Dear Irene

We had a fantastic experience at Dear Irene! We sat at the bar and were greeted right away by the bartender, who was incredibly attentive and made us feel welcome. We started with cocktails, which were absolutely delicious. While we didn’t order any entrées, we indulged in several starter dishes—and they were exceptional! The salmon tartare was a standout, and I highly recommend ordering it with the sourdough bread. Our absolute favorite was the Dungeness crab arancini—so flavorful and perfectly crispy! The restaurant itself is small and cozy, adding to the intimate and inviting atmosphere. Most of the dishes were well-seasoned and packed with flavor. Overall, a great spot for delicious small plates and excellent drinks. Can’t wait to come back!

This has been on our list of “new places to try” and we finally made it in on a Tuesday. And we’ll be back! We shared some appetizers as we’re not big eaters and they were spot on. The clam dish was the fave for both of us, with the burrata dish served over citrus a true flavor explosion. Dear Irene has now been elevated to our “must eat at” list for our next visit. Big thanks to Ryan behind the bar for his warm hospitality and his deliciously crafted cocktails. That man knows his flavors! And his Al Pastor Mezcalita is a flavor triumph.

This place is very mid century modern with excellent drinks. I had the maiz cocktail and it was one of the best in city. Food was not seasoned :( the crab arancini ? Had great crisp out layer with no flavor.

We screwed up: We waited to come in until we were celebrating a birthday. Don’t make the same mistake. Go now. Order the to-die-for prawn dumplings (and the short rib and the scallops). Sit at the bar and enjoy the fun conversation and incredible service. You will not be disappointed. (Oh, and if you do go for a birthday, you’ll love it. Everyone made a point to make it extra special. So, birthday or no birthday, you simply cannot go wrong.)

Dear Irene is truly a special place and I can’t wait to return to Bend just to eat there again! The ambiance is sexy and comfortable. The food is creative, approachable and delicious. The cocktails are inventive and so so good. Service was impeccable. Every dish we had was amazing, unique, and incentive - particularly loved the fried quail which was served with fresh fragrant herbs that took the dish to the next level. Dear Irene would be my top choice in town for anything from a swanky happy hour to a celebratory dinner. So looking forward to going back!

I was brought here for my birthday dinner. From the moment we walked into Dear Irene, it felt like stepping into a warm hug wrapped in warm lights and cozy charm. The ambiance is vibrant with pops of gemstone colors, but what truly sets this gem apart is the incredible staff. Our server Serena was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about the menu—it felt like being hosted by old friends who just happen to be culinary experts. Now, let’s talk about the food. Oh. My. Goodness. Starters: * The Oregon crab arancini balls were golden, crispy on the outside, with a creamy, dreamy center that oozed with the delicate sweetness of crab. * The prawn dumplings were juicy, tender, and swimming in the most luscious, creamy red curry sauce. Every bite was a perfect blend of delicate seafood sweetness and rich, velvety goodness! * The Calabrian style clams with bread were a standout—plump, tender, swimming in a tomato broth so good I would’ve sipped it with a straw. * An indulgent delight and surprise to me was their seared foie gras. Buttery, rich, and very melt-in-your-mouth. Nestled atop a delicate, golden pancake that added just the right touch of sweetness and texture. * The citrus, burrata & prosciutto salad: creamy luscious burrata surrounded by prosciutto, and vibrant citrus accompaniments that made every bite feel like a little celebration. Entrée: * The seared diver scallops were seared to absolute perfection—crispy golden on the outside and buttery-soft on the inside, each bite melting like a savory dream. * The braised short rib? Utterly divine. Fall-apart tender & richly flavored. * The pork chop milanese was juicy and full of character and flavor - even more so with a squeeze of lemon. Dessert: Just when we thought things couldn’t possibly get better, along came the cannoli tiramisu—the perfect (luxardo) cherry on top of an already spectacular evening. Light, fluffy, and beautifully layered. It was the dreamy finale I didn’t know I needed. In short, Dear Irene is a delightful love letter to flavor, hospitality, and good vibes. Run—don’t walk—and prepare to fall in love.

Had an amazing meal. Very intimate setting and friendly, attentive service. Bartender was fantastic. Was definitely worth the price. The foie gras and scallops were my favorite dishes, but it was hard to choose.

Phenomenal food, service and atmosphere! They boast an unbelievable selection of spirits, especially whiskey and cocktails. The dishes are delicately crafted with perfectly paired, high quality ingredients. You cannot go wrong with choosing anything on the menu. The atmosphere is perfect; it’s cozy, inviting and you feel like a welcomed guest. We had the pleasure of enjoying the sourdough bread with olive butter, bacon wrapped dates, crab arancini, strawberry burrata salad and the scallops. Everything was amazing and I would order them all again.

I must say, I wish I didnt wait this long to try Dear Irene. It's nestled in a row of shops near the parking lot of Drake Park and if youre an adventurous eater who appreciates various cuisines, this is the place that executes dishes quite well and is refreshing to the Bend Food scene. Portions are smaller but the flavors are hard to find in town. What we tried: -foie gras: melt in your mouth delicious with a nice sear paired with the bread. Wonderful mix of texture, Fat and acid. (The one image i took was blurry so I didn't post it) -duck: wow, crispy skin, tender meat nestled on a bed of cooked to perfection lentils. I wouldnt have minded something a little sweet like fig jam or drizzle on the plate with it but the duck was the best part. -lamb dumplings: so much flavor in each bite. If you're not used to the the peppercorn, it's like a slow burning menthol like heat. I'm not the biggest fan of the peppercorns itself but it truly complements the lamb and dish entirely. -short ribs: tender meat in a delicious sauce. It's not the usual brown sauce but is white in appearance. The chard paired beautifully with the meat and sauce. I wish it was served with mashed potatoes which you can mix into that SAUCE. -snapper: cooked well with crispy skin, tangy sweet sauce. I almost wish there was a little more sauce but the crisp skin may get soggy. 4/5 This spot has a vibe. If only I had the budget to dined there weekly, I would. Itll definitely be in our date nights rotations. I wish it wasn't 21+ because our son, who loves good food, would like this place too.

Walking into Dear Irene, you're instantly transported to an intimate, stylish oasis where the artistry of cocktails meets the comfort of the finest comfort food with a gourmet twist. The ambiance strikes a balance between sophistication and warmth, with dim lighting, elegant décor, and a lively yet relaxed vibe that sets the perfect tone for a night out. Drinks: The cocktail menu is nothing short of spectacular, each drink crafted with an attention to detail that you rarely see. Moment of Treuse offers a balanced mix of fruit and strong tequila, while Spice and everything Nice surprises with its innovative combination of Holiday notes and lemon. Every sip is a reminder that this is a place where cocktails are not just mixed, they're curated. The bartenders are true artisans, always happy to recommend a drink based on your tastes, and watching them work is like watching a master at their craft. Food: And then there's the food! Their grilled cheese isn't just a snack--it's an experience. Layers of gourmet cheeses melt perfectly into a golden crust, and the quality of the ingredients shines through in every bite. It's simple but elevated, comfort food at its finest. And for something bold, the bone marrow is an absolute must-try. Rich, buttery, and served with a side of crusty bread, it's the perfect indulgence to pair with a smoky cocktail. Service: The service here is impeccable; attentive but not overbearing, with a staff that clearly knows their menu inside and out. They're passionate about what they serve, whether it's the latest cocktail innovation or the perfect cheese blend for their grilled cheese, and it shows. Overall: For anyone looking to indulge in world-class cocktails and unforgettable bites, Dear Irene is a must-visit. It's a place that celebrates the art of a perfect drink and the beauty of reimagined comfort food, making it the ideal spot for both special occasions and spontaneous nights out.

Such a fun and delicious place! The cocktails are inventive and spot on, the service was excellent (attentive but not obsequious), and the food was so tasty. We went the small plate route with salmon tartare, crab arancini, duck confit with lentils, and spicy garlic shrimp, and it all rocked. And the cannoli tiramisu was to die for. Will be back!

Loved this spot so much we came two times in a week. Online reservations are easy to make. The interior is stunning, food is delicious and bar service is top tier. A must for fine dining in Central Oregon.

What a lovely treat for my birthday - dinner at Dear Irene! The only availability was at the bar, which was just fine for grazing the menu, chatting with bartender Brian and visiting with the couple next to us. If you're looking for classy upscale, be sure to dine at Dear Irene!

I had bookmarked this spot a few months ago, but J and I have the bad habit of returning to our favorite spots almost exclusively, so I am a bit slow at moving down my list of "must try"s Luckily I was able to reserve the last two bar seats at 5:30 on a Saturday night--and I am so glad that I did. First thing I noticed--- nice vibes. The hostess was lovely and sat us right away. Cocktails were excellent--Crimson & Clover and We ordered: Crab Arancini--best I have had, light and creamy Croque Madame-yum Diver Scallops-excellent We will definitely return soon Highly recommend.

OMG! This place is very lounge like. Velvet seats, velvet decor, lounge jazz and tango playing in the background. The cocktails are superb and the service is excellent. Extremely friendly. We came here on a Tuesday evening. 8:45 Made a reservation but probably did not need it. Deposit of $10 per person required when made online, but applied to your final bill. Ordered Roasted asparagus & burrata, Roasted beet & strawberry salad, Little Gem salad, Short ribs, Italian polenta & soft cooked egg. For desert we shared the Cannoli tiramisu. It is the most exquisite dinner I have had in a long time. Come here if you are in Bend Oregon!

Hands down one of the best meals of my LIFE. Started with the sourdough, blistered peppers, tomato peach and burrata salad, short ribs for the entree and sticky date cake for dessert. Everything was 10/10, next level good. Easily the coolest restaurant I've been to, the decor is perfection and the vibe is small, cozy and chill. Attentive, friendly staff. Can't wait to go back!

My wife and I were visiting Bend Oregon from Houston, and stumbled onto Dear Irene when searching for restaurants. Its really a bar with excellent and interesting food. Because the space is so small, they require reservations on Tock, and a deposit. But all went smooth, and we were credited our deposit at the end of the meal. We enjoyed the Dear Irene and Goodnight Irene cocktails, one a riff on a vodka martini, and the other a riff on a Manhattan. For food we enjoyed the grilled avocado and trout roe, and the king salmon tostadas. Very interesting and tasty. For entrees, we had the short rib and the Polenta with soft cooked egg. Both really good. Conversation at the bar with the servers was friendly. Dear Irene was probably our most interesting and best meal on the weeklong trip to Bend.

I truly had the best cocktail of my life here. This bar is so beautiful and unique, plus the bartenders were all very kind and helpful. Highly highly recommend this spot

one of my favorite meals in Bend; beautiful room, lovely service and very good food...definitely recommend

Dear Irene has some of the best cohesion between their menu, service and overall vibes we've experienced in a restaurant. It's clear that every minor detail has been carefully thought out to enhance the collective experience. The staff was very knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs. We started the night with cocktails - the Dear Irene paired nicely with caviar & one Al Pastor Mezcalita turned into two. The presentation of the Lamb's Tongue & Foie Gras was wonderful, and it essentially melts in your mouth. The tai snapper combines so many different flavors that tie together wonderfully. We hope to come back to Bend - mainly for Dear Irene - Soon!

Great place to celebrate! Fabulous food, excellent presentation with very attentive service

LOVE the vibes in here. Such a beautiful space. The hostess & server were very nice and attentive. The food was good but not great - we got the little gems salad, five spiced quail, and the short rib. We finished with the matcha tres leches cake which was amazing, must get this is you dine here. Would give the food a 3 overall and ambiance/service a 5.

Another great addition to Bend's food scene. Swanky interior do very well thought out. Any time carrots are on the menu I always make sure I order them and you should too. Highly recommend the Black Cod, Short Rib and the date cake. My only knock was our first course arrived before our cocktails. ‍

Yeah, so Dear Irene's other name should be "Dear New-King." This place is phenomenal. On the soft opening, the drinks were perfect, service was over the top impressive on all counts. The plates were very creative; where can you have some Chinese 5-spice with Sichuan peppercorn pig ear and then.....foie? Cocktails were well balanced and creative. There was a solid mix of spirits Aperol to Vodka. Plus, they had a drink with Negroni Jelly, are you loco bro? The short rib was an extremely impressive reduction sauce with a perfect crunch factor with green peas. With the bone marrow mixed in, it was exceptional. Not a single dish was over salted. We had a couple Zerts and they were just stupid delicious. Just get one of each. Seeing 10 years of "New" restaurants in Bend, This has been the most exciting. The owners are so friendly and casual. This is the best restaurant in Bend before they've formally opened. What a sexy, swanky, touch-me-daddy, perfezione kind of place.

We've been to Dear Irene twice now- once for dinner with friends and most recently for birthday drinks before another dinner reservation. The ambiance is very speakeasy-esque and the menu is simple but exquisite. If you need lots of options (that aren't whiskey/bourbon), this might not be the spot for you, but if you want top notch service and even better food...make a reservation now. It's always on our short list of recommendations for Bend!

Amazing service and amazing food. They gave me VIP treatment !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First time there. Every thing was excellent. I ordered the snapper. The price seemed high for fish. However it was excellent. My wife order the short ribs. Excellent as well.

Great cocktails, beer on tap, tasty and creative food, plus we loved the decor (check out the bathrooms or sit at the bar) for this relatively new spot. Not a large restaurant so limited seating, mainly bar or bar top tables and just a few entrees on the menu (more choices with apps) but wifey and I had a great date night and will be back.

I've been here twice now - once for dinner and another time for drinks and appetizers. First we have to talk about the ambiance of this space! It's great, I love it! For anyone who has been in Bend for awhile - it is where Wall Street used to be and I had a lot of fond memories in that space. But I love this entire revamped vibe and it is like we grew up and moved to the big city! The drinks were delish! Probably a little pricier than some places in Bend but also not really. These are typical craft cocktail prices in Bend. The food was amazing! As appetizers I've had the grilled avocados and the grilled cheese with duck eggs. You have to get the grilled cheese with duck eggs! They are perfect. The citrus burrata salad and the short ribs are also things I've had, and would recommend. I can't wait to go back and try more of their menu!

Atmosphere is beautiful , the food was delicious . Everything was perfection from the appetizers , entree to dessert. The cocktails are superb and the service was incredible. I'm not sure I want to go anywhere else in Bend now. Finally a restaurant in Bend that pays attention to every pleasing detail .

Ambience 5/5m music 5/5 Service 3/5 Drinks 3/5 - The famous dear Irene martini was certainly not dirty, heavy on vermouth. It's all we could taste. They kindly brought extra dirty on the side but it didn't help. The sage advice was beautiful and yummy. Food-we didn't eat but looked like a 5/5 Both server and hostess knew we didn't care for the some of the drinks but they didn't care and upon feedback on the way out, smiled big and said thank you for that!

Now about 5 times in as a local and while yes sometimes my company has influenced my experiences (hey dating apps) I just felt that after my birthday night I had to leave a review. My nearest & dearest and I went around Bend for my bday on a school night and we could have called it but "what about Dear Irene?" I'm so happy we did! I love a bejeweled atmosphere and down to earth attitudes surrounded by elite liquor and folxs who make you laugh without the need to make sure you don't have s*t in your teeth in the mirrors b/c they'll tell you, you're among friends! It's pricey/high end, and I ate a grilled cheese with duck egg that was wonderful and the crab arancini is what you go for if no shellfish allergy for sure!!! of course not for the men on tinder thinking us ladies are out for their money.

Wow. Really...wow! I enjoyed this place right on the first visit! Food was outstanding, the service perfect, and the ambiance was unlike any other place in Bend. We all shared the grilled cheese sandwich to start, and I would return just to have that dish again! I had the short rib as a main course, which did not disappoint. I recommend it as one of the best dishes in Bend at the moment! Rich, flavorful, and a great variety of meat and veggies. Another at our table had the polenta, which I also tasted. It was awesome! The cocktails were inventive and came to the table quickly. I really don't have anything bad to say about this place!

Small menu with delicious selections. Waiter was helpful sharing his favorites. Decor took me back to the 70s. So cute!!

This place is fantastic. Lovely elegant ambiance and the food is fantastic. My new favorite place in bend to go for a date or special occasion.

Return visit. Great ambience. Great service. My snapper was excellent. Drinks okay. I would give it a five star but again the menu is too limited and the desserts are quite weak.

Our first time in Bend. My wife found Dear Irene on Yelp, checked out the menu, and decided to give it a try. We arrived at 6:30 on a Wednesday night and we were cheerfully treated and promptly seated. Was full by the time we left around 8pm. Our server was Serena and she was phenomenal! Every visit to our table was a delightful engagement. Her recommendations were spot on. Everything we ordered had a beautiful presentation and tasted delicious! We shared the Seared Foie Gras, Oregon Dungeness Crab Arancini, and Roasted Beet & Strawberry. For dessert, we shared Sticky Date Cake and a digestive called Goodnight Irene. Wow!

Dear Irene is excellent. The ambiance is great whether you sit inside or outdoors. And the food is always solid, I've had the salmon and the short ribs both a couple times and they are always good. And my wife and I both love the salads. Plus, they always have a good IPA on tap!

Super awesome! I found Pappy here and got to try it and cross it off my whiskey bucket list. The food is expensive but you get what you pay for. The arancini was amazing and the rest of the food was solid. They gave us free champagne for our birthday celebration. If you want a classy place in downtown bend this is the spot to go.

Dear Irene, Johnny, and Brian (best bartender in the universe), you guys killed it tonight! What an amazing experience. From the moment we walked in the service was incredible, the food and drink paired perfectly. Thanks so much for everything. We'll be back very soon.

Such a unique and fabulous addition to the Bend culinary and cocktail scene. Service was phenomenal! From the decor, flavors, and service - every aspect of Dear Irene has been carefully considered and curated. While you can choose to dine at one of the tables or high tops, we really loved sitting at the bar. Will be going again!

this was a really good experience. we forgot to make reservations so we called and got on the list which was really nice. the cocktails were really good, pretty decent wine list and after dinner drinks were spot on. the starters and salads were the stars of the show - we loved them. the mains were just okay which is why it's a 4 star vs a 5 star review. overall ambiance was nice with the wallpaper, music and sitting by the bar watching the drinks being made.

We walked in at around 7:30 on a Saturday night without a reservation. We got lucky and were able to get a seat outside on a beautiful evening. It was also Prom night which was fun to look at the outfits as students walked by. The service was fantastic - prompt but no rushed. We got the Mussels for an app. They were served in a light red sauce. We also got the Scallops and Short-ribs. Both dishes were excellent. We'll be back sometime soon! It was a great date night spot.

Amazing food, amazing service and really distinctive ambience. The cocktails were both inventive and delicious. We didn't have a single dish that wasn't praiseworthy tonight. Highly recommend.

Everything about this restaurant was incredible. The decor is stunning and one thing to talk about after the next. Our service was impeccable. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about gluten free dishes and celiac vs sensitivity. The food was some of the best I've ever had. The salmon Krudo was melt in your mouth with so many different flavor notes that all melded together into the tastiest bite. We also had the spare ribs with marrow which was cooked to Perfection and the polenta with summer veggies and eggs and it was anything but boring. By far the best polenta I've ever had. It was so creamy and decadent and the crunch of the veggies balanced textures. I cannot wait to come back and try other items on the menu.

My wife and I had an absolutely delightful evening at Dear Irene. Reservations were made seamlessly and the host was very welcoming, offering to take our coats to keep them safe for us. The decor is soooo stunning! With beautiful chandeliers and gorgeous artistic wallpaper, you feel like you've stepped into a whole other world. The cocktails are masterful and the food is to die for. We had the Short Ribs and the Oregon Dungeness Crab Arancini. The flavors were out of this world. Our server/bartender, Serena, was so knowledgeable of the drinks and food....and was extremely attentive to our needs. She made me the Notorious F.I.G. and my wife had their Americano Spritz. The owner, Jonny, came by our table to insure everything was fabulous. The bathrooms are completely amazing...each with their own aesthetic. It is a breath of fresh air, having such a glamorous spot in our small town. Thank you to their whole team. We will be back soon.

Another lovely, tasty, fun evening at Dear Irene! Tonight the charred shishito peppers, peach burrata salad, short ribs w/marrow (a must), date cake w/cardamom whip for dessert (extra whip). Food was incredible! Bartenders/servers Serena and Brian are THE BEST!! They're fun and sooo knowledgeable. Great tips on egg white float, broad knowledge of whiskies, spot-on recommendations for wine pairing for entree as well as dessert. Just exceptional, as always, and we look forward to returning soon!

Food, service, ambiance: Dear Irene excelled in all categories. Four of us with vastly different tastes had a wonderful time. We can't wait to return!

Had to cancel reservation due to bad policy and not allowing children despite not saying so

Probably the best overall atmosphere in Bend. Inventive decor, friendly staff and a limited but inspired menu.

This is a quaint restaurant with old brick walls and a modern mirrored bar. The furniture is a mix of the old velvet and modern day lights and a retro turquoise inspired wall. The cocktails are the same. A mix of old with a modern twist. The menu is small and mighty. I had the scallops which were cooked to perfection. My friend has the halibut. For desert we ate the matcha cake. It was creamy, delicate and light. Jesse was a great waiter! He addressed the drink, dinner and desert menu leaving us pondering to think about each dish we invited to taste from the menu! A great place to stop snd have a drink with friends too. I loved the music selection playing in the background too. I walked into Pink Martini.

They take a deposit to hold your reservation but unless you remember, they don't credit you back. Pretty shady.

Excellent addition to the Bend community. Service and food were amazing. Thank you. I will be back.

Stunning details in the decor, impeccable service, the food was delicious & the owner was very gracious & appreciated. I will return!

What a lovely experience. My favorite dish was the Spanish prawns. Favorite drink was the Mezcalita. The details in design were so beautiful!

Delicious food in gorgeous atmosphere. The short ribs and the matcha tres leches were the stand outs for me that I can't wait to eat again. The bathroom wallpaper is memorable as well! :)

Outstanding food, drink and service! Can't wait to go back... Make your reservation asap, you'll be glad you did!