Part of what defines Bend, Oregon, is its thriving brewery scene. Bend is a beer town, and a visit isn’t complete without hitting at least one and preferably more.  If you visit only one brewery in Bend, we’d recommend visiting Crux Fermentation Project.

There’s something magical about the volcanic-filtered water that Bend-area brewmasters use to create delicious brews.  

a Metal Crux Fermentation Project Sign is Mounted on a Pale Green Wall Outside a Building Sunlight Casts Shadows Across the Wall and Sign Part of a Wooden Awning and the Entrance Door is Visible on the Right Side

But the breweries themselves have developed their own culture, many of which focus on outdoor tasting rooms that celebrate the spectacular weather and scenic views common to Bend.

Tall Green Hop Plants Climb Up Strings Attached to Poles Beside the Crux Fermentation Projects Modern Building with Large Windows Their Lush Leaves Contrast Against the Clear Blue Sky Bordered by a Paved Walkway and Curb

Crux, with its innovative brewing techniques, scenic patio views of the Cascades, and laid-back community vibe, delivers more than just a pint—it delivers the full Bend experience.

Crux Fermentation Project in Bend Oregon

a Bright Open Taproom at Crux Fermentation Project Features Wooden Beams High Ceilings and Garage Doors Opening to a Sunny Patio Guests Relax at Tall Tables and the Long Bar Under a Bold Black Arrow Mural with Outdoor Seating Visible Through the Doors

Crux Fermentation Project – A Must-Visit Brewery in Bend, Oregon

Why do locals love Crux?  Aside from the amazing brews and killer views, here’s why people keep coming back:

  • Epic sunsets over the Cascades
  • Family-friendly with lawn games and open spaces
  • Dog-friendly patio
  • Frequent live music events
  • Centrally located, yet slightly tucked away from downtown bustle
a Grassy Park Area with Picnic Tables Trees Providing Shade and Groups of People Sitting or Walking Children Play on the Lawn While Visitors Enjoy Drinks from Crux Fermentation Project a Few Parked Cars Line the Road Under a Clear Blue Sky

This is Bend beer culture in its purest form—accessible, elevated, and always evolving.

Crux Fermentation Project Basics

Crux Fermentation is located in a retrofitted transmission shop, tucked away in a corner on Bend’s east side, near where Colorado Ave, Industrial Way, and Route 97 come together.  It’s about 1 mile and 5 minutes from the Descutes River.

Crux opened a Portland, OR, tasting room in 2023 but announced in March 2025 that it would be closing this venue.

Untappd 3.87the Image Shows the Word untappd in Bold White Uppercase Letters Centered on a Solid Yellow Background Evoking the Vibrant Energy of Bend Oregons Best Breweries the Font is Clean and Sans serif

Creative Brewing in Bend since 2012

Founded by brewing legend Larry Sidor, Crux Fermentation Project isn’t just a brewery—it’s a science lab, a community hangout, and a pilgrimage site for craft beer lovers.

Larry started Crux in 2012 after leaving Deschutes Brewing, and creating a brewery that don’t settle with ordinary.

a Pint Glass of Hazy Beer Branded with Crux Fermentation Project Rests on a Wooden Railing with a Road Parked Cars Lush Green Bushes and Distant Mountains Framed by a Clear Blue Sky in the Background

Known for its non-traditional brewing techniques (like open fermentation and whole-leaf hops), Crux Fermentation Project continuously pushes the boundaries of what beer can be.

The name ‘Crux’ comes from its slang meaning – ‘the most difficult part’ of any situation.

a Metal Sculpture of Large Abstract Letters Sits in a Circular Planter Filled with Dark Rocks on a Gravel Lot Near Picnic Tables at Crux Fermentation Project in the Background Theres a Food Truck Labeled bavid Beer Yoda Trees and a Clear Blue Sky

Beer Selection: Pushing the Boundaries of Craft

The advanced brewing techniques at Crux result in an impressive lineup of rotating beers.

Whether you’re into sours, IPAs, or barrel-aged magic, they have something that’ll blow your taste buds away. Some highlights:

  • Cast Out IPA – Bold, tropical, and endlessly drinkable
  • Pilz – Their award-winning Czech-style pilsner (Glenn’s Favorite!)
  • Half Hitch – An Imperial Mosaic IPA that packs a punch
  • Banished Series – Barrel-aged beers with incredible depth and complexity

If you’re unsure where to start, ask for a flight—you’ll be glad you did.

a Modern Brewery Bar at Crux Fermentation Project with Shelves of Clean Glassware Shiny Brewing Tanks Visible Through Windows and Digital Menu Boards Above a Worker in a Cap Stands at the Left As Natural Light Streams In Illuminating Bar and Tanks

The selection of beers is beyond what you find at most breweries as well.  Crux will typically have more than 25 beers on tap, as well as ciders and non-alcoholic options—more reasons to keep going back.

Come For the Beer, Stay for the Views

As if the beers at Crux weren’t enough of a reason to visit, the views of the Cascades, especially from the outdoor tasting area, seal the deal.

In fact, the view of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters Mountains from Crux is one of the best in Bend.

a Tulip Glass of Golden Beer with a Foamy Head from Crux Fermentation Project Sits on a Sunlit Wooden Table Outdoors Behind a Road Fence Trees and Distant Mountains Stretch Beneath the Clear Blue Sky

While the indoor tasting area at Crux is fine, the outdoor area is a celebration.  You’ll normally find it full of families, mountain bikers, and other beer lovers enjoying Crux beer and the Bend lifestyle.

The Crux Fermentation Project Food Menu and Food Trucks

Hungry?  You can eat well at Crux either from their pub menu or from their on-site food trucks.

The Crux menu is strong, featuring sharables (pretzel, nachos, and boards), sandwiches (The Carver, Philly Cheese, and French Dip), and salads.

a Small Taco Stand with a Menu Board Displaying Taco Options Chips and Drinks Sits Beside a Bright Yellow Crux Fermentation Project Food Truck the Stand Features Colorful Cartoon Faces a Rustic Roof and a Wooden Barrel Under the Clear Blue Sky

When Nicole and I visit (which is often, usually after a hike or bike ride), we typically get grub from one of the two permanent food trucks.  Highly recommend you do the same.

  1. El Sancho.  Outstanding street tacos.
  2. The Brown Owl.  Burgers and BBQ.
a Small Wooden Booth Labeled crux Fermentation Project Features a Bold Black Arrow Logo Beer Bottles on Display and Several Awards a Staff Member in a Cap Stands by As Bar Glasses Hang Inside with Exposed Beams and Ceiling Overhead

Know Before You Go and FAQs

Here’s some additional things to know if you are thinking of visiting the special place in Bend:

  • Hours: Open daily, usually 11 AM–9 PM (check their site for seasonal changes)
  • Parking.  Plenty in a dedicated lot and along the street.
  • Crowds.  On weekends it’s crowded, but still come!
  • Kid-friendly: Absolutely. Lots of room to roam.
  • Dog policy: Leashed dogs welcome on the patio.
  • Live Music.  Check the Events page.
a Lively Bend Restaurants Bar Scene with People Seated at Tables and the Counter Warmly Lit by Large Yellow Globe Lanterns and String Lights Overhead the Background Features Framed Art on Dark Walls and Bartenders Serving Drinks

Want to Discover More Food and Beer Spots in Bend, Oregon?

Are you visiting Bend, Oregon, and want more ideas on where to eat, drink, and what to do?  Check out some of our other articles:

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Glenn VanLandingham Travel Writer
Glenn is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker who lives in Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Nicole use EpicBend and EpicFrederick to chronicle their adventures in these amazing places so others can live their best lives in Frederick and Bend.
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