After taking a few years off, we participated in the Bend Foodie Crawl 2025 in downtown Bend, Oregon on April 27. This event features bite-sized samples of food from local restaurants and food trucks paired with an alcoholic drink. I think non-alcoholic options are available. Upon registration, you are given a map showing the location of each stop. Since some of the places providing the sample are food trucks, downtown businesses graciously allow them to set up inside their business. The number of participants in this event is limited to help prevent overcrowding.

This year, there were ten stops. The Bend Foodie Crawl hours run from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. If you want to hit up all ten of them, you can’t linger for long at each stop. The After Party runs from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at McMenamins. Desserts and small drink samples are provided at this stop. If you’re still hungry or thirsty, you can purchase food and drinks there.

Bend Foodie Crawl 2025 food & drinks

Blackened Ahi Street Tacos paired with Stafford Bourbon Huckleberry Margarita at J-Dub.

Bend Foodie Crawl participants at Zydeco.

Boudin Balls paired with a Jalapeno Passion Fruit Margarita at Zydeco. Boudin balls are Cajun snacks made with pork sausage, rice, and seasonings. The margarita at this stop was my favorite cocktail offered on the Crawl. Spicy, but not too spicy.

Mini Dumplings (Chinese Pork, Pad Thai, or 4-Cheese Pizza) from Dump City Dumplings at US Bank paired with Huckleberry Vodka Lemonade provided by US Bank. The pictures show one dumpling with Coconut Lime Peanut Sauce and another with Teriyaki Sauce.

Tuscan Almond Cookies paired with White Sangria at Blissful Spoon. This was delicious!

Crispy Chicken Bites & Biscuit with House Made Honey Siracha Aioli paired with Drake’s Mojito (Soda, Sprite, mint, lime, & strawberries) at The Drake.

Bend Foodie participants inside The Drake.

Lamb & Spring Herb Croquette paired with beer from Roam. This one was just okay.

Booths at and near The Commons

Foodie participants at The Commons, an outdoor meeting area. There’s a long line in front of El Sancho’s booth.

Beef Birria with Ancient Grains and Roasted Corn paired with Apple Juice boxes from Head Start Food Service at The Commons. This tasty dish is one of several provided to Head Start kids in our area.

Pork Carnitas Taco served on a Warm Tortilla with Cilantro & Diced Onion, Salsa Verde, and a Lime from El Sancho paired with Saiko beer from Sunriver Brewing Company at The Commons.

Sunriver Brewing Company Saiko Lager. This Japanese rice beer was my favorite beer of those offered. Nice, light flavor.

Asian Inspired Meatballs, Carrot/Daikon Pickle paired with Humm Kombucha from Dinky Dau at The Commons.

Nashville Chicken with Pickle Slaw paired with Worthy Brewing Collaborative Pickle Pilsner Beer at Wonderland Chicken. This was one of my favorite foods offered. Loved the slaw tucked underneath the chicken.

The last stop on the Bend Foodie Crawl 2025

Newport Avenue Market Chocolate Chip Cookie and Brownie, Eberhard’s Ice Cream, Nothing But Bundt Cakes Carrot Bundt Cake, and a taster of Broken Top Ascent Bourbon Whiskey at McMenamins.

People waiting to hear who won raffle items at the After Party at McMenamins.

Funds raised during this event benefit NeighborImpact, a local nonprofit. Recent cuts in funding have slashed their food bank budget by 17%. This organization provides resources for finding food, housing, and paying bills. They also provide services for Head Start and Early Head Start for Central Oregon families. If you can’t make it to the Bend Foodie Crawl, consider making a donation to this nonprofit. I give them a generous donation every year.

Foodie Friday

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