“ 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! ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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! ”

“ 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 ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”