In A Nutshell:-McMenamins Old St. Francis School located in Bend, Oregon is another great restaurant in the regional chain.-I always like to order their famous tater tots & blackberry cider & so should you!-This location is an old elementary school converted into a cool hotel & restaurant.Overall, I always enjoy checking out a new McMenamins whenever I visit different towns in Oregon.
Cool spot in Bend, we were hoping to find a proper Irish or British pub, but this was close enough. Beautiful building and outdoor area. Glad that it is really dog friendly. It's nice how they have their own liquors and beer, but it would be nice to have some recognizable brands too. Irish stout was good, but not great. Their whiskey left something to be desired, seemed quite watered down. The fish and chips were okay, heavy greasy breading and overcooked fish. The fries were brown, soggy, and over salted. Sadly the best part was the cole slaw, thankfully was delicious. The staff was friendly and efficient. It's a place for the ambiance, not the food, I probably won't come back.
We did nights in Bend, and decided to stay at McMenamins. Great location with downtown right outside your door. The hotel is very cool. Very different look and feel than anywhere else we've stayed. The staff was helpful. Room, bed, and bathroom all good. Wi-fi too weak to reach our room halfway down the hall from the front desk. We did the breakfast package which worked out great. Interesting just to walk around the halls in each of the buildings and check it all out. Bend was great. Very good stay.
This is one of the more interesting McMenamins locations in Oregon. It echoes the common themes from all of their locations around the northwest, with weird quirky artwork, dark interior themes, and an atmosphere that is hard to place.The school proper has guest rooms, bars, outdoor patios, ample choice of where you want to eat and drink.Across the street there is an annex including a cigar bar, more outdoor patio space, and more guest rooms in a three-story building that is accessible to bar-goers during the evening hours. If you're smart enough to figure it out, you can make it to the broom closet bar on the top floor of the building.Other secrets can be discovered if you explore.
Came for Sunday brunch. Very busy so we sat at the bar. Had very good corned beef hash..corned beef was juicy and tender. Love all McMenamins locations but St. Francis School is local to Central Oregon. Been here many times and we will be back.
We had a good lunch here while we were traveling through. The food was good. It was a little pricy but then again most places are these days if you want quality eats. I would go back if I’m ever in town again.
Just stayed for the first time at mcmenamins in Bend. What a wonderful place . The staff were excellent. Loved my room. I had a drink and dinner in the restaurant . Great food! Staff were very friendly . There is a big soaking pool and a movie theater. I was on a business trip. I am looking forward to coming back with my family. Mcmenamins is a great company. I have stayed at a few of their other hotels . I always have a great time. Good job!??
Only commenting on entertainment and drinks. I am very familiar with many McMenamin properties and am always delighted with their accomplishments. They take old classic properties, rejuvenate them and give them new life with special charm. They involve local artists and musicians in their business plans. On this night the music was local and really good. I was able to get my most favorite adult beverage from their well stocked bar, Pendleton Whiskey.
McMenamin's offers elegant rooms with comfortable beds, large bathrooms, room service, and fluffy terry cloth robes and towels just like other high-end luxury hotels. However, McMenamin's offers more than simply a nice place to stay. I might not choose McMenamin's for a quick overnight stay. But as a destination unto itself no question, this is the place to stay! McMenamin's offers a fascinating and imaginative world that is not only relaxing but takes you to another place, an adventure in itself that is a luxury I find difficult to express. I loved; the artwork, the themes throughout, the stories and references to music artists and songs, the headboard in my room, the soaking pool, all the food wherever you ate it, the outdoor fireplaces, wood paneling, the warm feel, the atmosphere, the people both other guests and McMenamin's staff. The list is endless. Plus it was amazingly quiet. I did not hear neighboring rooms or bathrooms or even the public patio outside my building. All this is right in the heart of downtown Bend.
Old St. Francis School is one of those historic places in Downtown Bend. This location for McMenamins is truly unique. I personally love Okane's cigar lounge for casual date nights. It's a good spot for first dates or contact their offices and book a large hall for events. However, I would discourage large groups or families from here because the hallways and rooms are just so small and the place gets filled up quickly with rude tourists