Conveniently located in downtown Bend, McMenamins Old St. Francis School is an ideal spot for an office happy hour or post-work drinks. Once a Catholic schoolhouse built in 1936, this charming venue has been transformed into a casual hangout with vibrant, quirky décor and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you're settling into the Fireside Bar, finding your way to the hidden Broom Closet or enjoying the warmth of an outdoor fire pit at O'Kane's, McMenamins delivers a happy hour experience that's hard to beat.
Happy hour runs from 3-6pm Sunday through Thursday offering $1 off pints, ciders, well drinks and wine, plus $2 off Distillery Flight, and $5 off Edgefield bottled wines. Pair your drinks with a menu of favorites like the famous Cajun tots, crispy McMenamins fries, truffle fries or a hearty cheeseburger.
After work, my colleague Chad Barnes and I headed to O'Kane's, once the schoolhouse's former garage and now a laid-back retreat with stained glass windows and crackling outdoor fire pits. We sipped on a refreshing 33rd State IPA, crafted with Mosaic hops for a citrusy, slightly bitter punch and a Spiced Cranberry Margarita mixed with Lunazul Blanco Tequila, cinnamon, cranberry and freshly squeezed lime.
For more of an upscale happy hour, 900 Wall is an excellent choice. Located in a two-story brick building in downtown Bend, the restaurant features modern cuisine with a refined atmosphere, making it a great spot for a post-work gathering. The airy dining room and chic bar area set the tone for an elevated yet approachable happy hour experience.
Happy hour is available nightly from 3-5:30pm with $1 off draft beers and $7-$8 wines and craft cocktails. The menu includes thoughtfully crafted small plates, sandwiches and pizzas, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Don't miss the country-style terrine or the Draper Valley chicken sandwich, layered with herbed ham, mozzarella and crisp romaine.
Sip on classic cocktails, from a lemon drop with tart, zesty flavor to a sidecar, while enjoying good food and great conversation for a memorable office happy hour.
Nestled at The Box Factory in the former Brown Owl space is Wildwood Bar & Grill. It exudes the same cozy, welcoming charm as its predecessor, with warm wood accents and a rustic feel that invites you to kick back and relax. The lounge area in the back creates a comfortable spot for groups of co-workers to gather and settle in after a long workday.
Wildwood offers happy hour Tuesday through Sunday at 3-6pm with $2 off pints of beer, cider and seltzers, plus $1 off craft cocktails. Its signature cocktails are not to be missed, featuring drinks like the Strawberry Sparkler – a bright, fizzy blend of strawberry-infused Aperol, lemon, soda and cava - and the Bronx Sour, a bold mix of bourbon, lemon and simple syrup, with a red wine served over a large ice cube.
Pair your drinks with Wildwood's food offerings, including a flavorful Buddha bowl, crispy falafels and golden sweet potato fries. Stop by with your co-workers to unwind with a well-deserved drink, great food and a friendly atmosphere after a day at the office.