Active Culture

Health food restaurant · Bend

Active Culture

Health food restaurant · Bend

1

285 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701

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Highlights

Healthy vegetarian & vegan options, fresh ingredients, kids' play area  

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285 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701 Get directions

activeculturecafe.com
@activeculture

$10–20 · Menu

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285 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701 Get directions

+1 541 241 2926
activeculturecafe.com
@activeculture

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 13, 2025

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@eater

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Bend, Oregon | Eater Portland

"Known for its scratch sauces, Active Culture has a granola-y community vibe despite being an out-of-town import. Located in an old converted gas station a block off the river, this neighborhood gem’s outside tables surround a small playground to keep kids entertained on sunny days. A grocery refrigerator lines one wall offering various alcoholic and non-alcoholic cans as well as non-dairy milk to-go. Satisfying and creative, the breakfast tacos are two crispy flour tortillas filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, slaw, and creamy falafel sauce that’s potentially enough to share. The salsa makes the meal. There’s also a variety of bowls with açai and fruits or a nutty protein bowl. Adventurous palates may enjoy the innovative smoothie blends, such as the kombucha mojito or the Briz-Beet — a vibrant concoction of blueberries, pineapple, beets, chia seeds, basil, ginger, and orange juice." - Barb Gonzalez

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-breakfast-restaurants-bend-oregon
View Postcard for Active Culture

Rovik Robert

Google
The prosciutto eggel was decent, especially with the avocado on it. Smoothies were also very good here. Pretty basic aesthetic and a mostly bowls focused menu but it works for health food enthusiasts.

Nic A

Google
Casual small restaurant with outdoor seating and a play area for kids. Super fresh vegetables and a great selection of plant-based/vegan dishes. The prices are a bit high, but the portions are very large. Pictured is the "Simple Salad" with dressing on the side and a cup of "Vegan Chili" with cheese added.

Ari Leventhal

Google
Delicious food, one of the best veggie burritos I’ve ever had. Kind and efficient service and a wonderful homey atmosphere. Lots of families kids and meetups. A great place to have lunch.

PeePeeStop

Google
Our first visit and suggested by a local we met with for both the food and as a potential PeePeeStop restroom location. We could not agree more! 1- We'll be back, and we'll bring friends! 2- Incredible breakfast, not let down at all. 3- Yes, the restrooms were perfect. They are now on our directory. 4- Love the atmosphere, and they have outdoor seating, a little playground. Doing all the right things here! You won't be disappointed.

Marjorie Webster

Google
I get breakfast here every time I’m in Bend. Their food is really healthy and fresh but also delicious. I had a bowl with eggs, greens, beans and potatoes. It was a huge serving and fed me for the whole day! It was still summer break and children were enjoying the play area they have.

Ron E.

Google
Came here for a little breakfast/lunch for a casual Mother’s Day meal. We weren’t disappointed! The food was super fresh and well seasoned. Excellent breakfast burrito that was seared on the outside. It has a cool vibe with lots of hip young parents eating together and letting the kids play on the private playground in the parking lot. It appears to be a converted old gas station. Close to Drake park. Definite place to grab a meal when you visit Bend.

Girish Shekhar

Google
We had a fantastic brunch experience at Active Culture in Bend, OR! The food was absolutely delicious - we enjoyed smoothies, an acai bowl, a granola bowl, tacos, and a salad, and everything exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere was lively and kid-friendly, although it was a bit noisy. Despite the noise, we had a wonderful time and would love to come back again. The quality of the food and the welcoming vibe make Active Culture a great spot for families and foodies alike. We'll definitely be back! 👍

Emma Axelson

Google
one of my favorite places to go in bend. everything they have is great. little on the pricey side but what isn’t nowadays. definitely recommend!
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M S.

Yelp
This is my go to when visiting Bend. Good gluten free and vegetarian food choices as well as adult beverages. I like that they have added more outside seating. It's unfortunate that they have had to raise their prices, but it's the crummy times we are living in.
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Allison R.

Yelp
Beware they use seed oils in their food Unfortunately. :( it's already been proven seed oils cause heart disease and cancer, Along with other health issues. I was really excited about this place, but then I found out they use sunflower oil in everything. I don't get why restaurants just don't use avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. So yeah, this place isn't healthy at all...
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Jiayi S.

Yelp
We were looking for a smoothie place after skiing and came upon Active Culture. The space was cozy and modern with a little built-in market. They had acai bowls, smoothies, and sandwiches/salads. Everything was vegetarian which was kind of cool and uncommon. We got the Blue-Green Envy and some gelato. Thought the smoothie was just okay. A little chunky and the almond butter and banana really stood out and overpowered the rest of the ingredients in it. My friend added protein powder in her blue-green envy and it made the smoothie taste bitter. The highlight of this visit was the gelato. The lavender, lime and strawberry, and the chocolate with espresso were really good. They also had a happy hour for it so were got two small sizes for 5$ which was so slay.
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Nancy S.

Yelp
We had a delicious delivery and cannot wait to visit in person! We had the protein açaí bowl and the hummus wrap. Both delicious. Why a 4 versus a 5 star? The delivery was timely; however the two drinks we ordered (la croix) were not delivered. We probably won't order delivery again as we don't trust we'll get our entire order.
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Madeleine Y.

Yelp
An amazing vegetarian place that has a great variety of healthy options. Came here for lunch with family after a day of skiing and everything was so lovely. It's clean and cozy inside w/ very kind staff & fast service. I ordered the breakfast bowl over spinach which was warm and fresh. You can really tell that the ingredients are fresh and you feel great and energized afterwards. Loved this place and its effort to provide healthy meals!!
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Mikala C.

Yelp
Came here for a quick healthy lunch. The menu is full of fresh, veggie friendly options. I liked the kale salad though was disappointed that it lacked any protein. By far, the bend bowl was everyone's favorite and I would order it again. It had a curry like sauce, avocado, cabbage, beans, and rice! Super yummy.
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Susan C.

Yelp
The perfect stop for the yummiest and healthiest food. Just what I needed on my road trip down to California. Worth the three minute drive from hwy 97 south.
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Andrew L.

Yelp
I tend to lean toward "Healthy" foods, which of course can be just about anything. So visiting old friends in Bend, we were on our own for our this dinner; the wife looked up places that looked good, and rated well. Active Culture seemed to fit all the needs, and with a little discussion about whether it's going to be filling, we decided to head over with our kiddo in tow. The location, is a former gas station. Which honestly does a great job for the now restaurant. With outdoor seating under a covered area, even on the sunny days, it's pleasant. Ambiance is perfect for a warm day outside, or a chill day inside the old converted gas station. The food on the menu isn't skimpy salads, it't hearty bites, burgers and bowls, solid eats. If you need a place that fits the needs of someone who is generally health conscious or demanding.. I highly recommend.
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Jenifer G.

Yelp
The best place in town! Açaí and Nachos, the best combination! I wish their sitting was more cozy, so I always take it to go.
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Bryn S.

Yelp
This is the worst ceaser salad iv had in my life and my smoothie was brown ): it took them a while to get my order out. Seemed like they were short staffed. Not good at all.
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Cathy M.

Yelp
10% surcharge before adding 20% for tip is just wild. I get cost increases but 10% across the board? Hmm. Doesn't seem ingredient specific
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Carol M.

Yelp
Really good healthy food. Even local icecream a lot gluten free. Somewhat small inside dining. But big outdoor area.
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Victoria L.

Yelp
Healthy options and soemthing on the menu for everyone. Open seating inside which made getting a seat quick. Would love to come back!
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Jody K.

Yelp
Healthy and delicious food options for lunch or dinner! This place never disappoints.
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Michelle C.

Yelp
Favorite place to have a healthy food everything was fresh The service was fast Ambiance is chill and relax
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Matt V.

Yelp
The big salad was amazing! So many flavors going on...made my mouth happy! Particularly loved the crunchies (sunflower seeds) as well as the addition of the rice. Dressing was spot on too
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Tony V.

Yelp
I'm back again! I needed some flavorful healthy food to pick me up today, kinda felt worn out. The service was again, great, and love the vibe here, energetic and calming at the same time. I recommend this açaí treat for sure, delicious and refreshing.

Scott E.

Yelp
In my short stay in Bend, I went to Active Culture 4 times and each time I had an acai protein bowl. Best I've ever had!
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Sally C.

Yelp
FANTASTIC! So many wonderful food options for this gluten, soy, lactose challenged woman. The Huevos Rancheros was perfect! Service was good, it was a noisy summer day in Bend, but we could still carry on a conversation. Definitely will visit again when in Bend!
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Stefanie C.

Yelp
4.5 stars. Bend is a weird place, and Active Culture was my first exposure to the cookie cutter cult vibes of the city. I drove here directly from Portland to work an event and stopped by for lunch. You wait in line to order and pray there's a table available. Every staff member I encountered was nice, and it's overall a cute restaurant that offers salads, smoothies, and more. Definitely want to try a bowl next time. I got the Simple Salad, which looks so much more than its name. Filled to the brim with fresh ingredients, it was super filling and delicious. Unfortunately I was sitting at a communal bench, when suddenly I was surrounded by a herd of 20 preppy moms in puffy vests, talking about pumpkin spice lattes and how matcha is too spicy. They edged me out of my seat, which I was annoyed by. It's fine, whatever. While I don't desire coming back to Bend, I liked Active Culture as a café. Just didn't have the best experience. I'd pick a smaller solo table next time or chill outside if the weather was nice, then get a coffee, smoothie, or cocktail. Parking wasn't bad. I found a spot right in front. Otherwise there's neighborhood parking. What a wild introduction to a new city!

Autumn K.

Yelp
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the bowls or salads here. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The flavors were expertly balanced and portions are perfect. The shop is clean and a great place to hangout outside or in.
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taylor f.

Yelp
Oh man. Visiting from the CA Bay Area we happened upon this place. YELP search term was "soup." :) You cannot possibly go wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed the lentil burger and my travel companion loved the butternut squash soup and some concoction of brown rice and black beans. (and other goodies) topped with cheese. They have everything a healthy eater and drinker could possibly want. If I lived here, I'd become a regular. No doubt in my mind. Byeeeee, y'all.
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kiathompson85 ..

Yelp
Tried this restaurant yesterday and loved it. Lots of options for vegetarian. I enjoyed a vegetarian chili that was delicious! I will definitely be going back to try some other options.
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Sarah J.

Yelp
Active Culture is absolutely delicious! I wanted to eat and try everything on their menu. We ended up going with the potato tacos and the breakfast burrito. They were both very good! FYI- Parking is a little limited, and you cannot park in the residential area or else you may be ticketed for 50 dollars. They also have an outdoor play area for kids. This is definitely a place to try if you are looking for some fresh and healthy foods. We will be back!
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Sugar W.

Yelp
Great food with healthy options. Caution parents, the kids play set outside is dangerous and needs some repair.
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Heather R.

Yelp
Fantastic bowls and ice cream. I really recommend them if looking for a healthy lunch or afternoon snack.
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Gabrielle B.

Yelp
One of the best healthy vegan/vegetarian restaurants in bend! They offer a variety of foods such as salads, burritos, soups and smoothies. They even have gelato, grocery items and grab n go. The kale salad is so refreshing and tasty. It's huge and full of nuts, fruit and a miso dressing. The vegan chili is very good and I love the smoothies. The berry smoothie is one of my favorites! Lots of wholesome and healthy food options to satisfy any craving!

jim o.

Yelp
I am not a vegetarian or a vegan but I love good food and this place is truly outstanding. A friend recommended it while i was in Bend, so I stopped and had a coffee and some kind of breakfast bowl or burrito. Very good. Next night my family-3 of whom are mostly vegans or veggie heads-asked me about it, and 4 of us went for dinner, and everyone got a different dish, and everyone was very full and very happy!
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Kelsey B.

Yelp
I tried the nachos for the first time the other day. I've never had such amazing nachos! The chips are thicker so they don't get soggy as easy and there is an Indian sauce in there that is just amazing!
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Kris M.

Yelp
Whaaaat? I haven't reviewed this place? One of my favorites in Bend. Really good Huevos Rancheros, and excellent juices and smoothies. This is where I send the hubby for a "remedy" when I am not feeling great. Instant fix.
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Brittney K.

Yelp
Ok so this is my new favorite place!! I'm obsessed with it and I wish I lived closer to this location. I was down visiting Bend, Or with friends for a snowboard trip and I was the only vegan so I was on the search for a yummy place to eat. I ended up eating here 3 days in a row!! I was wanted to try everything on the menu before leaving back to Seattle(HAHAHA)! My husband who isn't vegan also fell in love with their food. I am really picky with food, I can tell if it's cheap/frozen ingredients. At this restaurant that is definitely not the case. AMAZING, DELICIOUS FOOD! A part of the reason is their flavors. You can taste all the flavor in their food, it's literally Perfect. The smoothie, nachos, wholesome Bowl, açaí bowls! Ok .... I've had açaí bowls at MANY places but here it was so different! The taste was delicious so delicious. Not only do they have spectacular food but they have great customer service to go along with it OLIVIA was so helpful when I told her it was my first time eating here and everyday she helped me with all my questions, was very detailed when explaining the menu. Thank you Olivia for your patience and kindness! I took awhile to make my decision because everything looked so good. Check this place out!! Literally one of the best places I have eaten in awhile. I seriously can't wait to go back. I know they have a location in Cali as well, hopefully they open one in Tacoma/Seattle area. PLEASE PLEASE open one near my area.

Dan W.

Yelp
listen...food is good, tasty, fresh but seems like every time I go the prices have increase. $5.99 for a tiny kids smoothie is a little silly. Used to eat here all the time but due to the prices it's a rarity now.
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Tammy W.

Yelp
We came here after running the Bend half marathon because it was the only place still open with some brunch options mid-afternoon. I got the açaí protein bowl, fancy toast, and a mimosa. The mimosa was so cute and I appreciate that you mix it yourself. Both food dishes were great. It's a cute spot in a residential area but super close to downtown. Staff was really friendly. I would definitely come here a lot if I lived in Bend!
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Walker D.

Yelp
Amazing food that came out very quick! Awesome selection of beverages. Great service. Can't wait to go back.
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Rachel R.

Yelp
The not your mama nachos were delicious and the chips were exceptional. The chocolate shake with added peanut butter was rich and great. My husband said it was the best huevos ranchero he has ever had and he is one particular person. Great experience, food came out fast and staff were super friendly and efficient with the hectic lunch crowd.
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Sarah M.

Yelp
They were super nice here--complete opposite of the snootiness of Chow, where I drove here from. The huevos rancheros was tasty and the cookies by Blissful Spoon were nothing short of blissful. The counter person couldn't have been friendlier. I sat outside and it was super lovely.
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Chambria M.

Yelp
Great food and ambiance. Organic, fresh, delicious food. Places for kiddos to play, both inside and outside. Relaxed enough vibe for adults to also enjoy.
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Dallas A.

Yelp
Healthy and delicious, not to mention beautiful food presentation and a cute indoor dining space and outdoor patio (which unfortunately had snow on it during our visit). Active Culture offers fresh, organic ingredients in vegetarian and vegan options. Everything was fantastic, and I'll definitely stop by for breakfast the next time I'm in Bend.
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Malley D.

Yelp
Great food and very healthy feeling (I don't know how healthy it actually is, but I know it has a lot of fiber because it definitely will give you the toots!). My favorite is the wholesome bowl! The Bend location is super cute and has a nice rally nice outdoor patio. Fun for kids and adults, since they have cocktails! Yum!

Jayashree R.

Yelp
Delicious food with lots and lots of vegetarian options. A must- go if you are in Bend. Their staff are very friendly and their service is amazing

Lisa S.

Yelp
Loved the huevos rancheros and that a half order is available for lighter eaters. The nachos were saucy and cheesy with healthy chips (I believe).
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Kevin D.

Yelp
Paid about $40 for two burritos and a smoothie. Took about 30 mins to get the food out too. Pretty crazy. Overall the food was alright. Brown rice in the burrito wasn't seasoned, plain black beans, some cabbage, mild salsa, and some sauce that was slightly tangy. I can make a better burrito at home for probably a 10th of the cost.
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Hannah W.

Yelp
Yelpers - don't forget to check-in before you order. You get 10% off your order! Portion sizes are huge! All the ingredients are super fresh and the kombucha was awesome!
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Jason F.

Yelp
Food is always delicious, service is always good. My kids love the sand playground. I've had bowls, nachos and a burrito. All have been great. And I don't feel bad after eating them.
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Clara P.

Yelp
Great fresh menu. Service is courteous but very casual. It is more of a market eatery but nice selection. A bit price. Location is near the river path and park, quaint building.

Francesca B.

Yelp
First time I've been here. The salad I had was so good, I can't wait to go back and try something else.
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Julie L.

Yelp
This place awesome. We love their food. Today we had the huevos rancheros. They were great! The service is great too. You can eat outside and there is a playscape for the littles.
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Jordan L.

Yelp
If you're looking for good vegan food, this is the place. I'm not vegan nor vegetarian, but for the lack of meat, this place was great! We got a breakfast burrito and the BBQ burrito and split them. The beets were a little overwhelming for me personally in the bbq burrito but the breakfast burrito with potatoes was good! If you come here with the right expectations (vegan food) you won't be disappointed!
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Geena E.

Yelp
Super food - great vegan choices burritos and wraps - and the ICE CREAMERY ......yummy Juices and a great outdoor area for sitting with kids n pups !