I enjoy having breakfast earlier and larger than Nicole does. However, one thing we both cherish first thing in the morning is coffee. Bend has plenty of coffee shops, and we are always exploring new ones. So far, we haven’t found a place that beats The Sparrow Bakery. 

It’s a win-win for both of us because The Sparrow Bakery serves excellent coffee and is also one of the best breakfast spots in Bend.

a Breakfast Sandwich with Bacon Egg and Green Arugula Sauce Sits on a White Plate Next to a Glass of Iced Coffee Labeled Sparrow Bakery on a Wooden Outdoor Table the Background Shows Red Umbrellas Trees and a Building Under a Partly Cloudy Sky

We think Sparrow is not only a fabulous coffee and breakfast joint, but we rank it as one of the best overall restaurants in Bend.

Our opinion is not alone. Known for its artisanal baked goods and welcoming atmosphere, The Sparrow Bakery is hugely popular with locals.  It’s crowded on weekends (prepare for a line).

a Busy Modern Café with High Ceilings Hanging Lights and Large Windows People Wait in Line at the Counter and Sit at Tables Breads and Packaged Goods Are Displayed on a Central Table a Man Holds a Baby in the Foreground Bright Lively Atmosphere

It’s a spot we highly recommend for both locals and visitors. I visited again recently on a Saturday morning in June 2025, waiting for the NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market to open, which takes place right in front of Sparrow.

The line wasn’t long, and the experience was fabulous, as usual.

The Sparrow Bakery in Bend, Oregon

a Bakery Display Case Filled with Pastries Including Stacked Donuts Cinnamon Rolls Braided Breads and Croissants on the Top Shelf with Tarts and Cakes Topped with Fruit and Whipped Cream on the Lower Shelf Labels Mark Each Item

The Sparrow Bakery Basics

The Sparrow Bakery is located in the Northwest Crossing neighborhood right at the corner of Fort Clatsop Street.

The Sparrow Bakery has been around since 2006, originally on Scott Street.  But this location in Northwest Crossing has become their main spot since 2014.

They also recently opened a location in Portland.

A Firsthand Look Inside The Sparrow Bakery Bend

People Stand in Line Outside a Storefront with a Yellow Sign Yellow Chairs and Tables Are on the Sidewalk Under a Tree to the Left Vendors with White Tents and Red Umbrellas Are Set Up at a Market Its a Sunny Day with Green Trees Along the Walkway

My recent visit was like most Saturday mornings in Northwest Crossing before the farmers market:  peaceful with a growing buzz.  The line at Sparrow was not bad, reaching just outside the front door.

The cafe was full as usual with a mix of families and couples.  The aroma of baked goods is intoxicating.

a Modern Cafe Interior with Light Wood Walls an Industrial Chandelier with Exposed Bulbs and a High Unfinished Ceiling Customers Stand at the Counter Baked Goods and Menus Are Visible a Yellow Abstract Painting Hangs on the Back Wall

The Sparrow has a rustic but modern indoor cafe, but also an outdoor seating area which I prefer.

There is also ‘Sparrow Express’, a to-go ordering spot on the sidewalk for those taking away.

The Famous Sparrow Bakery Ocean Roll: Tried and True

a Close Up of a Golden Brown Pastry Labeled Ocean Roll 5 from Sparrow Bakery Displayed on a White Tray the Pastry is Swirled and Flaky Sitting Beside Other Baked Goods Including a Chocolate Pastry and a Cake with White Icing

Before describing the Sparrow menu in more detail, it’s worth discussing the item partially responsible for their fame.   The iconic Sparrow Bakery Ocean Roll is a croissant-dough delight, flavored with cardamom, sugar, and vanilla — a delight for those who like their breakfast items sweeter.

You’ll see guests all over the cafe enjoying them.  However, I’m not usually one of them as I prefer the more savory breakfast items at Sparrow.

The Sparrow Bakery Menu Highlights

a Laminated Café Menu on a Table Lists Signature Cocktails Hot Beverages Breakfast Sandwiches and Classic Sandwiches Items Include Mimosas Bloody Mary Café Drinks Bacon and Egg Sandwiches Monte Cristo Chicken Waldorf Croque Monsieur and Lox Bagel

The first thing you notice on the Sparrow Bakery menu is something unusual for a coffee shop: cocktails. You can enjoy a mimosa, a Bloody Mary, or one of several other cocktails with your breakfast at Sparrow.

However, Nicole and I usually come here for coffee. She favors a latte while I prefer an Americano. Sparrow offers all the standard espresso drinks, and their regular drip coffee is fantastic.

a Croissant Sandwich Filled with Arugula Sits on a White Plate Next to a Glass of Iced Coffee Labeled Sparrow Bakery Atop a Wooden Table Outside Red Umbrellas Greenery and Buildings Are Visible in the Sunny Background

For me, the star of the show at Sparrow are the sandwiches, particularly the breakfast sandwiches.  My go-to breakfast item is the Bacon Breakfast Sandwich, which includes a poached egg, avocado, arugula, on a croissant. 

Sparrow makes for a great lunch spot as the Monte Cristo, Croque Monsieur, and other sandwiches are fabulous.

a Printed Cafe Menu on a White Background Lists Breakfast and Brunch Items Such As Sparrow Fries French Toast Sticks Steel Cut Oats Granola Toast Options Muffins Sandwiches Salad Yogurt Parfait Soups and Kids Meals Reflections Are Visible on the Menu

There are plenty of muffins, bagels, and breads as well.  The Banana Bread at Sparrow is popular. Try The Haze Special (banana bread topped with cream cheese and poached egg).

Notes and Other FAQs on Sparrow

Two People Wait Outside Sparrow Bakery One in a Red Hat and Shorts Looks at His Phone and Leans Against the Wall the Other in a Black Shirt with a Colorful Back Design Stands by the Order Window Yellow Chairs and Tables Are Nearbyperfect for an Ocean Roll Break

Open 8 AM to 4 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 3 PM on weekends

The Sparrow is all about baked goods, but there are some gluten-free items…just ask.

Absolutely.  On weekends you’ll see plenty of families there.

Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

Ehhh not really.  You can try to get a table for 6+ plus but not with ease.

There is a ‘Sparrow Express’ counter for to go orders which generally has a shorter line.

Final Thoughts from A Bend Coffee and Breakfast Lover

a Bright Modern Café with Large Windows and Hanging Lights Where People Sit at Tables and Bar Seating Chatting or Working in the Foreground Hats Cups and Coffee Beans Are Displayed on a Wooden Counter Outdoor Seating and Umbrellas Are Visible Outside

Having hit up many of the local Bend coffee shops, I’d agree with the consensus that The Sparrow Bakery is probably the best.  The combination of coffee, menu, atmosphere, location, and fabulous Ocean Roll makes it a must-visit.

Want to Explore More Around Bend, Oregon?

a Two Story Yellow Building with White Trim Houses One of the Best Restaurants Bend Oregon Has to Offer Large Front Windows Hanging Flower Baskets and Outdoor Tables with a Teal Umbrella Invite You in on This Quiet Street

If you are visiting Bend and need a place for dinner, be sure to check out our Best Restaurants in Bend posts.  Looking for Hikes or Things to Do?  We write about those too.

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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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