was cut from an enormous fir log. Anthropomorphic rabbits, walruses and birds party across a large painting by the door. The chandelier sports carved wooden frogs. And the creative cocktails ($9-$11) and tasty small plates ($12-$13) are off the charts.

Pair a Bluebird cocktail, made with gin, el-

derflower liqueur, muddled blueberries and sparkling wine, with crazy-good tacos — smoked pork with avocado crema and chimichurri, perhaps — or smoked chicken wings. Go on the early side and you won’t hit happy hour. It’s “cabin fever” and it runs from 5 to 7 p.m.

DETAILS >> Open from 5 p.m. until late Tuesday-Sunday at 147 N.W. Minnesota Ave., Bend; www.thedogwoodcocktailcabin.com.

Drake

Once you see Ted Swigert’s reimagined diner with cozy booths, counter stools and terrific locavore fare, you’ll wonder why “upscale diner” hasn’t become a thing everywhere. Swigert, who also owns Bend’s Washington restaurant, handed over the kitchen reins to Bay Area expatriate John Gurnee (Wayfare Tavern, Campton Place) two years ago. The result is comfort fare with a twist: Draper Valley Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($13), for example, with pineapple fried rice, ginger, bacon and red curry butter, and classic and new wave burgers, such as The Bendie ($15), served open-face on grilled Sparrow Bakery bread with grilled peppers and onions and beef broth.

DETAILS >> Open daily for lunch and dinner at 801 N.W. Wall St., Bend; drakebend.com.

Deschutes Brewery and Public House

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the line outside. As you might expect, the Deschutes Brewery’s gastropub is all about the beer — and the very hearty fare that pairs best with beer. That means burgers ($13.50$16), of course, but also steaks, pizzas and fish and chips ($17), made with Pacific coast cod coated in Mirror Pond Pale Ale batter and served with malted coleslaw. There are plenty of options for vegetarians too, including a carrot-quinoa burger.

Pair your bites with a flight of Deschutes beer, followed by a brisk walk — or a nap.

DETAILS >> Open daily for lunch and dinner at 1044 N.W. Bond St., Bend; www.deschutesbrewery.com.

PHOTOS BY JACKIE BURRELL — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP The small plates menu at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin in Bend, Oregon, includes smoked Szechuan chicken wings with lemongrass-plum sauce.

Bluebird cocktail combines gin, elderflower liqueur, blueberries and sparkling wine.

PHOTOS BY JACKIE BURRELL — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP The culinary direction at Ted Swigert’s Drake restaurant in downtown Bend, Oregon, is directed by Bay Area expatriate John Gurnee. The menu offers comfort fare with a twist.

Grab a burger at the Deschutes Brewery brewpub in downtown Bend, Oregon.