The restaurant scene in Bend is constantly evolving, mainly for the better. Most of us begrudge Bend’s increasing popularity- it’s making everything more crowded.

However, growth in Bend does have one welcome benefit – new restaurants.

The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge, which opened in June 2024, is a perfect example.

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

The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge in Bend is a creation of celebrity chef Brian Malarkey and his brother and business partner, James Malarkey. 

The Malarkeys are Central Oregon locals who’ve had restaurant success across the West Coast, but wanted to create something close to their roots.

Overhead View of a Table Set with Two Glasses of Red Wine a Plate of Stewed Beans with Braised Meat and Green Sauce a Bowl of Creamy Mashed Potatoes a Dish of Roasted Carrots Topped with Mint and Feta and a Plate of Sliced Meat with Pickled Onions and Greens

The venue they’ve created has rapidly established itself as one of the best restaurants in Bend, and it’s definitely a favorite for both Nicole and me.

Its vibe, menu, and atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Bend.

a Woman with Wavy Brown Hair in a Black Sleeveless Top Sits at a Table Holding a Pink Cocktail in a Coupe Glass Looking Thoughtfully to Her Left Behind Her People Sit at Tables in a Warmly Lit Tented Setting Suggesting a Social Gathering

The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge in Bend, OR

Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge - Basics

The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge is in West Bend on Century Drive.  The restaurant is the former home to Walt Reilly (eatery and mini-golf center).

A New Sensation in Bend From Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey

According to a write-up in Bend Magazine, it was James who initiated discussions about a new venture in Bend. The success of other high-end restaurants, such as Bosa and Rancher Butcher Chef, provided evidence that it could work.

a Wall with Six Large Stylized Black and white Portraits of Famous Musicians Including Grateful Dead Hendrix Dolly Parton Johnny Cash Hank Williams and the Rolling Stones Exposed Bulbs Hang from the Ceiling and a Chair and Mic Stand Sit Below the Paintings

Nicole and I always say that judging a restaurant is based on the overall experience.  This includes the vibe, atmosphere, menu, drinks, and of course food.  Dining at Hawk & Huck is definitely an experience.

a Smiling Man in a Patterned Shirt Sits at a Table Holding Up a Pink Cocktail with a Garnish Another Hand in the Foreground Holds a Similar Pink Drink Capturing the Lively Atmosphere of Bend Restaurants with String Lights and a Shiny Food Truck Behind

The atmosphere at Hawkeye and Huckleberry greets you immediately upon entry. The lounge and bar area is located in the front. It’s a lively spot, featuring upscale, western-themed decor and diligent bartenders.

Outdoor Restaurant Patio with People Dining at Tables Under a Wooden Pergola String Lights Hang Above Some Patrons Are Engaged in Conversation a Waiter is Serving Food and Cars Are Visible Beyond the Wooden Fence Its Early Evening with Clear Skies

The decor in the dining room will make you look around throughout your entire meal. Interesting lamps, contemporary yet vintage western artifacts, and wall murals of classic rock artists give the space a lot of character.

A Cocktail Program Worth A Visit Alone

Speaking of drinks (this is a lounge, afterall), the Hawk & Huck cocktail menu shines.  Bartenders here aren’t just mixing—they’re creating. Expect house infusions, unexpected garnishes, and some of the best Old Fashioneds in Bend.

Two Pink Cocktails Sit on a Dark Table One is in a Coupe Glass with Foam on Top the Other in a Short Glass with Ice and a Cocktail Pick a Glass of Water an Empty Plate and People Dining Inside a Warmly lit Tented Space Are Visible in the Background

When Nicole and I last visited, I had the mezcal-based Man, I Feel Like a Woman (our server made me say it emphatically). Nicole enjoyed the I’m Your Huckleberry, a gin-based cocktail that is their signature.

There are plenty of local beers and international wines as well to pair with your meal.

Come For the Bar and Lounge, Stay For The Food

Nicole and I love the atmosphre at Hawk and Huck, but probably love the food even more.

a Dark Bowl Filled with Sautéed Mushrooms Crispy Fried Thin Root Vegetables Fresh Herbs and Topped with a Runny Poached Egg Which is Being Pierced by a Fork the Dish Has an Earthy Rustic Presentation with Vibrant Greens

The Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge menu is a ranch-to-table culinary journey. At its heart lies a wood-fired oven and an on-site butcher and smoker, enabling chefs to transform Tumalo Valley’s beef and produce into impeccably crafted dishes.

The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge Menu

The Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge menu starts with unique appetizers such as Oregon beef tartare served with ranch aioli and hand-cut chips, a zesty roasted beet salad with burrata, or more adventurous options like beef tongue tostadas and fried shrimp toast.

Nicole loves burrata, which we enjoyed during our visit this summer.

A close-up of a Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge menu on a dark table. Sections for wines, beer, and cocktails are visible, with a large black eagle graphic at the top. A glass of water sits at the upper right corner, partially visible. A close-up of a restaurant menu titled The Meat Market lists various steak and meat options, including Ranch Cuts, Cowboy Cuts, Low & Slow, and Steak Frites. Each item has a description and price. The menu is viewed at an angle, with yellowish lighting. A person holds a large restaurant menu at a dimly lit table. The menu, titled Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, lists starters, hot dishes, wood-fired pizza, entrees, and meats, with blurred diners visible in the background.

Entrees feature dishes like wood-fired half chicken, Columbia River salmon, and heartier options like chili-rubbed Santa Maria skirt steak with chimichurri. 

Or go with cowboy-cut classics—bone-in ribeyes, New York strips, and filets—served with optional indulgent sauces such as crab hollandaise, chili butter, or bone marrow gravy.

Two Glasses of Red Wine on a Dark Table Beside Two Dishes One with Braised Meat and Beans in a Green Herb Sauce and Another with Roasted Carrots Topped with Greens Nuts and Crumbled Cheese a Person in a Sleeveless Top Sits in the Background

For my meal, I chose the skirt steak, served with white beans and chimichurri.  Nicole had the chicken piccata, and we shared the grilled carrots side dish.

a Close up of Two People Sharing a Chocolate Dessert with Spoons Next to a Crystal Glass of Red Wine on a Dark Table the Dessert is Topped with Chocolate Sauce and Powdered Sugar One Person Has Pink Nails Both Plates and Hands Are Partially Visible

Even the desserts are fabulous, including the molten lava cake we enjoyed paired with a port during our last visit!

So Many Things That Make The Hawk & Huck Vibe

The dining experience encompasses much more than just the food. The restaurant’s layout features semi-private canvas tents for group dining, a lively outdoor patio, and an airy atmosphere that reflects the rugged elegance of the cuisine.

a Lively Restaurant Scene with Many People Dining at Tables Under Warm Hanging Lights and String Lights on the Ceiling the Room is Bustling with Conversation and Menus and Drinks Are Visible on the Tables the Atmosphere Appears Cozy and Inviting

It’s not only about savoring flavors; it’s about embracing the legacy of Central Oregon’s ranching roots, where every meal at Hawkeye & Huckleberry feels like a taste of the wild, served with elegance.

a Shiny Silver and White Vintage Camper with a Green Stripe is Parked Indoors Its Door is Open Revealing a Brightly Lit Interior with Colorful Decor a Pink Flamingo Lawn Ornament Stands Outside a Dining Table with Napkins Folded on Plates is in the Foreground

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the place is the entrance to the event space.  To enter, you’re required to pass through a vintage 1970s era camping trailer…why not?

What Else to Know About The Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

  • This might be Bend’s hottest new restaurant, make a reservation on weekends.
  • There’s Live Music on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:00 PM
  • There are multiple large party spaces at the venue.  The La Pine Canvas Tents can seat 20, a private room can accommodate 14, and the event space is for 80-100.
a Cozy Indoor Tent with White Fabric is Decorated with Colorful String Lights and Ornaments Inside a Long Table with Mismatched Chairs Sits on a Rug the Space Has Wood Floors a Carpet and Soft Ambient Lighting Creating a Festive Inviting Atmosphere

Looking for More in Bend, Oregon?

Are you visiting Bend, Oregon, and looking for more direction on where to eat, or 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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