The Bendistillery Martini Bar and Mazama Bistro is among the oldest small-batch distilleries. It has gained the stature of being the country’s most award winning distillery. Occasional live music, fashion shows, mood lighting and the historic location all make the bistro evocative of trendy Manhattan or San Francisco martini bars. Since 1996 they have been reviving the tradition of premium handcrafted American distilled spirits. Only the freshest natural ingredients and pure Cascade Mountain water to create custom gins and vodkas.  

Regulars say for swank and sophistication you can’t beat ending a long day (or night) with a martini. It has a romantic past and a long list of famous fans including James Bond, Cary Grant and Ernest Hemingway. All traveled around the world seeking their favorite “tini” served dry, dirty or shaken. Bendistillery’s menu is varied, and changes seasonally. There are many standards including fresh infused lemon drops. Shaken with ice and served in a sugar-rimmed glass, they compete with the Crater Lake Sunrise for popularity. The staff is efficient and helpful and if guests can’t make up their minds, there are friendly bartenders willing and able to help with details about each drink. Visitors can purchase a bottle of their favorite spirits to take home for a souveneir or a nightcap.

The spirits are distilled locally, but not on the premises. The smell of juniper attracts anyone who loves Central Oregon and the High Desert Juniper gin tastes and smells like the desert, with a rugged smoky taste. Other Gold Medal spirits are the Crater Lake Vodka, Double 100 Vodka (Double Gold winner), Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka (Platinum and Best of Show winner) Mazama Infused Pepper Vodka. The Bendistillery Martini Bar and Sampling Room is its own cocktail laboratory. Bartenders consistently serve up seasonal creations that are tasty and innovative. They also offer a wide choice of boutique spirits from around the country.

The attractive Bendistillery recipe page includes nearly 100 recipes for cocktails, fruit infused vodka and gin cocktails, and hot drink cocktails. Customers often comment on the unique location in the heart of downtown Bend on the Brooks Street alley – just down from the historic Pine Tavern on the Mirror Pond Plaza overlooking Drake Park and the Deschutes River.

The martini bar is open 4:00 PM to closing Monday through Saturday. A patio with a scenic view of a classic High Desert sunset brings hip, young, urban life to downtown Bend weather permitting. Tuesday nights are Fashion Show nights. Each week a different local retailer takes over the Martini Bar to showcase their latest fashions. The show starts at 8:00 PM and always draws a large crowd so it’s advisable to arrive early for a table. Staff or management can explain the Parties To Go Bendistillery have hosted, such as the Pronghorn Golf Course Grand Opening. Other examples of parties and festivals they have catered and attended are available in the Bendistillery Photo Gallery page. For more information, pricing or schedules call 541-318-0200 or visit the Bendistillery web site.