Back again, bringing a new customer who is now and forever a fan. She wanted to share appetizers.. I said that would be fine but I would NOT share my BBQ shrimp, she thought I was joking until she looked up from the menu at me. No joking here- I am not sharing those. SO... we ordered two shrimp, one artichoke corn fritters and the muscle clam dish. ALL were fantastic but as everyone else- she agreed the shrimp were impossible to beat. Mama's G's salad to split. Plenty to split... but skimpy on the steak and it was in little bits almost seeming to be meat scraps used on the salad. Good salad, lovely dressing but I wouldnt order it again. I had previously had the jambalaya and Id order that again. Great service, yet again. I dream of your shrimp
(5)
K S.
Popped in a very popular brewery down the street and were left sitting for 15 minutes while other tables around us were served... soooooooooooo, down the street to Zydeco we went - and damn skippy, were we happy we made the change. We sat at the communal table in the bar because it was late and we didn't want to wait another 20+ minutes to sit in the restaurant part. It was a good choice! Staff is awesome, attentive and personable - suggested to us to get the BBQ shrimp - DO IT. GET THE SHRIMP - EVEN IF YOU HATE SHRIMP! (Like I do) - I wanted to put that BBQ sauce on a piece of cardboard and eat it! And they have many Gluten Free options, including GF crackers which reminded me of the buttery townhouse crackers of my youth. Manfriend got the buffalo meatloaf with dijon sauce (Gluten free, too!!!) - and I got the steak salad. Both were wonderful - steak was well-seasoned and cooked a perfect med-rare. While we didn't have enough room for dessert, we got a decaf cappuccino - it was perfect, too. Thanks to Zydeco and the wonderful staff for saving the night after a long road trip into town.
(5)
Christine N.
People told me this was a must-try in Bend but I found it to be "meh". Service was slow- expect at least an hour for your entree to come out and make sure you like the people you're eating dinner with because it will feel like forever. Our server was rude and never seemed to give us enough time to say anything, she gave off a "k cool thanks bye" type of vibe and that was extremely frustrating. She was definitely not as warm toward us as she was to the people sitting behind us...hmm. The food was okay, but maybe I was expecting too much from my friends' reviews or maybe it's because I'm from Portland. My plate looked really sad and mushy. I got the pork tenderloin and the mashed potatoes were runny. That made me sad because the potato is my favorite form of starch. :(
(3)
Emily M.
We celebrated our 13th anniversary here last night. The food was amazing, drinks were fantastic, and service was spot on. I will definitely be going back. I ordered the special Buffalo Meatloaf, which doesn't sound fancy, but it was beautifully plated and oh, the flavor and texture. It was the best meatloaf I've ever had. I wish it was on the menu. My husband ordered the Shrimp Etouffe and really enjoyed it too. We also left feeling very satisfied, even full. Which a lot of times won't be the case at a more upscale restaurant.
(5)
Greg D.
The reviews from my fellow yelpers have all been spot on--this is a gem in Bend. We called for ressies (please do or you will wait a long time) the day before and waltzed right to our table. Great cocktails (the mojito was fine). Yes, we did order the BBQ shrimp based on 100s of other yelp reviews and enjoyed. She got the free-range chicken and I ordered the steelhead based on our server's recommendation. Both meals were very well done, tasty, and satisfying;the combination of ingredients and tastes were excellent. We perused the wine list--it is extremely solid. Nice modern decor. Our server was excellent as well--not too pushy, attentive, just right. We will return when back in Bend. Outdoor seating as well w/heaters so don't fear the fresh air.
A great Cajun restaurant right downtown. Get the shrimp appetizer and the blackened red fish. You can't go wrong with those if you want flavorful dishes. They are saucy, though, so if that isn't your thing you may want to try something else.
(4)
Karli K.
This place is A-mazing. We made a reservation as suggested by some reviews, at times people were piling up at the door and so the reservation was nice but not necessary. We ordered a bottle of wine that had the typical restaurant mark up. Started with the barbecue shrimp as recommended by EVERYONE, it was so delicious. The "barbecue" sauce aka gravy aka money sauce was to die for. We followed with the spinach salad and wedge salad both very fresh. Finally we had the wild mushroom pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies...to die for! The food was amazing and the service was great. There was an attentiveness that wasn't overbearing. Our waitress was so nice and excited about the food they serve. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Krys P.
Had 8:15pm Saturday reservations. The place was bustling and kind of noisy. Realized that it was the bar but the dining area is a lot more quieter and chill. Ordered a few glasses of wine to start and the flatbread. Flat bread is very light and cracker style. Our wine was very generously poured which made me happy because I was having "just one glass" that night. :-) I ordered a blackened chicken Caesar salad. He ordered the half chicken with light whipped mashed potatoes and toast veggies. Portions were very generous. For desert we got the flourless chocolate cake and the carrot cake. Carrot cake was the best desert by far! Order it. No regrets. My date and I paid about $78.00 for the meal. Would have easily paid over $100 for it.
(5)
Jessica O.
Every time we come here we are happy with our food. This last visit the service had improved even with the restaurant being jam packed. Zydeco is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Bend. -The BBQ shrimp is still my favorite appetizer. -If you're into beets, their beet salad is very good! -Order the ribs! You won't be disappointed. -Follow it up with carrot cake and you're golden. The only negative thing I can say is that they no longer have a duck fryer and that makes me want to shed a tear because the duck fries were amazing.
(5)
Shelby D.
As a first timer to Bend I had high expectations due to the raving reviews of Zydeco, and they did not disappoint! The combination of excellent service, intimate ambiance, and flavorful dishes was the perfect first evening to my trip. Anything blueberry, and I'm in. So I of course ordered the blueberry lemon drop and it was the best cocktail I've ever had. Not too sweet but refreshing and fruity. Followed by drinks we ordered the BBQ shrimp, cavatappi pasta, and red fish. It was all delicious and the BBQ shrimp is a must. You must go if you are in Bend! Jouir!
(5)
Angie M.
The bomb! Bbq shrimp app is so perfect and spinach salad was awesome with pistachios! Ordered jambalaya with gf cornbread hello best good I've had in a long time!!
(5)
Nick E.
I didn't look at the reviews prior to coming here as I was tasked with driving; however, my front seat passenger was able to gather information during the trip. Based on those reviews, it sounded as though this place is well received by most of its patrons, and has a few dishes that stand out on it's menu (blackened red fish, barbecue shrimp appetizer). Although, after everything was said and done I found myself unimpressed with this restaurant. Underwhelmed really. It was good. It was not great. Thus, four stars it receives from me. I think this place is definitely worth trying, but the next time I am in Bend I will be trying a different place. I really enjoyed my Sazerac. Their beer selection was all local. I appreciate that too. I ordered the french fries for an appetizer. They are fried in duck fat and finished with truffle oil. They were delicious. I had the roasted duck for my entree. The duck was pretty tasty. Cooked and seasoned well. The rest of the plate was lackluster. The duck was served on top of a very rich pasta. Extremely thick and heavy cream sauce. It was good in a decadent kind of way, but it was also kind of bland. Mushrooms in the sauce kind of added to that umami dimension, but I still found it unexciting. Broccolini rounded out the plate. Everything was undersalted. Tried some of my friend's blackened red fish with the zydeco sauce. My first thought was 'wow, that's nice.' The sauce was pleasing, and the texture was different from anything I had on my duck plate. The second bite however, I thought 'This is just okay. Also, why is this not trout on this plate?'
(3)
Xiaomin Z.
I tried the vegetable plate, it's very tasty but soaked with oil. My husband is very happy with his non vegetarian dish. I guess this is still a decent place that can satisfy both of us.
(3)
Tammy W.
The ambience is great, the food was excellent. I had the rack of lamb and I would reorder it. The service was friendly. Since we didn't have a reservation we had to sit at a community table which was pretty close.but once our neighbors left and no one took their place it was comfy. Next time I will have a reservation.
(5)
Kim T.
After several friends raved to me about Zydeco my husband and I decided it was a must try the next time we were in town visiting family. They were so right! The staff was friendly and knowledgable and the food was out of this world good. We all sampled each other's dishes and there's wasn't one thing that I disliked! We found our new favorite in Bend!
(5)
Yaz R.
It was my first time in Bend and my colleagues decided to have dinner at this restaurant. I ordered the grilled bison with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. It as an exceptional dish very flavorful but each element complemented the other. And also to my surprise I had a cardamom old fashioned that might be one of the most exquisit mixed drinks I have ever had. It is not cheap but definitely worth it. Aaah, and may I suggest as an appetizer to order the flatbread, especially the smoked ham with mushrooms and olives. Excellent!!
The food is tasty, the servers are polite, but the wait time between ordering and receiving food is a bit lengthy. After 30 minutes the waitress told us the food would be out soon, and 20 minutes later we finally got it. The red fish with dungenous crab has about a tablespoon of crab, if that. The roasted vegetable medley side was four green beans with a bunch of sweet potatoes cut as fried. It's okay unless you're really looking for a healthy serving of veggies. That said, if you go, get the bbq shrimp appetizer. It's incredible. The boar and rib eye were also dynamite.
(3)
Bendite A.
This place is phenomenal. By far in the top 5 places to go to in Bend. Nice but not pretentious. I had the Jambalaya and was freaking amazing ($21). The amount of protein (crawfish, prawns, and sausage) they put in this dish is plentiful. Expect to take some home. Can't wait for my next visit.
(5)
Brent S.
What an awesome find! Almost persuasive enough to make me move to Bend! Handsdown, the best gluten-free dining experience I've ever had. The restaurant and staff takes it seriously and most, if not all, of the dinner menu can be ordered gluten-free. The staff was very attentive and, best of all, the dinner was outstanding. The wild mushroom toast was addictive and the swordfish was perfect. It would be wonderful if more restaurants would learn from Zydeco: terrific food that anyone can enjoy - even those of us with food allergies. Excellent job.
(5)
Muranda M.
Our visit wasn't one that makes you want to come back. The food was really good, but the service was REALLY slow. They were busy. BUT the tables/chairs are so close to each other, you sit close enough it almost feels like you are having a feast with the strangers next to you. You could probably bump elbows. THE FOOD WAS GOOD, though.
(3)
Jeana S.
This place was very good. Its my husband and my anniversary tonight and we decided on Zydeco. We've never been and had heard good things. Of course we tried the signature appetizer, the bbq shrimp which I loved...and the corn and artichoke fritters. My husband had the spinach salad along with the jambalaya. I had the grilled chicken over greens with candied pecans! Such a delicious salad! And I NEVER order salad as a main course because I always feel jipped of a good meal! Haha! But this felt like a big plate of comfort food to me! Too full for dessert but have heard great things about the carrot cake. Our server Mike..Michael? Well he was great. Took care if us without the hovering. We will definitely be going back.
I contacted the restaurant to make reservations the same day on a Friday night and the gal who answered the phone was wonderful and accommodated us. We ended up getting to the restaurant and had to add on 3 other patrons and they were more than accommodating. Our waiter was one of the best that I have had and the service was wonderful. However, the food was awful. The chicken that I had ordered was completely overcooked, my mashed potatoes were cold. I did not let them know and I know that was my fault but we were a party of seven and I knew it would take forever to get my food. The tables are way to close to each other in this restaurant you can hear the patrons beside you but the atmosphere is very nice. I will be back for drinks but not for dinner.
(3)
Terri M.
Consistently great food and service. This restaurant has never disappointed us. Very attentive wait staff, really good food and fair prices. Highly recommend. Consider a reservation--busy spot!
(5)
Dave H.
We ate at Zydeco during a recent trip thru Bend and were very happy with the food, service , and restaurant. We made a reservation and we're glad we did - the restaurant was packed. Our waitress did a great job even with the crowds.. Try sesame seared tuna - you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Brandi M.
Terrible . all of it. The service was slow, the "special" red snapper was overcooked to the point you needed a knife to cut it ( sent it back only to be brought out another one that I didn't ask for...it wasn't hard as a rock but not good tasting fish) place wasn't clean. Ugh!!! Ive been taking customers here off and on for 6 years. I hate to write this but something has changed with this place! New chef? Owners? I'm not sure but I miss the zydeco I fell in love with a few years ago. Won't be back...too many other places in this city to go.
(2)
Jason C.
Disclaimer: as a Portlander, I'm used some top-tier dining, even at less-than-fancy places. If you want a huge pile of Luke warm meat doused in sugar sweet sauce, veggies that seem like they've sat under a warmer for hours, and even a wedge that lacks luster, well, this is the place for you. The fries that everyone raves about are alright - very duck fat, not very truffle. The sazerac was nice. The bartender was nice. Like every other place I've been in Bend, pretty generic decor. At this price point, I'd rather have less quantity, more quality. Being the place that everyone recommends, I had higher expectations.
(3)
Emily G.
I took a day drive into Bend from Eugene and was directed to this restaurant by a woman in one of the boutiques. I am glad I took her advice - the food was delicious! I ordered the blackened red fish and easily cleaned my plate. I was surprised to see the place so full so early (I got there around 5:30pm), so definitely call ahead!
(5)
Barbara W.
Fantastic food and atmosphere. Great sitting outside. A must try is the clams, with peppers in a lemon broth. Dig into broth soaked bread at the bottom of the bowl. Service was stellar!
(5)
Lisa W.
My husband has lived in Louisiana for five years and has tried a lot of BBQ shrimp before from places much closer to the gulf coast - and this appetizer was very impressive even to his snobbish palette. The entrees we picked were also very well prepared, seasoned and showcased fresh quality ingredients. The service was excellent - from superb menu knowledge right down to the details of picking up empty glasses and plates with speed. All of the staff showed a high level of cooperation in helping outside of their "section". The restaurant quickly filled after opening this did not seem to impact service. The wine list was very impressive and there were some solid choices in the "by the glass" section too. As for desert - the carrot cake was a made in house we would highly recommend it.
(5)
Dina M.
The restaurant doesn't advertise itself as gluten-free friendly, but the owner's wife is gluten free so when I went there with a friend with celiac, our server was able to tell us right off which dishes--and there were many--that could be modified to be gluten free. I eat the crap out of gluten, and was happy my friend had so many yummy choices. the carrot cake can be amazing or average. the first time i had it it was the former, the second time it was the latter and seemed a little stale. the blackened redfish is out of this world.
(4)
Kirsten V.
I have Celiac's disease, and dining out can be a stressful, worrisome experience. Zydeco is one of the restaurants that I know I can count on to not only have exquisite food, but also a kitchen and service staff that is sensitive to, and well versed in matters of gluten free dining. The gluten free menu is lengthy and diverse, and I never cease to be impressed with the flavors. Just last night I has the mussels and clams appetizer, the roasted duck breast, and creme brule to top it off, and everything was extraordinary. My parter can eat gluten, and so for our appetizer the server brought out separate oil plates so he could dip his bread, and I could safely dip my gf crackers in my own separate plate. It is little details like these, at the suggestion of the server no less, that make me forget for a brief moment that I have this disease. Thank you Zydeco for providing such excellent service, especially to those of us with Celiac's disease.
(5)
Mrs. H.
Always great food and atmosphere. The bartenders know how to pour and they are professional! BBQ shrimp is to die for!
(5)
krissy r.
We love this place and come here every time we visit bend. I am obsessed with the BBQ shrimp and will probably order a double order next time. I was slightly disappointed by the jambalaya the last time I visited and my husbands pork loin was underwhelming. I was also so uncomfortable in their under air conditioned room, but all that said service is good and the food is usually on par.
So disappointing! We were greeted, after a long wait at the door, by a quite pretentious hostess. Then after we were sat we got dirty glasses of tap water. When I brought it up to the waitress she acted like It was an imposition of me to say something. The appetizer had way too much sauce on it. Then when she delivered the main course the extra plate was dirty. Instead of taking it away and bringing us a clean plate, she chose to wipe her finger across the whole plate in front of us to "clean it" like perhaps we didn't see. The salad seems nice and fresh, until we noticed that the lettuce was dirty. All in all way too pretentious atmosphere for the service we received, which was the worst I've had in a long time. Although there was a very nice gentleman server, serving the other tables, who was very welcoming and ended up being best part of the whole experience for us!
(1)
Ankita S.
I am not usually fond of alcoholic drinks but the cocktails here are fabulous!! I had the Blueberry lemon and it was amazing - sweet, tangy, fresh with a hint of spice. The food was great too except the bread which was a little tough and chewy. My husband had the famous Barbecue Shrimp and the potato cake on the base was finger licking delicious! My husband does not like potatoes in any form but he loved it too! For the dessert we had the Wet Almond Cake which was really good though the flavours were simple and familiar, a touch too sweet perhaps? We liked it though. We are in Bend for a few days only but we plan to go there again just for the cocktails!
(4)
Karen C.
We split the dinner special of crab cakes: Perfect crispness on the outside, tender and mouthwatering inside--almost 100% crab. Dessert was flourless chocolate cake, which was warm, drizzled with caramel sauce, and served with chocolate peanut butter ice cream. As a chocolate fanatic I'd return just for that dessert. Just the right amount of rich chocolate taste combined with a light texture. Chose a Cosmo for a drink: Ruby Red Absolute, grapefruit and lime. Refreshing for someone who veers away from sweet drinks. In the future we'll make reservations. Our choice at 5:30 on a Saturday night was either a two hour wait or seating at a common high top table in the bar. We chose the latter, and sat side by side instead of across from each other, as the noise level would have made conversation difficult. The bill with three drinks, one dinner and one dessert was about 64.00 before tip. Glad we didn't succumb to the tantalizing appetizers or it could have easily passed 100.00. Strategy for the future includes splitting the artichoke fritters and the renowned redfish, as well as opting for one dessert each. I wanted that cake all to myself :)
(5)
Andrea Z.
Our favorite place for a date night. You will not find anything on their menu that is anything less than spectacular. I highly recommend the BBQ shrimp appetizer, it's a must have each time we go. They have a roof top patio open in the summer. Their service is always superb. Bring your appetite!! You will not be able to resist.
The name Zydeco conjures thoughts of Cajun food prepared with quality ingrediants by a kitchen team led by a great chef. Zydeco delivers that and more in a beautiful, upscale, well designed restaurant that is both elegant and yet casual. We were immediately seated without reservations around 5:00PM. Any later there would have been a wait time as there was a large crowd waiting when we left. There are two dining areas; we were seated at a table in the bar area. The main dining area, which is nicer and has larger tables, must be for reservations. We started with the Artichoke and Corn Fritters with a Fighattan and Jalapeno Cranberry Margarita. Everything was excellent, even if the Jalapeno flavored tequilla was a little too spicy for my wife (who does enjoy spicy food). I was excited to order the Redfish, but disappointed upon finding out it was not available due to delivery issues. Dang it, getting that fish out of the bayou always seems to be an issue where ever it is offered. Steelhead was offered as an alternative, and while the dish was cooked well, I missed getting Redfish. My wife ordered the Grilled Chicken and she was dissappointed because the chicken was dry and overcooked. That dish should not have left the kitchen, period. Other than the chicken, service was excellent.
(4)
Rachael M.
Just excellent! I went here with my husband, father and stepmother recently, and loved it! We started with the duck fries- they were so flavorful and crispy! I ordered the free-range chicken and it was just incredible! The chicken was seasoned well and moist, and the mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever had. Mud husband got the blackened redfish with cream sauce, and he thought it was flavorful and that the cream sauce with crab was a nice touch. We all just loved the food! I have to say too, the service was excellent! They were extremely accommodating and careful about my food allergies, and attentive to anything we may have needed. Next time we head out to Bend, we'll come back! Oh! And our dog LOVED the free homemade dog treats they give out!
(5)
Marty S.
Love this place! I've always had a good meal here but I generally always get the same things. The atmosphere is great! Service is friendly and prompt. Love, love,love the BBQ shrimp and the jambalaya!! Ok by far my favorite thing about this place is the martinis. They use some sort of olive that I'm just crazy about! It tastes nothing like any olive I've ever had . In fact it doesn't even taste like an olive. It may seem strange to rave about an olive but when no one else has them, it's what makes me chose zydeco when I want a martini! It gets 4 stars instead of 5 because it opens later and is a tad expensive but not enough that feel I'm being ripped off.
(4)
Olivia P.
It was 4:30 when I walked in and asked if they had happy hour. They gave me a dirty look and said no, so I turned around and walked out.
(1)
Lucy Y.
In Bend this is as consistently good as it gets. Food is delicious, drinks excellent and service top notch. We come here regularly and are never disappointed
Redfish is amazing!!! BBQ shrimp, yumm! Fresh squeezed cocktails! Great atmosphere! Great service!! A little spendy, but we come here for every special occasion! Not a great place to bring a toddler. Cheers!!
(5)
Brody L.
Very good food and drinks. But... The wait was extremely long to be seated and to get food to the table even though everyone looked like they were working very hard. They were out of the ahi tuna we wanted and didn't tell us until a few minutes after we ordered it. We had to get menus again and change our entire order which took more time. It took over an hour for our food to come out. My steak was cold to touch but still very good. My partners food looked like it just came out and was still hot. I didn't want to return my food because I was starving to death. For the price I wished it was a little more personable and accommodating. It's a loud active restaurant with people sitting very close to you, good for large groups that want to be loud and social. Sit outside if you want a more personal evening because it is very hard to hear inside.
(3)
Gloria M.
Service was superb. Atmosphere sophisticated. Wine expensive but high quality. Food healthy and freshly made. Good experience and superceded expectations gathered on yelp. Food does take a bit long to come out so get an appetizer.
(4)
Eva C.
We celebrated our anniversary here back in December. It was a very special night and the food was a HUGE contributor to it. First off, everything on the menu will make you salivate as soon as you sit down! We ordered scallops, lamb, jambalaya and rock fish (we had others with us). The food was phenomenal! We come to Bend every year and we always frequent our favorite restaurants and this one is going on that list! Super friendly staff. If you plan to go, definitely make reservations.
(5)
Alex N.
Cajun creativity and brilliant food. Ribeye is perfection in steak. Salads are spectacular, especially the spinach and wedge. Flatbreads are inexpensive and a full meal. Probably the best restaurant in Bend.
Second time to this upscale Bend restaurant and feel like I'm on a roll here! Both times the meals and service were excellent. It's obviously a popular spot by the crowds that still hung in there at 9:10 pm. We enjoyed and appreciated the wide selection of gluten free options. If there is anything you do, you must try the mushroom toast. Whoever thought of this combo is a genius!! Meal wasn't insanely pricey for 2 people. Probably $60 or so! I would happily return here anytime for cocktails or a nice sit down dinner!
(5)
Mike _.
I have been here a few times. Not as excited about the place as my colleagues, but generally a nice place to eat.
(4)
Aimee L.
Good food but very slow and sometimes odd service. Never seen it take so long to get food - we were there 2 hours for a pretty simple dinner for 4! The cornbread is great - some of the best I've ever had, and the jambalaya was very good too, but if I went again and had to wait that long, I'd have walked out. The waitress came over while we were talking and just talked over us to get the wine opened and served - talk about awkward! Scene was a bit too fancy for home cookin' style food but it was tasty. Way too expensive though so that with the service slowness, I wouldn't recommend.
(3)
Bud T.
This place is amazing. I never had Wild Boar before I ate here and boy am I glad I have had it! Every appetizer I have had here has been amazing, every dish has been amazing. The only downfall is it is a little cramped inside but it is more than worth the service and food.
On our first night in Bend, we read the reviews and opted to try Zydeco for dinner. We were glad we did. I had a small Caesar salad, and the cavatappi pasta with shrimp and andouille sausage and a light cream sauce. She had the salad of mixed greens and the roasted duck breast on cavatappi pasta with mushroom cream sauce. Portions were large and very good. Coffee afterwards was great. The service was excellent. The place has a nice vibe to it. It is very popular and very busy -- we were fortunate in that we had no wait for a table on this weeknight. We had no room for dessert that night, so in the evening two days later we came back and had coffee and shared a piece of key lime pie at the bar. The key lime pie was super!
(5)
Breanne W.
The portions looked smaller than expected, but the taste was incredible. These chefs know what they're doing. We ordered truffle Mac, blackened ahi tuna, the filet and some drinks from the bar. All great! We had a group of 12, but have come in with a group of 4 and recommend reservations. It shortens your wait time and helps the staff.
(5)
Byron E.
Came here under the recommendation of Yelp and was not disappointed. Friendly staff and casual/elegant atmosphere. I started with the beet salad and ended with the wild boar tenderloin. Amazing all around. The tri-colored beet salad was perfectly accompanied by goat cheese and crushed pistachios and drizzled with olive oil. A great start to the meal. The wild boar tenderloin was cooked medium at the chef's recommendation (and done amazing), paired with seasonal vegetables (yams, green beans, onions, and a healthy dose of garlic), all over a delicious serving of mashed potatoes. I'll definitely come back on my next Bend visit.
(5)
Jae K.
This is probably the best restaurant I've visited in Bend. Everything tasted very good and the service was awesome. What a cool restaurant in such a cool city !
(5)
Matt R.
Luckily the bar was open and we could enjoy a bottle of wine and appetizers! This place has terrific food and a great atmosphere!
(5)
Lyn K.
Had friends in from Florida and we went to Zydeco for prime rib on a Friday night. The food and drinks were excellent and the service was top notch. One of my favorite places to go to and the artichokes are the best!
(5)
Patricia M.
Seriously one if the best meals I have had all year. The service was a highlight. Our waiter was so friendly but also hilarious. He had us in stitches all night. We started with a shrimp appy that was so rich and delicious, but also gluten free for our celiac friend. I had the duck with cavatappi and I will remember this meal for a long time! I tasted the ribs and red fish too and they were great!
(5)
Vanessa B.
My entire experience here was amazing!! From the second we walked in to the second we walked out. The food was excellent and service great!! There was a 45 minute wait, but community table and bar was available. We sat at the bar and was greeted with friendly smiles and fantastic service. Everything we ordered was great! It's a must in Bend!!
(5)
Steve J.
Visiting Bend for a possible move here. Nice job on the baby back ribs-slide off the bone tender. Great service, busy yet professional atmosphere. I'll be back. This restaurant fits the Bend atmosphere-casual, with some style. Dog friendly with a "sidewalk" patio. Reasonable prices, and popular with the locals, which is always a good sign.
(4)
Donna P.
After leaving a very unsatisfactory review about Zydeco, they contacted me to offer me a refund on my meal. I explained that it was less about the money and more about the loss of experience for my husband and me on our anniversary. The manager understood what I was saying and instead, offered a gift of a dinner for two so we could return and have a nice evening. Tonight was that night. From the prompt seating (although we were early), to the cozy booth in a quieter area, to the welcome from the manager, the friendly waitress, the great drinks, and the delicious food, our re-celebration was what we were looking for. Although still VERY noisy in some areas, we know that with a request for seating, we can avoid that and have a great time and a great meal. We will definitely be back! Our order: Beat salad, Caesar salad, Prime Rib special, Baby back ribs, (with the most amazing mac & cheese)
(4)
Richard G.
Dined at Zydeco on 8/25/2014 with another couple from CA. Had a 7pm reservation. Ordered redfish, ribeye, BBQ shrimp appetizer, small Caesar salad, and Oregon Chicken salad plus a bottle of wine. Waiter forgot to bring bread - had to eventually find him and ask waiter again. All food was delivered EXCEPT the chicken salad. We began to eat and waiter said the chicken salad would be right out. The rest of us were about halfway through our meals when the chicken salad was delivered - after several excuses including that a person fallen in the kitchen delivering the salad. The salad was comp'd and waiter gave us a free dessert. Our server was VERY inattentive and condescending. He gave us our bill and couldn't say "thank you". He was a VERY poorly trained waiter. Our food was great as it always has been, but it will be a long time before we go back to Zydeco.
(3)
Cindy M.
Great place. Saw reviews on Yelp and lived up to the rating. Great service, food, and ambience. We had the fritters and shrimp appetizer and dinner was the ribs, tuna and red fish and all were amazing. Great wine list.
(5)
Shauna M.
I think they can charge exorbitant prices for their food because they keep the lights down low so you can't see what you are eating. I just never feel that wowed after a meal here. I feel...nothing. The food is average but unique, that's for sure. If you want to eat in a dark, loud crowded restaurant that is more of a place to be seen, than to have a good meal, go for it. And you need to like to spend more on things then they are worth.
(2)
Sarah T.
Pros: They have some of the best food, and wine in Bend, Cons: Small, cramped, and loud inside. I often get my chair or elbows bumped as I'm eating.
(4)
R C.
Excellent wine list. The food was good and the portion sizes were larger than expected. The patio is small but very enjoyable. I wasn't overwhelmed by the quality of the food, but it was a good value at the price point. Service staff was excellent!
(4)
Mr. B.
Takeout took 30 minutes longer than estimate. Some things with the order were disappointing but management resolved to my satisfaction. Free dog biscuits were a big hit with my dog. Nice location downtown.
(4)
Mike M.
Zydeco has redeemed themselves and I'll be going back! I visited previously for lunch and was not overly impressed (nothing was overtly wrong - just a very expensive lunch which didn't feel particularly special) but came back tonight to have dinner with my daughter. We split a very delicious Country Ribeye with chimichurri sauce (yum!!) and then tried the Chocolate Pot De Creme, which was incredible. As my daughter put it "you expect it to be overly rich but the taste hits your tongue and then just stops before reaching that point!" A special thanks to our server Jenna for making our evening special. And to Sonya, who was doing fantastic on her first night working here!
(5)
Richard S.
This is the best restaurant I've eaten at in Bend. The food is outstanding, the service delightful, and the atmosphere beautifully modern. We have enjoyed both lunch and dinner there and have been greatly impressed both times. The menu is distinctive without being too adventuresome. I can't wait to return.
(5)
Jim C.
I will join the chorus of people who love this place. We started with the breaded artichokes, shrimp and variety of mushrooms on toasted bread and they were flawless. Next came the Ahi Tuna, ribeye steak and fillet and, again, absolute perfection. The chef here has serious talent. Ate with a friend from Portland who loves his food and he said this is one of the better meals he has had in Oregon. Our waitress, from Mass., was perfect in every way. She was helpful and friendly without hovering or being pedantic. Come here with no concerns.
(5)
Keela S.
. Shrimp! Get it or you're not doing it right!!! Also, the truffle Mac and cheese is lick the bowl worthy!
(5)
Kip D.
Excellent food, atmosphere, and service. Got the steelhead with mashed potatoes and broccolini. All was good. The service was also great. The atmosphere was great. Lights were low, setting a mellow mood. And although the place isn't big, the tables aren't jammed together and you don't feel like others are on top of you. Overall a great dining experience.
(5)
Erin W.
It's a 3.5 star for me. Service was good and friendly. Appetizer BBQ shrimp was divine, but they were out of the special crab cakes after it was already presented to us and ordered. Bummer. Oh well, ordered the filet instead. I ordered medium rare, it came out well done... We did have a large party and a lot of filets were ordered (a few ordered well done... I know...) but still an oops. They did offer to cook another but I was hungry and the rest of the table had their food so I passed. My husbands medium rare came out more medium to well as well. The restaurant was packed as it was summerfest so I'm sure that played a part. The filets were also over seasoned (in my opinion) with pepper. Almost a peppercorn crust. Good, but not what I was anticipating. Drinks were very good. All in all good food. I will be trying it again on a less packed night to experience what all the other really good reviews said. Overall it was a good dining experience with a large group of friends. Will be back.
(3)
Zac H.
This place is good, but mis-categorized price-wise. I don't know how it got the "$$" rating. It's every bit of "$$$" ($31-$60 per person). The food is good. If it were rated according to the actual prices, I would give it 4 stars. Other reviews mention long waits for food. This was my experience as well. Drinks come quickly, and then it takes an hour for the food to arrive. If you want a drink with your meal, you'll have to order at least two (one when you arrive, one when the food arrives). Prices for cocktails are $8+, wine by the glass $8+. While this is common in upscale restaurants and bars, every time I pay it I feel scammed. There's a $6 white, but who wants to drink white wine? They should have a house wine (red and white) in $5 range, as you can actually buy good wine for that price. (Spanish, Italian, Argentine...) Americans are well accustomed to being scammed on wine, and I guess the purveyors of Zydeco are happy to follow that trend. Prices for food (unless you want a hamburger) that you'll actually order (are you really going to order the $16 chicken?) are $25-$30+ per person. Add a drink to that and you're well over $30. (We had two entrees and two cocktails, and paid $80.)
(2)
Mike C.
This might sound strange, but our order got messed up with the kitchen printer. The waiter caught it, had the order expedited, comped the meal, the manager came out apologized, the meal was delivered quickly and it was great. It is easy to give great service, but almost harder to graciously and professionally fix mistakes. Great service and great food. Enough said.
(4)
Kent S.
Some of the best food in Bend, Oregon. My wife and I often meet here for lunch. Great salads and sandwiches. The wine selection is pretty good as well.
(5)
Sarah C.
The space is modern and cool, and the food is Cajun-esque. They also have a separate gluten-free menu. I was worried about finding something I could eat because I don't like spicy food, but I ended up having plenty to choose from. The smoked trout dip and duck fat fries with truffle aioli were both outstanding. I didn't try the Southern Shrimp and Grits (spicy) but everyone said they were really good. I did try DH's barbequed ribs and truffled mac and cheese and they were delish! The prime-rib and delmonico steak specials were also very good. I had a beet salad for my main because I was still pretty stuffed from eating at Chow that day! It was good, but I wished there had been more goat cheese and more acid.
(4)
K G.
I have been to Zydeco many times and most of the time I am not dissappointed. Good gluten free options. Great service as well.
Really solid restaurant, great variety of menu items, big wine list and good beer menu. If you come here, make SURE to try the BBQ shrimp. OMG, they are devastatingly yummy. Worth every penny of the $13 for them. This place seems like a good value and it has a nice, lively atmosphere. Would come here again.
(4)
James T.
Food = 4 Price = 3 (not cheap...) Experience = 4 (Best service experience in Bend... it doesn't take much to excel over most Bend spots) Mussels and clams Duck fries
(4)
A. B.
A most excellent meal should be had by all here! Ours sure was. My favorite fancier dining experience in Bend so far. We had BBQ Shrimp (lick-plate-worthy), the Rib Eye (tad beyond what the requested medium-rare should have been, but delicious), Wild Boar Tenderlion (back off buddy, I ain't sharin'), and Key Lime Diviness on a plate to top it all off. Terrific service, super busy and crowded but still cozy, great mixed drinks. And let's talk celebities people........ we saw Santa Claus. And maybe thanks to him, no one was naughty and everyone was nice.
(5)
Steven C.
I am a foodie who has lived in Bend for the last decade. This restaurant has consistently managed to dazzle me. This is the best restaurant in town. Stylish, terrific service, and exquisite food. I bring all of my out of town visitors to this restaurant to show them why Bend is such a destination for foodies. Do not miss their signature red fish, which has a heavenly cream sauce and crab. Also check out their baby back ribs, which are cooked to falling-off-the-bone perfection.
(5)
Guido T.
Went here for lunch in a business trip. Food was good. Flavorful local fare. Tuna salad was solid. However the decor was just off . Place is sort of drab. No real color or flare. It's a good choice but room to improve
(3)
Austin R.
Amazing restaurant! Everything I had was superb and I had such a memorable experience. The decor is upscale and classy--with padded walls, large chandeliers, and wooden chairs. Service was incredibly friendly and efficient. I had the wild boar tenderloin--the flavor was amazing, the portion was large, and the side vegetables, potatoes, & onion rings were all fantastic. I shared a caesar salad and it turned out to be probably the best I've ever had. Amazing cheese and dressing, crisp lettuce, flavor-packed crunchy croutons! The carrot cake was delicious and tasted like a top-notch homemade cake. The slice is huge so definitely share with 1-3 others! BONUS-This is probably the best spot for celebrity sighting in Bend! Madeleine Stowe from Revenge was here with her family--so exciting!
(5)
David Y.
We've been here twice and thoroughly enjoyed both meals. First time I had the prime rib and it was awesome! Last time had rack of lamb and it was just as good. Definitely be back!
(5)
Kate C.
Zydeco is my favorite restaurant in town! Sometimes the service can be spotty but 90% of the time they're on point. The food is always excellent and the servers are always able to recommend a good wine based on what I tell them I'm looking for. I love to go there with friends and eat tons of apps and salads, all shared. My favorites are the beet salad, the duck fries, bbq shrimp, trout dip and the steamed mussels. Other good items are the burger and Mama G's Steak salad. They can also mix a mean cocktail. Ask for the bees knees, made with gin or whiskey.
(5)
Lara L.
I love this restaurant. Coming from Napa Valley area, this is one of the closer restaurants to what I'm used to. Their food has always been great, although I will have to say that I found a black nose hair in my dish when I was pretty much finished with my food. Other than that, everything is great except I'd say their tables are a little close together its almost claustrophobic.
(5)
Derek S.
This may have been my best meal in Bend. The flatbread is awesome and the boar tenderloin was unreal. Very unique offering and I loved it. A little on the expensive side but this was a nice treat.
(4)
Frank W.
Excellent food and service. We really enjoyed the flatbread, Mama g's steak salad and the fabulous wet almond cake! Nice ambiance.
(4)
Sandra L.
I love this place. Great food, very unusual in some respects. Service was terrific even on one occasion when it was super crowded for dinner. Drinks were perfectly prepared. Love the cajun slant to the food. New to the area, but this will be one of our go to restaurants.
(5)
Lena K.
Forget making reservations, just sit at the bar! It's become tradition for my friend and I to eat here after a hard day of climbing. We make it to Bend maybe four times a year to climb at Smith Rock and we always look forward to eating at this gem. Tonight was our second time dining at Zydeco and first time walking in without reservations and sitting at the bar. The place was packed and I witnessed the bartender, Justin, busting his ass to take care of drinks for the whole restaurant AND take care of the people sitting at the bar. Just watching him work was amazing and his service was above and beyond. We ordered the wedge salad to start and shared the hormone free fillet (medium rare) and the seared ahi tuna with sesame. The blue cheese dressing on the salad was dreamy and props to them for not skimping on the bacon and cherry tomatoes! (Add cracked pepper to the salad!). The ahi was seared so that it was only cooked through one millimeter and deliciously raw to the center. The steak is what impressed me the most-I used to like when medium rare steaks showed up cold in the center with blood spilling over until I realized that's a health risk. Zydeco cooked the baseball sized fillet all the way through so that the whole thing was served warm, red and juicy. The green peppercorns and butter on top did not distract from the beauty that was this fillet. Absolutely scrumptious with those thinly cut duck fat fries. Always love that they have Boneyard (and all the local breweries) on tap and try the Cardamom Old Fashioned! Looking forward to our next visit so we can make our way through the menu.
(5)
Haley H.
Oh goodness, This place is ahhhhhmazing! Now if you love fresh, delicious, flavor filled foods, you will LOVE Zydecos. For a starter we had the BBQ Shrimp (my favorite) , main entree I had the grilled chicken and quinoa salad excellent as well. My parents had the special which was prime rib and they were blown away. Drinks we all got the jalapeño cilantro margarita my new addiction. Fresh different and full of flavor! I hate sugary premixed margaritas, I'm all about fresh real margs and these are Haley approved for sure. Great service and atmosphere as well. I will be returning soon to test out the lunch menu.
(5)
Laura M.
Wow. Where else can you find wild boar tenderloin on a menu...and have it taste so good?? The food here is amazing. We started with the artichoke and corn fritters (yum), and I had a fish special that they had that night...so good. We finished dinner with the carrot cake...very dense and rich, but oh so good! Our server Kelsey was also delightful, she made great recoomendations and was very knowledgeable about the menu as well as drink pairings. Really wish this restaurant wasn't so far away from where we live...otherwise I would be back more often!
(4)
Susan R.
My husband and I dined at Zydeco at the bar and had a wonderful experience. A gentleman named Chris (who used to work there) was seated next to us awaiting take-out and chatted us up about the philosophy of the restaurant and how much he enjoyed the menu. He also suggested we get the mashed potatoes with the "shrimp sauce" without the shrimp (since we are vegetarians) and WOW! One of the best things I've eaten. Chris, if you're reading this - THANK YOU!! (he paid for it too....gotta love the people in Bend....friendly and kind.) Beer was outstanding and service was great. We'll be back.
(5)
Joel B.
Ate till we were uncomfortable, but oh so satisfied. The flat bread, shrimp appetizer, filet and blackened red fish were incredibly tasty.
(5)
Adam D.
We went there for out 10 year anniversary and had a blast. The full bar was relaxing and yet fun. When we got our table, the atmoshphere was just what we were looking for. The food was was great.
(5)
Carrie D.
best ribs ever! this place never disappoints.
(5)
Ron T.
Disappointed.... After reading all the great reviews and having everyone we know tell us Zydeco is a must, we scheduled our reservation with great anticipation. Our food was terrible... I had the salmon, she had the grilled redfish.; both had been heavily salted to the point we could not eat it -and I am not a picky eater... We reluctantly sent our orders back and what returned was a sliver of a cut of salmon over cooked on one end and raw in the middle. The redfish came back extremely over cooked, dried out and stringy. Very disappointing.... On the good side, our waitress was great! Our drinks were great! The atmosphere and decor was great! I wish I could say the same for the food.... We will be back to the bar but we won't be dining here any time soon.
(2)
Pirh Z.
BEST key lime pie in the history of the existence of key lime pies. Some really strong entrees (redfish) and some weak (vegetarian dishes could use some work). But, I won't sit down and eat here ever again due to the absolute toxicity of many of the customers. As some reviews on here demonstrate, waiting for food, mistakes being made, and sitting near other humans is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! The people who frequent Zydeco now are about as rude as I've seen since I stopped living in major cities. I stopped in for key lime pie and carrot cake to go on Saturday night and the vitriol spewing forth from the mouths that had their silver spoons removed was unbelievable. People couldn't be bothered to wait for a damn minute for their reservation (that they were early for) even though anyone capable of observing people other than themselves could see that the place was bursting at the seams. A woman came in to ask for the manager because a homeless man was lingering near her table outside. Imagine! UNDESIRABLES! In Bend! The staff looked stressed and you couldn't move without knocking into some gaudy jewelry or fake tits. I know I'm a retro grouch but seriously, what happened? I ate here back when it was on SE 3rd Street in like 2007 and while it was definitely for the uppers, it wasn't anything like this. Get over yourselves and go back to California or wherever your money allowed you to migrate from. (And yes, I'm a Californian.)
(3)
Cecy V.
Date night with my husband while visiting his sister. We called ahead to see how busy they were, pretty busy for a Tuesday night, but we were able to get 8PM reservations. I loved the vibe here, very friendly staff and all the patrons seemed relaxed and like they were having a good time. The place was pretty packed and the seating is pretty tight, but you still get a sense of intimacy at each table. We started with some artichoke hearts for an appetizer that came with two dipping sauces, for the life of me I cannot remember what they were, except that they were phenomenal. We both ordered the ribeye (medium) which comes with mashed potatoes and veggies. The steak was cooked to perfection and the mashed potatoes were as creamy and as rich as I would have hoped. The veggies were delicious: there were carrots, pearl onions and squash. Yum! For dessert we went with classic cheesecake with a raspberry syrup. The cheesecake was also amazing. This place totally lived up to all my expectations from all I'd read. I will most definitely be coming back here on my next visit to Bend.
(5)
Christy B.
Just love this place! Here for birthday dessert and cocktails for my sister! Almond wet cake and key lime pie extremely happily shared amongst the group! Don't be afraid of the community table to shorten your wait time! It's Bend!
(5)
David C.
Came here based on Yelp reviews. All the praise merited. Nice atmosphere, great food, only iffy point was service was a little haughty but efficient.
(5)
Zach M.
Enjoyed dinner here with friendly good service and a nice atmosphere - tables in the bar seem to have more room. The mushroom toast was a great appetizer, though huge! The pasta with shrimp and sausage was also great and huge, so no room for more food or desert. So my only recommendation is small plates or smaller dishes so one can enjoy more variety.
(4)
Jennifer J.
Oh my. My boyfriend and I Stumbled into zydeco on a Saturday night in October. We ordered two appetizers as we weren't very hungry. The smoked trout and the barbecue shrimp. the moment each of these appetizers touched our mouths we were in heaven. We were dressed a little shabby having just ridden our horses but were treated amazingly. The food was awesome. I want the recipe!!!! Amazing.
(5)
Pam W.
Right from the start we had a delicious epicurean experience! The bread (from The Village Baker) and dipping sauce were to die for! Actually, we thought of canceling our reservation because it was going to be too long of a wait but it was well worth it. What a fantastic meal. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Shy A.
Wow. I wish I were in Bend more just so I could hit up Zydeco more often. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get a table after ready the reviews...Everyone was screaming about "reservations" but luckily, I was in town for work and I was hitting dinner solo. I beelined straight to the bar. First order...moscow mule...no copper cup but still respectable and refreshing after such a hot day. From there, I began chatting up the other bar patrons and finally met a really nice guy that I found out had been to Zydeco several times and had a ton of suggestions. So, here goes the rest of the order: BBQ Shrimp-yes, they are as good as everyone says. Eat them hot, the fritter on the bottom really gives it a GREAT textural contrast. It's all about the sauce on this one! Corn and Asparagus Fritters-Yes! Just order them. They are heavenly! Pork Tenderloin-SOOO tender and the mushroom sauce is amazing. I substituted the roasted veggies for brussel sprouts which was perfect. My new dining friend and I began sharing food and I got a bite of the wild boar-which if you never tried it before is quite different than what you would expect. Not at all gamey and moister than I could've imagined. For dessert-I couldn't pass up on the Almond "wet" Cake. Think tres leches cake with a hint of almond. Deleeesh! A really great experience. I'll definitely be back each time I'm in Bend.
(4)
Tet W.
I came here for Sunday dinner and I had the house smoked trout dip and duck breast with cavatappi pasta with mushroom cream sauce and seasonal vegetables. The house smoked trout dip was outstanding. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out. Very flavorful and it goes perfectly with the crackers. The duck was a bit tough, very fatty but seasoned very well. The cavatappi pasta with cream sauce was very rich with a lot of butter. Good thing they had seasoned vegetables. It helped to mellow out the rich taste of the duck and pasta. The ambiance was nice. Dark with modern contemporary decor. Inside they had candle lit tables and the bar was hopping! The place is very popular amongst locals and can be rather noisy. Due to popularity, I highly recommend reservations especially on weekends or you can be waiting a while. Overall, I highly recommend Zydeco for a great night out with friends and family. A bit noisy for a date night, but if you both don't mind the noise, then it's all good!
(4)
A J.
An absolutely wonderful dining experience. Service was just right, and food was cooked to perfection. My husband had the Delmonico, and it was right up there in his top 5 of all time. Based off the reviews, we tried the bbq shrimp appetizer. What can you say. The reviews were right on the money. Loved every bite! We even purchased some of the starter base to bring home. Next time we visit Bend, this will be a absolute must stop.
(4)
Charley C.
The food was great. The room was a bit too noisy, no big deal. However, an odd thing happened: We were a party of 6 and the other 5 meals came out in a timely fashion. I had ordered the steak salad which did not appear until sometime later after the waitress noticed I had an empty place in front of me. I was surprised to hear another in our party, who dines there often, say that this was not an uncommon occurance. Note to Zydeco ... you need to fix this.
(4)
David G.
Professional staff. These people know their industry. Wait staff was very acknowledgeable, friendly with a smile. The food was to the top. Had a vegetable stack that was tasty as will as layers of different flavors.
(4)
D. S.
Dog friendly on the patio. This was great. If I could half stars, this would be a 3 and a half. We had the duck fry appetizer. This was delicious. We snacked on this while deciding what to have for dinner. I ordered the rib eye special for $40. It came with the most delicious Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. My steak was supposed to be medium rare but was medium well. That sucked for a $40 steak. My husband is gluten free and they have a gluten free menu which is awesome. He ordered the filet. It came with fries. Since we had the appetizer he asked if he could switch out the fries for veggies or something else. Big No from the server. I thought this was pretty ridiculous. That shouldn't be a problem. I used the restroom before leaving and was surprised that the toilet paper at mcdonalds is of higher quality. You charge $40 for a steak, invest in some 2 ply.
(3)
Chris W.
Our go to date night always great dinner house. I dont think we have ever had a bad meal . I try to always order something different.
(5)
Mari H.
I grew up in Bend and have heard such great things about Zydeco. I came home for a visit and was excited to finally try it. Our group of eight had a terrible experience. We weren't seated until 25 minutes after our reservation time. While we were waiting we got the run around on what happened to our reservation and when we would be seated. They did comp appetizers because of the wait time but the service the rest of the night was incredibly slow and unfriendly. They forgot drink orders and didn't take our order for 20 mins after our appetizers arrived. The food, of course is delicious, but all-in-all we all agreed Zydeco is not the place for a larger group.
(2)
Samantha N.
Delicious! ! Great flavor! Friendly amd attentive service. We sat outside with our dog. We had the duck with the mushroom cream sauce and it was amazing! Highly recommend!! Sounds like it's good to make a dinner reservation and we lucked out without one.
(5)
Tara H.
Love this place. They have awesome food, a fun and classy happy hour, and super cool atmosphere. The spinach salad is one of my favorites, as it has a homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing and goat cheese. Throw some grilled chicken in it and it becomes a killer meal. The red fish is great--order it blackened, it's amazing. This is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions, date night, or getting an afternoon snack during happy hour. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Leean P.
Halibut was one of the specials along with the 16oz prime rib was up to Zydeco's best !we also had the full rack ribs the boy couldn't finish ;) as always fresh good filling delightful . The drinks with dinner where superb the blue berry lemon drop and red curry martini yum desert was almond wet cake and carrot cake so good !!! Don't forget the dogs home made treats if you ask!
(5)
Brenda B.
Maura our waitress was very nice and knowledgable about the menu. The menu had a very nice selection of steak entree's along with more casual selections. The salads are huge and great for sharing. We shared a wedge salad, ordered one Delmonico steak (the potatoes au gratin were fabulous) and one boar tenderloin. The food arrived hot, nice presentation and tasted wonderful.
(4)
Michele R.
The food at Zydeco is always very good. Dinner service is typically very good. Lunch service is typically OK. In fact, it sometimes seems as if lunch here is an afterthought for the restaurant. Having had that same lackluster experience several times, it seems fair to share it. But I move from long time five stars to four here, still a fan, a big fan in fact, but hot quite "woohoo'ing" for the reason that the menu is too static for my preferences. If you're a visitor to Bend, that won't be an issue for you as you may eat here just once or twice. ( And eat here you should; it is unarguably one of Bend's four best restaurants.) But if you're a local, you'll find yourself thinking " been there, done that" for the menu options and that may dissuade the going in again and again. Relatively staid menus are not bad things. In fact there is an entire dining population who wants menus to remain much as they have always been as they look forward to being able to order their favorites each time they go. But for diners who like to mix it up with what they eat with an emphasis on "from farm to fork", and I'm one of those, the fixed menu here doesn't work as well for me. Which has less to do with the restaurant perhaps than me. Different strokes for different folks. Still in the pantheon of "Bend's Best" is Zydeco. And maybe THE best for gluten free dining in the Bend fine dining realm. TIP: If you 're visiting Bend looking for other "you really should" options that are worthy of being among Bend's Best, just like is Zydeco... 1) For always evolving menu of wonderful food, flawlessly professional service, and chaming ambiance you may want to add Ariana (on Galveston) to your list of fine dining options. Dinner only. 2) For funkier ambiance, casual dining with creative evolving menus and great food, you might want to try Barrio (downtown). Lunch and dinner. 3) For food carts with a fresh food perspective, you might want to try Real Food Street Bistro (on Columbia). In wamer weather there are a few outdoor tables. But this is always a good "take and go" option any time of year. Hours roughly 11 - 5(?). You'll find reviews for all three on Yelp.
(4)
Caroline B.
We were really looking forward to trying Zydeco. Our Server was Great but our food for the price was a little underwhelming. My husband had the Rib Eye and thought it was good. I tried the Wild Boar and wish I would of stuck to my original plan of ordering the Red Fish. I did read the reviews on the Boar so maybe it was just a bad night. It just did not have a great flavor and was a little dry. Dessert was good and the atmosphere was pleasant.. Just don't think we will go back.
(3)
Cheryl C.
We came to Zydeco by way of a recommendation while traveling down from Portland. Our meals, blackened redfish and wild boar tenderloin were outstanding. Unfortunately, we brought our friends here a few nights later and while the food was good, not great, they were out of many entrees and the kitchen took more than an hour to serve our dinner. We were told the manager would come by after several attempts to find out how long dinner might be, but they must have figured that a couple of appetizers for the 10 of us was enough to salvage a very bad experience. What a huge disappointment for the service and the lack of concern or communication on the part of their staff.
(3)
Jay M.
Exceptional dining experience. Service was cordial and friendly. Pacing was relaxed and still efficient. Then there is the food. Perfect all around. Wonderful zesty flavors. The barbecue shrimp appetizer is wildly good. The redfish blackened is the signature dish and will not disappoint. This was our first visit and we will be repeat customers.
(5)
Rona D.
Amazing meal!I frequent Bend on business once a month. I have started a list of places I need to try when I come out here. Finally made it to Zydeco tonight! The place was packed for a Monday night. Ordered the artichoke and corn fritters and a pinot noir to start (Oregon wine of course). Both were delicious. I am meatless Monday so I opted for the risotto which was probably one of the best made risotto's I have ever had. It had so much flavor in the base but also in the veggies. Delicious. Can't wait to go back and try the shrimp and grits!!!! Service was also great even though they were really busy.
(5)
Regina C.
Service was perfection. The wait staff really know what they are doing. Beef skewers with peanut sauce was so freaking tender and delicious. Amazing. Beet salad- so scrumptious. Wedge salad- fabulous Redfish with Zydeco sauce and dungeness was something that I will never forget. It was that spectacular. My husband also had it and feels the same. Daughter had chicken caesar - yum Buttered noodles with a grilled chicken breast- she loved it. Carrot cake and chocolate pot o creme (sp) was gone in like 45 seconds... Awesome service.
(5)
Lynn H.
Dined there last week. Always love entertaining out of town guests. That day we wanted to sit at the bar. Bartender asked me immediately to sit next to a very large person instead of one seat over. Told her I didn't want to sit there. She said I needed to since once they got busy I would be asked to anyway. So we went and sat at the community table. She then turned her back and gestured to us while talking to another bar tender who then stared at us. This was rude and made me mad. I'm not sure I'll be back.
(2)
David B.
Austere dark wooden furniture like a Japanese restaurant, but it serves yuppie-Southern. Jambalaya pretty good; enough big hunks of sausage and shrimp, but it tasted like it was made with brown rice. But the bread and olive oil that comes before the meal! Oh, heavenly! Moist bread with thick crunchy crust, and the olive oil on a plate is infused with salt, garlic, and parsley, and it is just so addictive. If I dared, I'd go back and have just four or five plates of that.
(4)
Carrie R.
I only found this restaurant because of yelp and I had a hard time making reservations on a Saturday night. We were able to make a 9:15 pm dinner reservation because they were so busy and packed since 5 pm (a good sign). I enjoyed a Blueberry Lemon Drop and my husband ordered a dirty martini that came with 9 olives. Both were delicious! The ambience was tasteful & romantic. My husband and I split the duck breast and the jambalaya! Both dishes were perfectly seasoned and amazing! Next time I go back I would want to try the shrimp etouffe and wild boar. There were so many dishes to choose from and I love checking-out what other people ordered. Everything looked really good.
(5)
Af R.
I love this place! We have such great restaurants in Portland, and I still wish this was there too! The salad was a good size. I had the blackened redfish, which was absolutely delicious (awesome sauce!!). Our waitress was great, the perfect amount of attentiveness. I can't wait to be back in Bend so I can have another meal here!!
(5)
Cali S.
Excellent food and friendly staff! The food is consistent and the portions are definitely worth the value! Best place to dine in town. Love every bit of Zydeco, go there every chance I get!
(5)
Duane P.
Best dinner in town. Slow roasted prime rib with amazing seasoning. Grilled veggies with unbelievable seasoning and grilled to perfection. Horse radish straight has a bit of a twange to it and sweetness. Doubled the veggie and hold the potatoes as I don't potatoes and it was awesome. 16oz of heaven on a plate.
(5)
Sandie A.
My Favorite Restaurant Ever! I wish this place were closer to me. I was lucky enough to travel through Bend 3 summers in a row and I simply cannot get enough of this place. I always order the BBQ shrimp. They are quite simply the best things on the planet. I have loved everything I have tried there. Most recently I had their hamburger and it was amazing. I also had their brisket sandwich which happened to be the special that day. It is my mission to try everything everything on their menu. I hope I will be lucky enough to visit Bend next summer.
(5)
Asa C.
BBQ shrimps are off the chain! You can't not order dem (bespoke with bad Cajun accent) I'd say more Indian than Cajun, but the jambalaya is legit. Try the tree hugger with crater lake gin, it'll make ya wobbly. Wish I could stay in bend longer;
(5)
Greg R.
We had a terrific meal here: the jambalaya was authentic (although you'll have to ask them for the homemade pepper sauce), the filet was beautifully done, and the desserts were delicious (the beignets with Marionberry sauce and flourless chocolate chocolate cake in particular). The service was excellent: knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. We'll go back when we return to Bend.
(5)
Charlotte M.
2.3 stars.... GF/vegetarian food, 5 stars. Tres cher et degoutant Steak special, 1 star. God awful fellow diners: 1 star. I was sooo excited to come here since they have a gluten-free menu & are Cajun inspired b/c I've been feeling super homesick for the South. I was thrilled that the GF menu had more than two items, had appetizers & desserts, in addition to salads & entrees, and was vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian friendly too! My meal was delicious but my DH's --bad news bears, friends. He ordered the Delmonico steak special & despite high hopes, reported it over-salted and under-seasoned. His sides of potato gratin & Brussels sprouts were barely passable. This boy will eat anything and with the $40 steak price tag, said he'd had $17 steaks that were better. The final straw was the 5-top table behind us had perhaps one of the most obnoxious, pretentious people I have ever heard in my life, loudly rambling on about movie stars, wines, vintages, Napa (where my parents live & from where we had just driven!) for 1.5h!! We both wanted to poke our eyes out. And the wife of this boorish man kept telling the server she knew the owners, to have them stop by, give them kisses. If Yelp was anonymous, I'd post this lady's first and last name since she yelled it several times to the server, for all to hear. Had the restaurant not been packed, we would have asked to move. It was that bad. So, great GF items, lousy & expensive special, annoying fellow diners. Sad...
(2)
J L.
Fantastic food. Worth the wait and definitely worth the money. These chefs seriously know what they're doing. I tried duck for the first time, my third visit to zydeco, and it. Was. Amazing! If I had more money in my pocket I'd be dining there every night. Seriously guys, give it a try. Its the best food that's ever gone in my mouth. Service is fine, they aren't up to chatting, but they get you your drinks and food out pretty swiftly. Best dining in Bend.
(5)
Matthew M.
Was looking for an affordable, quick, and delicious take-out dinner after a long day of work. Went for the Major's Cheeseburger and was not disappointed! For $11, got the juiciest burger I've ever eaten, skinny crisp French fries, and a couple slices of artesian bread with really nice crust. 5 star worthy for sure!
(5)
James L.
Was looking for a snack while in town this time. Found this lil trendy joint as I ealked by and thought I would check it out. I sat at the bar top and was promptly greeted. I decided to check out the menu and saw a review about the BBQ prawn as a "MUST" dish. Holy Jesus, Joseph and Doggy Style Mary, GET the prawns unless your palate cannot handle any spice. They were so flavorful and had an amazing kick to them. Will have to go back for the jambalaya or more next time...
(4)
Diana C.
We had dinner here and it was just alright. The servers were a little rude and unprofessional, but that's besides the point. (One of the servers pointed to us and told the other one to "take care of those two" loud enough that we could hear him, while standing right in front of us... gee, I'm sorry for getting in your way, I just came in for dinner) The cheese plate appetizer was very underwhelming as there was only one type of cheese and not much of it either. The mixed green salad I had was okay but there was way too much dressing, I had to get my bf to help finish it since it was too salty. On to the entrees: The filet was $30, but it was more like a $10 filet from applebees... the meat was not high quality at all and it was very small (should have been petit filet). To make matters worse, my bf order them medium, and they cooked it to medium well and low quality meat tastes even worse cooked medium well/well. The fries and broccolini were good though. I ordered the ribs, and while there was a huge quantity of ribs, it wasn't that great. The ribs had way too much sauce but it wasn't very flavorful. It also came out lukewarm which I absolutely hate; they are ribs, they should be piping hot! The rice and beans were okay, but it didn't look that appetizing. The server was friendly enough but we also poured our own Pelligrino all night after he did the first two pours. Overall, a very Meh experience...
(2)
Sarah D.
Love love love. We'd heard fabulous reviews from friends so when our family came in from the east coast we felt comfortable bringing everyone here. Above and beyond phenomenal. Great flavors and portions! Our server Stephanie was personable yet unobtrusive! And the chef stopped by to say 'Hello'! A seamless dining experience. We loved it!
(5)
Tawnee K.
I've been going to Zydeco since they were open on the east side many, many, many years ago. I have never had a bad meal ever. When we have guests the only place they want to go on their next visit is Zydeco.
(5)
Bon Vivan T.
Largely, due to pestering from friends, we went back to Zydeco and had a fantastic experience this time. Yes, we had reservations, so we didn't have to queue up for a lengthy Friday-evening wait. The blue cheese wedge salad I had was fantastic. The blackened Salmon was delicious, and the waitress was flexible in accommodating my diet. Blushing Bride had some sort of salad-thing, which she enjoyed as well. Our dining companions did enjoy their dinner as well, and there was no hint of "turn and burn" that so many other places do when busy. All-in-all, a really nice evening. We will come back.
(4)
Silvia K.
Great food and wine - the Beet salad is stellar!
(5)
Jenny D.
My family eats here every time we come to Bend. We love the mushroom toast and the clam appetizers.
(5)
Jan M.
Fabulous food. Try the Delmonico steak or the ribs or the shrimp special...so good! Fabulous service from Kelsey!
(5)
Shannon B.
What a great restaurant... The decor is modern yet inviting. The staff was very friendly. And on a Thursday night at 6:30, every table was full! Zydeco is located in downtown Bend on one of the main streets in Town. The Town of Bend itself has so much to offer in terms of food, shopping, outdoor activities, friendly people and the entire town is super dog friendly!! Now for the food at Zydeco... It was awesome! Our server brought us the warmest, freshest bread with some olive oil, garlic, salt and Curley parsley for dipping. For an appetizer we got an order of duck fat fries that came with a truffle aioli which didn't last long at our table. They have a kids menu which is appealing to little people and it has a tasty cheese flat bread that my niece enjoyed. As for our main courses at the table we had the ribs which came with a truffle Mac n cheese that was phenomenal. The ribs we're fall off the bone tender! I had the mussels and clams and an artisanal cheese plate with a side of truffle Mac n cheese. They were all excellent. The seafood broth was full of flavor and I thoroughly enjoyed dipping my bread in the broth. The beet salad was another choice at our table and it too was fresh and full of flavor. The beer and wine list are good. Local wines and brews are included. There is a full bar so order a cocktail if you choose. The desert menu looked decadent but unfortunately none of us managed to save enough room. I look forward to visiting Bend again and I will for sure come back to Zydeco!
(5)
Paul R.
Dinner for two. We sat at the bar and had excellent service from the bartender. It was a Sunday night and the restaurant was packed. Reservations are recommended if attempting to eat here on a weekend. Coctails were interesting and prepared perfectly. Wine list was ok and overpriced. Bbq shrimp with polenta cake was fantastic. Sauce was so good I mopped it all up with the crusty chewy fresh baked bread they gave us. I had the blackened red fish on a bed of spinach and mashed potatoes covered in "Zydeco Sauce". Fish was ok, blackening spices great, mashed potatoes were fantastic, and the sauce was delicious. Wife had Filet Au Poive. Cooked to medium as ordered and the fries were crispy and tasty. Service was excellent at the bar. Great little restaurant with very nice out door seating if you can get it.
(4)
Brian F.
Stopped here on a first friday, which is crazy busy in Bend, fyi. Found the place on Yelp. We had no wait to sit at a long table in the bar section, and it does not at all feel like you're in a bar. We had the artichoke fritters for appetizers. They were a great pre-dinner starter. I had the ribs with truffle mac and my wife had the spinach salad. The ribs were really, really good as were the mac & cheese. The portion size on the ribs was pretty big too. My wife's spinach salad was also very good and surprisingly inexpensive. We got the key lime pie for dessert. It is as good as all the other reviews say. I would say it's the best key lime I've ever had. The Yelp rating on this place is well deserved. One of the better restaurants I've ever been to. Also, our server's name was Brian and he was awesome. Great service and great reccomendations on food.
(5)
Julianne S.
Came here on a Friday night while touring Bend for the breweries...There was quite a long wait for a table (1.5 hours) but we were able to find a seat at the bar (very lucky timing)...I had the veggie shepard's pie and my partner had the roast chicken. The food was very good... We definitely would've had a different experience had we not been squeezed in at the bar. A bartending waitress also rudely slammed into me at some point which soured the experience a bit. But...overall, it was a nice meal.
(4)
Sevket Y.
Bbq shrimp is the best. Their flatbreads are very delicious. Community table is a great place to meet with interesting locals.
Started with the Artichoke Corn Fritters. Absolutely fabulous! Wild Boar was to die for. As usual, this was as delicious a meal (gastronomic experience is a better descriptor) as I've had in a long time. If you are in Bend, Zydeco is a must.
(5)
Susan A.
Busy! Make a reservation. Went here for a girls night out dinner and we were all impressed. Stormy mojitos are awesome- made of ginger beer, lime, mint and rum. Diverse offering. Will definitely return.
(5)
Lex E.
Love the restaurant, owners, and food....but the service in the bar was so unforgivable, I will not be returning anytime soon. Wendy was classless, rude, and unprofessional; it's seriously questionable how she is still employed in the service industry, let alone fine dining.
(1)
Kristina P.
This place is flat out awesome. My boyfriend and I were a little wary of the rating since I didn't think Bend was really a center of culinary excellence but Zydeco did not disappoint. I got the wild boar tenderloin, my boyfriend got the petite filet and we shared the duck oil fries. The boar was easily one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had in my life. It was unbelievable tender, perfectly cooked and had amazing flavor. Usually I share my food with the boyfriend but not this time. I was reluctant to even let him have more than one bite of it. His filet was also excellent. He said it was one of the most tender steaks he has ever had. The duck oil fries were insanely tasty. I knew eating them how bad they are for me but I just didn't care, they tasted that good. It should also be noted how much food you get with your order. Usually at places like this I find you don't really get a large amount of food. Not at Zydeco. The portions were more than generous. The service was also excellent. Our server, Bryan, was incredibly informative about the dishes and very attentive. Definitely will be back the next time I am in Bend.
(5)
Betsy R.
My husband and I have enjoyed Zydeco since they were located on Hwy 97 where Versante's is now located. When they moved downtown the ambiance was better and the food just as good. I have never found a BBQ sauce that compares to the that of the BBQ shrimp sauce at Zydeco. I don't even eat shrimp but I love the sauce so I sometimes ask them to put it on pasta for me. I love the flavor and the spice. I also love that they server Village Baker Striata b/c I can dip that striata in the sauce and OMG, I am having a party in my mouth. The artichoke corn fritters are also to die for as is the flatbread pizza. Basically we have never had a bad dish. This is a very enjoyable place for dinner and/or drinks and it's always the perfect place to meet with friends.
(5)
Nikki R.
Love their food. Never had a bad meal or dish. Employees stay very courteous and happy for as busy as they get. Highly recommend Zydeco.
(5)
J.L. W.
Fantastic meal and service. I stopped just for a salad and Flatbread appetizer while others had dinner. They said the jambalaya was the best! Consistently excellent!
(5)
Maria P.
Zydeco has mastered the fusion of fine dining, doggie friendly, SPECTACULAR NW organic with a french flair menu, awesome wine menu AND great service. What a treat!!! In addition to the amazing food quality, the portions were far beyond generous. We started with the shoestring pomme frites cooked in duck fat with a side of truffle aioli. If you love super skinny, perfectly crispy and amazing fries, do not miss these!! I ordered the duck breast which they happily substituted the pasta for roasted cauliflower topped with saffron and parmesan, and perfectly prepared skinny asparagus on the side. Everything was perfect. While I would order this dish again in a heartbeat, the prawn ceasar salad at the next table looked pretty amazing too. My husband said his baby backs were the best he had tasted in years. Did I mention the fresh baked doggie treats? We will DEFINITELY be back!
(5)
Danielle H.
Wow...someone seriously got it wrong. As a previous co-employee to Wendy, I know first hand that she is an amazing bartender. She is the type of bartender that can handle all bar patrons, make flawless cocktails for the entire restaurant, recommend entree's and wine with exceptional knowledge and with a genuine smile all the while. I've watched her juggle it all from the other side of the bar top in awe of her ability to respond to everyone's wants/needs while maintaining an effortless air of hospitality. Try again, I think you got it wrong.
(5)
Kathryn J.
The crab cakes are amazing! I can see why there is such a wait at the door. It is totally worth it!
(5)
Alicia W.
My husband and I went here for our anniversary. We made reservations a couple days ahead and were seated the moment we arrived. Our waitress had wonderful suggestions and knowledge about the menu even though she had only been there 6 weeks. We ordered a BBQ Shrimp appetizer that was so heavenly I don't know how to put it into words! The plate was perfectly clean when the server came back because my husband had used the bread to eat every last drop of the sauce. Our entrees were the pork tenderloin and horseradish encrusted steak. Both were wonderful and had beautiful complicated flavors. Dessert was key lime pie and the flourless chocolate cake. Again, both very good. Whenever we can afford it again, we'll be back!
(5)
Cyndi R.
This place consistently has great service and excellent food. The BBQ shrimp appetizer is a must, all of the salads are excellent (I'm partial to their Caesar), and the fish and steaks are delicious as well. I also recommend their fresh Blueberry Lemondrop. It's perfect after a long day! One of the best restaurants in Bend!
(5)
Yin D.
I was impressed. I had Wild Boar Tenderloin and it was perfect. Best flatbread pizza I've ever had in North America.
(5)
Alisia V.
Tonight I ate light, truffle Mac n chewed and asparagus, both side dishes and perfect size for me. Delicious.
(5)
Alison B.
We were in Bend recently and looking at Yelp for where to eat. Another reviewer mentioned the chocolate pot de creme at Zydeco, and we had to try it. Definitely make reservations and do so early. We went just for dessert. Had the pot de creme, which surpassed expectations -- SO delicious! -- and a lovely glass of port. Truly one of the best desserts I have ever had. Would definitely come back and try actual dinner on another trip to Bend.
(5)
Bradford D.
Went here last night with the family and some friends. They all raved about it so we drove in from Eagle Crest to have dinner here. I mean, it's a great restaurant and all with good atmosphere and service, especially for Bend. We had a bunch of apps like the flat bread, shrimp, fries, and chicken wings. Pretty solid. I had the redfish cause it's their signature dish and figured it has to be good. And it was. The pasta was good, the crab cakes were good, and the ribs were phenomenal. The best thing was definitely the ribs. Well why am I giving it 3 stars? I didn't like how EVERYTHING had this cajun seasoning on it. The flatbread, pasta, fish, and probably the carrot cake had this cajun seasoning all over it. It was almost overpowering and I just don't like how so many of the dishes relied on this seasoning as the flavor. I think I've been watching too much Top Chef recently and now I think I'm a food critic. But seriously, I think the food is better without all the salty, crappy seasoning all over it.
(3)
Nicole S.
Never a disappointment!!! 5 star everything!!! Amazing ribs and my favorite spinach salad! And the drinks great!! Wendy has got to be the best bar tender hands down!!
(5)
Bill D.
Was going to rate this place a 4.5 stars but the Mrs asked "Why only 4.5?" "What did they not do to deserve a 5?". She had me. This place was great. The friendliness and attentiveness of the wait staff, the food (WOW!), and just the overall experience. Yes, the restrooms were spotless and had plenty of good quality soap and hot water. We had the Corn Fritters for appetizers and all loved them. I had the Etouffe and must admit, the heat was good but as warm as I could go. The Shrimp was very fresh tasting and the rest of the ingredients tasted as they promise, FRESH. The oldest had a Pulled Pork Sandwich as did the Mrs. They raved and the fries (I absconded with several), were fantastic. Dessert was Key Lime Pie and was not slammed with Lime flavor. It's crust was fresh and well made. Will we be going back? As a matter of fact, on our next trip to Bend!
(5)
Anthony K.
good food... went for a bachelor party dinner and had a pretty good time with good service. I would go back for sure. Good beers, good cocktails, and great food!
(4)
Chuck M.
I consider Zydeco to be one of the best 3 restaurants in Bend and deserving of 4 stars. We have eaten here several times and it's always great though be prepared for it to be quite loud, crowded and busy. The specials are always good and the blackened redfish is excellent. Roast duck and the boar are also among our favorites. All the food is top quality with fresh ingredients and the service is good.
(4)
Kris D.
Extremely poor service. Extremely poor food. If you want to pay 30$ for noodles and cream, use your pay check here.
(1)
Ken S.
This was a wonderful experience. We had the barbecued ribs and the halibut. The ribs were fixed to perfection and the halibut was the best I've ever tasted. The atmosphere was very nice and the service was superb. Would recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent dinner. Will definitely go here again when we are in town.
(5)
Sue C.
We adore eating at Zydeco. The Barbecue Shrimp is the little secret, and then have a Blueberry Lemon Drop. Wonderful service, menu, interior design. Our fav!!
(4)
Karen B R.
The MOST amazing meal that my husband and I have ever eaten. The service was excellent, the food divine. Our server recommended a perfect bottle of wine. The restaurant was crowded, however, we were treated as if we were the only ones there. We are so looking forward to returning! Trying to figure out how to get back from Arizona!
(5)
M S.
What an awsome dining experience. Sat at the bar where Hana took very good care of me, very pleasant always smiling, great wine by the glass recommendations. Started with the beat salad (awsome), then had the Red Fish ( a house specialty, also awsome) and finished with the carrot cake. Wow~ told Hana I might just have to propose to the chef who made it..possibly the best carrot cake I've ever had. If you're in Bend, it would be a crime to miss Zydeco.
(5)
Jeffrey R.
Group of 12 on a packed Saturday night handled superbly -- food, drink, and service were all top notch. This was our groups third annual trip to Zydeco, and we plan to be back next year. My wife and I started with the BBQ Shrimp over Southern Grit Cake -- a must have for that out-of-this world sauce. Once we had polished off the shrimp, we used the bread as a mop... we weren't letting a single drop go to waste. The salads were fresh and flavorful, as you would expect from an upscale place like Zydeco. I opted for the Filet because it had been a while since I'd had a steak -- and I asked the server (Jaime) for a recommendation on a nice dry red wine to go with it. She recommended a spicy Zinfandel that was the perfect pairing for the Filet -- bonus points to Jaime nailing that one! My wife went with one of the specials -- pistachio crusted halibut with a mango salsa. She loved it. I had a taste as well, since I love a good halibut, and it was indeed excellent. Zydeco always has a plethora of splendid dessert options, but I'm a sucker for rich, smooth chocolate -- so I've never ordered anything other than the Pot de creme. It's a chocolate lovers dream. Definitely one of Bend's best food choices.
(5)
Kathleen K.
Came because of a recommendation from our hosts of the Cabin Creek B&B and WOW we were not disappointed. The food was wonderful, the service was excellent and the atmosphere lively. If in Bend,OR you must have dinner here! Leave some room for the Key Lime pie. I am not a lover of this flavor but I could become one if they all tasted as delightful as this one did.
(5)
Marilee K.
This restaurant is the creme de la creme starting with the Marionberry infused tequila. They squeeze their own margarita mix! Be sure to try the mushroom toast appetizer. They use homemade Worchestershire sauce that makes this so tasty. It will serve four. The steak salad was very good, as was the free range chicken. The best was the rack of lamb and the red fish. It is their most popular dish. If you are even thinking about fish, order it. Sadly, we were too full to even share a dessert. Our waitress was flawless. Too bad we live a state away.
(5)
Andrew M.
This place is ridiculous! First off, get the barbecue shrimp appetizer, you'll thank me later. Next, locate anything on the menu, anything, and just freaking order it! I've had the prime rib, seared Ahi, rack of Lamb, roast duck breast with shitake pasta, crab cakes, jambalaya, wedge salad, cesar salad, beet salad, and so much more. I'd probably be happy with just the artisan bread and parsley infused olive oil they bring out as soon as you sit down. Everything is amazing. Huge wine list and full bar too, with fabulous service. I don't normally give out 5 stars, as you can see, but this place deserves it; the joint isn't that badly priced either, for the food you get. This is the best food in Bend!
(5)
Janelle E.
If I could do less than one star I would. I recently went to this restaurant again and happened upon the owner Steve. It is unfortunate that so many business owners get the mentality that they can be a slave driver to their staff and demand things they themselves would never do. I've been to this restaurant numerous times and have never even seen him there before so it shows you how much he is really not involved in his own restaurant. He came in the building this particular time and was very rude to his own employees. It was like an instant stress that even customers like myself could feel. I had a perfect view of the kitchen and rather than helping out or actually working to make sure food was coming out faster, he was berating the staff and standing over their shoulder basically saying work faster. I will not be a patron at a restaurant that treats its staff like garbage. Need I remind everyone the kitchen staff make the things we are all there to buy and without them we wouldn't have food on our plate.
(1)
Latina V.
Nice restaurant with good drinks. My husband got the wild boar, I ordered the ribs, both very good. Appetizer of clams were good, but they were so teeny, bigger clams would have been much better. Also, no soup on the appetizer list, disappointing. overall a good place to check out.
(4)
Garrett W.
You have to come here if you are in Bend. The food was unbeatable and the service was great. We had the pork tenderloin and roasted chicken. The pork tenderloin sauce was so good! The inside of the restaurant is very nice, but maybe a little cramped.
(5)
Jeff R.
Hands down my favorite place in all of Bend to eat at! As I told the owners, tonight was one of the best meals I've had in years. I was laughing about it because I come from San Francisco, a city known for world class food, I'm a foody snob, and I was blown away. My girlfriend and I had an incredibly memorable valentine's evening together here at Zydeco. For starters, the mushroom toast is creamy, piled with mushroom goodness, and throughly satisfying. Next, the house salad is big, fresh, and full of flavor. Finally, the girlfriend ordered the signature blackened Red fish which was filled with cajun goodness and had an amazingly light consistency with a delicious sauce covering it over mashed potatoes. I myself couldn't get enough of the mushrooms so I ordered the pork tenderloin with creamy mushrooms over mashed potatoes and it was straight from heaven. We originally wanted desert (as the creme brule looked unreal) although we didn't have any room left in us after the dinner. Oh, and the chocolate covered strawberries were a very nice valentines day touch! Honestly, I can't say enough about how throughly I was blown away by the exceptional food, the good wine, and the great service. Do yourself a favor and don't settle for any less than the best place in town- Zydeco!
(5)
lydia j.
This was our 2nd time at this restaurant, but first time sitting at the bar. Justin, the bartender, took excellent care of us. My friend and I had a long day of climbing, so we were in serious need of a serious meal. I will have to admit I was pretty "hangry" when we walked in, but within minutes we were seated, comfortable, and had Boneyard IPA in our bellies. The food is always very very good. We ordered a wedge salad to start, wonderfully creamy and bacon-licious. The Ahi tuna was excellent, it comes with a fried shrimp wonton that's very reminiscent of a favorite asian snack of mine, and the steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was a wonderful end to a perfect day in Bend.
(5)
JIm C.
I think all 5's are relative. Are there better dinners in the US? Yes. Are there better dinners within 100 miles of this main street restaurant in Bend? No. Listen to what is recommended. I did. As a result I had the "New Orleans Style" barbecue shrimp. It's funny, but the only place I've ever had a similar dish is at San Francisco's vaunted Towne Hall. I can't make that sauce. Amazing. Justin, my bartender come waiter provided other great recommendations, most of them seasonal. All were solid and well balanced dishes highlighting very good local fare with panache. What a great place. So happy to have been here.
(5)
Nancy W.
We went here FINally tonight for the first time. :) Verrry good -excellent, fresh, hot, food--excellent customer service, nice ambiance, etc... Excellent place. Nice selection of wine... Looking forward to our next visit!!
(5)
Kathy C.
We loved this place! Shrimp appetizer was really good, great size to share for three people. Ahi tuna great size if you would want to split!. Great service!
(5)
Cathy R.
Fabulous in every way. Great food and very professional/attentive/ friendly service. I had seared ahi tuna that came with shrimp "sticks", cucumber-red pepper-red onion salad, and sticky rice for $27. Others had the blackened redfish with Dungeness crab and a special mahi-mahi dish that was divine. We got there early on a Sunday evening and had no trouble getting a table. By the time we left, the place was packed. So far, our favorite restaurant in Bend.
(5)
Thierry M.
What a gem. We pulled this up on Yelp while returning to California. Artichoke/corn fritters, turkey burger, pulled pork, and wet almond cake-5 stars. Service-impeccable.
(5)
Mike V.
How did I find Zydeco (and the private lounge above it)? Well, I was sitting on a lift at Mt. Bachelor, minding my own business on a freezing powder day, when "Jessie's Girl" came on my iPod ghetto blaster that I always ski with. Sharing (music) is caring, right? When the former USC Trojan I'd later know as "Steve" started wailing at the top of his lungs. Did you know Karaoke is Japanese for empty orchestra? (i have no idea if that's try BTW). Later that day, my girlfriend got to the bar early to kick back and make sure I had a "face plant" or a "yard sale" waiting to warm me up (let's just say it's an Irish coffee with a few additions including 151). I walk up and all I heard is "Music guy!!!!!" What a small world. They took us to Zydeco later that night and we were floored. the BBQ shrimp and grits were outstanding. as was wine selection, the service and the Acadian Flatbread which has to include the Andouille Sausage and the Roasted peppers. There is a phenomenal lounge upstairs as well. the ribs, chicken and green beans and jambalaya were all off the charts. again, i feel that I will be sorely disappointed if i go to NOLA (bachelor party in four weeks) and Zydeco blows them out of the water... but honestly, i think it's a serious possibility. This place is a must stop in Bend. Also fyi, there is a private dining room that looks like it can accommodate at least 10 people. definitely worth checking out if you have a big (and hungry) group.
(4)
Fred G.
Vegetarian Friendly * Considerate Service * Choice Ingredients * Prepared With Care * Surprisingly Fair Pricing * Will Return For some odd reason my wife and I have been putting off visiting Zydeco since we've moved to Bend. I guess we've been just waiting for the right time. Well, that time came this afternoon when me and the missus happened to be in downtown Bend on a book finding mission at the town library. I wasn't exactly sure where Zydeco was but my phone was quick to let me know that I was not more than a block away. I soon was assured by my "Map" app that I was right in front of the place, although it took us a few seconds to figure out exactly where it was for nothing marks the establishment but a small hanging sign above the doorway (and some menus in the window, of course). After a quick glance at the menu to convince us that the establishment was vegetarian friendly, we proceeded inside to be quickly greeted and seated in a well laid out dining room in view of the large horizontal window giving us a view of the bustle of the seemingly well organized kitchen. The room was sparsely populated for a Friday afternoon and I suspect that it gets busier on the weekend. This observation led me to anticipate quick and attentive service. My anticipation was soon justified as our server, Danielle, met us within moments of sitting down to offer our menus and take our drink orders. We both ordered iced teas and were informed that she would be back momentarily to tell us about their specials for the day. When Danielle returns, she is quick to answer any questions that we have about the menu, she also picks up that we are vegetarian/pescetarian and is considerate enough to fill us in on the details about the ingredients of certain dishes and if something contains meat or not or if something might be spicier than expected. We are more than grateful for this extra care taken and are soon trusting her enough to take her recommendations more seriously. I ordered the mushroom pot pie which was one of the specials of the day and my wife ordered the ceasar salad with the steelhead (catch of the day) and a cup of the tomato soup. We also ordered the smoky salmon dip and lavosh to share as an appetizer which didn't take much time at all to arrive at our table. Needless to say the dip was very good and made for a light and not too ominous a dish, which can sometimes happen with appetizers. It was perfect. The cup of tomato soup arrived almost at the same time and for a simple dish was quite amazing. When you cook everything with love, from scratch and with only the freshest and best ingredients even the simplest dishes are bound to be inspiring. Danielle, our server was experienced enough to allow us to finish our starters before bringing our entrees and, to be honest, I expected the pot pie to take a considerably longer time than it took to get to our table. I was pleased to see that this was not the case here. When it arrived it was beautiful and smelled even better. The ceasar salad arrived simultaneously and we soon learned that the fish was prepared utterly perfectly and was amazingly fresh tasting. As I tried the pot pie, I was delighted at the well combined flavors and the decision of the kitchen to serve this on a cold autumn day like today. If you ever visit Zydeco on such a day, I highly suggest this treat. After truly enjoying every bite of our meal with adequate yummy sounds and the occasional perfectly limited visits from Danielle and who I assume was the chef, we decided that we couldn't pass up the chance to try a dessert before we leave. We were brought the dessert menu and after some more descriptive input about the items we decided to share the chocolate pot de creme. This arrives in a small mason jar and turns out to be quite an enjoyable event in itself. It was like a thick mousse/pudding topped with a fresh creme and shaved chocolate. Good stuff. I would get that again and I'm not even much of a chocolate guy. After we were brought the check, we were asked if we had any dogs at home. Upon agreeing that we do, we were delivered a nice little bag with some dog biscuits made by the staff for just such a scenario. I must say, we have found a new addition to our list of favorite restaurants in Bend and we will definitely return.
(5)
Ali A.
Amazing shrimp and grits, jambalaya, ribs, and rib eyes! I've never had anything that was short of delicious. The cocktails are innovative and unfortunately I haven't tried all of them (yet). We've always had wonderful service here!
(5)
Julie E.
Well very good. Loved our shrimp appetizer 5 star. Ahi not as good as I hoped. 3 star. Jambalaya 5 star to my husband, 3.5 to me. Great service! So so beer selection. Great wine selection!
(4)
Christine C.
Our friends highly recommended checking out Zydeco when we were in Bend. We were there on a Wednesday night and the restaurant was fairly busy (we didn't have a reservation), so we opted to sit in the bar. Our server, Justin, had great recommendations on cocktails/wine and guided us through the menu. If you visit, you must order the BBQ Shrimp. It is their signature appetizer and I could eat that sauce on its own. Our meal was so great that we went back the next night (I've never done that before). We sat in the bar once again and had another delightful server, Caitlin, and unforgettable meal. Can't wait to go back. Another thing I thought was really cool is they waive corkage for local wines (Oregon, Washington or Idaho).
(5)
Linda F.
A very disappointing dinner last night. My meal, ribeye and Brussels sprouts , was so very very salty I could not finish. The presentation was poor as well. The kitchen needs to step it up on busy nights and throw away salt shaker!
(2)
Marti B.
This place never disappoints. The Jambalaya and the Rib Eye Steak we had were amazing. It is not easy for a restaurant to continue serving up "innovation" for years, but Zydeco does...
(5)
Jessica L.
Last night my friend and I sat at the bar for a girls night. We had amazing service as usual as well as food and drinks. This is my hands down favorite restaurant. Last night though we had the most exceptional thing happen, while enjoying ourselves and being wrapped up in our own world, a very generous person or persons paid our bill. THANK YOU! This was so kind and unexpected and so appreciated! Thank you and we plan on returning the gesture around town :) Cheers!
(5)
Fannie S.
Fish sandwich ..steelhead salmon, delicious, fresh and moist. Shoestring fries...lots of it! $10.00! Service = friendly. Prices reasonable. Street parking, good luck!!
(4)
David M.
We were looking for something original in Bend and stumbled upon Zydeco. We weren't expecting much when we walked in, but were pleasantly surprised. Though the restaurant name implies cajun, they have a limited cajun menu. The menu is well rounded and has enough types of food that just about anyone will find something they would like. The food was outstanding and the prices were inexpensive for the food you get. For three of us, we spent just over $30 for food you would pay $40-50 for in any other city. We shared a soup and salad, pulled pork sandwich and etoufee. I had etoufee years ago in Louisiana, which I remember raving about. The other two in the group had never tasted it before. Everyone enjoyed this etoufee. Perfectly balanced ingredients, perfect heat and had more shrimp than we were expecting. The pulled pork sandwich was excellent. The sandwich had less sauce than other pulled pork sandwiches I have had, but was perfect for the sandwich. The pork was moist and had wonderful flavor; it didn't need to more sauce. If you like lots of sauce on your pork sanwiches, I would recommend asking for a side of extra sauce. The soup and salad was excellent. The soup was tomato basil. Again, delicious and perfectly balanced. I visit Bend every couple of years and have seen the improvements every time I'm here. I am happy Bend finally has a restaurant with top rate food.
Loved this place! Olive oil, artichoke and corn fritters were fantastic. Drinks were fun and tasty-blueberry lemon drop, treehugger drink Great dessert too - Had the flourless chocolate cake
(5)
Mark W.
Have eaten here many times and food and service is always good. Tonight was fantastic. 18 oz bone in ribeye was awesome. Grass fed beef is fantastic. Mike our server was great.
I just had dinner at Zydeco. First, I had a hard time deciding what to order because it all sounded so good. I finally ordered the wild boar. Fabulous. I would eat there again and again.
(5)
Rebecca I.
This is our go to for a nice dinner or to take in visitors from out of town. The food is always phenomenal and the drinks are delish!
(5)
Jen B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bend, hands down. This is the place where you can dare to try new foods and won't be let down. Everything is good here. Seriously. FOOD ALLERGY PEEPS LISTEN UP: This is the place to go if you have food allergies. They are completely accommodating to any restrictions you can throw at them. I found out from one of the waitresses that this is because the owners and their children all have food allergies. They go above and beyond to make sure you can eat until you pop and I've never gotten sick! BIG CON: Sometimes it can be over an hour to get a table here. TIP: Make reservations if you want to skip the wait, or you can order the food to go and enjoy it down at Drake park. Also ask about the roof seating in the summer, it's nice.
(5)
Marci B.
We've been to Zydeco's 3 times now and food and service are consistently great! Fun for Dinner or just Wine and appetizers...love the Roasted Beet Salad and the Artichoke Corn Fritters!
(4)
Nina N.
The food here was amazing! The shrimp and grits but I subbed for mashed potatoes were a hit!!! I also got the ribs and they were literally falling off the bone!!!! Also, the carrot cake yes, must order
(5)
Jill H.
The service and food both exceeded expectations! From the moment we walked in till the last bit of dessert we had an amazing experience! All of the food looked amazing but we enjoyed the Vegetarian Risotto, Barbecue Shrimp and Flourless Chocolate Cake. The risotto had and amazing flavor and excellent blend of vegetables. The service was personable and diligent! It is a must visit restaurant in Bend!
(5)
C F.
Consistently great food and service. BBQ Shrimp was tasty as usual, beet salad delicious, and the crab cake so so. I'm not taking any points off for the crab cake because I am super picky when it comes to them. Good news was it was mostly crab with little to no filler, but i did not care for the panko crust or it tasting fried -- not really pan seared as described. Delightful cocktails.
(5)
Steve L.
My family is gluten free with two of our family members being EXTREMELY sensitive. Therefore, cross-contamination is always a huge concern. Many restaurants say they have GF menus and are knowledgeable, but at Zydeco's, they really are aware of the issue. We met Stephen, the head chef and co-owner, who told us about his wife's story of basically being a Celiac all her life. That's the reason they are so aware of gluten and its effects. In any case, they opened this restaurant cooking the way they wanted to cook, including offering GF options. I compared the GF menu with the non-GF menu and they are almost identical. The GF menu offers a huge selection including steak, fresh fish, wild boar, chicken, duck and lamb. Ironically, the item that really knocked our socks off was their french fries. It sounds like a put down saying "french fries" when this is such a wonderful upscale restaurant, but they were amazing. They use a dedicated GF fryer which allowed us to enjoy this simple pleasure I'm sure not having fries in two years had something to do with it, but at the same time, those who joined us for dinner (who are not GF) said they loved the fries, too. We substituted the mashed potatoes side dish with fries each night and even had a plate for dessert one night. My son, who is almost 15, can be quite picky. In his words, he said, "I could eat here every night." We were in the Bend area for six nights and ate there three times. I'm not sure how much more of a compliment one can give.
(5)
Sara H.
We visited Bend in May. Walked the riverfront trail and then headed up to find a place for dinner. The menu posted outside looked great and the restaurant was busy. They seated us right away though without a reservation. Excellent dinner and service! Although very busy everything came promptly. The menu had great choices. I would definitely return again. Wish I could tell you more specifics about our meal, but I've waited too long to write the review. Definitely a 5* though.
(5)
Dawn C.
The first day of most Bend trips goes, for us, something like this: Me: Look at all of the PEOPLE who are DOWNTOWN!! Hubs: I know. Me: Why can't Eugene get something like this going? Hubs: If only we could convince our city leaders to help plan some INFRASTRUCTURE. Perhaps with the river paths leading to downtown and, .... Okay, I'm sorry. I'll stop. Downtown Bend has several little gems, and we've only experienced a slight handful. Most of what we've seen, though, has us dying to come back for more as we realize that there's more to do here than ski Mt. B. all day. We wandered in to Z's around 6:30 on a Saturday, and were pleasantly surprised to learn that we could be seated right away in spite of having no reservation. Per the suggestions of other Yelpers, we HAD to try the flatbread (no disappointment here). Then, hubs had the redfish and I, the jambalaya. Delicious! I appreciate the quality ingredients and whimsy of the culinary team here. I also loved the shared seating at large tables in the bar area. Sure it's loud, but I love shared spaces done well...and Z's pulls it off without a hitch. We'll be back ...
(5)
Ken P.
We had dinner here with another couple and really enjoyed our evening. The atmosphere was lively and very busy even though we were there on a Wednesday evening. We ate dinner on their rooftop service area that was quite nice on a warm evening and watched the sunset while enjoying a wonderful meal. We started with the Barbecue Shrimp served over southern grit cake appetizer that is a must. Wonderful flavors and large enough to share with four people. The two of us guys ordered the Shrimp Andouille & Crawfish Jambalaya. They definitely know how to make jambalaya and the cornbread severed with it was fresh made and very tasty. My wife ordered the Cavatappi Pasta with shrimp & andouille sausage which was very good. It was prepared in a light cream sauce that was delicate and didn't overpower the dish. The other lady ordered the Pan Roasted Steelhead in a lemon-caper sauce with seasonal vegetable and mashed potatoes. She liked it so much she wants to go back just to order the same meal again. If you like wine with your meal they have a very large wine cellar with selections that should meet all wine preferences and price marks. As mentioned we were there in the middle of the week and it was packed when we arrived at seven in the evening. I would highly recommend getting reservations or you might have to wait for quite a while. I highly recommend the restaurant and will return any time I'm in Bend.
(4)
Amit K.
Ratings in context to an experienced eater who likes good food and has eaten around the world (way too much food intake)... I am thankful to other reviewers as I had no sense of the quality of Bend cuisine. Now that I have experienced a meal at Zydeco myself, it puts some of the complaints I read in Yelp in context. Clearly, there are those who are upset about one facet of their experience and they let it poison their whole experience. Also, before I visited I noticed the numerous 5 star ratings from people with little experience writing reviews (this is my first one) so I was skeptical of the place. It turned out excellent. Tuesday night July 3, packed. We were seated by our friendly server with a saucy attitude within minutes with our 8pm reservation. It was a live and diverse crowd, everyone who was there seemed to be having a great time and dining experience. The wine selection was full of quality choices and there is a beautiful wine display floor-to-ceiling to stare at for hours on end. The menu is certainly full of diverse flavors, but it allows everyone to find something they enjoy. The signature Barbecue Shrimp with southern grits was a little spicy for our pinot noir wine pairing, however as a standalone dish, it was excellent. The boar was not gamey and cooked perfectly. The rack of lamb was superb. My wife had the mongchong and she loved the flakiness and moistness of the fish. All the the sides from brussel sprouts to mashed potatoes to asparagus were all prepared well. I thoroughly enjoyed the Red Fish (it is really white fish) dish on mashed potatoes and spinach and Zydeco sauce. Desert was uhhh-may-zing. Bread pudding was soft and airy and the flourless chocolate cake was decadent (but not too heavy) and the peanut butter ice cream was truly deeply peanut buttery. For an eatery in Bend (where food distribution may be difficult and not affordable for the food ecosystem players due to its distance from major cities), this was an unexpected surprise, and I could not have been more pleased.
(4)
Joshua L.
My favorite in Bend. Top notch steaks, the BBQ shrimp is the best app in this town, and excellent cocktails.
(5)
John W.
Great restaurant. Very nice and relaxing environment. Good food. Nice cocktail menu as well. The wild boar tenderloin is my personal favorite so far, but everything has been delicious. Salads and desserts included. Carrot cake. Good service and very clean. Five stars.
(5)
Amber F.
Really Great Restaurant and not over the top w/their pricing. Husband had the wild boar and it melted in your mouth. Came w/grilled veggies, onion rings and mashed potatoes. I had the beet salad, it was outstanding. Came w/pistachios and goat cheese w/greens. Dinner was the shrimp appetizer with a sauce on it that musta been made in heaven. The bread that came w/the meal was so good I asked if I could buy some. They told me that it was from a Newport Bakery there locally and I'm seriously thinking of delaying our trip a bit to track it down. (It had what looked like poppy seads on the top and it was a sourdough)
(5)
Bud H.
Started with the Wild Mushroom Toast and it was excellent - had a great flavor and was very hearty. Next came the Spinach Salad and it was good too - fresh spinach drizzled with a very tasty honey mustard vinaigrette. And finally my entree - I had the BBQ Baby Back Ribs but substituted the usual sides for simple fries. Although I wasn't a huge fan of the BBQ sauce initially, it grew on me throughout the meal. The ribs were very tender and the fries were cut thin and crisp - just how I like them. And did I mention the portions are huge? All in all it was a very enjoyable experience and there are quite a few items on the menu that I'd love to try.
(4)
Kirsten R.
Wonderful service, great ambiance, delectable food. It's most definitely our place to eat in Bend. Oh. And the desserts. Save room. Cause they're off the hook!
(5)
Austin K.
I'm a real skeptic when everyone recommends this place, but I've been there twice and have had great experiences both times. We went there for a birthday, just the two of us on a busy Friday night and were seated promptly, well taken care of by the wait staff, and the food (especially the duck) was great. Will definitely be back for more.
(5)
Patrick M.
The review is for the food and not the service. The service was exceptional. We couldn't get a table, but had plenty of room at the bar. The bartender was great and provided excellent recommendations. Now for the food. It wasn't anything WOW. My partner's pasta lacked any flavor. My Prime Rib, eh again, just ok. I think next time we will explore a few other places.
(2)
Doug D.
Very busy place and I can see why. The service is the best and the food is great. Blackened Red fish is excellent, it's the signature dish, try it.
(5)
Whitney W.
Amazing food with flawless, intricate presentation. Zydeco has a dim but intriguing atmosphere, although it is a little noisy. I came here for my 16th birthday with my family, and all of us were very pleased with the service and our meals.
(5)
H I.
Order the BBQ shrimp, just like everyone else tells you to. The sauce is unlike any BBQ sauce I've ever tasted, don't know that I'd even call it BBQ sauce but none of that matters because it is DELICIOUS... and spicy. Skip the flat bread (which I ordered) and get their aged rib-eye (bf's order). It was AMAZING. Flavorful, buttery, tender and I was pissed that I let him order it when that's what I wanted. It's a huge restaurant and therefore, loud. But service was pretty good and most of the food was really good. Prices weren't cheap but it's a nice place and you get what you pay for. We are still kinda new to Bend and are trying places for the first time. I'm glad we tried this place and thinking about that rib-eye makes me want to go back NOW. Oh and dessert! The creme brulee was exactly what a creme brulee should be. We have a habit of ordering it every time we see it on any dessert menu and theirs was delicious.
(4)
Heidi N.
My husband was really sick on our first wedding anniversary this weekend, so we decided to go pick up dinner from here. First, they were very prompt to take a telephone order. It went smoothly until she said the key-lime pie was seasonal (which is not indicated on the menu) and the creme brulee couldn't be to go because of the dish it has to be cooked in. We ended up making an extra stop at Deschutes Brewery to pick up dessert. (But that's another review!) I ordered the steak with "crab", and my husband ordered the jambalaya. When we got home and I started opening the order I noticed that there wasn't any effort made with presentation for the to-go order. I didn't expect much, but for $70 for two dishes and an appetizer I expected something a little nicer. The appetizer - corn and artichoke fritters, was delicious. I could have eaten a pile of them. My husband said he really liked his jambalaya, and that there was a really great quantity of shrimp and sausage. He's a deep-east Texan, so he's eaten a lot of southern food. My first impression, when opening my food, was of mmmaayyybeee a tablespoon and a half of crab scattered haphazardly on top of a steak. I was honestly shocked that they would even bother to make this a selling point of this dish if this is the normal amount usually added. Which makes me think, to put it indelicately, that I got the shaft. The steak was good. The potatoes that came with it were decent, as were the vegetables. (The veggies were all carrots, I believe, and literally two green beans, but it all tasted good.) I had made a point of mentioning our wedding anniversary, and I feel like they made absolutely no extra effort to make any of our order particularly better. Honestly, I got totally hung up on the crab because it was just the principle of the thing. It would have been so easy for them to put in the tiniest bit of effort, but in not doing so they lost what could have been loyal customers who equated their business with a happy experience.
(2)
Monica R.
I can't believe I'm writing this, but this little restaurant was dynamite! I've been to Bend a few times but never thought to come here; boy have I been missing out. We started with the BBQ shrimp, and oh my baby jesus that sauce was one of the most amazing things I've eaten all year. I couldn't believe it! We kept the plate to sop up the sauce later. They had two great sounding vegetarian options, I went with the veggie Shepard's Pie and it was fantastic. Rich, creamy, delicious. I just couldn't believe how good it was. Everyone seemed to like their meaty meals. The cornbread was some of the best I've ever had, sweet with actual corn in it. I also got the grit fritters, which were interesting and tasty. It was a little pricey, but to be fair we sucked down two bottles of wine and some after dinner scotch. The waitstaff was super nice and fun to joke around with. I would definitely be back!
(5)
Robert B.
Our go to restaurant when we celebrate. Free corkage for nw wines is a big plus. Love the artichoke fritters, sazerac, and duck, but everything is great. Service is the best in town period.
(5)
Ming L.
We came here on Friday night of Thanksgiving weekend. Ambiance is more NYC than Bend, think dark wood, modern lighting and gray walls. You can buy the BBQ shrimp to take home and I know why...it's delicious. So good my 16 month old ate two shrimps; she loved it! Hubby got the wild boar which was delicious. It's sliced and presented like duck breast and tasted a little like duck too, rich and a little gamey. I had the double pork chop special with truffled mashed potatoes. So good, I cleaned the plate. They have a kid's menu which was unexpected for this kind of restaurant. If our baby didn't have such an early bed time I would've stayed to see what dessert was on offer. Oh well, maybe next time.
(5)
James P.
I had the Artichoke & Corn Fritters and the Shrimp Po'Boy. White table fancy place, but the service was a little slow. I thought the food was good, but maybe overpriced.
(3)
Sarah B.
Living in San Francisco, my dining experience expectations when visiting Central Oregon are admittedly low. I'm happy to say that Zydeco exceeded those expectations and then some! I went with my mom for "happy hour" around 6 on a Thursday night and was seated immediately without a reservation. Zydeco unfortunately doesn't have any actual happy hour deals, but their food and drinks are worth paying full price for anyway. We ordered and shared a pomegranate martini, mojito, the barbeque shrimp and a flatbread and were blown away by all four. The BBQ shrimp in particular was amazing. Beyond the food, our service was flawless as well. Our waitress was sweet and attentive without being overbearing, and didn't even hint at being annoyed when she realized we were only ordering drinks and appetizers. Definitely five star dining in a town where I previously expected three star experiences. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm up north!
I really enjoyed my experience here. My husband and I came for a night on the town - we were visiting from CA and wanted to get a nice date night in. The service was awesome, and the food was to-die-for. I LOVED the duck and risotto, corn-fritters, the brownie dessert, and the berry margarita. We will be back, probably every time we come up to Bend. This is definitely our favorite place to go in Bend!
(4)
Deliah R.
The menu was very diverse and a good kids menu too! They actually served quality grilled veggies as an option with the usual kid menu choices. The Ahi salad was very fresh and light. Perfect for a 2:15pm lunch! I also must comment on the French fries....they were honestly the best fries I have ever had!!!! Hands down! Crispy, not to salty with a light herb dust and not greasy at all! Great Blueberry Lemonade cocktails too!
(5)
Julie Ann O.
What an amazing meal. The BBQ shrimp was a wonderful starter, followed up by pecan encrusted halibut. The service was great, atmosphere was fun and the food delicious.
(5)
Bruce T.
We had dinner here October 5th. The service is very good - attentive without being overbearing. Don't fail to have the barbequed shrimp. The sauce is superb. The jambalaya was excellent. Our waiter recommended a really splendid wine. Next time we're in Bend we'll settle for a couple of appetizers and some wine. The portions are generous and if you lack any way to store the food overnight, it's a shame to waste it.
(5)
Melisa T.
I'm a tough cookie when it comes to my food reviews and this one seriously deserves 5 stars. We stopped in here on New Years' Eve. As usual we didn't even think to make reservations. We asked if they by chance had a table for two. Granted, it was early, but they fit us in with no wait! We thought that was extremely nice considering they started to get extremely busy after we were seated. The waiter was wonderful and not pushy. He knew his stuff. The specials menu was impressive, but we weren't in the mood for a steak (believe it or not) or crabcakes. I had a glass of the Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). Good way to start! Both of us started with the small spinach salad with honey mustard vinaigrette, pistachios and goat cheese. Amazing! The goat cheese was mild and creamy. The salad with the dressing was a perfect balance. We couldn't wait for the main courses. Al had the sesame encrusted Ahi tuna with rice, shrimp rolls, cucumber salad and wasabi vinaigrette. They can do it all. I had the Cavatappi pasta with shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers and thyme in a light cream sauce. Oh boy...spicy, but oh so good. Luckily, we saved room for dessert. We shared the flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream and a dollop of real whipped cream. Oh.....my.....goodness! You know how flourless cakes are usually dense and you wish it had some flour in it? Well, I don't know how they do it, but this cake is fluffy and light - so darn good. I just can't stop gushing about it. Lastly, we noticed how quiet it was, even though it was a packed house. They have fabric on the walls that really cuts down the noise. Great detail that a lot of restaurants miss and you find that you cannot hear yourself think. If you ever find yourself in Bend and want an amazing dinner experience, you must stop here. Unfortunately, they are only open for lunch Mon-Fri, but dinner is well worth it. We will definitely be back! I gotta try one of those steaks!
(5)
Kfir L.
This place was great. I was only in town for one night and couldn't have picked a better place to have dinner. Coming from San Francisco, and the huge amount of amazing restaurants there, I wasn't expecting too much from a place in Bend, OR. But Zydeco proved me wrong. The apps were great. Main course and accompanying sides also fantastic. I was full half way through my main course but finished because it was that good. If I'm back in Bend again I will definitely make another visit.
(5)
Michael H.
Food was amazing. Great atmosphere. Service was impeccable. As Bay Area foodies, this impressed.
(5)
John S.
I don't get the hype. The service was slow and inattentive when we visited on a weeknight. I can't imagine what the place is like during the weekend with a packed house. Friends raved about the artichokes. If you're thinking about it, don't. Ours was burned beyond recognition. Overcooked? Yeah. But they served it anyway. For dinner, I ordered the bone-in rib eye with dungeness crab. The raw, flavorless piece of gristle they put in front of me made me consider becoming a vegetarian. The leather on my shoes would've been easier to chew. This puts new meaning into the word organic--which is code for "We've jacked the prices up because it's 'organic.'" If you're looking to drop some ca$h on a meal and you really don't care about the quality of the food, you've found the right place. Neither do they. But if you want good food, try somewhere else. We went to the Deschutes Pub and thoroughly enjoyed the night after its less than impressive beginning at Zydeco.
(1)
Angie M.
You must try the BBQ Shrimp appetizer, redfish dinner dish, and the spinach salad is my favorite in town. I usually get it with steelhead on the top. I also love warm summer evenings with the open windows bringing the outside in...
(5)
A A.
Oh mama. This was soooooo good. From start to finish everything was great. I was actually kinda shocked. I love shrimp etouffe, and nobody seems to do it right, but this place came in pretty close. Was too tomato-ish for me, and I like it more gravy like, but I had a hankering that this place quenched. Friendly staff and nice vibe too!
(5)
J P.
We overnighted in Bend for a night and had dinner at Zydeco Kitchen. Mmmmm. I had the halibut and a Caesar salad. Both delicious, but the dessert really got me (and I'm not a huge sweets person)...the chocolate pots de creme. OMG! So amazing. I was sad that I couldn't finish the last couple of bites because I was SO full. But I'm on a hunt for a good recipe to make it at home. AND a good reason to go to Bend again! :)
(4)
Natalie A.
Again, I find Bend to be absolutely beautiful so I may be a bit bias! I went there with family on a Saturday evening. The place started to fill up quickly as our food came, which didn't take long after we ordered. We ordered the Barbeque Shrimp with Southern Grit as an appetizer, which was very good. It had a creole flavor with the shrimp on top of a thin block of grits and a spicy roux all around it. They give you bread to dip. I ordered the shrimp, andoiulle sausage, and crawfish jambalay served with corn bread. This wasn't so spicy, mild. It tasted good and tasted even better as left overs, which I'm having right now. I ordered the almond wet cake surrounded with sliced strawberries and bananas. I found it was okay. Maybe it was soaking in milk, but it didn't impress me much. Overall the food tasted fresh! The service was impeccable! Fast and efficient. The waiters want to make you happy! This restaurant also has a great selection of wines! I didn't try them because of personal reasons, but I was tempted! The ambience was welcoming and relaxing. The environment of the place is pretty chic and clean cut. I really enjoyed this restaurant.
(5)
Christina S.
I'm going to keep this short. Good food, good drinks, good service. The beet salad was excellent and so was my rib eye. My husband had the burger and loved it. Our table also ordered the Steelhead which was delicious and the pork tenderloin which I did not try, but was also said to be great. To the guy that gave the one star...I found the menu pretty diverse for a place call ZYDECO...and you really thought this was a place to bring your 11 month old and order them a meal...?
(4)
Cathy M.
I would give this place more stars if I could! They were packed on a Monday, but we walked around the city a little before heading to the bar for a drink before dinner. I asked the bartender for a cocktail with local vodka, and he suggested the Red Curry Martini. OMG this is one of the best cocktails I've EVER HAD! It was spicy (I mean really spicy!) with coconut, and some other subtle flavors. I LOVED it. Unique, warm and cool at the same time, it was awesome. For dinner, we ordered the Artichoke Corn Fritters, Cheese Plate with Fig Jam, Vegetarian Shepard's Pie and Steak (I don't remember which one). This was the best meal I've had in a LONG time. Fritters were FANTASTIC. The jam with the cheese plate was so good I ate it plain when everything else was gone. And the Shepard's Pie was a true meal, which for a vegetarian, it's often hard to find anything that isn't just a bunch of side dishes put together. I would recommend this place to everyone I know--which I just did!
(5)
Jack N.
Excellent. First of all, the roasted clams are one of the most amazing things I've ever eaten. Secondly, if you bring your own bottle of either Oregon or Washington wine, they waive the corkage fee.
(5)
Reynolds P.
Five of us enjoyed wonderful meals here the night before last (2 from the Bay Area, 2 from Portland, and 1 from Bend). All of our dinners were excellent as was the service from our waiter Michael. 2 of us had the blackened red fish, 1 had the ahi, 1 had ribs, and 1 a cheeseburger. That's a fairly good range to test a kitchen. All were first rate, including the beers and wines that were ordered. My wife and I are lucky to dine out often, and in many diff. cities. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we've had. We'd not made reservations, and it was a busy, warm summer night. We put our name on the list and walked two doors away to another place to sit and have a beverage outside. We'd just gotten our order when Zydeco called to say our table was ready. They graciously said it would be fine for us to finish our drinks and walk back. Zydeco is a plus for Bend. It has a broad menu w/ plenty of offerings from which to select. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Frifri F.
Turned away for dinner at 8:40pm, was told kitchen was closed. Not tourist friendly.
(1)
Drew H.
The food was excellent as usual I had one issue with part of my dish but it was fixed very quickly great service you get what you pay for a little expensive but great great great for our favorite restaurant in bed
(5)
Nancy S.
We have been to this restaurant 4 times now since we moved to Bend 10 months ago. Numerous folks suggested it, and we are glad to say we too recommend it. Quality food and we will be back. Reservations are a good idea!
(5)
Harriet L.
We have been here twice. The first time was 2 years ago and the second was this past weekend. Both times the service was good and the food was incredible. The red fish with dungeness crab and Zydeco sauce is a signature dish worthy of reaching everyone's table at least once. A thoughtful experience from start to finish with detailed apps and entrees. Bend has a lot great food and Zydeco is certainly a shining star in this town. If you visit Bend, this restaurant is well worth your time.
(5)
Christina B.
I have been here several times, business lunch, date and a family celebration dinner. Everyone including my self has been very impressed with the food and drinks. I enjoyed the tri beet salad. The crab cakes and ribs with mac n cheese were also a table favorites. Even the weekend of Valentine's Day when they were fully booked with reservations they offer a long community table so my party of 4 was still able to get a table right away. I will definitely make a point to eat here again next time I am in Bend, OR.
(5)
Lauren C.
My favorite restaurant in Bend. A must try!
(5)
Bradley D.
Amazing drinks, desserts and food! You've got to try the grilled artichoke appetizer!
(4)
Jessica C.
3.5 stars Pros: Great service, consistent quality of good food, outdoor seating. Cons: Plate on which a large prime rib was serviced on was not conducive to cutting. I ordered the burger with fries. Burger was juicy and not over done (I asked for medium). My husband ordered a prime rib. It was slightly overcooked. The main thing was being served on a plate that was too small. When he was cutting it, it would slide all over the place. The steak knife wasn't sharp enough either, which may have led to the sliding piece of meat. The service was good. If our server was busy, there was someone else that comes by and asks if we needed anything. The chef came out and asked how things were too, which I think is a nice personable touch. If we were to visit Bend again, I would go back here and try some other items on the menu.
(4)
Vanna S.
By far, one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had the misfortune of paying for. Hubby and I visited this place for lunch on the last day of our Oregon vacation. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, and has a nice, clean upscale feel to it. Hubby ordered the chicken sandwich, and I ordered the etouffee. The waitress returned a minutes later, however, and informed me that they were "out of" the etouffee. WTF? How do you run out of a standard menu item at the very beginning of lunch service? I wound up ordering the cheese burger, as the rest of the menu items - mostly sandwiches and salads - seemed boring. Then began a forty - yes, forty - minute wait to get a burger and a sandwich. They seemed short staffed - two waitresses in the front of the house, and there appeared to be only one cook and one sous chef in the kitchen preparing food. I get it that shit happens - people call in sick, whatever, plus there were a couple of large parties ahead of us, so I totally understand the wait. The waitstaff was friendly, but not attentive, and never asked us how the food was, nor did they apologize for the long delay. A basket of bread and a "hey, thanks for waiting," would have gotten them a second chance. In fact, they never even came back to our table until it was time to pay. Here's why I'll never go back: The $11 cheese burger was cold. The bun, which was twice as big as the patty - was stale, and rubbery, and appeared not even to have been toasted. The fries were cold as well. It's as if the burger sat alone on the counter, waiting either for the waitress, or for the chicken sandwich to be done. I suspect the latter, since the chicken sandwich was hot. Unfortunately, being of adequate temperature couldn't save this sandwich from the incompetent hands of the chef. The chicken, though hot, was dry and rubbery. The flavors of the rest of the sandwich were mercifully overwhelmed by two strips of smoked bacon. I say mercifully because the chicken was over-charred (i.e., burned) in some places. Based on the reviews, I gather we just got them on a bad day, but I'll never be back.
(1)
linda b.
Horrible food and even worse service. Stay away from this place. They pack you in like sardines and then rape your wallet!
(1)
Michael S.
OK food. Poor service. Overall, an unpleasant dining experience.
(1)
Bonnie N.
My husband and I had dinner here on a Sunday evening. We were told to have reservations, but they were not needed. It was relatively quiet when we got there (5:30). Service was great, and very speedy. Specials sounded yummy, but I did feel some sales pressure for the more expensive items on the menu. My husband loved the beer on tap...great local selection...I think he had an IPA. I got the steelhead, which was delicious, cooked in a lemon caper sauce with a generous serving of asparagus and mashed potatoes underneath. The fish was very fresh and cooked to perfection. The bread and flavored olive oil was also really yummy. My guy had the redfish, blackened, with spinach and mashed potatoes, which he also enjoyed.
(4)
David F.
It's true, the ribs are amazing. They slather way the heck too much sauce on them though. There is no need to do this, people. It nearly ruins the dish. Put the sauce on the side by default. Another good one to try is the red fish. Pass on the flat bread pizza cracker thing. Flat bread is a fad that is getting out of control. The food here is very high end and very rich. Make sure you are in the mode for some serious eatin'. Save room for the key lime pie with pecan crust. Oh and the service is outstanding. You will be treated like a king and a good friend of the staff.
(4)
Rachel P.
I don't give out 5 stars very often so you know it's good. The food- amazing! The kind of food you want to bathe in- but you can't because they serve reasonable portions :) Service is amazing. My only complaint is that my friends and I really brought down the average age- it's upscale and for special occasions. It's Bend so it's casual, but not ski-pants, workout clothes casual- like some other places (which is fine!) I might not be back, only because I did just about drop a C note on drinks, ap, dinner and desert- a special occasion indeed and I'm still giving it 5 stars! Ok, maybe I will be back!!
(5)
Terry T.
I'd rank Zydeco among my top 3 Bend restaurants. The downtown location is nicer than their old haunt on 3rd street, and both the food, staff, and prices seemed to be no worse for the move. If I had to detract anything, it would be the noise and packed tables. The place is loud and happening on most nights, and reservations are ideal. Their drinks are good, the food is better, and the staff has provided consistently good service. They specialize in quasi-cajun food including jambalaya, catfish, etc. but their menu is broad enough to include really good american standards like shepard's pie, burgers, tenderloins, etc. Specials usually become the dealbreakers though, good stuff! As I said, the service is good and the waitstaff seems to have low turnover, which is always a good thing. Oh, and in the summer, inquire about rooftop seating!
(5)
S. M. K.
Zydeco is an excellent foodie experience. I have eaten here many times and i am never disappointed. The Food: Steak medallions fantastic Fish specials have always delivered fresh, no smell dishes Shrimp ettouf- spicy but flavors blend. Vegan dish was also very good. Bread from the village baker is so perfect Salads the spinach is so good i just can't seem to order anything else. Apps BBQ shrimp I am a bit shocked by one review from some one stating that the food was not plated all that well- REALLY; and you really thought you could get Creme Brulee to go, serious. Go to enjoy the food this place presents! Wine list; this would be only complaint as they were out of 3 of the wines we attempted to order, hmmmm this could make me suspicious. What ever i will always come back!
(5)
Brandon H.
I'm still confused about the interior, I'm not sure what that "style" is called, but the food is really the main attraction here. The flat-bread was very good, we got it with the sausage and chicken, and it all worked very well together. It was a bit more soggy from the cheese than I would prefer, but you can't win 'em all. Corn fritters were great, unique and well made. The filet medallions (of which there are two, just an FYI) were well cooked, spot-on medium-rare. They had a nice char to them, and had a good seasoning but the meat itself didn't have much flavor. The steel-head was also nicely prepared but was about average. Desserts were jolly-green-giant sized, and very good. It took me about 10 minutes to finish the carrot cake, and I eat fast. Save room for dessert! Overall the food was good. It's not going to bring Michelin to town anytime soon, but it met the expectations I had for it. Give it a try!
(3)
Debbie B.
Roasted clams on mashed potatoes (from the gluten free menu), very tasty. Four of us dined here. Everyone enjoyed their entrees. Well worth visiting.
(5)
Eric K.
One of my most favorite places to eat in Bend. The BBQ shrimp are simply awesome! I haven't had a bad, or even mediocre, meal here. You won't be worry you ate here.
(5)
Rod J.
Thanks again fellow Yelpsters! Another great choice in a new town. Flatbread app one of the best I've ever had. Even the comp bread with oil and spices was unique. NY Strip with chimichurri sauce was excellent as well as the roasted veggies with carrots and sweet potatoes. The Dulce de Leche sundae was the perfect topper with spicy pecans, easily qualifying for the dessert hall of fame! Wonderful meal in a great city.
(5)
Amber L.
All of the food was incredible here! We ordered the shrimp appetizer, duck fries, a beet salad, the steak and the duck. The portions were generous and everything was really flavorful and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the duck which was perfectly cook and expertly seasoned. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in Bend!
(5)
RM K.
My husband and I love the dark ambiance and comfortable vibe. Drinks are amazing and food was delicious. I had the jumbo prawn risotto that was out of this world. Only reason for 4 stars in my opinion is the food is very competitive to our other Bend favorites but priced a tad higher.
(4)
Sheri D.
The food overall was good! Highly recommend the shrimp with BBQ sauce (and bread to soak up the sauce). Duck fries are to die for. The service was great! Only thing was the redfish was way to salty. I couldn't finish because of this. I would give it another try - but order something else.
(3)
Jimmy B.
The best meal I've ever had in Bend, and I've been traveling here for 20+ years. Unique menu with fantastic flavors! The staff was very attentive, the service was a little slow, but oh so worth the wait for such great food!!! The atmosphere is good, a little loud, but the food is incredible! Parking is on the street and can be a little tight. Park a block away and enjoy the sights of Downtown Bend. And if I haven't mentioned...the food is fantastic!
(5)
Lee T.
Excellent dishes. Spendy, but worth the price. Treat yourself.
(5)
Carmen L.
Very good. Had a nice lunch date with my hubby here. The atmosphere on the outside dining was very "bend" . We ordered the flatbread for the appetizer--so should you, it was delicious. Plus we shared a pulled pork sandwich. The fries were so-so. They like to put parsley on everything. We will go here again.
(4)
Robert D.
Yes, the food is flavorful. The BBQ shrimp is to die for. I wanted to give this unique spot in Bend a 5 star review but they kept missing the mark. Reservations were - wait another 25 minutes and then you might get seated. Then remember to ask what they have run out of before ordering. (Out of mashed potatoes????) After deleting 6 items off the menu it was no longer curious. Seems the management still has not figured out how to order to supply the kitchen. Ribs were large, meaty and not warm. Other orders were up to par. Their policy on corkage fees is to be commended. No fee for northwest wines. All in all, if you know what you are getting into, this is a spot with great flavors and a nice spot to dine in Bend.
(4)
Jeff P.
Great place- dishes you won't find at many places worth trying. Have been multiple times and never had a bad experience.
(4)
Martha R.
And I'll agree with Kate M. - 4.5 stars would work for me too. I have to be careful with those 5-star reviews... because it has to be the best ever to get five stars. And this place is great... but not the best ever. The food is great, and the atmosphere is quite nice... but our service was just over average. And I feel like when you're in a place like this that you should have phenomenal service... and we didn't. I also wouldn't mind if the wine menu had a few more selections. I did find something that would work with my red meat but it would have been fun to try something a little "off the beaten path". The location is a little "different" than everywhere else you go in Bend. So I feel like it's the kind of place that you don't just stumble on... but very much worth the effort to head over there.
(4)
Jenn G.
I'd heard very good things about this place, and while our meal was good, it wasn't awe-inspiring. Service, when it started, was fine, but it took awhile for our server to show his face, and longer to get our drinks and Village Baker bread. While my boyfriend got a beautiful looking house salad that was tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette, my spinach salad seemed a bit sloppily put together, with a slight drizzle of dressing over a generous portion of spinach that was difficult to toss on one's own. The entrees were all quite good, if rich. My people don't come from a southern background, so we're not used to the Paula Deen school of butter & cream in everything. My boyfriend's catfish was perfectly prepared, and his father's steak had some addictive (and well-cut) fries with them. The think that most impressed me about this place was that the chef is a local boy who went through the COCC culinary program. That as much as anything is a reason to support this place - even if, like me, your socks aren't knocked off.
(3)
Tom F.
We really got lucky and snagged a sidewalk table on a walk-in. Our wait amounted to less than five minutes. A group of four ahead of us had already been waiting 40 minutes when we walked in. With a popular place I'll take the first available table. That's a good strategy at Zydeco which is crazy busy every night. People make reservations they may or may not actually keep just for their own convenience. As to the food it's actually average but with so many burger and beer places in Bend, Zydeco ends up being special by default. It's not special that food is properly prepared and correctly seasoned nor is it special that the plates are presented properly. Zydeco accomplishes this much. We ate the duck fries...Nothing special and the seasoning fell flat but the presentation was nice. The signature barbecue shrimp was..well..average with the exception of the tiny square of whitefish the shrimp were arranged around and sauce dressing the dish. Both were very good with just the right amount of sweetness and heat. The shrimp were obviously previously frozen and overcooked. Several here have spoken of the red fish prepared blackened. It's a good choice. The Jambalaya is full of spicy smoked pork sausage and jumbo shrimp. Order this if you are really hungry because they bring you are large bowl full to the brim. The cornbread that accompanies the jambalaya is incredible. So moist. So, do reserve. Do request an outside table. Do order a Sazarac cocktail. Enjoy.
(3)
Desert D.
The food was fantastic all around. The drinks were also good. As far as the atmosphere goes: Who on this green Earth thought that it would be cool to cut a HUGE hole in the wall that shows and industrial kitchen with blinding florescent lights? I felt like I was at a dumpy Chinese joint. I may go back to the bar, but not the dining room. Also, I felt that it was more of a family atmosphere, so if you are into people watching with dinner, this is the place. If you are looking for something a bit more romantic, go to Jen's Garden in Sister's. That place is the best in the Northwest.
Great food and friendly service. BBQ shrimp and mushroom toast were amazing apps. Loved the macadamia seabass special for entree dish and fiance got the ribeye and thought it was great. Overall tasty food and fun experience.
(4)
Michael S.
I am in Bend exhibiting at a medical conference. Read the reviews on Zydeco and stopped for lunch today. What an absolute treat. The chicken sandwich was beyond delicious - the side of coleslaw was the best ever tasted and the bowl of soup was excellent ---- service was delightful - I may even go back tomorrow before l leave - why waste a good thing :)
(5)
Jack S.
Great food. Great staff. Great location. Simple as that.
(4)
Mark P.
Great restaurant but the Wahoo special my wife had was way overcooked and dry. My corkscrew pasta and sausage was excellent
(4)
Leslie T.
I have eaten here twice and both times have been amazing...This last time we had the steelhead salmon to start...I had the prime cut ribeye with grilled aspargas and au gratin potatoes. To end I got the flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter fudge ice cream and caramel sauce. This place is perfect for that special night out or if you just want some really exceptional food.
(5)
Cathy S.
I would come back here in a heartbeat for dinner. My friends and I came here for dinner on our first night in Bend during Labor Day weekend. We stopped into the restaurant early in the evening to make reservations but found they were no longer taking reservations. So we decided to head out to dinner around 8:30PM in hopes that we wouldn't have to wait too long for a table. If you come here for dinner, make reservations a few days before! We only waited about 10 minutes at the bar before a table was ready for us. Our server was very attentive and explained some of the dishes very well. Our cocktails were very good and while I wished the duck's skin was a bit crispier, I really enjoyed my meal! Everyone's portions sizes were just right and the prices were just right for the entrees.
(5)
Robert M.
This is probably the best resto in Bend. This place is solid and unique. A table of 7 and raves all around from some pretty discriminating taste buds. Good wine list, great bread (with a flavorful dipping oil) which is always a good start. For apps we got the highly recommended BBQ shrimp, and I have to say this was outstanding. Even people who are not huge shrimp fans would like the flavor of this dish. This came with a gritcake that was great. We also got the flatbread which was decent but not mindblowing. For the entree I had the Filet, which was pretty standard. Didn't have a ton of flavor to it but it was cooked right which is half the battle. It came with some simple greenbeans which were seasoned perfectly, and fries that were...well...fries. Overall my dish was decent but I think others at the table chose better off the menu. For dessert we got the flourless chocolate cake which was very good, and the Wet Almond Cake which ended up being the hit of the desserts. It reminded me of a Tres Leches Cake. This resto is worth repeat visits.
(4)
Jason B.
Went back to Zydeco on 8/23/10 with my wife and another couple while staying at Eagle Crest for a few nights. I continue to be overly impressed with this restaurant. We sat outside under the warm heaters and had a fantastic dinner! I had the blackened catfish, which came with these incredible potatoes and wilted spinach. A 5-star dish! The wife had the ribeye, which was cooked med-rare to perfection. After dinner, we had some coffee and a flight of desserts: The flour-less chocolate cake was fantastic, as was the bread pudding. I didn't try the carrot cake, but it was massive and received raves at our table. You just can't go wrong at Zydeco as far as I'm concerned. Total tab for 3 entrees, two sides, one app, 3 desserts, 3 beers, and 2 coffees was $133.00.
(5)
Bobby S.
Food was tasty but not outstanding. Nice environment and good service. We had the artichoke appetizer and it was fantastic - the highlight of the meal. We loved the bread as well but they only brought enough for a slice each and never brought more. I had the eggplant crepes. They were fine but not special at all. Others had the salmon (decent but unoriginal) and the chicken (average but good). For desert we had key lime pie which was too sweet for our liking. We left it unfinished.
(3)
Lana R.
I grew up eating cajun fare in southwest Louisiana, so I was reluctant to eat at a Cajun influenced restaurant in Bend, Oregon of all places. I shouldn't have worried. They served a delicious barbeque shrimp appetizer and crab cake with roasted potatoes even if the food wasn't exactly down home authentic. The broccolini was a little too al dente for my tastes. My dining companions also really savored the meatloaf and a veggie tofu pasta dish. I enjoyed an especially delicious lemon blueberry cocktail. The menu is a little pricey but servings are exceedingly generous and can be shared by those with average appetites.
(4)
Ryan B.
By far the best restaurant in Bend. No matter what you order the food will be great! Love the new downtown location. BEST APPETIZER: Get the flat bread! Yes it is a must! Artichoke Hearts, Chorizo, and Sun Dried tomatoes are the ultimate toppers for the flat bred. THE GOOD: The Duck and Salmon are great. Again perfectly cooked with amazing flavor. BEST DISH: Filet Medallion Medallions- always my favorite! Perfectly cooked meat and it comes with amazing crispy fries. BEST DESSERT: Well they did make me angry about taking away the cinnamon rolls errrrr! The Chocolate Peanut Butter molten cake is the best. Yummers THE BAD: Stick with the wine. The mixed drink are more like going to Jamba Juice then a real drink! Also the the menu says they charge a $15 corkage fee in order to support local wineries which is a little BS because 75% of the wines are from Washington and California!
Worth the price, amazing food, you must try the shrimp jambalaya.
(5)
Scott S.
A very solid 4 stars. We started with onion rings which were amazing. I hate onion rings and I couldn't get enough of these. Obviously the onions were seasoned before they were battered. That batter? Amazing! Jayne had fried razor clams, which she absolutely adored. She was more confident in them once she had the onion rings. "These people know how to fry!" She exclaimed. My Dad had the beef stroganoff. Unfortunately, this dish lacked any "gravy" whatsoever. A dollop of sour cream is all he got. We asked for another dollop of sour cream and got it immediately but I should have also asked for a shot of vermouth and 2 shots of beef broth! That's why we went 4 stars instead of 5. No gravy on the stroganoff? That's what it's all about! I had the half chicken with macaroni and cheese as a side. This was definitely the best deal in the house and it was fantastic. Don't miss the macaroni and cheese. It is very, very good. Waitress was good and accommodating and a touch sassy while always being polite.
(4)
Linda L.
consistently great food. Nice variety to menu so vegetarians can eat too.
(5)
Amy R.
This place is the bomb!!! My sweetie had their special brisket sandwich with amazing fries. I had the beet salad with grilled chicken. So good!!! And the wait staff was spot on. Lorena was very sweet and helpful. Thanks for a great intro to Bend cuisine!
(5)
Mia S.
Great service and food. Friendly to dietary needs.
(5)
Lizzie V.
I would highly recommend eating here if you're in Bend. It's a bit spendy, but worth every penny. There bread is the best bread I have ever eaten. It's from the Village Baker. It is amazing, and I am not even a big bread person. Our waitress was sweet and could see how much I loved the bread, so she wrapped me up some extra to take home. Danny got Baby back ribs, and I got the red fish with dungeness crab. Both were excellent. I will be stopping here the next time I go back to Bend.
(4)
Ellyn E.
Outstanding. The BBQ shrimp is better than I have had even in New Orleans. The service was friendly and attentive without being annoying. The rib eye steak was melt in your moth delicious. The homemade key lime pie could not have been any better. We will return to Bend just to eat here.
(5)
Jane R.
Bottom line: YUM! (I'm here to save you time. Just go!)
(5)
Steve S.
Yet another place I truly miss from Bend! Never had a bad meal there and the service always impeccable. I am sorry, but if you are in a hurry, go to Burger King! If you want to experience Cajun with a Bend flavor, hit them up, you won't be sorry.
(4)
Rick J.
Been here a long time and have been through all the hype. Zydeco does and is the best value in town, drinks and food, without question. Enjoy what they are and the bar. Cheers ...
(5)
Leigha T.
Gluten free dieters welcome! Two great choices of GF beer available, the dark was my pick and satisfied my craving. The Sheppard's pie was chock full of my favorite veggies roasted to a caramelized perfection. The carrots and peas swim together in a sea of wine sauce so flavorful my heart melted. Chef Steve came over to check on our meals and the pride he has for his food was evident. Thank you Zydeco for a meal I won't soon forget!
(5)
Cole S.
I've been going to this restaurant several times a week for years! This is by far the best place for reasonably priced food in Bend. I have never once had a bad experience or a menu item that wasn't delicious. The ketchup that comes with the fries is homemade and simply the best I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. The Barbecue shrimp sauce is simply amazing and the flat bread is somewhat of a cool specialty item. The owner is super friendly. For desert they have amazing Carrot Cake, Almond Wet Cake, and when it's in season Key Lime Pie. If you only have time to eat at one restaurant in Bend. This is the one!
(5)
Jessi H.
Went to Zydeco's for V-day and had a great time. Per the yelp suggestions we ordered the flat bread and I thought it was good...nothing special but worth trying. For dinner I had the red fish which was also good but not as good as I thought it would be. My husband had the special, which was tenderloin stuffed with crab it was amazing. This was something I will NEVER forget the taste of as it was absolutely amazing. Overall, I liked this place the tenderloin sealed the deal for me. The service was good and the wine was well priced.
(4)
alyse s.
What a great spot! The woman who gave me a facial at Eagle Crest recommended Zydeco, she said the food was top notch and the service was fabulous. She was right on both counts. We had a late reservation, it was the only time available, so we arrived early and had a seat at a high top in the bar. Husband ordered a local beer and I ordered the red curry martini that was recommended by another Yelp reviewer. WOW, it was awesome. We had the corn artichoke fritters for a snack and were not disappointed. The server in the bar and several other servers stopped by to check on us, very personable, but not stuffy! When we were seated, we ordered a second round of drinks when we discovered that we could have brought our own wine. They don't charge a corking fee for Oregon, Washington or Idaho wines to promote local vinyards! I was told I had to try to BBQ shrimp for an appetizer, and BOY OH BOY were they right. The sauce must have crack in it, they were unbelievable and the bread they serve made a perfect sopper for the sauce! For dinner my husband ordered the filet medallions and said they were like "buttah." I had the ribs, I wish I had thought to ask them to leave the sauce on the side. The sauce was a bit sweet for me, but the ribs were fall of the bone tender. Everything about this experience was perfect, from the drinks to dessert, nothing disappointed!
(4)
Melinda N.
Stay away from their "fresh fish" of the day. I had the salmon. It was either very overcooked or old. They did not cook the bugs out of it though; I was sick as a dog in the middle of the night from food poisoning. Other than that we had a good time and the service was good. For those that want a lot of food, my husband was happy with the quantity. Our server recommended a nice wine. The food was mediocre for the price and if I hadn't gotten sick from their food I would have given it 3 stars. Update: The owner saw this review and called me personally to apologize, which was very kind. He credited our charge card for the full dinner and offered to buy us dinner if we were ever in the area again. I was impressed with his willingness to hear my story and let us know how sorry he was about our experience.
(1)
William R.
We went last Saturday night, made reservations. Got right in, excellent service, excellent food. Highly recommended! Good sized portions. I had the New York Steak, brussel sprouts and baby potatoes. $30 and worth every penny -- great flavor and presentation. My wife had a seafood/sausage pasta, huge portion. $22. She loved it.
(5)
Brock K.
One of Bend's best places to get a drink and have a great dinner. I would have to say if you are not ordering the flat bread you are missing out. This is a must have starter when have dinner or drinks with friends. If you are in the mood for a off the charts hamburger make sure to order one up...you won't regret it. Summertime dining out front is great for watching the action downtown and and with the overhead heaters make it possible to handle the colder nights in Bend.
(4)
Camille H.
I am so glad they moved downtown - closer to me. The cajun shrimp appetizer with a blueberry martini and you are off to a great start. Thoughtful and experienced staff add to the total experience of this restaurant. Great place! And now they are open for lunch.
(5)
Alisan P.
My husband and I stopped here for dinner while in Bend. I would suggest reservations, but we were early enough that it didn't matter. We were seated quickly and the waiter was at our table with menus and water immediately. We both ordered salads and were quite pleased with both of them. Very reasonably priced. My husband ordered an entree and I ordered an appetizer, and both of those were quite tasty; we cleaned our plates. They have a good selection of beers, including one non-alcoholic choice. The wines were well considered, but I ordered by the glass. The waiter allowed me to taste a couple of different ones, since all the choices were ones with which I was unfamiliar. Very thoughtful. They also served a bread plate with olive oil and herbs for dipping, a welcome change from the EVOO/balsamic tradition. We enjoyed our evening here and were surprised at the reasonable tally for our table. The one thing I appreciated the most, however, was that the chef/owner came around throughout the evening to check in with each table. These days that's a rare and considerate thing to do.
(5)
Lauren L.
Zydeco now tops my list of favorite dining experiences across the US. I loved everything about it - the outdoor seating, the grand open window, the service, the ambiance inside, the textures and colors awash with the light from the wine fridges on the wall. I ordered the mushroom toast to start with (was starving!) because it sounded interesting. A medley of wild mushrooms (such an oxymoron) atop toast, like a bruschetta with melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes. For my main course I picked on of the specials - a seared ahi tuna that was cooked to perfection. The entire dining experience was excellent and the next time I'm in Bend I'll definitely be returning.
(5)
Shawnna M.
Zydeco was recommended to us from a friend and I am so glad we listened. Probably the best food I have had in a long time. First we had the corn/artichoke fritters and they were awesome. I also got a blueberry lemon drop, the best lemon drop I have ever had, it was AWESOME. I ordered the pork tenderloin and they made me a special sauce since I don't like mushrooms which it is made with. It was so good and the mash potatoes and grilled veggies were just as good! My hubby ordered the ribs adn the had to eat them with a fork because he couldn't even pull them apart without them completely falling apart! They were super moist and delish. We went there on our first night in town and actually opted to stay in for dinner the next night and eat our left overs at the hotel instead of oging back out because it really was that good!
(5)
Larry S.
Wife loves this place. Food is pretty good, you won't be dissapointed. The last three times there, even with reservations, could not seat where we asked(I called days in advance). The last three times we had snooty servers, just venting, the food is pretty good, can't go wrong. A little pricey. Not my first choice to go, however my wife gives it a 5 star rating, she can write her own review. My wife had Zydeco cater one of her events at her place of business, they did a wonderful job, I was very impressed.
(4)
Natalie L.
My boyfriend and I are from Berkeley and we did a little roadtrip all over Northern California and all the way up to Bend. We had no idea where we were going to stay or eat so I yelped and found Zydeco. I loved it! It was so lovely, romantic, delicious, and priced just right! Full bar and excellent service. It is a little weird that Francis Ford Coppola made champagne in a can named after his daughter but each to their own I guess- it was good but not so eco-friendly. The food was delicious and well portioned we definitely got what we paid for and didn't feel rushed at all! In fact our server was so friendly she even gave us a ton of places to check out and sleep at in Bend. Thanks for being so kind and patient with us. We will definitely come back if we visit Bend- thanks
(5)
Robin S.
We celebrated our birthdays there and had an amazing dinner, great service, cocktails were perfect. We will be back to try it all. Our daughter recommended it and she was so right.
(5)
Anna M.
Great restaurant, the food was delicious. It was a bit on the pricey side but amazing, I had the duck and I've never before had duck cooked this perfectly, amazing! We went to this place on Thursday night and while walking around down town area trying to pick a place we ended up going to the most crowded one, we figured the crowds (locals) knew where to go and it did not disappoint.
(5)
Alex C.
What a fantastic place. Cool atmosphere, nice bar, friendly knowledgeable staff and the food was delicious. I love their concept of everything from scratch and organic/local if possible. The food delivers on the high expectations set by those statements. Everything we had was delicious. I would highly recommend saving room for dessert. The apple pear crumble was awesome and huge. The almond wet cake should not be passed up. This will definitely be one of my first stops when visiting Bend again. Cheers.
(5)
Tom S.
Without doubt, this is Bend's finest restaurant! The service was great, even though the restaurant was crowded on December 26th. The baby back ribs were the hit at our table. However the Steelhead, Salmon & rib eye were also very good. One caveat: the flat bread should be shared by at least three people. Having read the prior reviews, I agree with the consensus : you can't go wrong at this first-class eatery.
(5)
Danielle L.
My favorite restaurant in Bend. Always packed. Gluten-free menu! The BBQ shrimp appetizer is beyond delicious.
(5)
Rob J.
A bit pricey and service is inconsistent but if you can overlook that stuff it's some of the best food in Bend. Definitely check it out. The Artichoke & Corn Fritters are unbelievable! And their flatbreads are some of the best I've ever had. The ribs are excellent too.
(4)
Aaron F.
The evening got off to a bad start. Knowing that it's a popular restuarant, we booked in advance and arrived at the restaurant for our 7:30 pm seating. When we presented ourselves to the hostess, we were told that there is a 15-20 minute wait. This to me is a sign of poor management. If you are a busy restaurant with a good reputation to uphold, it is very important that you do not overbook and always make sure that tables are clear in time for your guests. Some places achieve this by telling their customers that they have the table for a limited time. If you are a solid restaurant then most customers should find this policy acceptable. Being a busy night, the waiter had to explain that they were out of a number of items - including the wine we wished to order. Despite these two points, we are giving Zydeco 4 stars for its professional service, and overwhelmingly good food. A near-guaranteed highlight for any visit to Bend!!
(4)
Holly K.
We visited Zydeco on our first night in Bend, OR. The staff was friendly, sat us quickly (event though they were busy) and served us in a timely manner. Both my boyfriend and I enjoyed everything we had ordered, from the appetizers to the dessert! We both had what they were offering as a special that night - the flavor was amazing! Being a total foodie, I of course had to ask what ingredients were in each plate... They shared this info willingly and happily! Looking forward to another yummy visit!
(5)
Joey S.
The best restaurant in Bend, now in a much improved LOCATION right in the heart of downtown. Having lived in Bend for about 4 years, I hate to admit that service at restaurants (even nice ones) is generally pretty bad. But not at Zydeco! I have had great SERVICE each of the 5-6 times I've been there. Servers are friendly and knowledgeable, your water glass stays full, and they're good at checking in on you without interrupting conversation or making you feel rushed. Another perk: you can bring your own bottle of Oregon, Washington or Idaho (!?) WINE for $0 corkage. Yes, no corkage for "local" wine. The flatbread, is their signature APPETIZER and you get to pick your 3 favorite toppings. The bbq'd shrimp and grit cakes are also very good. For the MAIN COURSE, it's hard to go wrong with filet medallions, especially if they appear in some combination as a special. The babyback ribs and the redfish are also both good, and two of the most popular dishes on the menu. I've also had the steak salad, which is solid if not memorable. They also seem to have at least a couple vegetarian options, and a complete gluten-free menu. Great location, fantastic service, a nice wine perk and exceptional comfort food make Zydeco the best restaurant in Bend.
(5)
Patti D.
Great flatbread pizza!! Spinach saladYum! Ribs, eggplant and lamb all outstanding! Friggin' amazin'!
(4)
Shaun B.
I visited this restaurant with a friend while in Bend on some business. The food was incredible and Stephanie, our waitress, was very knowledgeable and helpful. I ordered a shrimp dish and the sauce was one of the best I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone that is interested in eating well while in Bend.
(5)
Randy S.
I have eaten at Zydeco on 3rd and in Downtown and the ambiance downtown is considerably better. The food is good, to say it is Cajun/Creole is a stretch. It is the PNW version and as I said the food IS good. I would expect with a restaurant with a name like Zydeco suggesting a Louisiana bent to lean to the Louisiana style and wonder where is the Lagniappe? I was told by the waitress that she had brought me water!
(3)
Mitch G.
Flat out amazing food. Lets see the corn meal fried artichoke hearts, smoked salmon, cheese plate, all delicious. Rare rib eye covered in crab will make you cry it is so good. And the Jambalaya, kept them from getting five stars. Not that great and not even sure why it is on the menu or why the wife ordered it really. Skip this one and you will be alright. One plus was they had my favorite Bourbon Woodfords.
(4)
cindy k.
Noisy, but nice restaurant. Definitely recommend reservations. Salads were excellent, but large & pricey. Good variety of entrees. I was a little disappointed with my rock fish, but others loved the duck breast & NY steaks. $200 for 4 with a bottle of wine.
(4)
Sherryn A.
Last night, Zydeco earned its 5th star from me. Outstanding & friendly service from Caitlin was just one of the finer points of our evening last night. Not feeling terribly hungry, I went with two sides - the grit cakes with grilled vegetables. The crispy, flavorful crust on the cakes perfectly complemented the creamy smoothness of the grits inside; the grilled vegetables (you can make carrots taste like THAT?) made a simple meal fit for a foodie. My daughter had the cheeseburger and raved about it to the point that, while I don't regularly eat meat, I had to snag a bite. Forget the alchemy that Zydeco's chef uses to transform carrots, that was, in my 46 years, the best beef I've ever tasted. This does not make me happy because I want people to eat LESS beef, not more. And the pile of fries stayed crispy all through dinner (I know cuz I snagged a couple few of those too!) My husband had the grilled chicken with pecans and in between bites kept murmuring about the incredible layers of flavor. While I almost had a stroke when I learned the Key Lime Pie was off the menu (for now, Caitlin said, but I think she was trying to keep me from causing a scene), we made do with the bread pudding. Awesome job, Zydeco. Thanks!
(5)
Todd A.
Everyone loves this place....and I do too not to be left out. Great care seems to be taken on the dishes here and I will always remember in the old location the chef telling me EVERYTHING was fresh. It tastes like it. Great dining ambiance here too. The kitchen is too busy and industrial to be a quasi "show" kitchen.
(4)
Michael E.
Nice menu, cool decor.
(4)
David K.
I had dinner last night at Zydeco, and I was pretty blown away. I come up here from San Francisco, and typically have been to, or heard thoughts on the best Bend has to offer. My parents tell me about Zydeco, and how he can't get enough of this shrimp appetizer with grits... hmm, sounds interesting... But I want to go get sushi at Deep. Well I couldn't wait as they were too busy, so Zydeco it is. We get in there, and a table for three was ready. It was a little crowded feeling, but not to bad once the table behind me left. The waitress was so-so, a bit cold, probably because we didn't want anything to drink but water, and hey, we had been in the sun all day, the last thing I needed was wine. So after a bit she brings us some fresh bread from the oven. It was delicious, very light, soft inside, crunchy outside, just how I like it. Nice little olive oil, and herb dip. She comes back to take our order. My Mom has the Red Fish w/ Crab, and Mashed Potatoes, and Spinach. My Dad goes for the Baby Back Ribs w/ Potatoes. I have the Ceasar Salad. We get the Shrimp appetizer as well. First comes the shrimp. It has a nice spice to it, the sauce is pretty rich, and most people will really enjoy that. Just the right consistency and spice. Then our entrees arrive. The Caesar is huge, covered in fresh parmesan, and looks great. I dive right in, and the first thing I notice is how light it feels. Some restaurants tend to put way to much dressing on a salad, and especially on a Caesar, if that happens, can make you over it real quick. The only gripe, they didn't offer fresh ground pepper. Oh well, still great. I tried my Mom's Red Fish, and it was really really good. I have just recently been getting into fish outside of the ahi tuna, halibut, and mahi realm. This was something. It had a nice spice to it. It tastes a bit like the fish taco's I get at Horizon's back in Sausalito. My Mom absolutely loved it, and the potatoes (I took a lot of hers) were fresh, and had a nice creamy taste. My Dad had the Baby Back Ribs, and nothing but compliments came from him. Luckily he filled up on the bread, and shrimp, so I am about to go finish off the leftovers. After our entrees were finished, the owner of the restaurant came around to make sure everything was good. She was very nice, caring, and informative. I feel that seeing the owner at an establishment always make a dinner more enjoyable when I can see that they enjoy what they do. We also found out that she in fact owns another nice restaurant in town called 28, which we will surely hit up this week. Then Dessert came...... Oh yeah :) We had a Berry Cobbler A La Mode. This was to die for. The food was great, the service was good, but this Cobbler, above and beyond greatness. HANDS DOWN THE BEST COBBLER MY LUCKY MOUTH HAS EVER TASTED! Overall, for a great dinner, in a nice cozy restaurant, come down to Zydeco, and be sure to get the Cobbler.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Well, gave them a year and another try. And I was so glad I did. Went for dinner with some friends last night. Were seated at a table right by the kitchen, which was a HUGE improvement over the restroom table in the bar. Comfortable table, friendly attentive service and amazing food. So glad I tried again!
(5)
Devin D.
Granted, I'm new to Central Oregon. But this place is delicious and has fresh, organic ingredients. A special added bonus is that it's walking (and biking) distance from my house. It's possible there are better restaurants than this joint. But I haven't been there yet. My favorite, as of yet, joint. Oh, and the cocktails will make you weep with joy (assuming you're a raging alcoholic.)
(5)
Lacy C.
ALL GREAT, GO! Seriously the other half got ribs which are a MUST! I got chipino soup (the special of the day) which was good but not as good as the ribs. We both got drinks, I got a blue lemon drop which I HIGHLY recommend! For such a high class place the price was not bad! I am too full to even contemplate ever eating again but if I do I might just stop by again!
(4)
Stephen B.
Only been here once, but we intend to go back.
(4)
Eric M.
Zydeco...always good. That's all I say when leaving this place. While the menu does not change as much as I would like, everything on the menu is awesome...maybe that's why they don't change it! Hmm. I've been going to this resaurant since it first opened down on south 97 in the old Skipper's building. I love the artichoke and shrimp appetizers, the ribs, rock-fish and lamb entrees and the fries are the best in town. Not much bad to say except for a guy who likes to frequent the place would love more variety. I hear the burger is good too, but have not ordered it. Zydeco is constistent and is one of the top four resaurants in Central Oregon in my opinion-along with Jen's Garden (Sisters), Blacksmith, and Trattoria Sbandatti.
(5)
Erik D.
Took my wife out for dinner on her birthday last week. We wanted to try something new (we've only lived in Bend for a year) so I searched Yelp and found Zydeco. The reviews were spot on. The food at Zydeco was amazing, the staff was pleasant, and the atmosphere was relaxing. I've already recommended it to friends and plan to go there again soon. I would put Zydeco on my list of top 10 restaurants in Bend (maybe top 5).
(4)
Alex M.
Amongst confused decor, pseudo-political West Hills golfers, and high prices, great food would oft go unnoticed. Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, however, a place rife with Bend's greatest non-culture (a young, but casual, neo-con dress code, a laughably Caucasian patronage, etc.) somehow, shines through. Southern-style food with an, for lack of a better descriptor, urban tinge and flashy cocktails make it all worthwhile. Maybe it's the food and drink that prompt one to forgo the surroundings and relish in Zydeco's raison d'être. Perhaps though, it's the missing puzzle piece; that thing which allows one to sink into one's surroundings and join the chardonnay-soaked, wild-mushroom-toast-and-$27-sockeye-stuffed rank and file. If it's an Establishment's stated or associated politics that gets your goat, I encourage you to overlook what Zydeco has to offer other than food, and drop by 919 Bond St. with your wallet full and your stomach empty.
(4)
N H.
It's the french fries. They get me every time. And the vegetarian plate is excellent. The pulled pork sandwich was disappointing. The staff is professional and friendly. On occasion at lunch, they seem to check out and disappear, maybe it's a shift change? Overall, recommended for sure.
(4)
A C.
I absolutely love this place, it never disappoints. Favorite thing? BBQ shrimp appetizer, usually have it as my meal with a salad. Service is always good, even when they are clearly slammed. Rooftop is great if the conditions are right.
(5)
Beth W.
GREAT place for dinner in Bend! The food was excellent, good atmosphere, definitely want to go back!
(5)
Catherine C.
Perfect. This place hit the spot exactly. We went for a nice dinner featuring good drinks, healthy fare, and good seafood. We got a beet/goat cheese salad, roasted root veggies in an awesome salty-spicy blend, salmon with capers and mashed potatoes, and fussili pasta with prawns and andouille sausage. My cosmo was great too. Really nice server, and comfy seats. The only thing I would gave liked more would be a cocktail menu. They had tons of good-looking liquor, but special drinks always help sell it.
(4)
Melodie B.
The Red Fish could be my last meal and I would be happy.
(5)
Lori H.
On my first visit to Bend some friends took us to dinner here and it did not disappoint! The food is incredible, the service is great and the atmosphere is upscale and trendy. Try the blueberry martinis.
(5)
Big M.
Favorite restaurant in Bend. Great food. Great service. Great location. Best thing is their corkage fee for NW wines: First bottle has NO CORKAGE FEE!!!!
(5)
Cally L.
This is my all time favorite restaurant in Bend. Our meals are always great. I have said that I would like the BBQ shrimp to be my last meal-it's that good. My husband always loves the ribs and my favorite is the chicken and greens-beyond yummy. We've had the jambalaya and it was great too! I only wish I could afford to go more often! It makes the cut for any celebration though.
(5)
Steve S.
By Far the best restaurant in Bend. The shortribs are the way to go. Very fun atmosphere and prices are actually pretty good for the quality of the food. The appetizer to get is the flatbread - we ordered two the second time we went. But also the bbq shrimp was delicious. Baby back ribs are also good, but I imagine everything on the menu is tasty considering we did not find one dish we did not like. The chef walks around and greets people at their tables which is always classy. The only complaint is that both nights we waited before being seated even though we had reservations, but that is more of an attestment to the fun atmosphere of the restaurant and no one wants to leave.
(5)
Jen F.
Food. Really good food. Seriously... after dining at Zydeco I am so full and happy that is all my brain can muster. We have dined with the family (including kids) and adult friends. Kids are welcome though the offerings for them are limited. Our server was friendly and attentive to the kids - really listened to their likes and dislikes and made it a fun experience for them. Zydeco is a fairly noisy restaurant so even people with infants tend to blend in. Now that's what I call "atmosphere"! The only problem with taking our kids to Zydeco? Now they beg to go back! Every good dinner starts off with good drinks. They offer Roy Rogers & Shirley Temple for the kids. (Tip: the kids are quieter if you dare them to tie cherry stems in a knot with their teeth & tongues.) Scott enjoyed a local microbrew. And a blueberry martini for me. We are talking about a serious martini folks. Wow. Not foofy like the ones at the Bendistillery that are sweet and lovely. Hello, vodka! Woo! On a more recent visit a friend recommended the blueberry lemonade martini which is also very good... more in the "sweet and foofy" category... cheers! The appetizers some of the most tempting of any restaurant. The cheese plate is a "must have". Actually calling it a "cheese plate" is an understatement. I have never been so excited to pay nine bucks for... umm... toast and jam. Imagine warm toasty artisan bread. With chunky jam and salty cheese. Accompanied by tasty, salty olives. As far as I am concerned these people can come fix me toast and jam whenever... wow. So very good. If the seared ahi (a special) is available I recommend that as well. Scott abhors sushi (and undercooked fish in general) possibly more than I abhor potato salad... and he loved the seared ahi. Entrees... A kids' cheese pizza served on an elevated tray. Grilled redfish with a rich red sauce, over mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Steelhead with potatoes and green beans. All beautiful and delicious. But not as good as the ribs. I am pretty proud of my cooking skills, but Scott is pretty sure that their ribs outdo mine. And I wholeheartedly agree. Picking up a rib to share, every speck of meat fell off the bone and onto the plate. Tender and flavorful, these ribs were like hunks of heaven. All of the food was first class, but the ribs are seriously... To. Die. For. Vanilla ice cream and a helping of almond wet cake make for a perfect finish. By then everyone was so full that a few bites was all we could manage. Everything was so good we will definitely be back over and over again... With or without the kids. ;) A few housekeeping details... You really need to have a reservation at Zydeco on any day of the week! They open at 4:30 so that might be a good bet on a weeknight as Bend seems to be a "late dining" town. It is not a large restaurant and it's extremely popular. Same-day reservations are do-able if you are flexible about your dinner time. The parking lot is TINY. If the lot is full - then try the Carrera (car dealer) lot if it's after they close. My car always looks so sad next to all the nice Porches and other high end vehicles... but hey a spot's a spot!
(5)
Jeff M.
I enjoyed the exquisite swordfish special on 2/19/2010. Bend is suffering tough times, and some restaurants have closed over the past year. But Zydeco was busy, and we enjoyed the atmosphere.
(4)
Joe V.
What a find this place was! Thank you YELP patrons! On a rainy Monday night in Bend, this place was still packed. And why? Eclectic menu items like fresh steelhead and wild boar. Major yum! The head chef circulates the busy restaurant to make sure his patrons are satisfied. This one gets my highest recommendation as a must-stop place in Bend.
(5)
John M.
I'm tempted to give Zydeco five stars but am holding back until we've had another meal. My nephew and I showed up without a reservation, but were seated immediately at a communal table-- nice. The menu has a great range of dishes. We settled on the artichoke and corn fritters and the barbecue shrimp on a southern grit cake as appetizers. I order the blackened catfish as an entree, my nephew, the jambalaya. The fritters were light, crispy and flavorful with a wonderfully piquant dipping sauce-- am definitely wanting more of these. The barbecue shrimp were good, but the grit cake they were served on was just amazing. A great start to a great meal. The entrees showed up just as we were finishing our appetizers (good-- I hate to wait). The catfish had a perfectly crispy crust, with sweet, tender flesh. Mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach were a good partnering for this dish. My nephew had no complaints about the jambalaya. All in all, very well done food and attentive staff I will be taking visiting friends here in the future.
(4)
Karen D.
Our favorite place in Bend! We go here often for dinner and although it can be expensive (about $60 pp with drinks), it is a nice treat and the food is very good. Go-to dishes include the filet mignon medallions and the free range roasted chicken. The ceasar salad is wonderful as are the house-made specialty cocktails. Service is top-notch.
(5)
Heather T.
This is, by far, my favorite place to go for special occasions. We make up excuses for special occasions just to go ! Every meal my husband and I have eaten there has been perfectly delicious and beautifully prepared. The red fish is one of my favorites, and the steaks are great! I have eaten just about everything on the menu and love it ALL! Now that they are downtown...fabulous!
(5)
kate m.
OK, really I want to give 4 1/2 stars (damn you yelp for no half stars!). The food here was really good, we had the spinach salad, the ribs, the grilled whitefish and the flourless chocolate cake (with marinated cherries, yum!!) Everything they say about the ribs is right. THEY ARE SO GOOD. Seriously, the best ribs I've had in many, many years. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, we sat at this great little two sided booth that was cozy and open to the rest of the restaurant at the same time. There were all sorts of different people here, from families with little kids to retired couples. Our waitress was a little distracted, but really nice. We had to wait a good 10 minutes in the middle of the meal with no water though, and she disappear for large amounts of time, busy with other tables I guess. All in all a good place to eat, I'd like to go back next time we're in Bend.
(4)
C T.
Love this place! Whenever I can't decide where to go for a dinner out, I default to this place. Great drinks, food, french fries!!! Their old locations didn't feel very inviting, but now that they're downtown there's a much more comfortable feel about the place. Not to mention the outside seating in warm weather! Worth a try!
(5)
Nicole B.
Love the atmosphere. Always great food. Last time I had the Shepard's pie. My usual order is the ribs. The new location and rooftop dining is fantastic. I am disheartened that 28 is no more though. I would love if Zydeco brought back some dishes from 28 like the beef stroganoff.
(4)
Philip P.
Outstanding experience from start to finish! Showed up a little late for a mid-week dinner, but welcomed without hesitation. Server Regan was super helpful, aware of shellfish allergy issues, very attentive. Food was excellent. Girlfriend and I enjoyed wild boar tenderloin with chipotle butter, mashed potatoes and roasted veggies as well as rack of lamb with dijon cream sauce marble potatoes and asparagus. Yummy on both sides of the table. Thanks!
(5)
Stephanie F.
This restaurant was recommended to us by some local residents and it was AMAZING. We ended up coming twice for dinner b/c it was so good! The ambiance is amazing, very fun, and lively. As for food, we started off with the shrimp and grits and flatbread for appetizers and they were both so GOOD! We ordered them both times. For dinner I had the redfish, which was delicious, but I have to stay my family ordered the shortribs and baby back ribs, which I HIGHLY recommend. I was trying to stay healthy so stuck to fish, but the ribs were amazing! Overall great experience!
(5)
Heather S.
Very good. The place was packed, service was great and the ribs were AMAZING.
(4)
Maureen K.
this is our first stop when we are ready for a restaurant. and we return over and over again. service is expert, friendly. Love the BBQ shrimp appetizer, the bread, the sturgeon, the key lime pie.....Bartenders are excellent, good wine and menu selection. never disappointed.
(5)
Jeanne B.
Yum! Great location, food is wonderful, great value and I bring all of our out of town guest to dine, and they too are delighted. Love the mushrooms and pork!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Stacy C.
Back again, bringing a new customer who is now and forever a fan. She wanted to share appetizers.. I said that would be fine but I would NOT share my BBQ shrimp, she thought I was joking until she looked up from the menu at me. No joking here- I am not sharing those. SO... we ordered two shrimp, one artichoke corn fritters and the muscle clam dish. ALL were fantastic but as everyone else- she agreed the shrimp were impossible to beat. Mama's G's salad to split. Plenty to split... but skimpy on the steak and it was in little bits almost seeming to be meat scraps used on the salad. Good salad, lovely dressing but I wouldnt order it again. I had previously had the jambalaya and Id order that again. Great service, yet again. I dream of your shrimp
(5)K S.
Popped in a very popular brewery down the street and were left sitting for 15 minutes while other tables around us were served... soooooooooooo, down the street to Zydeco we went - and damn skippy, were we happy we made the change. We sat at the communal table in the bar because it was late and we didn't want to wait another 20+ minutes to sit in the restaurant part. It was a good choice! Staff is awesome, attentive and personable - suggested to us to get the BBQ shrimp - DO IT. GET THE SHRIMP - EVEN IF YOU HATE SHRIMP! (Like I do) - I wanted to put that BBQ sauce on a piece of cardboard and eat it! And they have many Gluten Free options, including GF crackers which reminded me of the buttery townhouse crackers of my youth. Manfriend got the buffalo meatloaf with dijon sauce (Gluten free, too!!!) - and I got the steak salad. Both were wonderful - steak was well-seasoned and cooked a perfect med-rare. While we didn't have enough room for dessert, we got a decaf cappuccino - it was perfect, too. Thanks to Zydeco and the wonderful staff for saving the night after a long road trip into town.
(5)Christine N.
People told me this was a must-try in Bend but I found it to be "meh". Service was slow- expect at least an hour for your entree to come out and make sure you like the people you're eating dinner with because it will feel like forever. Our server was rude and never seemed to give us enough time to say anything, she gave off a "k cool thanks bye" type of vibe and that was extremely frustrating. She was definitely not as warm toward us as she was to the people sitting behind us...hmm. The food was okay, but maybe I was expecting too much from my friends' reviews or maybe it's because I'm from Portland. My plate looked really sad and mushy. I got the pork tenderloin and the mashed potatoes were runny. That made me sad because the potato is my favorite form of starch. :(
(3)Emily M.
We celebrated our 13th anniversary here last night. The food was amazing, drinks were fantastic, and service was spot on. I will definitely be going back. I ordered the special Buffalo Meatloaf, which doesn't sound fancy, but it was beautifully plated and oh, the flavor and texture. It was the best meatloaf I've ever had. I wish it was on the menu. My husband ordered the Shrimp Etouffe and really enjoyed it too. We also left feeling very satisfied, even full. Which a lot of times won't be the case at a more upscale restaurant.
(5)Greg D.
The reviews from my fellow yelpers have all been spot on--this is a gem in Bend. We called for ressies (please do or you will wait a long time) the day before and waltzed right to our table. Great cocktails (the mojito was fine). Yes, we did order the BBQ shrimp based on 100s of other yelp reviews and enjoyed. She got the free-range chicken and I ordered the steelhead based on our server's recommendation. Both meals were very well done, tasty, and satisfying;the combination of ingredients and tastes were excellent. We perused the wine list--it is extremely solid. Nice modern decor. Our server was excellent as well--not too pushy, attentive, just right. We will return when back in Bend. Outdoor seating as well w/heaters so don't fear the fresh air.
(4)Kelly H.
One of the better meals I've had in a while. I would recommend taking the servers recommendation- we all did and walked out feeling full and very satisfied! The appetizers (shrimp and grits) was AMAZING! Highly recommend it. Wine prices were reasonable and very tasty. The main course- wow. All I have to say! The three of us had duck, shrimp étouffée, and steak. So well prepared and tasty to the last bite (we had to take quite a big home from each meal). Service was great- many large groups, but never felt like the service lacked for our smaller party of 3. I would HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice meal in Bend.
(5)Loren A.
A great Cajun restaurant right downtown. Get the shrimp appetizer and the blackened red fish. You can't go wrong with those if you want flavorful dishes. They are saucy, though, so if that isn't your thing you may want to try something else.
(4)Karli K.
This place is A-mazing. We made a reservation as suggested by some reviews, at times people were piling up at the door and so the reservation was nice but not necessary. We ordered a bottle of wine that had the typical restaurant mark up. Started with the barbecue shrimp as recommended by EVERYONE, it was so delicious. The "barbecue" sauce aka gravy aka money sauce was to die for. We followed with the spinach salad and wedge salad both very fresh. Finally we had the wild mushroom pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies...to die for! The food was amazing and the service was great. There was an attentiveness that wasn't overbearing. Our waitress was so nice and excited about the food they serve. We will definitely be back!
(5)Krys P.
Had 8:15pm Saturday reservations. The place was bustling and kind of noisy. Realized that it was the bar but the dining area is a lot more quieter and chill. Ordered a few glasses of wine to start and the flatbread. Flat bread is very light and cracker style. Our wine was very generously poured which made me happy because I was having "just one glass" that night. :-) I ordered a blackened chicken Caesar salad. He ordered the half chicken with light whipped mashed potatoes and toast veggies. Portions were very generous. For desert we got the flourless chocolate cake and the carrot cake. Carrot cake was the best desert by far! Order it. No regrets. My date and I paid about $78.00 for the meal. Would have easily paid over $100 for it.
(5)Jessica O.
Every time we come here we are happy with our food. This last visit the service had improved even with the restaurant being jam packed. Zydeco is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Bend. -The BBQ shrimp is still my favorite appetizer. -If you're into beets, their beet salad is very good! -Order the ribs! You won't be disappointed. -Follow it up with carrot cake and you're golden. The only negative thing I can say is that they no longer have a duck fryer and that makes me want to shed a tear because the duck fries were amazing.
(5)Shelby D.
As a first timer to Bend I had high expectations due to the raving reviews of Zydeco, and they did not disappoint! The combination of excellent service, intimate ambiance, and flavorful dishes was the perfect first evening to my trip. Anything blueberry, and I'm in. So I of course ordered the blueberry lemon drop and it was the best cocktail I've ever had. Not too sweet but refreshing and fruity. Followed by drinks we ordered the BBQ shrimp, cavatappi pasta, and red fish. It was all delicious and the BBQ shrimp is a must. You must go if you are in Bend! Jouir!
(5)Angie M.
The bomb! Bbq shrimp app is so perfect and spinach salad was awesome with pistachios! Ordered jambalaya with gf cornbread hello best good I've had in a long time!!
(5)Nick E.
I didn't look at the reviews prior to coming here as I was tasked with driving; however, my front seat passenger was able to gather information during the trip. Based on those reviews, it sounded as though this place is well received by most of its patrons, and has a few dishes that stand out on it's menu (blackened red fish, barbecue shrimp appetizer). Although, after everything was said and done I found myself unimpressed with this restaurant. Underwhelmed really. It was good. It was not great. Thus, four stars it receives from me. I think this place is definitely worth trying, but the next time I am in Bend I will be trying a different place. I really enjoyed my Sazerac. Their beer selection was all local. I appreciate that too. I ordered the french fries for an appetizer. They are fried in duck fat and finished with truffle oil. They were delicious. I had the roasted duck for my entree. The duck was pretty tasty. Cooked and seasoned well. The rest of the plate was lackluster. The duck was served on top of a very rich pasta. Extremely thick and heavy cream sauce. It was good in a decadent kind of way, but it was also kind of bland. Mushrooms in the sauce kind of added to that umami dimension, but I still found it unexciting. Broccolini rounded out the plate. Everything was undersalted. Tried some of my friend's blackened red fish with the zydeco sauce. My first thought was 'wow, that's nice.' The sauce was pleasing, and the texture was different from anything I had on my duck plate. The second bite however, I thought 'This is just okay. Also, why is this not trout on this plate?'
(3)Xiaomin Z.
I tried the vegetable plate, it's very tasty but soaked with oil. My husband is very happy with his non vegetarian dish. I guess this is still a decent place that can satisfy both of us.
(3)Tammy W.
The ambience is great, the food was excellent. I had the rack of lamb and I would reorder it. The service was friendly. Since we didn't have a reservation we had to sit at a community table which was pretty close.but once our neighbors left and no one took their place it was comfy. Next time I will have a reservation.
(5)Kim T.
After several friends raved to me about Zydeco my husband and I decided it was a must try the next time we were in town visiting family. They were so right! The staff was friendly and knowledgable and the food was out of this world good. We all sampled each other's dishes and there's wasn't one thing that I disliked! We found our new favorite in Bend!
(5)Yaz R.
It was my first time in Bend and my colleagues decided to have dinner at this restaurant. I ordered the grilled bison with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. It as an exceptional dish very flavorful but each element complemented the other. And also to my surprise I had a cardamom old fashioned that might be one of the most exquisit mixed drinks I have ever had. It is not cheap but definitely worth it. Aaah, and may I suggest as an appetizer to order the flatbread, especially the smoked ham with mushrooms and olives. Excellent!!
(5)Tom C.
We showed up here, no reservation, on a busy holiday weekend (5/22) at rush hour. The place was PACKED, and if they had given us a wait time that would have been fine. However, here's a lesson for most other busy restaurants: instead of the hostess rolling her eyes, pretending to look through the book, and basically acting like we were causing a huge hassle... she greeted us warmly and seated us promptly. Efficient, friendly, professional customer service. On a friend's recommendation, we ordered the BBQ shrimp appetizer. Practically an entrée sized portion, cooked and seasoned nicely. The accompanying fried grit cake might have been better presented on the side of the dish, rather than hiding underneath the sauce. My jambalaya was full of sausage, shrimp, and crayfish--- they definitely didn't skimp--- and the rice was cooked perfectly. Beautiful wife ordered roast vegetables as a side, and this where a kitchen can really prove itself (after all, any knucklehead can throw a steak on a grill and watch a timer). The veggies were prepared, cooked, and presented beautifully--- the mark of a kitchen that pays attention to detail. Two glasses of wine at $12 a pop seemed a little steep. Might be nice if they offered a house option in the $6 to $7 range. Two desserts--- carrot cake, and some sort of decadent, rich chocolate thing--- were both excellent. Table service was very good, though a little slow towards the end when it was time to pay our bill. I chalk that up to a busy night. Next time we're in Bend, we will definitely come back and work our way through the rest of the menu.
(4)A C.
The food is tasty, the servers are polite, but the wait time between ordering and receiving food is a bit lengthy. After 30 minutes the waitress told us the food would be out soon, and 20 minutes later we finally got it. The red fish with dungenous crab has about a tablespoon of crab, if that. The roasted vegetable medley side was four green beans with a bunch of sweet potatoes cut as fried. It's okay unless you're really looking for a healthy serving of veggies. That said, if you go, get the bbq shrimp appetizer. It's incredible. The boar and rib eye were also dynamite.
(3)Bendite A.
This place is phenomenal. By far in the top 5 places to go to in Bend. Nice but not pretentious. I had the Jambalaya and was freaking amazing ($21). The amount of protein (crawfish, prawns, and sausage) they put in this dish is plentiful. Expect to take some home. Can't wait for my next visit.
(5)Brent S.
What an awesome find! Almost persuasive enough to make me move to Bend! Handsdown, the best gluten-free dining experience I've ever had. The restaurant and staff takes it seriously and most, if not all, of the dinner menu can be ordered gluten-free. The staff was very attentive and, best of all, the dinner was outstanding. The wild mushroom toast was addictive and the swordfish was perfect. It would be wonderful if more restaurants would learn from Zydeco: terrific food that anyone can enjoy - even those of us with food allergies. Excellent job.
(5)Muranda M.
Our visit wasn't one that makes you want to come back. The food was really good, but the service was REALLY slow. They were busy. BUT the tables/chairs are so close to each other, you sit close enough it almost feels like you are having a feast with the strangers next to you. You could probably bump elbows. THE FOOD WAS GOOD, though.
(3)Jeana S.
This place was very good. Its my husband and my anniversary tonight and we decided on Zydeco. We've never been and had heard good things. Of course we tried the signature appetizer, the bbq shrimp which I loved...and the corn and artichoke fritters. My husband had the spinach salad along with the jambalaya. I had the grilled chicken over greens with candied pecans! Such a delicious salad! And I NEVER order salad as a main course because I always feel jipped of a good meal! Haha! But this felt like a big plate of comfort food to me! Too full for dessert but have heard great things about the carrot cake. Our server Mike..Michael? Well he was great. Took care if us without the hovering. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Briana B.
Our best meal in Bend! Fabulous from start to finish. Sat us immediately, great wine selection. Artichoke appetizer was incredible. I had the last free range roasted chicken--it was so juicy!! My husband had the étouffée and it was delicious! Very good ambiance and service, the gluten free options were much appreciated.
(5)Heather C.
I contacted the restaurant to make reservations the same day on a Friday night and the gal who answered the phone was wonderful and accommodated us. We ended up getting to the restaurant and had to add on 3 other patrons and they were more than accommodating. Our waiter was one of the best that I have had and the service was wonderful. However, the food was awful. The chicken that I had ordered was completely overcooked, my mashed potatoes were cold. I did not let them know and I know that was my fault but we were a party of seven and I knew it would take forever to get my food. The tables are way to close to each other in this restaurant you can hear the patrons beside you but the atmosphere is very nice. I will be back for drinks but not for dinner.
(3)Terri M.
Consistently great food and service. This restaurant has never disappointed us. Very attentive wait staff, really good food and fair prices. Highly recommend. Consider a reservation--busy spot!
(5)Dave H.
We ate at Zydeco during a recent trip thru Bend and were very happy with the food, service , and restaurant. We made a reservation and we're glad we did - the restaurant was packed. Our waitress did a great job even with the crowds.. Try sesame seared tuna - you will not be disappointed.
(5)Brandi M.
Terrible . all of it. The service was slow, the "special" red snapper was overcooked to the point you needed a knife to cut it ( sent it back only to be brought out another one that I didn't ask for...it wasn't hard as a rock but not good tasting fish) place wasn't clean. Ugh!!! Ive been taking customers here off and on for 6 years. I hate to write this but something has changed with this place! New chef? Owners? I'm not sure but I miss the zydeco I fell in love with a few years ago. Won't be back...too many other places in this city to go.
(2)Jason C.
Disclaimer: as a Portlander, I'm used some top-tier dining, even at less-than-fancy places. If you want a huge pile of Luke warm meat doused in sugar sweet sauce, veggies that seem like they've sat under a warmer for hours, and even a wedge that lacks luster, well, this is the place for you. The fries that everyone raves about are alright - very duck fat, not very truffle. The sazerac was nice. The bartender was nice. Like every other place I've been in Bend, pretty generic decor. At this price point, I'd rather have less quantity, more quality. Being the place that everyone recommends, I had higher expectations.
(3)Emily G.
I took a day drive into Bend from Eugene and was directed to this restaurant by a woman in one of the boutiques. I am glad I took her advice - the food was delicious! I ordered the blackened red fish and easily cleaned my plate. I was surprised to see the place so full so early (I got there around 5:30pm), so definitely call ahead!
(5)Barbara W.
Fantastic food and atmosphere. Great sitting outside. A must try is the clams, with peppers in a lemon broth. Dig into broth soaked bread at the bottom of the bowl. Service was stellar!
(5)Lisa W.
My husband has lived in Louisiana for five years and has tried a lot of BBQ shrimp before from places much closer to the gulf coast - and this appetizer was very impressive even to his snobbish palette. The entrees we picked were also very well prepared, seasoned and showcased fresh quality ingredients. The service was excellent - from superb menu knowledge right down to the details of picking up empty glasses and plates with speed. All of the staff showed a high level of cooperation in helping outside of their "section". The restaurant quickly filled after opening this did not seem to impact service. The wine list was very impressive and there were some solid choices in the "by the glass" section too. As for desert - the carrot cake was a made in house we would highly recommend it.
(5)Dina M.
The restaurant doesn't advertise itself as gluten-free friendly, but the owner's wife is gluten free so when I went there with a friend with celiac, our server was able to tell us right off which dishes--and there were many--that could be modified to be gluten free. I eat the crap out of gluten, and was happy my friend had so many yummy choices. the carrot cake can be amazing or average. the first time i had it it was the former, the second time it was the latter and seemed a little stale. the blackened redfish is out of this world.
(4)Kirsten V.
I have Celiac's disease, and dining out can be a stressful, worrisome experience. Zydeco is one of the restaurants that I know I can count on to not only have exquisite food, but also a kitchen and service staff that is sensitive to, and well versed in matters of gluten free dining. The gluten free menu is lengthy and diverse, and I never cease to be impressed with the flavors. Just last night I has the mussels and clams appetizer, the roasted duck breast, and creme brule to top it off, and everything was extraordinary. My parter can eat gluten, and so for our appetizer the server brought out separate oil plates so he could dip his bread, and I could safely dip my gf crackers in my own separate plate. It is little details like these, at the suggestion of the server no less, that make me forget for a brief moment that I have this disease. Thank you Zydeco for providing such excellent service, especially to those of us with Celiac's disease.
(5)Mrs. H.
Always great food and atmosphere. The bartenders know how to pour and they are professional! BBQ shrimp is to die for!
(5)krissy r.
We love this place and come here every time we visit bend. I am obsessed with the BBQ shrimp and will probably order a double order next time. I was slightly disappointed by the jambalaya the last time I visited and my husbands pork loin was underwhelming. I was also so uncomfortable in their under air conditioned room, but all that said service is good and the food is usually on par.
(4)Allison B.
Found Zydeco thanks to a quick search on Yelp as was visiting Bend for a wish-it-could-be-longer-than-2-days getaway. Original plan was to treat myself to a nice dinner (it was my bday, after all) but a lingering hangover from a friend's wedding prevented that. Ended up here for lunch instead on the day I left town. I'd be willing to bet the food was just as good and (bonus!) more affordable that time of day. Arrived shortly after it opened at 11:30 am and, remembering the hangover, talked myself out of a cocktail. The Treehugger would have been my choice (Crater Lake gin, Clear Creek's Douglas Fir liqueur, and lime juice - yummy). Had a hard time deciding between the Shrimp Étouffée and the Potato Chip Crusted Snapper Sandwich, so did what I normally do - asked a staff member. Immediate response was the snapper, so went with that. Glad I did because it was delicious! The quinoa salad and remoulade were both outstanding, and the presentation of something as simple as a sandwich was also lovely. Was alone so I sat at the bar; the staff was friendly and attentive, even as the place became busy enough to have a line out the door. I normally follow a gluten-free pescatarian diet, so really appreciated the sizable GF menu. As an aside, I love that they flat out say "please tell us your preferences, allergies, etc etc because WE WANT TO ACCOMMODATE YOU". I'm a little over the places that are like, "no substitutions, no exceptions." Anyway, thanks Zydeco for a great belated bday lunch. I hope our paths cross again someday! And if they do, dessert and a cocktail on me.
(4)Stefenee G.
So disappointing! We were greeted, after a long wait at the door, by a quite pretentious hostess. Then after we were sat we got dirty glasses of tap water. When I brought it up to the waitress she acted like It was an imposition of me to say something. The appetizer had way too much sauce on it. Then when she delivered the main course the extra plate was dirty. Instead of taking it away and bringing us a clean plate, she chose to wipe her finger across the whole plate in front of us to "clean it" like perhaps we didn't see. The salad seems nice and fresh, until we noticed that the lettuce was dirty. All in all way too pretentious atmosphere for the service we received, which was the worst I've had in a long time. Although there was a very nice gentleman server, serving the other tables, who was very welcoming and ended up being best part of the whole experience for us!
(1)Ankita S.
I am not usually fond of alcoholic drinks but the cocktails here are fabulous!! I had the Blueberry lemon and it was amazing - sweet, tangy, fresh with a hint of spice. The food was great too except the bread which was a little tough and chewy. My husband had the famous Barbecue Shrimp and the potato cake on the base was finger licking delicious! My husband does not like potatoes in any form but he loved it too! For the dessert we had the Wet Almond Cake which was really good though the flavours were simple and familiar, a touch too sweet perhaps? We liked it though. We are in Bend for a few days only but we plan to go there again just for the cocktails!
(4)Karen C.
We split the dinner special of crab cakes: Perfect crispness on the outside, tender and mouthwatering inside--almost 100% crab. Dessert was flourless chocolate cake, which was warm, drizzled with caramel sauce, and served with chocolate peanut butter ice cream. As a chocolate fanatic I'd return just for that dessert. Just the right amount of rich chocolate taste combined with a light texture. Chose a Cosmo for a drink: Ruby Red Absolute, grapefruit and lime. Refreshing for someone who veers away from sweet drinks. In the future we'll make reservations. Our choice at 5:30 on a Saturday night was either a two hour wait or seating at a common high top table in the bar. We chose the latter, and sat side by side instead of across from each other, as the noise level would have made conversation difficult. The bill with three drinks, one dinner and one dessert was about 64.00 before tip. Glad we didn't succumb to the tantalizing appetizers or it could have easily passed 100.00. Strategy for the future includes splitting the artichoke fritters and the renowned redfish, as well as opting for one dessert each. I wanted that cake all to myself :)
(5)Andrea Z.
Our favorite place for a date night. You will not find anything on their menu that is anything less than spectacular. I highly recommend the BBQ shrimp appetizer, it's a must have each time we go. They have a roof top patio open in the summer. Their service is always superb. Bring your appetite!! You will not be able to resist.
(5)Michael W.
We were visiting from out of town and fortunate to find 4 spots at the community table, as reserving a table at least a week in advance is necessary here, especially on a Friday night. The cocktails and shared appetizer were both very good. The entrees (wild boar, redfish, jambalaya, and fillet) were all quite tasty and filling. The vanilla creme brûlée topped off an excellent culinary experience. Since our main courses were all over the place, we wanted to order a pinot noir to pair with our meals and asked our server for assistance, as we were unfamiliar with Oregon wines. She gave us great advice and brought out a bottle that covered a wide range of flavors. Yes, the place is a little cramped and noisy, and you better not be in a hurry to eat--adopt a more European attitude toward dining out and you'll be more than satisfied with both the food and the service. You may have to park your car a couple of blocks away, but try finding a parking place in San Francisco and you'll never complain about downtown Bend's parking problem again.
(5)Andrew S.
If you come to Bend and are looking for a fantastic dinner, go to Zydeco!! The environment is great and the staff is always so friendly. I ate the shrimp étouffée and the truffle Mac and cheese. Both entrees were amazing, some of the best creole food I have ever had! The étouffée is slightly spicy, but not too bad, and everything is so fresh and delicious!! Seriously make an effort to come and try zydeco you will not regret it!!
(5)Robert S.
The name Zydeco conjures thoughts of Cajun food prepared with quality ingrediants by a kitchen team led by a great chef. Zydeco delivers that and more in a beautiful, upscale, well designed restaurant that is both elegant and yet casual. We were immediately seated without reservations around 5:00PM. Any later there would have been a wait time as there was a large crowd waiting when we left. There are two dining areas; we were seated at a table in the bar area. The main dining area, which is nicer and has larger tables, must be for reservations. We started with the Artichoke and Corn Fritters with a Fighattan and Jalapeno Cranberry Margarita. Everything was excellent, even if the Jalapeno flavored tequilla was a little too spicy for my wife (who does enjoy spicy food). I was excited to order the Redfish, but disappointed upon finding out it was not available due to delivery issues. Dang it, getting that fish out of the bayou always seems to be an issue where ever it is offered. Steelhead was offered as an alternative, and while the dish was cooked well, I missed getting Redfish. My wife ordered the Grilled Chicken and she was dissappointed because the chicken was dry and overcooked. That dish should not have left the kitchen, period. Other than the chicken, service was excellent.
(4)Rachael M.
Just excellent! I went here with my husband, father and stepmother recently, and loved it! We started with the duck fries- they were so flavorful and crispy! I ordered the free-range chicken and it was just incredible! The chicken was seasoned well and moist, and the mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever had. Mud husband got the blackened redfish with cream sauce, and he thought it was flavorful and that the cream sauce with crab was a nice touch. We all just loved the food! I have to say too, the service was excellent! They were extremely accommodating and careful about my food allergies, and attentive to anything we may have needed. Next time we head out to Bend, we'll come back! Oh! And our dog LOVED the free homemade dog treats they give out!
(5)Marty S.
Love this place! I've always had a good meal here but I generally always get the same things. The atmosphere is great! Service is friendly and prompt. Love, love,love the BBQ shrimp and the jambalaya!! Ok by far my favorite thing about this place is the martinis. They use some sort of olive that I'm just crazy about! It tastes nothing like any olive I've ever had . In fact it doesn't even taste like an olive. It may seem strange to rave about an olive but when no one else has them, it's what makes me chose zydeco when I want a martini! It gets 4 stars instead of 5 because it opens later and is a tad expensive but not enough that feel I'm being ripped off.
(4)Olivia P.
It was 4:30 when I walked in and asked if they had happy hour. They gave me a dirty look and said no, so I turned around and walked out.
(1)Lucy Y.
In Bend this is as consistently good as it gets. Food is delicious, drinks excellent and service top notch. We come here regularly and are never disappointed
(5)Peter H.
This is one of my top 10 dinner places in the entire world absolutely phenomenal!!! I recommend the wild Boar, red fish, creme brûlée and the corn and artichoke fritters!!!! On my gosh so so so good.
(5)Snowman S.
ok, it is on the pricey side. Butt, the food is very good, and the service is excellent
(5)Kent S.
If there is one word to describe this restaurant it would be UNDERWHELMING. And I'm not the first to say this. Okay, now an honest review of Zydeco: Zydeco is known to be one of the most popular restaurants in Bend. Several people have told me it is their favorite, and several people have told me they haven't liked it. I decided to go here on my anniversary after my first choice restaurant was closed, so I didn't have any expectations for a super spectacular evening - just some delicious food. Appetizers were pleasing and good portioned for someone who is hungry. I ordered trout dip and duck fries. Trout dip was a very generous portion - meant to be shared which I feel should have been mentioned because with the duck fries it would have spoiled our appetite for the entrée if we wouldn't have saved it to-go. Duck fries were tasty although I would have rather had them not served shoestring and with so little aioli, but nothing here was unsatisfying. Entrées are where I feel Zydeco drops the ball. Under seasoned... over seasoned... basically you pay about $30 for a small portion of protein with a huge portion of cheep filler food. We got rack of lamb and duck breast. Lamb served with a heap of dry and boring mashed potatoes with broccolini. Duck was a few boring slices on top of a huge portion of macaroni and again, broccolini. Although these sides may be all "locally grown", they are still so cheep! Just look take a look at the yelp picture of the duck plate and see if you feel like paying $30 for those 5-6 slices of meat. I almost get the feeling that the head chef got tired of crafting plates so he or she just starting combining proteins with the basic carb and veggies they had. Mashed potatoes and macaroni with broccoli (fancy broccoli) is really just pathetic if you ask me. Now since a part of our dinner had a small and understandable mistake we got a free dessert which was tasty and made the night end on a positive note. Flourless chocolate torte was good and comparable to others I've had. The dessert wine I ordered was very good thanks to the recommendation of our 3rd but very nice and helpful waitress. I wish I had learned her name because she definitely deserves credit here. The walkaway was as I said in the beginning: underwhelming. It's disappointing that a restaurant with such prestige from others, and what seems like itself also, would be lacking so much creativity and flavor in most everything that was ordered. For the price I would definitely not go back. Bend has too many other restaurants that offer better dishes, atmosphere, and experience for much less.
(2)Ashley M.
Redfish is amazing!!! BBQ shrimp, yumm! Fresh squeezed cocktails! Great atmosphere! Great service!! A little spendy, but we come here for every special occasion! Not a great place to bring a toddler. Cheers!!
(5)Brody L.
Very good food and drinks. But... The wait was extremely long to be seated and to get food to the table even though everyone looked like they were working very hard. They were out of the ahi tuna we wanted and didn't tell us until a few minutes after we ordered it. We had to get menus again and change our entire order which took more time. It took over an hour for our food to come out. My steak was cold to touch but still very good. My partners food looked like it just came out and was still hot. I didn't want to return my food because I was starving to death. For the price I wished it was a little more personable and accommodating. It's a loud active restaurant with people sitting very close to you, good for large groups that want to be loud and social. Sit outside if you want a more personal evening because it is very hard to hear inside.
(3)Gloria M.
Service was superb. Atmosphere sophisticated. Wine expensive but high quality. Food healthy and freshly made. Good experience and superceded expectations gathered on yelp. Food does take a bit long to come out so get an appetizer.
(4)Eva C.
We celebrated our anniversary here back in December. It was a very special night and the food was a HUGE contributor to it. First off, everything on the menu will make you salivate as soon as you sit down! We ordered scallops, lamb, jambalaya and rock fish (we had others with us). The food was phenomenal! We come to Bend every year and we always frequent our favorite restaurants and this one is going on that list! Super friendly staff. If you plan to go, definitely make reservations.
(5)Alex N.
Cajun creativity and brilliant food. Ribeye is perfection in steak. Salads are spectacular, especially the spinach and wedge. Flatbreads are inexpensive and a full meal. Probably the best restaurant in Bend.
(5)Andy B.
Great service and excellent food. Get the BBQ shrimp app. In addition we had their artichoke, top sirloin, macadamia nut halibut, veggies and truffle mac and cheese. Everything was cooked very well and delicious. Even the olives in my pre dinner Martini were amazing. A nice bottle of wine along with the vanilla creme brûlée to end the night. Had 2-3 servers and the manager (or owner) attend to us over the course of the meal, and this was on a busy Friday night. This dinner/experience was in my top 5 all time.
(5)Rebecca R.
Second time to this upscale Bend restaurant and feel like I'm on a roll here! Both times the meals and service were excellent. It's obviously a popular spot by the crowds that still hung in there at 9:10 pm. We enjoyed and appreciated the wide selection of gluten free options. If there is anything you do, you must try the mushroom toast. Whoever thought of this combo is a genius!! Meal wasn't insanely pricey for 2 people. Probably $60 or so! I would happily return here anytime for cocktails or a nice sit down dinner!
(5)Mike _.
I have been here a few times. Not as excited about the place as my colleagues, but generally a nice place to eat.
(4)Aimee L.
Good food but very slow and sometimes odd service. Never seen it take so long to get food - we were there 2 hours for a pretty simple dinner for 4! The cornbread is great - some of the best I've ever had, and the jambalaya was very good too, but if I went again and had to wait that long, I'd have walked out. The waitress came over while we were talking and just talked over us to get the wine opened and served - talk about awkward! Scene was a bit too fancy for home cookin' style food but it was tasty. Way too expensive though so that with the service slowness, I wouldn't recommend.
(3)Bud T.
This place is amazing. I never had Wild Boar before I ate here and boy am I glad I have had it! Every appetizer I have had here has been amazing, every dish has been amazing. The only downfall is it is a little cramped inside but it is more than worth the service and food.
(5)Sophia S.
I want the old Zydeco back! We've been regular patrons at this restaurant since they were at the old location on 3rd and Reed Market. It was always our favorite local restaurant and aside from our regular visits we would bring all of our out of town guests. While the menu is not extensive, we always appreciated that the quality and service were consistent - until this year. About 8 months ago, I had my first negative experience, with the scallops special. I messaged the restaurant to let them know and they offered to refund me for the dish or give me a gift card, which I really appreciated. However, when I stopped by to get the gift card, it wasn't there and the hostess went to check with the manager and never came back. It didn't really matter since we enjoyed our meal that night and forgot about the gift card. Subsequent visits though left us underwhelmed for a variety of reasons and the last two dinners there gave us rise to think of crossing Zydeco off our list. A few weeks ago, we took our family and the service and some of the dishes left to be desired. Our waiter acted as if we were bothering him and we had to ask for everything (he didn't tell us the specials, we had to ask for bread, more water, etc.). The food took over 45 mn to arrive and when it did three of the dishes disappointed: The shrimp étouffée, the roasted chicken and the blackened redfish (which I often order). Last night, we had a similar disappointing experience: My blueberry lemon drop was not right and short poured, our flat bread was a bit soggy and was not flavorful (even though we got the same toppings as usual), and the ribs were overcooked and dry around the edges. Service at the bar was unfriendly while we waited over 70 minutes for our table (after being told it would be 45 mn). The bartenders used to be great too. From the change in hostess to the bartenders, to the quality of drinks and food, it has definitely gone downhill. We kept thinking it was an "off" night but after the 5th disappointing visit, it's time to move on.
(2)Steve B.
On our first night in Bend, we read the reviews and opted to try Zydeco for dinner. We were glad we did. I had a small Caesar salad, and the cavatappi pasta with shrimp and andouille sausage and a light cream sauce. She had the salad of mixed greens and the roasted duck breast on cavatappi pasta with mushroom cream sauce. Portions were large and very good. Coffee afterwards was great. The service was excellent. The place has a nice vibe to it. It is very popular and very busy -- we were fortunate in that we had no wait for a table on this weeknight. We had no room for dessert that night, so in the evening two days later we came back and had coffee and shared a piece of key lime pie at the bar. The key lime pie was super!
(5)Breanne W.
The portions looked smaller than expected, but the taste was incredible. These chefs know what they're doing. We ordered truffle Mac, blackened ahi tuna, the filet and some drinks from the bar. All great! We had a group of 12, but have come in with a group of 4 and recommend reservations. It shortens your wait time and helps the staff.
(5)Byron E.
Came here under the recommendation of Yelp and was not disappointed. Friendly staff and casual/elegant atmosphere. I started with the beet salad and ended with the wild boar tenderloin. Amazing all around. The tri-colored beet salad was perfectly accompanied by goat cheese and crushed pistachios and drizzled with olive oil. A great start to the meal. The wild boar tenderloin was cooked medium at the chef's recommendation (and done amazing), paired with seasonal vegetables (yams, green beans, onions, and a healthy dose of garlic), all over a delicious serving of mashed potatoes. I'll definitely come back on my next Bend visit.
(5)Jae K.
This is probably the best restaurant I've visited in Bend. Everything tasted very good and the service was awesome. What a cool restaurant in such a cool city !
(5)Matt R.
Luckily the bar was open and we could enjoy a bottle of wine and appetizers! This place has terrific food and a great atmosphere!
(5)Lyn K.
Had friends in from Florida and we went to Zydeco for prime rib on a Friday night. The food and drinks were excellent and the service was top notch. One of my favorite places to go to and the artichokes are the best!
(5)Patricia M.
Seriously one if the best meals I have had all year. The service was a highlight. Our waiter was so friendly but also hilarious. He had us in stitches all night. We started with a shrimp appy that was so rich and delicious, but also gluten free for our celiac friend. I had the duck with cavatappi and I will remember this meal for a long time! I tasted the ribs and red fish too and they were great!
(5)Vanessa B.
My entire experience here was amazing!! From the second we walked in to the second we walked out. The food was excellent and service great!! There was a 45 minute wait, but community table and bar was available. We sat at the bar and was greeted with friendly smiles and fantastic service. Everything we ordered was great! It's a must in Bend!!
(5)Steve J.
Visiting Bend for a possible move here. Nice job on the baby back ribs-slide off the bone tender. Great service, busy yet professional atmosphere. I'll be back. This restaurant fits the Bend atmosphere-casual, with some style. Dog friendly with a "sidewalk" patio. Reasonable prices, and popular with the locals, which is always a good sign.
(4)Donna P.
After leaving a very unsatisfactory review about Zydeco, they contacted me to offer me a refund on my meal. I explained that it was less about the money and more about the loss of experience for my husband and me on our anniversary. The manager understood what I was saying and instead, offered a gift of a dinner for two so we could return and have a nice evening. Tonight was that night. From the prompt seating (although we were early), to the cozy booth in a quieter area, to the welcome from the manager, the friendly waitress, the great drinks, and the delicious food, our re-celebration was what we were looking for. Although still VERY noisy in some areas, we know that with a request for seating, we can avoid that and have a great time and a great meal. We will definitely be back! Our order: Beat salad, Caesar salad, Prime Rib special, Baby back ribs, (with the most amazing mac & cheese)
(4)Richard G.
Dined at Zydeco on 8/25/2014 with another couple from CA. Had a 7pm reservation. Ordered redfish, ribeye, BBQ shrimp appetizer, small Caesar salad, and Oregon Chicken salad plus a bottle of wine. Waiter forgot to bring bread - had to eventually find him and ask waiter again. All food was delivered EXCEPT the chicken salad. We began to eat and waiter said the chicken salad would be right out. The rest of us were about halfway through our meals when the chicken salad was delivered - after several excuses including that a person fallen in the kitchen delivering the salad. The salad was comp'd and waiter gave us a free dessert. Our server was VERY inattentive and condescending. He gave us our bill and couldn't say "thank you". He was a VERY poorly trained waiter. Our food was great as it always has been, but it will be a long time before we go back to Zydeco.
(3)Cindy M.
Great place. Saw reviews on Yelp and lived up to the rating. Great service, food, and ambience. We had the fritters and shrimp appetizer and dinner was the ribs, tuna and red fish and all were amazing. Great wine list.
(5)Shauna M.
I think they can charge exorbitant prices for their food because they keep the lights down low so you can't see what you are eating. I just never feel that wowed after a meal here. I feel...nothing. The food is average but unique, that's for sure. If you want to eat in a dark, loud crowded restaurant that is more of a place to be seen, than to have a good meal, go for it. And you need to like to spend more on things then they are worth.
(2)Sarah T.
Pros: They have some of the best food, and wine in Bend, Cons: Small, cramped, and loud inside. I often get my chair or elbows bumped as I'm eating.
(4)R C.
Excellent wine list. The food was good and the portion sizes were larger than expected. The patio is small but very enjoyable. I wasn't overwhelmed by the quality of the food, but it was a good value at the price point. Service staff was excellent!
(4)Mr. B.
Takeout took 30 minutes longer than estimate. Some things with the order were disappointing but management resolved to my satisfaction. Free dog biscuits were a big hit with my dog. Nice location downtown.
(4)Mike M.
Zydeco has redeemed themselves and I'll be going back! I visited previously for lunch and was not overly impressed (nothing was overtly wrong - just a very expensive lunch which didn't feel particularly special) but came back tonight to have dinner with my daughter. We split a very delicious Country Ribeye with chimichurri sauce (yum!!) and then tried the Chocolate Pot De Creme, which was incredible. As my daughter put it "you expect it to be overly rich but the taste hits your tongue and then just stops before reaching that point!" A special thanks to our server Jenna for making our evening special. And to Sonya, who was doing fantastic on her first night working here!
(5)Richard S.
This is the best restaurant I've eaten at in Bend. The food is outstanding, the service delightful, and the atmosphere beautifully modern. We have enjoyed both lunch and dinner there and have been greatly impressed both times. The menu is distinctive without being too adventuresome. I can't wait to return.
(5)Jim C.
I will join the chorus of people who love this place. We started with the breaded artichokes, shrimp and variety of mushrooms on toasted bread and they were flawless. Next came the Ahi Tuna, ribeye steak and fillet and, again, absolute perfection. The chef here has serious talent. Ate with a friend from Portland who loves his food and he said this is one of the better meals he has had in Oregon. Our waitress, from Mass., was perfect in every way. She was helpful and friendly without hovering or being pedantic. Come here with no concerns.
(5)Keela S.
. Shrimp! Get it or you're not doing it right!!! Also, the truffle Mac and cheese is lick the bowl worthy!
(5)Kip D.
Excellent food, atmosphere, and service. Got the steelhead with mashed potatoes and broccolini. All was good. The service was also great. The atmosphere was great. Lights were low, setting a mellow mood. And although the place isn't big, the tables aren't jammed together and you don't feel like others are on top of you. Overall a great dining experience.
(5)Erin W.
It's a 3.5 star for me. Service was good and friendly. Appetizer BBQ shrimp was divine, but they were out of the special crab cakes after it was already presented to us and ordered. Bummer. Oh well, ordered the filet instead. I ordered medium rare, it came out well done... We did have a large party and a lot of filets were ordered (a few ordered well done... I know...) but still an oops. They did offer to cook another but I was hungry and the rest of the table had their food so I passed. My husbands medium rare came out more medium to well as well. The restaurant was packed as it was summerfest so I'm sure that played a part. The filets were also over seasoned (in my opinion) with pepper. Almost a peppercorn crust. Good, but not what I was anticipating. Drinks were very good. All in all good food. I will be trying it again on a less packed night to experience what all the other really good reviews said. Overall it was a good dining experience with a large group of friends. Will be back.
(3)Zac H.
This place is good, but mis-categorized price-wise. I don't know how it got the "$$" rating. It's every bit of "$$$" ($31-$60 per person). The food is good. If it were rated according to the actual prices, I would give it 4 stars. Other reviews mention long waits for food. This was my experience as well. Drinks come quickly, and then it takes an hour for the food to arrive. If you want a drink with your meal, you'll have to order at least two (one when you arrive, one when the food arrives). Prices for cocktails are $8+, wine by the glass $8+. While this is common in upscale restaurants and bars, every time I pay it I feel scammed. There's a $6 white, but who wants to drink white wine? They should have a house wine (red and white) in $5 range, as you can actually buy good wine for that price. (Spanish, Italian, Argentine...) Americans are well accustomed to being scammed on wine, and I guess the purveyors of Zydeco are happy to follow that trend. Prices for food (unless you want a hamburger) that you'll actually order (are you really going to order the $16 chicken?) are $25-$30+ per person. Add a drink to that and you're well over $30. (We had two entrees and two cocktails, and paid $80.)
(2)Mike C.
This might sound strange, but our order got messed up with the kitchen printer. The waiter caught it, had the order expedited, comped the meal, the manager came out apologized, the meal was delivered quickly and it was great. It is easy to give great service, but almost harder to graciously and professionally fix mistakes. Great service and great food. Enough said.
(4)Kent S.
Some of the best food in Bend, Oregon. My wife and I often meet here for lunch. Great salads and sandwiches. The wine selection is pretty good as well.
(5)Sarah C.
The space is modern and cool, and the food is Cajun-esque. They also have a separate gluten-free menu. I was worried about finding something I could eat because I don't like spicy food, but I ended up having plenty to choose from. The smoked trout dip and duck fat fries with truffle aioli were both outstanding. I didn't try the Southern Shrimp and Grits (spicy) but everyone said they were really good. I did try DH's barbequed ribs and truffled mac and cheese and they were delish! The prime-rib and delmonico steak specials were also very good. I had a beet salad for my main because I was still pretty stuffed from eating at Chow that day! It was good, but I wished there had been more goat cheese and more acid.
(4)K G.
I have been to Zydeco many times and most of the time I am not dissappointed. Good gluten free options. Great service as well.
(4)Meghan N.
I give 4 stars really only because of the atmosphere. The food was good and not great. The étouffée was overly saucy and had little in the way the the dynamic character étouffée has come to be known for. It was very one dimensional. The burger we ordered smelled amazing but my eating companion gave it an average rating.
(4)Jessie W.
Really solid restaurant, great variety of menu items, big wine list and good beer menu. If you come here, make SURE to try the BBQ shrimp. OMG, they are devastatingly yummy. Worth every penny of the $13 for them. This place seems like a good value and it has a nice, lively atmosphere. Would come here again.
(4)James T.
Food = 4 Price = 3 (not cheap...) Experience = 4 (Best service experience in Bend... it doesn't take much to excel over most Bend spots) Mussels and clams Duck fries
(4)A. B.
A most excellent meal should be had by all here! Ours sure was. My favorite fancier dining experience in Bend so far. We had BBQ Shrimp (lick-plate-worthy), the Rib Eye (tad beyond what the requested medium-rare should have been, but delicious), Wild Boar Tenderlion (back off buddy, I ain't sharin'), and Key Lime Diviness on a plate to top it all off. Terrific service, super busy and crowded but still cozy, great mixed drinks. And let's talk celebities people........ we saw Santa Claus. And maybe thanks to him, no one was naughty and everyone was nice.
(5)Steven C.
I am a foodie who has lived in Bend for the last decade. This restaurant has consistently managed to dazzle me. This is the best restaurant in town. Stylish, terrific service, and exquisite food. I bring all of my out of town visitors to this restaurant to show them why Bend is such a destination for foodies. Do not miss their signature red fish, which has a heavenly cream sauce and crab. Also check out their baby back ribs, which are cooked to falling-off-the-bone perfection.
(5)Guido T.
Went here for lunch in a business trip. Food was good. Flavorful local fare. Tuna salad was solid. However the decor was just off . Place is sort of drab. No real color or flare. It's a good choice but room to improve
(3)Austin R.
Amazing restaurant! Everything I had was superb and I had such a memorable experience. The decor is upscale and classy--with padded walls, large chandeliers, and wooden chairs. Service was incredibly friendly and efficient. I had the wild boar tenderloin--the flavor was amazing, the portion was large, and the side vegetables, potatoes, & onion rings were all fantastic. I shared a caesar salad and it turned out to be probably the best I've ever had. Amazing cheese and dressing, crisp lettuce, flavor-packed crunchy croutons! The carrot cake was delicious and tasted like a top-notch homemade cake. The slice is huge so definitely share with 1-3 others! BONUS-This is probably the best spot for celebrity sighting in Bend! Madeleine Stowe from Revenge was here with her family--so exciting!
(5)David Y.
We've been here twice and thoroughly enjoyed both meals. First time I had the prime rib and it was awesome! Last time had rack of lamb and it was just as good. Definitely be back!
(5)Kate C.
Zydeco is my favorite restaurant in town! Sometimes the service can be spotty but 90% of the time they're on point. The food is always excellent and the servers are always able to recommend a good wine based on what I tell them I'm looking for. I love to go there with friends and eat tons of apps and salads, all shared. My favorites are the beet salad, the duck fries, bbq shrimp, trout dip and the steamed mussels. Other good items are the burger and Mama G's Steak salad. They can also mix a mean cocktail. Ask for the bees knees, made with gin or whiskey.
(5)Lara L.
I love this restaurant. Coming from Napa Valley area, this is one of the closer restaurants to what I'm used to. Their food has always been great, although I will have to say that I found a black nose hair in my dish when I was pretty much finished with my food. Other than that, everything is great except I'd say their tables are a little close together its almost claustrophobic.
(5)Derek S.
This may have been my best meal in Bend. The flatbread is awesome and the boar tenderloin was unreal. Very unique offering and I loved it. A little on the expensive side but this was a nice treat.
(4)Frank W.
Excellent food and service. We really enjoyed the flatbread, Mama g's steak salad and the fabulous wet almond cake! Nice ambiance.
(4)Sandra L.
I love this place. Great food, very unusual in some respects. Service was terrific even on one occasion when it was super crowded for dinner. Drinks were perfectly prepared. Love the cajun slant to the food. New to the area, but this will be one of our go to restaurants.
(5)Lena K.
Forget making reservations, just sit at the bar! It's become tradition for my friend and I to eat here after a hard day of climbing. We make it to Bend maybe four times a year to climb at Smith Rock and we always look forward to eating at this gem. Tonight was our second time dining at Zydeco and first time walking in without reservations and sitting at the bar. The place was packed and I witnessed the bartender, Justin, busting his ass to take care of drinks for the whole restaurant AND take care of the people sitting at the bar. Just watching him work was amazing and his service was above and beyond. We ordered the wedge salad to start and shared the hormone free fillet (medium rare) and the seared ahi tuna with sesame. The blue cheese dressing on the salad was dreamy and props to them for not skimping on the bacon and cherry tomatoes! (Add cracked pepper to the salad!). The ahi was seared so that it was only cooked through one millimeter and deliciously raw to the center. The steak is what impressed me the most-I used to like when medium rare steaks showed up cold in the center with blood spilling over until I realized that's a health risk. Zydeco cooked the baseball sized fillet all the way through so that the whole thing was served warm, red and juicy. The green peppercorns and butter on top did not distract from the beauty that was this fillet. Absolutely scrumptious with those thinly cut duck fat fries. Always love that they have Boneyard (and all the local breweries) on tap and try the Cardamom Old Fashioned! Looking forward to our next visit so we can make our way through the menu.
(5)Haley H.
Oh goodness, This place is ahhhhhmazing! Now if you love fresh, delicious, flavor filled foods, you will LOVE Zydecos. For a starter we had the BBQ Shrimp (my favorite) , main entree I had the grilled chicken and quinoa salad excellent as well. My parents had the special which was prime rib and they were blown away. Drinks we all got the jalapeño cilantro margarita my new addiction. Fresh different and full of flavor! I hate sugary premixed margaritas, I'm all about fresh real margs and these are Haley approved for sure. Great service and atmosphere as well. I will be returning soon to test out the lunch menu.
(5)Laura M.
Wow. Where else can you find wild boar tenderloin on a menu...and have it taste so good?? The food here is amazing. We started with the artichoke and corn fritters (yum), and I had a fish special that they had that night...so good. We finished dinner with the carrot cake...very dense and rich, but oh so good! Our server Kelsey was also delightful, she made great recoomendations and was very knowledgeable about the menu as well as drink pairings. Really wish this restaurant wasn't so far away from where we live...otherwise I would be back more often!
(4)Susan R.
My husband and I dined at Zydeco at the bar and had a wonderful experience. A gentleman named Chris (who used to work there) was seated next to us awaiting take-out and chatted us up about the philosophy of the restaurant and how much he enjoyed the menu. He also suggested we get the mashed potatoes with the "shrimp sauce" without the shrimp (since we are vegetarians) and WOW! One of the best things I've eaten. Chris, if you're reading this - THANK YOU!! (he paid for it too....gotta love the people in Bend....friendly and kind.) Beer was outstanding and service was great. We'll be back.
(5)Joel B.
Ate till we were uncomfortable, but oh so satisfied. The flat bread, shrimp appetizer, filet and blackened red fish were incredibly tasty.
(5)Adam D.
We went there for out 10 year anniversary and had a blast. The full bar was relaxing and yet fun. When we got our table, the atmoshphere was just what we were looking for. The food was was great.
(5)Carrie D.
best ribs ever! this place never disappoints.
(5)Ron T.
Disappointed.... After reading all the great reviews and having everyone we know tell us Zydeco is a must, we scheduled our reservation with great anticipation. Our food was terrible... I had the salmon, she had the grilled redfish.; both had been heavily salted to the point we could not eat it -and I am not a picky eater... We reluctantly sent our orders back and what returned was a sliver of a cut of salmon over cooked on one end and raw in the middle. The redfish came back extremely over cooked, dried out and stringy. Very disappointing.... On the good side, our waitress was great! Our drinks were great! The atmosphere and decor was great! I wish I could say the same for the food.... We will be back to the bar but we won't be dining here any time soon.
(2)Pirh Z.
BEST key lime pie in the history of the existence of key lime pies. Some really strong entrees (redfish) and some weak (vegetarian dishes could use some work). But, I won't sit down and eat here ever again due to the absolute toxicity of many of the customers. As some reviews on here demonstrate, waiting for food, mistakes being made, and sitting near other humans is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! The people who frequent Zydeco now are about as rude as I've seen since I stopped living in major cities. I stopped in for key lime pie and carrot cake to go on Saturday night and the vitriol spewing forth from the mouths that had their silver spoons removed was unbelievable. People couldn't be bothered to wait for a damn minute for their reservation (that they were early for) even though anyone capable of observing people other than themselves could see that the place was bursting at the seams. A woman came in to ask for the manager because a homeless man was lingering near her table outside. Imagine! UNDESIRABLES! In Bend! The staff looked stressed and you couldn't move without knocking into some gaudy jewelry or fake tits. I know I'm a retro grouch but seriously, what happened? I ate here back when it was on SE 3rd Street in like 2007 and while it was definitely for the uppers, it wasn't anything like this. Get over yourselves and go back to California or wherever your money allowed you to migrate from. (And yes, I'm a Californian.)
(3)Cecy V.
Date night with my husband while visiting his sister. We called ahead to see how busy they were, pretty busy for a Tuesday night, but we were able to get 8PM reservations. I loved the vibe here, very friendly staff and all the patrons seemed relaxed and like they were having a good time. The place was pretty packed and the seating is pretty tight, but you still get a sense of intimacy at each table. We started with some artichoke hearts for an appetizer that came with two dipping sauces, for the life of me I cannot remember what they were, except that they were phenomenal. We both ordered the ribeye (medium) which comes with mashed potatoes and veggies. The steak was cooked to perfection and the mashed potatoes were as creamy and as rich as I would have hoped. The veggies were delicious: there were carrots, pearl onions and squash. Yum! For dessert we went with classic cheesecake with a raspberry syrup. The cheesecake was also amazing. This place totally lived up to all my expectations from all I'd read. I will most definitely be coming back here on my next visit to Bend.
(5)Christy B.
Just love this place! Here for birthday dessert and cocktails for my sister! Almond wet cake and key lime pie extremely happily shared amongst the group! Don't be afraid of the community table to shorten your wait time! It's Bend!
(5)David C.
Came here based on Yelp reviews. All the praise merited. Nice atmosphere, great food, only iffy point was service was a little haughty but efficient.
(5)Zach M.
Enjoyed dinner here with friendly good service and a nice atmosphere - tables in the bar seem to have more room. The mushroom toast was a great appetizer, though huge! The pasta with shrimp and sausage was also great and huge, so no room for more food or desert. So my only recommendation is small plates or smaller dishes so one can enjoy more variety.
(4)Jennifer J.
Oh my. My boyfriend and I Stumbled into zydeco on a Saturday night in October. We ordered two appetizers as we weren't very hungry. The smoked trout and the barbecue shrimp. the moment each of these appetizers touched our mouths we were in heaven. We were dressed a little shabby having just ridden our horses but were treated amazingly. The food was awesome. I want the recipe!!!! Amazing.
(5)Pam W.
Right from the start we had a delicious epicurean experience! The bread (from The Village Baker) and dipping sauce were to die for! Actually, we thought of canceling our reservation because it was going to be too long of a wait but it was well worth it. What a fantastic meal. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Shy A.
Wow. I wish I were in Bend more just so I could hit up Zydeco more often. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get a table after ready the reviews...Everyone was screaming about "reservations" but luckily, I was in town for work and I was hitting dinner solo. I beelined straight to the bar. First order...moscow mule...no copper cup but still respectable and refreshing after such a hot day. From there, I began chatting up the other bar patrons and finally met a really nice guy that I found out had been to Zydeco several times and had a ton of suggestions. So, here goes the rest of the order: BBQ Shrimp-yes, they are as good as everyone says. Eat them hot, the fritter on the bottom really gives it a GREAT textural contrast. It's all about the sauce on this one! Corn and Asparagus Fritters-Yes! Just order them. They are heavenly! Pork Tenderloin-SOOO tender and the mushroom sauce is amazing. I substituted the roasted veggies for brussel sprouts which was perfect. My new dining friend and I began sharing food and I got a bite of the wild boar-which if you never tried it before is quite different than what you would expect. Not at all gamey and moister than I could've imagined. For dessert-I couldn't pass up on the Almond "wet" Cake. Think tres leches cake with a hint of almond. Deleeesh! A really great experience. I'll definitely be back each time I'm in Bend.
(4)Tet W.
I came here for Sunday dinner and I had the house smoked trout dip and duck breast with cavatappi pasta with mushroom cream sauce and seasonal vegetables. The house smoked trout dip was outstanding. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out. Very flavorful and it goes perfectly with the crackers. The duck was a bit tough, very fatty but seasoned very well. The cavatappi pasta with cream sauce was very rich with a lot of butter. Good thing they had seasoned vegetables. It helped to mellow out the rich taste of the duck and pasta. The ambiance was nice. Dark with modern contemporary decor. Inside they had candle lit tables and the bar was hopping! The place is very popular amongst locals and can be rather noisy. Due to popularity, I highly recommend reservations especially on weekends or you can be waiting a while. Overall, I highly recommend Zydeco for a great night out with friends and family. A bit noisy for a date night, but if you both don't mind the noise, then it's all good!
(4)A J.
An absolutely wonderful dining experience. Service was just right, and food was cooked to perfection. My husband had the Delmonico, and it was right up there in his top 5 of all time. Based off the reviews, we tried the bbq shrimp appetizer. What can you say. The reviews were right on the money. Loved every bite! We even purchased some of the starter base to bring home. Next time we visit Bend, this will be a absolute must stop.
(4)Charley C.
The food was great. The room was a bit too noisy, no big deal. However, an odd thing happened: We were a party of 6 and the other 5 meals came out in a timely fashion. I had ordered the steak salad which did not appear until sometime later after the waitress noticed I had an empty place in front of me. I was surprised to hear another in our party, who dines there often, say that this was not an uncommon occurance. Note to Zydeco ... you need to fix this.
(4)David G.
Professional staff. These people know their industry. Wait staff was very acknowledgeable, friendly with a smile. The food was to the top. Had a vegetable stack that was tasty as will as layers of different flavors.
(4)D. S.
Dog friendly on the patio. This was great. If I could half stars, this would be a 3 and a half. We had the duck fry appetizer. This was delicious. We snacked on this while deciding what to have for dinner. I ordered the rib eye special for $40. It came with the most delicious Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. My steak was supposed to be medium rare but was medium well. That sucked for a $40 steak. My husband is gluten free and they have a gluten free menu which is awesome. He ordered the filet. It came with fries. Since we had the appetizer he asked if he could switch out the fries for veggies or something else. Big No from the server. I thought this was pretty ridiculous. That shouldn't be a problem. I used the restroom before leaving and was surprised that the toilet paper at mcdonalds is of higher quality. You charge $40 for a steak, invest in some 2 ply.
(3)Chris W.
Our go to date night always great dinner house. I dont think we have ever had a bad meal . I try to always order something different.
(5)Mari H.
I grew up in Bend and have heard such great things about Zydeco. I came home for a visit and was excited to finally try it. Our group of eight had a terrible experience. We weren't seated until 25 minutes after our reservation time. While we were waiting we got the run around on what happened to our reservation and when we would be seated. They did comp appetizers because of the wait time but the service the rest of the night was incredibly slow and unfriendly. They forgot drink orders and didn't take our order for 20 mins after our appetizers arrived. The food, of course is delicious, but all-in-all we all agreed Zydeco is not the place for a larger group.
(2)Samantha N.
Delicious! ! Great flavor! Friendly amd attentive service. We sat outside with our dog. We had the duck with the mushroom cream sauce and it was amazing! Highly recommend!! Sounds like it's good to make a dinner reservation and we lucked out without one.
(5)Tara H.
Love this place. They have awesome food, a fun and classy happy hour, and super cool atmosphere. The spinach salad is one of my favorites, as it has a homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing and goat cheese. Throw some grilled chicken in it and it becomes a killer meal. The red fish is great--order it blackened, it's amazing. This is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions, date night, or getting an afternoon snack during happy hour. I highly recommend it!
(5)Leean P.
Halibut was one of the specials along with the 16oz prime rib was up to Zydeco's best !we also had the full rack ribs the boy couldn't finish ;) as always fresh good filling delightful . The drinks with dinner where superb the blue berry lemon drop and red curry martini yum desert was almond wet cake and carrot cake so good !!! Don't forget the dogs home made treats if you ask!
(5)Brenda B.
Maura our waitress was very nice and knowledgable about the menu. The menu had a very nice selection of steak entree's along with more casual selections. The salads are huge and great for sharing. We shared a wedge salad, ordered one Delmonico steak (the potatoes au gratin were fabulous) and one boar tenderloin. The food arrived hot, nice presentation and tasted wonderful.
(4)Michele R.
The food at Zydeco is always very good. Dinner service is typically very good. Lunch service is typically OK. In fact, it sometimes seems as if lunch here is an afterthought for the restaurant. Having had that same lackluster experience several times, it seems fair to share it. But I move from long time five stars to four here, still a fan, a big fan in fact, but hot quite "woohoo'ing" for the reason that the menu is too static for my preferences. If you're a visitor to Bend, that won't be an issue for you as you may eat here just once or twice. ( And eat here you should; it is unarguably one of Bend's four best restaurants.) But if you're a local, you'll find yourself thinking " been there, done that" for the menu options and that may dissuade the going in again and again. Relatively staid menus are not bad things. In fact there is an entire dining population who wants menus to remain much as they have always been as they look forward to being able to order their favorites each time they go. But for diners who like to mix it up with what they eat with an emphasis on "from farm to fork", and I'm one of those, the fixed menu here doesn't work as well for me. Which has less to do with the restaurant perhaps than me. Different strokes for different folks. Still in the pantheon of "Bend's Best" is Zydeco. And maybe THE best for gluten free dining in the Bend fine dining realm. TIP: If you 're visiting Bend looking for other "you really should" options that are worthy of being among Bend's Best, just like is Zydeco... 1) For always evolving menu of wonderful food, flawlessly professional service, and chaming ambiance you may want to add Ariana (on Galveston) to your list of fine dining options. Dinner only. 2) For funkier ambiance, casual dining with creative evolving menus and great food, you might want to try Barrio (downtown). Lunch and dinner. 3) For food carts with a fresh food perspective, you might want to try Real Food Street Bistro (on Columbia). In wamer weather there are a few outdoor tables. But this is always a good "take and go" option any time of year. Hours roughly 11 - 5(?). You'll find reviews for all three on Yelp.
(4)Caroline B.
We were really looking forward to trying Zydeco. Our Server was Great but our food for the price was a little underwhelming. My husband had the Rib Eye and thought it was good. I tried the Wild Boar and wish I would of stuck to my original plan of ordering the Red Fish. I did read the reviews on the Boar so maybe it was just a bad night. It just did not have a great flavor and was a little dry. Dessert was good and the atmosphere was pleasant.. Just don't think we will go back.
(3)Cheryl C.
We came to Zydeco by way of a recommendation while traveling down from Portland. Our meals, blackened redfish and wild boar tenderloin were outstanding. Unfortunately, we brought our friends here a few nights later and while the food was good, not great, they were out of many entrees and the kitchen took more than an hour to serve our dinner. We were told the manager would come by after several attempts to find out how long dinner might be, but they must have figured that a couple of appetizers for the 10 of us was enough to salvage a very bad experience. What a huge disappointment for the service and the lack of concern or communication on the part of their staff.
(3)Jay M.
Exceptional dining experience. Service was cordial and friendly. Pacing was relaxed and still efficient. Then there is the food. Perfect all around. Wonderful zesty flavors. The barbecue shrimp appetizer is wildly good. The redfish blackened is the signature dish and will not disappoint. This was our first visit and we will be repeat customers.
(5)Rona D.
Amazing meal!I frequent Bend on business once a month. I have started a list of places I need to try when I come out here. Finally made it to Zydeco tonight! The place was packed for a Monday night. Ordered the artichoke and corn fritters and a pinot noir to start (Oregon wine of course). Both were delicious. I am meatless Monday so I opted for the risotto which was probably one of the best made risotto's I have ever had. It had so much flavor in the base but also in the veggies. Delicious. Can't wait to go back and try the shrimp and grits!!!! Service was also great even though they were really busy.
(5)Regina C.
Service was perfection. The wait staff really know what they are doing. Beef skewers with peanut sauce was so freaking tender and delicious. Amazing. Beet salad- so scrumptious. Wedge salad- fabulous Redfish with Zydeco sauce and dungeness was something that I will never forget. It was that spectacular. My husband also had it and feels the same. Daughter had chicken caesar - yum Buttered noodles with a grilled chicken breast- she loved it. Carrot cake and chocolate pot o creme (sp) was gone in like 45 seconds... Awesome service.
(5)Lynn H.
Dined there last week. Always love entertaining out of town guests. That day we wanted to sit at the bar. Bartender asked me immediately to sit next to a very large person instead of one seat over. Told her I didn't want to sit there. She said I needed to since once they got busy I would be asked to anyway. So we went and sat at the community table. She then turned her back and gestured to us while talking to another bar tender who then stared at us. This was rude and made me mad. I'm not sure I'll be back.
(2)David B.
Austere dark wooden furniture like a Japanese restaurant, but it serves yuppie-Southern. Jambalaya pretty good; enough big hunks of sausage and shrimp, but it tasted like it was made with brown rice. But the bread and olive oil that comes before the meal! Oh, heavenly! Moist bread with thick crunchy crust, and the olive oil on a plate is infused with salt, garlic, and parsley, and it is just so addictive. If I dared, I'd go back and have just four or five plates of that.
(4)Carrie R.
I only found this restaurant because of yelp and I had a hard time making reservations on a Saturday night. We were able to make a 9:15 pm dinner reservation because they were so busy and packed since 5 pm (a good sign). I enjoyed a Blueberry Lemon Drop and my husband ordered a dirty martini that came with 9 olives. Both were delicious! The ambience was tasteful & romantic. My husband and I split the duck breast and the jambalaya! Both dishes were perfectly seasoned and amazing! Next time I go back I would want to try the shrimp etouffe and wild boar. There were so many dishes to choose from and I love checking-out what other people ordered. Everything looked really good.
(5)Af R.
I love this place! We have such great restaurants in Portland, and I still wish this was there too! The salad was a good size. I had the blackened redfish, which was absolutely delicious (awesome sauce!!). Our waitress was great, the perfect amount of attentiveness. I can't wait to be back in Bend so I can have another meal here!!
(5)Cali S.
Excellent food and friendly staff! The food is consistent and the portions are definitely worth the value! Best place to dine in town. Love every bit of Zydeco, go there every chance I get!
(5)Duane P.
Best dinner in town. Slow roasted prime rib with amazing seasoning. Grilled veggies with unbelievable seasoning and grilled to perfection. Horse radish straight has a bit of a twange to it and sweetness. Doubled the veggie and hold the potatoes as I don't potatoes and it was awesome. 16oz of heaven on a plate.
(5)Sandie A.
My Favorite Restaurant Ever! I wish this place were closer to me. I was lucky enough to travel through Bend 3 summers in a row and I simply cannot get enough of this place. I always order the BBQ shrimp. They are quite simply the best things on the planet. I have loved everything I have tried there. Most recently I had their hamburger and it was amazing. I also had their brisket sandwich which happened to be the special that day. It is my mission to try everything everything on their menu. I hope I will be lucky enough to visit Bend next summer.
(5)Asa C.
BBQ shrimps are off the chain! You can't not order dem (bespoke with bad Cajun accent) I'd say more Indian than Cajun, but the jambalaya is legit. Try the tree hugger with crater lake gin, it'll make ya wobbly. Wish I could stay in bend longer;
(5)Greg R.
We had a terrific meal here: the jambalaya was authentic (although you'll have to ask them for the homemade pepper sauce), the filet was beautifully done, and the desserts were delicious (the beignets with Marionberry sauce and flourless chocolate chocolate cake in particular). The service was excellent: knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. We'll go back when we return to Bend.
(5)Charlotte M.
2.3 stars.... GF/vegetarian food, 5 stars. Tres cher et degoutant Steak special, 1 star. God awful fellow diners: 1 star. I was sooo excited to come here since they have a gluten-free menu & are Cajun inspired b/c I've been feeling super homesick for the South. I was thrilled that the GF menu had more than two items, had appetizers & desserts, in addition to salads & entrees, and was vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian friendly too! My meal was delicious but my DH's --bad news bears, friends. He ordered the Delmonico steak special & despite high hopes, reported it over-salted and under-seasoned. His sides of potato gratin & Brussels sprouts were barely passable. This boy will eat anything and with the $40 steak price tag, said he'd had $17 steaks that were better. The final straw was the 5-top table behind us had perhaps one of the most obnoxious, pretentious people I have ever heard in my life, loudly rambling on about movie stars, wines, vintages, Napa (where my parents live & from where we had just driven!) for 1.5h!! We both wanted to poke our eyes out. And the wife of this boorish man kept telling the server she knew the owners, to have them stop by, give them kisses. If Yelp was anonymous, I'd post this lady's first and last name since she yelled it several times to the server, for all to hear. Had the restaurant not been packed, we would have asked to move. It was that bad. So, great GF items, lousy & expensive special, annoying fellow diners. Sad...
(2)J L.
Fantastic food. Worth the wait and definitely worth the money. These chefs seriously know what they're doing. I tried duck for the first time, my third visit to zydeco, and it. Was. Amazing! If I had more money in my pocket I'd be dining there every night. Seriously guys, give it a try. Its the best food that's ever gone in my mouth. Service is fine, they aren't up to chatting, but they get you your drinks and food out pretty swiftly. Best dining in Bend.
(5)Matthew M.
Was looking for an affordable, quick, and delicious take-out dinner after a long day of work. Went for the Major's Cheeseburger and was not disappointed! For $11, got the juiciest burger I've ever eaten, skinny crisp French fries, and a couple slices of artesian bread with really nice crust. 5 star worthy for sure!
(5)James L.
Was looking for a snack while in town this time. Found this lil trendy joint as I ealked by and thought I would check it out. I sat at the bar top and was promptly greeted. I decided to check out the menu and saw a review about the BBQ prawn as a "MUST" dish. Holy Jesus, Joseph and Doggy Style Mary, GET the prawns unless your palate cannot handle any spice. They were so flavorful and had an amazing kick to them. Will have to go back for the jambalaya or more next time...
(4)Diana C.
We had dinner here and it was just alright. The servers were a little rude and unprofessional, but that's besides the point. (One of the servers pointed to us and told the other one to "take care of those two" loud enough that we could hear him, while standing right in front of us... gee, I'm sorry for getting in your way, I just came in for dinner) The cheese plate appetizer was very underwhelming as there was only one type of cheese and not much of it either. The mixed green salad I had was okay but there was way too much dressing, I had to get my bf to help finish it since it was too salty. On to the entrees: The filet was $30, but it was more like a $10 filet from applebees... the meat was not high quality at all and it was very small (should have been petit filet). To make matters worse, my bf order them medium, and they cooked it to medium well and low quality meat tastes even worse cooked medium well/well. The fries and broccolini were good though. I ordered the ribs, and while there was a huge quantity of ribs, it wasn't that great. The ribs had way too much sauce but it wasn't very flavorful. It also came out lukewarm which I absolutely hate; they are ribs, they should be piping hot! The rice and beans were okay, but it didn't look that appetizing. The server was friendly enough but we also poured our own Pelligrino all night after he did the first two pours. Overall, a very Meh experience...
(2)Sarah D.
Love love love. We'd heard fabulous reviews from friends so when our family came in from the east coast we felt comfortable bringing everyone here. Above and beyond phenomenal. Great flavors and portions! Our server Stephanie was personable yet unobtrusive! And the chef stopped by to say 'Hello'! A seamless dining experience. We loved it!
(5)Tawnee K.
I've been going to Zydeco since they were open on the east side many, many, many years ago. I have never had a bad meal ever. When we have guests the only place they want to go on their next visit is Zydeco.
(5)Bon Vivan T.
Largely, due to pestering from friends, we went back to Zydeco and had a fantastic experience this time. Yes, we had reservations, so we didn't have to queue up for a lengthy Friday-evening wait. The blue cheese wedge salad I had was fantastic. The blackened Salmon was delicious, and the waitress was flexible in accommodating my diet. Blushing Bride had some sort of salad-thing, which she enjoyed as well. Our dining companions did enjoy their dinner as well, and there was no hint of "turn and burn" that so many other places do when busy. All-in-all, a really nice evening. We will come back.
(4)Silvia K.
Great food and wine - the Beet salad is stellar!
(5)Jenny D.
My family eats here every time we come to Bend. We love the mushroom toast and the clam appetizers.
(5)Jan M.
Fabulous food. Try the Delmonico steak or the ribs or the shrimp special...so good! Fabulous service from Kelsey!
(5)Shannon B.
What a great restaurant... The decor is modern yet inviting. The staff was very friendly. And on a Thursday night at 6:30, every table was full! Zydeco is located in downtown Bend on one of the main streets in Town. The Town of Bend itself has so much to offer in terms of food, shopping, outdoor activities, friendly people and the entire town is super dog friendly!! Now for the food at Zydeco... It was awesome! Our server brought us the warmest, freshest bread with some olive oil, garlic, salt and Curley parsley for dipping. For an appetizer we got an order of duck fat fries that came with a truffle aioli which didn't last long at our table. They have a kids menu which is appealing to little people and it has a tasty cheese flat bread that my niece enjoyed. As for our main courses at the table we had the ribs which came with a truffle Mac n cheese that was phenomenal. The ribs we're fall off the bone tender! I had the mussels and clams and an artisanal cheese plate with a side of truffle Mac n cheese. They were all excellent. The seafood broth was full of flavor and I thoroughly enjoyed dipping my bread in the broth. The beet salad was another choice at our table and it too was fresh and full of flavor. The beer and wine list are good. Local wines and brews are included. There is a full bar so order a cocktail if you choose. The desert menu looked decadent but unfortunately none of us managed to save enough room. I look forward to visiting Bend again and I will for sure come back to Zydeco!
(5)Paul R.
Dinner for two. We sat at the bar and had excellent service from the bartender. It was a Sunday night and the restaurant was packed. Reservations are recommended if attempting to eat here on a weekend. Coctails were interesting and prepared perfectly. Wine list was ok and overpriced. Bbq shrimp with polenta cake was fantastic. Sauce was so good I mopped it all up with the crusty chewy fresh baked bread they gave us. I had the blackened red fish on a bed of spinach and mashed potatoes covered in "Zydeco Sauce". Fish was ok, blackening spices great, mashed potatoes were fantastic, and the sauce was delicious. Wife had Filet Au Poive. Cooked to medium as ordered and the fries were crispy and tasty. Service was excellent at the bar. Great little restaurant with very nice out door seating if you can get it.
(4)Brian F.
Stopped here on a first friday, which is crazy busy in Bend, fyi. Found the place on Yelp. We had no wait to sit at a long table in the bar section, and it does not at all feel like you're in a bar. We had the artichoke fritters for appetizers. They were a great pre-dinner starter. I had the ribs with truffle mac and my wife had the spinach salad. The ribs were really, really good as were the mac & cheese. The portion size on the ribs was pretty big too. My wife's spinach salad was also very good and surprisingly inexpensive. We got the key lime pie for dessert. It is as good as all the other reviews say. I would say it's the best key lime I've ever had. The Yelp rating on this place is well deserved. One of the better restaurants I've ever been to. Also, our server's name was Brian and he was awesome. Great service and great reccomendations on food.
(5)Julianne S.
Came here on a Friday night while touring Bend for the breweries...There was quite a long wait for a table (1.5 hours) but we were able to find a seat at the bar (very lucky timing)...I had the veggie shepard's pie and my partner had the roast chicken. The food was very good... We definitely would've had a different experience had we not been squeezed in at the bar. A bartending waitress also rudely slammed into me at some point which soured the experience a bit. But...overall, it was a nice meal.
(4)Sevket Y.
Bbq shrimp is the best. Their flatbreads are very delicious. Community table is a great place to meet with interesting locals.
(5)Laura P.
We came on a Saturday night, smart enough to know that we should call ahead for Reservations. We were greeted when we arrived and were seated promptly, even though we were a few minutes late. Last weekend was the Fall Festival and parking is insane. We decided to skip the mixed drink and go for the Imperial IPA on tap deciding that would go best with the Duck Fries. WOW they were amazing. We also had the Barbecue Shrimp. We asked our Hostess, the young lady who brought us our fries and the waiter, "What is the best appetizer?" They all said the Barbecue Shrimp. It was very good, very different that what we'd expected, but we weren't disappointed. Next we moved on to the New York Steak with a Blue Cheese Béchamel sauce. We asked to substitute the fingerling potatoes (we avoid the carbs) for roasted veggies and were graciously accommodated. We had our waiter, Todd, to pair 2 glasses of similar but different wines to go with the dinner. He came out and excellent choice, Dumas Station, Cow Catcher Red and Roots Run Deep Vineyard's Educated Guess Cab. Both were excellent, but the Cow Catcher Red was exceptional. Dessert was the Wet Almond Cake and the Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Ice cream and coffee, of course. An exceptional meal for a very reasonable price. We've already bookmarked this restaurant for our next trip to Bend.
(5)Randy W.
Started with the Artichoke Corn Fritters. Absolutely fabulous! Wild Boar was to die for. As usual, this was as delicious a meal (gastronomic experience is a better descriptor) as I've had in a long time. If you are in Bend, Zydeco is a must.
(5)Susan A.
Busy! Make a reservation. Went here for a girls night out dinner and we were all impressed. Stormy mojitos are awesome- made of ginger beer, lime, mint and rum. Diverse offering. Will definitely return.
(5)Lex E.
Love the restaurant, owners, and food....but the service in the bar was so unforgivable, I will not be returning anytime soon. Wendy was classless, rude, and unprofessional; it's seriously questionable how she is still employed in the service industry, let alone fine dining.
(1)Kristina P.
This place is flat out awesome. My boyfriend and I were a little wary of the rating since I didn't think Bend was really a center of culinary excellence but Zydeco did not disappoint. I got the wild boar tenderloin, my boyfriend got the petite filet and we shared the duck oil fries. The boar was easily one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had in my life. It was unbelievable tender, perfectly cooked and had amazing flavor. Usually I share my food with the boyfriend but not this time. I was reluctant to even let him have more than one bite of it. His filet was also excellent. He said it was one of the most tender steaks he has ever had. The duck oil fries were insanely tasty. I knew eating them how bad they are for me but I just didn't care, they tasted that good. It should also be noted how much food you get with your order. Usually at places like this I find you don't really get a large amount of food. Not at Zydeco. The portions were more than generous. The service was also excellent. Our server, Bryan, was incredibly informative about the dishes and very attentive. Definitely will be back the next time I am in Bend.
(5)Betsy R.
My husband and I have enjoyed Zydeco since they were located on Hwy 97 where Versante's is now located. When they moved downtown the ambiance was better and the food just as good. I have never found a BBQ sauce that compares to the that of the BBQ shrimp sauce at Zydeco. I don't even eat shrimp but I love the sauce so I sometimes ask them to put it on pasta for me. I love the flavor and the spice. I also love that they server Village Baker Striata b/c I can dip that striata in the sauce and OMG, I am having a party in my mouth. The artichoke corn fritters are also to die for as is the flatbread pizza. Basically we have never had a bad dish. This is a very enjoyable place for dinner and/or drinks and it's always the perfect place to meet with friends.
(5)Nikki R.
Love their food. Never had a bad meal or dish. Employees stay very courteous and happy for as busy as they get. Highly recommend Zydeco.
(5)J.L. W.
Fantastic meal and service. I stopped just for a salad and Flatbread appetizer while others had dinner. They said the jambalaya was the best! Consistently excellent!
(5)Maria P.
Zydeco has mastered the fusion of fine dining, doggie friendly, SPECTACULAR NW organic with a french flair menu, awesome wine menu AND great service. What a treat!!! In addition to the amazing food quality, the portions were far beyond generous. We started with the shoestring pomme frites cooked in duck fat with a side of truffle aioli. If you love super skinny, perfectly crispy and amazing fries, do not miss these!! I ordered the duck breast which they happily substituted the pasta for roasted cauliflower topped with saffron and parmesan, and perfectly prepared skinny asparagus on the side. Everything was perfect. While I would order this dish again in a heartbeat, the prawn ceasar salad at the next table looked pretty amazing too. My husband said his baby backs were the best he had tasted in years. Did I mention the fresh baked doggie treats? We will DEFINITELY be back!
(5)Danielle H.
Wow...someone seriously got it wrong. As a previous co-employee to Wendy, I know first hand that she is an amazing bartender. She is the type of bartender that can handle all bar patrons, make flawless cocktails for the entire restaurant, recommend entree's and wine with exceptional knowledge and with a genuine smile all the while. I've watched her juggle it all from the other side of the bar top in awe of her ability to respond to everyone's wants/needs while maintaining an effortless air of hospitality. Try again, I think you got it wrong.
(5)Kathryn J.
The crab cakes are amazing! I can see why there is such a wait at the door. It is totally worth it!
(5)Alicia W.
My husband and I went here for our anniversary. We made reservations a couple days ahead and were seated the moment we arrived. Our waitress had wonderful suggestions and knowledge about the menu even though she had only been there 6 weeks. We ordered a BBQ Shrimp appetizer that was so heavenly I don't know how to put it into words! The plate was perfectly clean when the server came back because my husband had used the bread to eat every last drop of the sauce. Our entrees were the pork tenderloin and horseradish encrusted steak. Both were wonderful and had beautiful complicated flavors. Dessert was key lime pie and the flourless chocolate cake. Again, both very good. Whenever we can afford it again, we'll be back!
(5)Cyndi R.
This place consistently has great service and excellent food. The BBQ shrimp appetizer is a must, all of the salads are excellent (I'm partial to their Caesar), and the fish and steaks are delicious as well. I also recommend their fresh Blueberry Lemondrop. It's perfect after a long day! One of the best restaurants in Bend!
(5)Yin D.
I was impressed. I had Wild Boar Tenderloin and it was perfect. Best flatbread pizza I've ever had in North America.
(5)Alisia V.
Tonight I ate light, truffle Mac n chewed and asparagus, both side dishes and perfect size for me. Delicious.
(5)Alison B.
We were in Bend recently and looking at Yelp for where to eat. Another reviewer mentioned the chocolate pot de creme at Zydeco, and we had to try it. Definitely make reservations and do so early. We went just for dessert. Had the pot de creme, which surpassed expectations -- SO delicious! -- and a lovely glass of port. Truly one of the best desserts I have ever had. Would definitely come back and try actual dinner on another trip to Bend.
(5)Bradford D.
Went here last night with the family and some friends. They all raved about it so we drove in from Eagle Crest to have dinner here. I mean, it's a great restaurant and all with good atmosphere and service, especially for Bend. We had a bunch of apps like the flat bread, shrimp, fries, and chicken wings. Pretty solid. I had the redfish cause it's their signature dish and figured it has to be good. And it was. The pasta was good, the crab cakes were good, and the ribs were phenomenal. The best thing was definitely the ribs. Well why am I giving it 3 stars? I didn't like how EVERYTHING had this cajun seasoning on it. The flatbread, pasta, fish, and probably the carrot cake had this cajun seasoning all over it. It was almost overpowering and I just don't like how so many of the dishes relied on this seasoning as the flavor. I think I've been watching too much Top Chef recently and now I think I'm a food critic. But seriously, I think the food is better without all the salty, crappy seasoning all over it.
(3)Nicole S.
Never a disappointment!!! 5 star everything!!! Amazing ribs and my favorite spinach salad! And the drinks great!! Wendy has got to be the best bar tender hands down!!
(5)Bill D.
Was going to rate this place a 4.5 stars but the Mrs asked "Why only 4.5?" "What did they not do to deserve a 5?". She had me. This place was great. The friendliness and attentiveness of the wait staff, the food (WOW!), and just the overall experience. Yes, the restrooms were spotless and had plenty of good quality soap and hot water. We had the Corn Fritters for appetizers and all loved them. I had the Etouffe and must admit, the heat was good but as warm as I could go. The Shrimp was very fresh tasting and the rest of the ingredients tasted as they promise, FRESH. The oldest had a Pulled Pork Sandwich as did the Mrs. They raved and the fries (I absconded with several), were fantastic. Dessert was Key Lime Pie and was not slammed with Lime flavor. It's crust was fresh and well made. Will we be going back? As a matter of fact, on our next trip to Bend!
(5)Anthony K.
good food... went for a bachelor party dinner and had a pretty good time with good service. I would go back for sure. Good beers, good cocktails, and great food!
(4)Chuck M.
I consider Zydeco to be one of the best 3 restaurants in Bend and deserving of 4 stars. We have eaten here several times and it's always great though be prepared for it to be quite loud, crowded and busy. The specials are always good and the blackened redfish is excellent. Roast duck and the boar are also among our favorites. All the food is top quality with fresh ingredients and the service is good.
(4)Kris D.
Extremely poor service. Extremely poor food. If you want to pay 30$ for noodles and cream, use your pay check here.
(1)Ken S.
This was a wonderful experience. We had the barbecued ribs and the halibut. The ribs were fixed to perfection and the halibut was the best I've ever tasted. The atmosphere was very nice and the service was superb. Would recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent dinner. Will definitely go here again when we are in town.
(5)Sue C.
We adore eating at Zydeco. The Barbecue Shrimp is the little secret, and then have a Blueberry Lemon Drop. Wonderful service, menu, interior design. Our fav!!
(4)Karen B R.
The MOST amazing meal that my husband and I have ever eaten. The service was excellent, the food divine. Our server recommended a perfect bottle of wine. The restaurant was crowded, however, we were treated as if we were the only ones there. We are so looking forward to returning! Trying to figure out how to get back from Arizona!
(5)M S.
What an awsome dining experience. Sat at the bar where Hana took very good care of me, very pleasant always smiling, great wine by the glass recommendations. Started with the beat salad (awsome), then had the Red Fish ( a house specialty, also awsome) and finished with the carrot cake. Wow~ told Hana I might just have to propose to the chef who made it..possibly the best carrot cake I've ever had. If you're in Bend, it would be a crime to miss Zydeco.
(5)Jeffrey R.
Group of 12 on a packed Saturday night handled superbly -- food, drink, and service were all top notch. This was our groups third annual trip to Zydeco, and we plan to be back next year. My wife and I started with the BBQ Shrimp over Southern Grit Cake -- a must have for that out-of-this world sauce. Once we had polished off the shrimp, we used the bread as a mop... we weren't letting a single drop go to waste. The salads were fresh and flavorful, as you would expect from an upscale place like Zydeco. I opted for the Filet because it had been a while since I'd had a steak -- and I asked the server (Jaime) for a recommendation on a nice dry red wine to go with it. She recommended a spicy Zinfandel that was the perfect pairing for the Filet -- bonus points to Jaime nailing that one! My wife went with one of the specials -- pistachio crusted halibut with a mango salsa. She loved it. I had a taste as well, since I love a good halibut, and it was indeed excellent. Zydeco always has a plethora of splendid dessert options, but I'm a sucker for rich, smooth chocolate -- so I've never ordered anything other than the Pot de creme. It's a chocolate lovers dream. Definitely one of Bend's best food choices.
(5)Kathleen K.
Came because of a recommendation from our hosts of the Cabin Creek B&B and WOW we were not disappointed. The food was wonderful, the service was excellent and the atmosphere lively. If in Bend,OR you must have dinner here! Leave some room for the Key Lime pie. I am not a lover of this flavor but I could become one if they all tasted as delightful as this one did.
(5)Marilee K.
This restaurant is the creme de la creme starting with the Marionberry infused tequila. They squeeze their own margarita mix! Be sure to try the mushroom toast appetizer. They use homemade Worchestershire sauce that makes this so tasty. It will serve four. The steak salad was very good, as was the free range chicken. The best was the rack of lamb and the red fish. It is their most popular dish. If you are even thinking about fish, order it. Sadly, we were too full to even share a dessert. Our waitress was flawless. Too bad we live a state away.
(5)Andrew M.
This place is ridiculous! First off, get the barbecue shrimp appetizer, you'll thank me later. Next, locate anything on the menu, anything, and just freaking order it! I've had the prime rib, seared Ahi, rack of Lamb, roast duck breast with shitake pasta, crab cakes, jambalaya, wedge salad, cesar salad, beet salad, and so much more. I'd probably be happy with just the artisan bread and parsley infused olive oil they bring out as soon as you sit down. Everything is amazing. Huge wine list and full bar too, with fabulous service. I don't normally give out 5 stars, as you can see, but this place deserves it; the joint isn't that badly priced either, for the food you get. This is the best food in Bend!
(5)Janelle E.
If I could do less than one star I would. I recently went to this restaurant again and happened upon the owner Steve. It is unfortunate that so many business owners get the mentality that they can be a slave driver to their staff and demand things they themselves would never do. I've been to this restaurant numerous times and have never even seen him there before so it shows you how much he is really not involved in his own restaurant. He came in the building this particular time and was very rude to his own employees. It was like an instant stress that even customers like myself could feel. I had a perfect view of the kitchen and rather than helping out or actually working to make sure food was coming out faster, he was berating the staff and standing over their shoulder basically saying work faster. I will not be a patron at a restaurant that treats its staff like garbage. Need I remind everyone the kitchen staff make the things we are all there to buy and without them we wouldn't have food on our plate.
(1)Latina V.
Nice restaurant with good drinks. My husband got the wild boar, I ordered the ribs, both very good. Appetizer of clams were good, but they were so teeny, bigger clams would have been much better. Also, no soup on the appetizer list, disappointing. overall a good place to check out.
(4)Garrett W.
You have to come here if you are in Bend. The food was unbeatable and the service was great. We had the pork tenderloin and roasted chicken. The pork tenderloin sauce was so good! The inside of the restaurant is very nice, but maybe a little cramped.
(5)Jeff R.
Hands down my favorite place in all of Bend to eat at! As I told the owners, tonight was one of the best meals I've had in years. I was laughing about it because I come from San Francisco, a city known for world class food, I'm a foody snob, and I was blown away. My girlfriend and I had an incredibly memorable valentine's evening together here at Zydeco. For starters, the mushroom toast is creamy, piled with mushroom goodness, and throughly satisfying. Next, the house salad is big, fresh, and full of flavor. Finally, the girlfriend ordered the signature blackened Red fish which was filled with cajun goodness and had an amazingly light consistency with a delicious sauce covering it over mashed potatoes. I myself couldn't get enough of the mushrooms so I ordered the pork tenderloin with creamy mushrooms over mashed potatoes and it was straight from heaven. We originally wanted desert (as the creme brule looked unreal) although we didn't have any room left in us after the dinner. Oh, and the chocolate covered strawberries were a very nice valentines day touch! Honestly, I can't say enough about how throughly I was blown away by the exceptional food, the good wine, and the great service. Do yourself a favor and don't settle for any less than the best place in town- Zydeco!
(5)lydia j.
This was our 2nd time at this restaurant, but first time sitting at the bar. Justin, the bartender, took excellent care of us. My friend and I had a long day of climbing, so we were in serious need of a serious meal. I will have to admit I was pretty "hangry" when we walked in, but within minutes we were seated, comfortable, and had Boneyard IPA in our bellies. The food is always very very good. We ordered a wedge salad to start, wonderfully creamy and bacon-licious. The Ahi tuna was excellent, it comes with a fried shrimp wonton that's very reminiscent of a favorite asian snack of mine, and the steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was a wonderful end to a perfect day in Bend.
(5)JIm C.
I think all 5's are relative. Are there better dinners in the US? Yes. Are there better dinners within 100 miles of this main street restaurant in Bend? No. Listen to what is recommended. I did. As a result I had the "New Orleans Style" barbecue shrimp. It's funny, but the only place I've ever had a similar dish is at San Francisco's vaunted Towne Hall. I can't make that sauce. Amazing. Justin, my bartender come waiter provided other great recommendations, most of them seasonal. All were solid and well balanced dishes highlighting very good local fare with panache. What a great place. So happy to have been here.
(5)Nancy W.
We went here FINally tonight for the first time. :) Verrry good -excellent, fresh, hot, food--excellent customer service, nice ambiance, etc... Excellent place. Nice selection of wine... Looking forward to our next visit!!
(5)Kathy C.
We loved this place! Shrimp appetizer was really good, great size to share for three people. Ahi tuna great size if you would want to split!. Great service!
(5)Cathy R.
Fabulous in every way. Great food and very professional/attentive/ friendly service. I had seared ahi tuna that came with shrimp "sticks", cucumber-red pepper-red onion salad, and sticky rice for $27. Others had the blackened redfish with Dungeness crab and a special mahi-mahi dish that was divine. We got there early on a Sunday evening and had no trouble getting a table. By the time we left, the place was packed. So far, our favorite restaurant in Bend.
(5)Thierry M.
What a gem. We pulled this up on Yelp while returning to California. Artichoke/corn fritters, turkey burger, pulled pork, and wet almond cake-5 stars. Service-impeccable.
(5)Mike V.
How did I find Zydeco (and the private lounge above it)? Well, I was sitting on a lift at Mt. Bachelor, minding my own business on a freezing powder day, when "Jessie's Girl" came on my iPod ghetto blaster that I always ski with. Sharing (music) is caring, right? When the former USC Trojan I'd later know as "Steve" started wailing at the top of his lungs. Did you know Karaoke is Japanese for empty orchestra? (i have no idea if that's try BTW). Later that day, my girlfriend got to the bar early to kick back and make sure I had a "face plant" or a "yard sale" waiting to warm me up (let's just say it's an Irish coffee with a few additions including 151). I walk up and all I heard is "Music guy!!!!!" What a small world. They took us to Zydeco later that night and we were floored. the BBQ shrimp and grits were outstanding. as was wine selection, the service and the Acadian Flatbread which has to include the Andouille Sausage and the Roasted peppers. There is a phenomenal lounge upstairs as well. the ribs, chicken and green beans and jambalaya were all off the charts. again, i feel that I will be sorely disappointed if i go to NOLA (bachelor party in four weeks) and Zydeco blows them out of the water... but honestly, i think it's a serious possibility. This place is a must stop in Bend. Also fyi, there is a private dining room that looks like it can accommodate at least 10 people. definitely worth checking out if you have a big (and hungry) group.
(4)Fred G.
Vegetarian Friendly * Considerate Service * Choice Ingredients * Prepared With Care * Surprisingly Fair Pricing * Will Return For some odd reason my wife and I have been putting off visiting Zydeco since we've moved to Bend. I guess we've been just waiting for the right time. Well, that time came this afternoon when me and the missus happened to be in downtown Bend on a book finding mission at the town library. I wasn't exactly sure where Zydeco was but my phone was quick to let me know that I was not more than a block away. I soon was assured by my "Map" app that I was right in front of the place, although it took us a few seconds to figure out exactly where it was for nothing marks the establishment but a small hanging sign above the doorway (and some menus in the window, of course). After a quick glance at the menu to convince us that the establishment was vegetarian friendly, we proceeded inside to be quickly greeted and seated in a well laid out dining room in view of the large horizontal window giving us a view of the bustle of the seemingly well organized kitchen. The room was sparsely populated for a Friday afternoon and I suspect that it gets busier on the weekend. This observation led me to anticipate quick and attentive service. My anticipation was soon justified as our server, Danielle, met us within moments of sitting down to offer our menus and take our drink orders. We both ordered iced teas and were informed that she would be back momentarily to tell us about their specials for the day. When Danielle returns, she is quick to answer any questions that we have about the menu, she also picks up that we are vegetarian/pescetarian and is considerate enough to fill us in on the details about the ingredients of certain dishes and if something contains meat or not or if something might be spicier than expected. We are more than grateful for this extra care taken and are soon trusting her enough to take her recommendations more seriously. I ordered the mushroom pot pie which was one of the specials of the day and my wife ordered the ceasar salad with the steelhead (catch of the day) and a cup of the tomato soup. We also ordered the smoky salmon dip and lavosh to share as an appetizer which didn't take much time at all to arrive at our table. Needless to say the dip was very good and made for a light and not too ominous a dish, which can sometimes happen with appetizers. It was perfect. The cup of tomato soup arrived almost at the same time and for a simple dish was quite amazing. When you cook everything with love, from scratch and with only the freshest and best ingredients even the simplest dishes are bound to be inspiring. Danielle, our server was experienced enough to allow us to finish our starters before bringing our entrees and, to be honest, I expected the pot pie to take a considerably longer time than it took to get to our table. I was pleased to see that this was not the case here. When it arrived it was beautiful and smelled even better. The ceasar salad arrived simultaneously and we soon learned that the fish was prepared utterly perfectly and was amazingly fresh tasting. As I tried the pot pie, I was delighted at the well combined flavors and the decision of the kitchen to serve this on a cold autumn day like today. If you ever visit Zydeco on such a day, I highly suggest this treat. After truly enjoying every bite of our meal with adequate yummy sounds and the occasional perfectly limited visits from Danielle and who I assume was the chef, we decided that we couldn't pass up the chance to try a dessert before we leave. We were brought the dessert menu and after some more descriptive input about the items we decided to share the chocolate pot de creme. This arrives in a small mason jar and turns out to be quite an enjoyable event in itself. It was like a thick mousse/pudding topped with a fresh creme and shaved chocolate. Good stuff. I would get that again and I'm not even much of a chocolate guy. After we were brought the check, we were asked if we had any dogs at home. Upon agreeing that we do, we were delivered a nice little bag with some dog biscuits made by the staff for just such a scenario. I must say, we have found a new addition to our list of favorite restaurants in Bend and we will definitely return.
(5)Ali A.
Amazing shrimp and grits, jambalaya, ribs, and rib eyes! I've never had anything that was short of delicious. The cocktails are innovative and unfortunately I haven't tried all of them (yet). We've always had wonderful service here!
(5)Julie E.
Well very good. Loved our shrimp appetizer 5 star. Ahi not as good as I hoped. 3 star. Jambalaya 5 star to my husband, 3.5 to me. Great service! So so beer selection. Great wine selection!
(4)Christine C.
Our friends highly recommended checking out Zydeco when we were in Bend. We were there on a Wednesday night and the restaurant was fairly busy (we didn't have a reservation), so we opted to sit in the bar. Our server, Justin, had great recommendations on cocktails/wine and guided us through the menu. If you visit, you must order the BBQ Shrimp. It is their signature appetizer and I could eat that sauce on its own. Our meal was so great that we went back the next night (I've never done that before). We sat in the bar once again and had another delightful server, Caitlin, and unforgettable meal. Can't wait to go back. Another thing I thought was really cool is they waive corkage for local wines (Oregon, Washington or Idaho).
(5)Linda F.
A very disappointing dinner last night. My meal, ribeye and Brussels sprouts , was so very very salty I could not finish. The presentation was poor as well. The kitchen needs to step it up on busy nights and throw away salt shaker!
(2)Marti B.
This place never disappoints. The Jambalaya and the Rib Eye Steak we had were amazing. It is not easy for a restaurant to continue serving up "innovation" for years, but Zydeco does...
(5)Jessica L.
Last night my friend and I sat at the bar for a girls night. We had amazing service as usual as well as food and drinks. This is my hands down favorite restaurant. Last night though we had the most exceptional thing happen, while enjoying ourselves and being wrapped up in our own world, a very generous person or persons paid our bill. THANK YOU! This was so kind and unexpected and so appreciated! Thank you and we plan on returning the gesture around town :) Cheers!
(5)Fannie S.
Fish sandwich ..steelhead salmon, delicious, fresh and moist. Shoestring fries...lots of it! $10.00! Service = friendly. Prices reasonable. Street parking, good luck!!
(4)David M.
We were looking for something original in Bend and stumbled upon Zydeco. We weren't expecting much when we walked in, but were pleasantly surprised. Though the restaurant name implies cajun, they have a limited cajun menu. The menu is well rounded and has enough types of food that just about anyone will find something they would like. The food was outstanding and the prices were inexpensive for the food you get. For three of us, we spent just over $30 for food you would pay $40-50 for in any other city. We shared a soup and salad, pulled pork sandwich and etoufee. I had etoufee years ago in Louisiana, which I remember raving about. The other two in the group had never tasted it before. Everyone enjoyed this etoufee. Perfectly balanced ingredients, perfect heat and had more shrimp than we were expecting. The pulled pork sandwich was excellent. The sandwich had less sauce than other pulled pork sandwiches I have had, but was perfect for the sandwich. The pork was moist and had wonderful flavor; it didn't need to more sauce. If you like lots of sauce on your pork sanwiches, I would recommend asking for a side of extra sauce. The soup and salad was excellent. The soup was tomato basil. Again, delicious and perfectly balanced. I visit Bend every couple of years and have seen the improvements every time I'm here. I am happy Bend finally has a restaurant with top rate food.
(5)Jen K.
Sometimes ratings are all over the map, but I think the almost equal number of four and five star reviews for Zydeco are right on the money. I ask locals for restaurant recommendations in Bend all the time and this place is almost always mentioned. But be forewarned that it is one of the more expensive restaurants in town. If you are going to charge $25 - 35 for most entrees, you've got to bring it, and they do. We chose two of their most popular entrees: the Grilled Redfish (w/dungeness crab and sauteed spinach over mashers) and the Grilled Filet Medallions with the largest side of shoestring fries I've seen on a plate recently. The Redfish is a wonderful dish and highly recommended. While the medallions were beautifully prepared, the plate was out of balance. There was just the meat and fries and it really needs a vegetable side to balance out the dish. Cocktails were excellent and at $7, were reasonably priced. My blueberry infused Lemon Drop and the margarita were solid. Nice kids' menu that included a drink and scoop of ice cream and most importantly, kids eat free on Sunday. The lemonade is tart, but they'll bring you a side of simple syrup if you ask. The pièce de résistance was the Key Lime Pie for dessert. It was a daily special and not on their standard menu so I hope they offer it frequently. It is the best version of this dessert I've ever eaten and the perfect way to end our meal. If I've had a very positive or negative experience at a restaurant, I try to give feedback in person directly to the owner/manager at the time of service. I found it odd that it was a bit difficult to do that here. At the end of the meal I asked for a comment card and they don't have them. There is also no contact information on their website. I grabbed a business card and sent an email to the owner, but so far radio silence. [1] With the Zydeco name, I was expecting a little more casual Creole flavor in the decor and menu. This is an upscale joint and stylish interpretation of that theme. But, like all places in Bend, Zydeco is not the least bit formal or stuffy. Service was excellent but you should make reservations in advance. For a nice dinner out, Zydeco and Blacksmith top my Bend list. [1] The owner did contact me within the week and said the dish is their interpretation of the French classic steak and fries. They mentioned that you can substitute a vegetable of your choice for the fries if you prefer. My quandary is that I loved the fries, just wanted fewer of them and something green on the plate too.
(4)M K.
Loved this place! Olive oil, artichoke and corn fritters were fantastic. Drinks were fun and tasty-blueberry lemon drop, treehugger drink Great dessert too - Had the flourless chocolate cake
(5)Mark W.
Have eaten here many times and food and service is always good. Tonight was fantastic. 18 oz bone in ribeye was awesome. Grass fed beef is fantastic. Mike our server was great.
(4)James M.
Excellent service and Cajun food. Barbecue Shrimp appetizer was so Ono, yummy, while the Duck fries were sublime and delicious. The blackened Red Fish was moist and spicy and the sauce was creamy and full. The Shrimp Étouffée came with eight juicy large shrimp and the sauce was comfort food tasty!
(5)Gail J.
I just had dinner at Zydeco. First, I had a hard time deciding what to order because it all sounded so good. I finally ordered the wild boar. Fabulous. I would eat there again and again.
(5)Rebecca I.
This is our go to for a nice dinner or to take in visitors from out of town. The food is always phenomenal and the drinks are delish!
(5)Jen B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bend, hands down. This is the place where you can dare to try new foods and won't be let down. Everything is good here. Seriously. FOOD ALLERGY PEEPS LISTEN UP: This is the place to go if you have food allergies. They are completely accommodating to any restrictions you can throw at them. I found out from one of the waitresses that this is because the owners and their children all have food allergies. They go above and beyond to make sure you can eat until you pop and I've never gotten sick! BIG CON: Sometimes it can be over an hour to get a table here. TIP: Make reservations if you want to skip the wait, or you can order the food to go and enjoy it down at Drake park. Also ask about the roof seating in the summer, it's nice.
(5)Marci B.
We've been to Zydeco's 3 times now and food and service are consistently great! Fun for Dinner or just Wine and appetizers...love the Roasted Beet Salad and the Artichoke Corn Fritters!
(4)Nina N.
The food here was amazing! The shrimp and grits but I subbed for mashed potatoes were a hit!!! I also got the ribs and they were literally falling off the bone!!!! Also, the carrot cake yes, must order
(5)Jill H.
The service and food both exceeded expectations! From the moment we walked in till the last bit of dessert we had an amazing experience! All of the food looked amazing but we enjoyed the Vegetarian Risotto, Barbecue Shrimp and Flourless Chocolate Cake. The risotto had and amazing flavor and excellent blend of vegetables. The service was personable and diligent! It is a must visit restaurant in Bend!
(5)C F.
Consistently great food and service. BBQ Shrimp was tasty as usual, beet salad delicious, and the crab cake so so. I'm not taking any points off for the crab cake because I am super picky when it comes to them. Good news was it was mostly crab with little to no filler, but i did not care for the panko crust or it tasting fried -- not really pan seared as described. Delightful cocktails.
(5)Steve L.
My family is gluten free with two of our family members being EXTREMELY sensitive. Therefore, cross-contamination is always a huge concern. Many restaurants say they have GF menus and are knowledgeable, but at Zydeco's, they really are aware of the issue. We met Stephen, the head chef and co-owner, who told us about his wife's story of basically being a Celiac all her life. That's the reason they are so aware of gluten and its effects. In any case, they opened this restaurant cooking the way they wanted to cook, including offering GF options. I compared the GF menu with the non-GF menu and they are almost identical. The GF menu offers a huge selection including steak, fresh fish, wild boar, chicken, duck and lamb. Ironically, the item that really knocked our socks off was their french fries. It sounds like a put down saying "french fries" when this is such a wonderful upscale restaurant, but they were amazing. They use a dedicated GF fryer which allowed us to enjoy this simple pleasure I'm sure not having fries in two years had something to do with it, but at the same time, those who joined us for dinner (who are not GF) said they loved the fries, too. We substituted the mashed potatoes side dish with fries each night and even had a plate for dessert one night. My son, who is almost 15, can be quite picky. In his words, he said, "I could eat here every night." We were in the Bend area for six nights and ate there three times. I'm not sure how much more of a compliment one can give.
(5)Sara H.
We visited Bend in May. Walked the riverfront trail and then headed up to find a place for dinner. The menu posted outside looked great and the restaurant was busy. They seated us right away though without a reservation. Excellent dinner and service! Although very busy everything came promptly. The menu had great choices. I would definitely return again. Wish I could tell you more specifics about our meal, but I've waited too long to write the review. Definitely a 5* though.
(5)Dawn C.
The first day of most Bend trips goes, for us, something like this: Me: Look at all of the PEOPLE who are DOWNTOWN!! Hubs: I know. Me: Why can't Eugene get something like this going? Hubs: If only we could convince our city leaders to help plan some INFRASTRUCTURE. Perhaps with the river paths leading to downtown and, .... Okay, I'm sorry. I'll stop. Downtown Bend has several little gems, and we've only experienced a slight handful. Most of what we've seen, though, has us dying to come back for more as we realize that there's more to do here than ski Mt. B. all day. We wandered in to Z's around 6:30 on a Saturday, and were pleasantly surprised to learn that we could be seated right away in spite of having no reservation. Per the suggestions of other Yelpers, we HAD to try the flatbread (no disappointment here). Then, hubs had the redfish and I, the jambalaya. Delicious! I appreciate the quality ingredients and whimsy of the culinary team here. I also loved the shared seating at large tables in the bar area. Sure it's loud, but I love shared spaces done well...and Z's pulls it off without a hitch. We'll be back ...
(5)Ken P.
We had dinner here with another couple and really enjoyed our evening. The atmosphere was lively and very busy even though we were there on a Wednesday evening. We ate dinner on their rooftop service area that was quite nice on a warm evening and watched the sunset while enjoying a wonderful meal. We started with the Barbecue Shrimp served over southern grit cake appetizer that is a must. Wonderful flavors and large enough to share with four people. The two of us guys ordered the Shrimp Andouille & Crawfish Jambalaya. They definitely know how to make jambalaya and the cornbread severed with it was fresh made and very tasty. My wife ordered the Cavatappi Pasta with shrimp & andouille sausage which was very good. It was prepared in a light cream sauce that was delicate and didn't overpower the dish. The other lady ordered the Pan Roasted Steelhead in a lemon-caper sauce with seasonal vegetable and mashed potatoes. She liked it so much she wants to go back just to order the same meal again. If you like wine with your meal they have a very large wine cellar with selections that should meet all wine preferences and price marks. As mentioned we were there in the middle of the week and it was packed when we arrived at seven in the evening. I would highly recommend getting reservations or you might have to wait for quite a while. I highly recommend the restaurant and will return any time I'm in Bend.
(4)Amit K.
Ratings in context to an experienced eater who likes good food and has eaten around the world (way too much food intake)... I am thankful to other reviewers as I had no sense of the quality of Bend cuisine. Now that I have experienced a meal at Zydeco myself, it puts some of the complaints I read in Yelp in context. Clearly, there are those who are upset about one facet of their experience and they let it poison their whole experience. Also, before I visited I noticed the numerous 5 star ratings from people with little experience writing reviews (this is my first one) so I was skeptical of the place. It turned out excellent. Tuesday night July 3, packed. We were seated by our friendly server with a saucy attitude within minutes with our 8pm reservation. It was a live and diverse crowd, everyone who was there seemed to be having a great time and dining experience. The wine selection was full of quality choices and there is a beautiful wine display floor-to-ceiling to stare at for hours on end. The menu is certainly full of diverse flavors, but it allows everyone to find something they enjoy. The signature Barbecue Shrimp with southern grits was a little spicy for our pinot noir wine pairing, however as a standalone dish, it was excellent. The boar was not gamey and cooked perfectly. The rack of lamb was superb. My wife had the mongchong and she loved the flakiness and moistness of the fish. All the the sides from brussel sprouts to mashed potatoes to asparagus were all prepared well. I thoroughly enjoyed the Red Fish (it is really white fish) dish on mashed potatoes and spinach and Zydeco sauce. Desert was uhhh-may-zing. Bread pudding was soft and airy and the flourless chocolate cake was decadent (but not too heavy) and the peanut butter ice cream was truly deeply peanut buttery. For an eatery in Bend (where food distribution may be difficult and not affordable for the food ecosystem players due to its distance from major cities), this was an unexpected surprise, and I could not have been more pleased.
(4)Joshua L.
My favorite in Bend. Top notch steaks, the BBQ shrimp is the best app in this town, and excellent cocktails.
(5)John W.
Great restaurant. Very nice and relaxing environment. Good food. Nice cocktail menu as well. The wild boar tenderloin is my personal favorite so far, but everything has been delicious. Salads and desserts included. Carrot cake. Good service and very clean. Five stars.
(5)Amber F.
Really Great Restaurant and not over the top w/their pricing. Husband had the wild boar and it melted in your mouth. Came w/grilled veggies, onion rings and mashed potatoes. I had the beet salad, it was outstanding. Came w/pistachios and goat cheese w/greens. Dinner was the shrimp appetizer with a sauce on it that musta been made in heaven. The bread that came w/the meal was so good I asked if I could buy some. They told me that it was from a Newport Bakery there locally and I'm seriously thinking of delaying our trip a bit to track it down. (It had what looked like poppy seads on the top and it was a sourdough)
(5)Bud H.
Started with the Wild Mushroom Toast and it was excellent - had a great flavor and was very hearty. Next came the Spinach Salad and it was good too - fresh spinach drizzled with a very tasty honey mustard vinaigrette. And finally my entree - I had the BBQ Baby Back Ribs but substituted the usual sides for simple fries. Although I wasn't a huge fan of the BBQ sauce initially, it grew on me throughout the meal. The ribs were very tender and the fries were cut thin and crisp - just how I like them. And did I mention the portions are huge? All in all it was a very enjoyable experience and there are quite a few items on the menu that I'd love to try.
(4)Kirsten R.
Wonderful service, great ambiance, delectable food. It's most definitely our place to eat in Bend. Oh. And the desserts. Save room. Cause they're off the hook!
(5)Austin K.
I'm a real skeptic when everyone recommends this place, but I've been there twice and have had great experiences both times. We went there for a birthday, just the two of us on a busy Friday night and were seated promptly, well taken care of by the wait staff, and the food (especially the duck) was great. Will definitely be back for more.
(5)Patrick M.
The review is for the food and not the service. The service was exceptional. We couldn't get a table, but had plenty of room at the bar. The bartender was great and provided excellent recommendations. Now for the food. It wasn't anything WOW. My partner's pasta lacked any flavor. My Prime Rib, eh again, just ok. I think next time we will explore a few other places.
(2)Doug D.
Very busy place and I can see why. The service is the best and the food is great. Blackened Red fish is excellent, it's the signature dish, try it.
(5)Whitney W.
Amazing food with flawless, intricate presentation. Zydeco has a dim but intriguing atmosphere, although it is a little noisy. I came here for my 16th birthday with my family, and all of us were very pleased with the service and our meals.
(5)H I.
Order the BBQ shrimp, just like everyone else tells you to. The sauce is unlike any BBQ sauce I've ever tasted, don't know that I'd even call it BBQ sauce but none of that matters because it is DELICIOUS... and spicy. Skip the flat bread (which I ordered) and get their aged rib-eye (bf's order). It was AMAZING. Flavorful, buttery, tender and I was pissed that I let him order it when that's what I wanted. It's a huge restaurant and therefore, loud. But service was pretty good and most of the food was really good. Prices weren't cheap but it's a nice place and you get what you pay for. We are still kinda new to Bend and are trying places for the first time. I'm glad we tried this place and thinking about that rib-eye makes me want to go back NOW. Oh and dessert! The creme brulee was exactly what a creme brulee should be. We have a habit of ordering it every time we see it on any dessert menu and theirs was delicious.
(4)Heidi N.
My husband was really sick on our first wedding anniversary this weekend, so we decided to go pick up dinner from here. First, they were very prompt to take a telephone order. It went smoothly until she said the key-lime pie was seasonal (which is not indicated on the menu) and the creme brulee couldn't be to go because of the dish it has to be cooked in. We ended up making an extra stop at Deschutes Brewery to pick up dessert. (But that's another review!) I ordered the steak with "crab", and my husband ordered the jambalaya. When we got home and I started opening the order I noticed that there wasn't any effort made with presentation for the to-go order. I didn't expect much, but for $70 for two dishes and an appetizer I expected something a little nicer. The appetizer - corn and artichoke fritters, was delicious. I could have eaten a pile of them. My husband said he really liked his jambalaya, and that there was a really great quantity of shrimp and sausage. He's a deep-east Texan, so he's eaten a lot of southern food. My first impression, when opening my food, was of mmmaayyybeee a tablespoon and a half of crab scattered haphazardly on top of a steak. I was honestly shocked that they would even bother to make this a selling point of this dish if this is the normal amount usually added. Which makes me think, to put it indelicately, that I got the shaft. The steak was good. The potatoes that came with it were decent, as were the vegetables. (The veggies were all carrots, I believe, and literally two green beans, but it all tasted good.) I had made a point of mentioning our wedding anniversary, and I feel like they made absolutely no extra effort to make any of our order particularly better. Honestly, I got totally hung up on the crab because it was just the principle of the thing. It would have been so easy for them to put in the tiniest bit of effort, but in not doing so they lost what could have been loyal customers who equated their business with a happy experience.
(2)Monica R.
I can't believe I'm writing this, but this little restaurant was dynamite! I've been to Bend a few times but never thought to come here; boy have I been missing out. We started with the BBQ shrimp, and oh my baby jesus that sauce was one of the most amazing things I've eaten all year. I couldn't believe it! We kept the plate to sop up the sauce later. They had two great sounding vegetarian options, I went with the veggie Shepard's Pie and it was fantastic. Rich, creamy, delicious. I just couldn't believe how good it was. Everyone seemed to like their meaty meals. The cornbread was some of the best I've ever had, sweet with actual corn in it. I also got the grit fritters, which were interesting and tasty. It was a little pricey, but to be fair we sucked down two bottles of wine and some after dinner scotch. The waitstaff was super nice and fun to joke around with. I would definitely be back!
(5)Robert B.
Our go to restaurant when we celebrate. Free corkage for nw wines is a big plus. Love the artichoke fritters, sazerac, and duck, but everything is great. Service is the best in town period.
(5)Ming L.
We came here on Friday night of Thanksgiving weekend. Ambiance is more NYC than Bend, think dark wood, modern lighting and gray walls. You can buy the BBQ shrimp to take home and I know why...it's delicious. So good my 16 month old ate two shrimps; she loved it! Hubby got the wild boar which was delicious. It's sliced and presented like duck breast and tasted a little like duck too, rich and a little gamey. I had the double pork chop special with truffled mashed potatoes. So good, I cleaned the plate. They have a kid's menu which was unexpected for this kind of restaurant. If our baby didn't have such an early bed time I would've stayed to see what dessert was on offer. Oh well, maybe next time.
(5)James P.
I had the Artichoke & Corn Fritters and the Shrimp Po'Boy. White table fancy place, but the service was a little slow. I thought the food was good, but maybe overpriced.
(3)Sarah B.
Living in San Francisco, my dining experience expectations when visiting Central Oregon are admittedly low. I'm happy to say that Zydeco exceeded those expectations and then some! I went with my mom for "happy hour" around 6 on a Thursday night and was seated immediately without a reservation. Zydeco unfortunately doesn't have any actual happy hour deals, but their food and drinks are worth paying full price for anyway. We ordered and shared a pomegranate martini, mojito, the barbeque shrimp and a flatbread and were blown away by all four. The BBQ shrimp in particular was amazing. Beyond the food, our service was flawless as well. Our waitress was sweet and attentive without being overbearing, and didn't even hint at being annoyed when she realized we were only ordering drinks and appetizers. Definitely five star dining in a town where I previously expected three star experiences. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm up north!
(5)Erin M.
Well, I found heaven on a plate. And it is a not-so-little appetizer called Wild Mushroom Toast. Where I do begin. I had this over a month and a half ago, and I still drool just thinking about it. I was only in Bend for 3 days, and seriously considered having this for lunch and dinner all 3 days and asking for the recipe. I am that serious about this plate. The description of it on the menu does not do it any justice. Sure it entices you a bit, but it is just too simplified for you to really imagine the gloriousness you are about to be served. A plate full of garlicky mashed potatoes with two thick wedges of multi-grain/wheat toast smothered in sauteéd mushrooms that have all been drizzled in a Worcestershire reduction,and reggiano cheese. Best. Ever. Put a fork in me. I am done.
(5)Ashley B.
I really enjoyed my experience here. My husband and I came for a night on the town - we were visiting from CA and wanted to get a nice date night in. The service was awesome, and the food was to-die-for. I LOVED the duck and risotto, corn-fritters, the brownie dessert, and the berry margarita. We will be back, probably every time we come up to Bend. This is definitely our favorite place to go in Bend!
(4)Deliah R.
The menu was very diverse and a good kids menu too! They actually served quality grilled veggies as an option with the usual kid menu choices. The Ahi salad was very fresh and light. Perfect for a 2:15pm lunch! I also must comment on the French fries....they were honestly the best fries I have ever had!!!! Hands down! Crispy, not to salty with a light herb dust and not greasy at all! Great Blueberry Lemonade cocktails too!
(5)Julie Ann O.
What an amazing meal. The BBQ shrimp was a wonderful starter, followed up by pecan encrusted halibut. The service was great, atmosphere was fun and the food delicious.
(5)Bruce T.
We had dinner here October 5th. The service is very good - attentive without being overbearing. Don't fail to have the barbequed shrimp. The sauce is superb. The jambalaya was excellent. Our waiter recommended a really splendid wine. Next time we're in Bend we'll settle for a couple of appetizers and some wine. The portions are generous and if you lack any way to store the food overnight, it's a shame to waste it.
(5)Melisa T.
I'm a tough cookie when it comes to my food reviews and this one seriously deserves 5 stars. We stopped in here on New Years' Eve. As usual we didn't even think to make reservations. We asked if they by chance had a table for two. Granted, it was early, but they fit us in with no wait! We thought that was extremely nice considering they started to get extremely busy after we were seated. The waiter was wonderful and not pushy. He knew his stuff. The specials menu was impressive, but we weren't in the mood for a steak (believe it or not) or crabcakes. I had a glass of the Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). Good way to start! Both of us started with the small spinach salad with honey mustard vinaigrette, pistachios and goat cheese. Amazing! The goat cheese was mild and creamy. The salad with the dressing was a perfect balance. We couldn't wait for the main courses. Al had the sesame encrusted Ahi tuna with rice, shrimp rolls, cucumber salad and wasabi vinaigrette. They can do it all. I had the Cavatappi pasta with shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers and thyme in a light cream sauce. Oh boy...spicy, but oh so good. Luckily, we saved room for dessert. We shared the flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream and a dollop of real whipped cream. Oh.....my.....goodness! You know how flourless cakes are usually dense and you wish it had some flour in it? Well, I don't know how they do it, but this cake is fluffy and light - so darn good. I just can't stop gushing about it. Lastly, we noticed how quiet it was, even though it was a packed house. They have fabric on the walls that really cuts down the noise. Great detail that a lot of restaurants miss and you find that you cannot hear yourself think. If you ever find yourself in Bend and want an amazing dinner experience, you must stop here. Unfortunately, they are only open for lunch Mon-Fri, but dinner is well worth it. We will definitely be back! I gotta try one of those steaks!
(5)Kfir L.
This place was great. I was only in town for one night and couldn't have picked a better place to have dinner. Coming from San Francisco, and the huge amount of amazing restaurants there, I wasn't expecting too much from a place in Bend, OR. But Zydeco proved me wrong. The apps were great. Main course and accompanying sides also fantastic. I was full half way through my main course but finished because it was that good. If I'm back in Bend again I will definitely make another visit.
(5)Michael H.
Food was amazing. Great atmosphere. Service was impeccable. As Bay Area foodies, this impressed.
(5)John S.
I don't get the hype. The service was slow and inattentive when we visited on a weeknight. I can't imagine what the place is like during the weekend with a packed house. Friends raved about the artichokes. If you're thinking about it, don't. Ours was burned beyond recognition. Overcooked? Yeah. But they served it anyway. For dinner, I ordered the bone-in rib eye with dungeness crab. The raw, flavorless piece of gristle they put in front of me made me consider becoming a vegetarian. The leather on my shoes would've been easier to chew. This puts new meaning into the word organic--which is code for "We've jacked the prices up because it's 'organic.'" If you're looking to drop some ca$h on a meal and you really don't care about the quality of the food, you've found the right place. Neither do they. But if you want good food, try somewhere else. We went to the Deschutes Pub and thoroughly enjoyed the night after its less than impressive beginning at Zydeco.
(1)Angie M.
You must try the BBQ Shrimp appetizer, redfish dinner dish, and the spinach salad is my favorite in town. I usually get it with steelhead on the top. I also love warm summer evenings with the open windows bringing the outside in...
(5)A A.
Oh mama. This was soooooo good. From start to finish everything was great. I was actually kinda shocked. I love shrimp etouffe, and nobody seems to do it right, but this place came in pretty close. Was too tomato-ish for me, and I like it more gravy like, but I had a hankering that this place quenched. Friendly staff and nice vibe too!
(5)J P.
We overnighted in Bend for a night and had dinner at Zydeco Kitchen. Mmmmm. I had the halibut and a Caesar salad. Both delicious, but the dessert really got me (and I'm not a huge sweets person)...the chocolate pots de creme. OMG! So amazing. I was sad that I couldn't finish the last couple of bites because I was SO full. But I'm on a hunt for a good recipe to make it at home. AND a good reason to go to Bend again! :)
(4)Natalie A.
Again, I find Bend to be absolutely beautiful so I may be a bit bias! I went there with family on a Saturday evening. The place started to fill up quickly as our food came, which didn't take long after we ordered. We ordered the Barbeque Shrimp with Southern Grit as an appetizer, which was very good. It had a creole flavor with the shrimp on top of a thin block of grits and a spicy roux all around it. They give you bread to dip. I ordered the shrimp, andoiulle sausage, and crawfish jambalay served with corn bread. This wasn't so spicy, mild. It tasted good and tasted even better as left overs, which I'm having right now. I ordered the almond wet cake surrounded with sliced strawberries and bananas. I found it was okay. Maybe it was soaking in milk, but it didn't impress me much. Overall the food tasted fresh! The service was impeccable! Fast and efficient. The waiters want to make you happy! This restaurant also has a great selection of wines! I didn't try them because of personal reasons, but I was tempted! The ambience was welcoming and relaxing. The environment of the place is pretty chic and clean cut. I really enjoyed this restaurant.
(5)Christina S.
I'm going to keep this short. Good food, good drinks, good service. The beet salad was excellent and so was my rib eye. My husband had the burger and loved it. Our table also ordered the Steelhead which was delicious and the pork tenderloin which I did not try, but was also said to be great. To the guy that gave the one star...I found the menu pretty diverse for a place call ZYDECO...and you really thought this was a place to bring your 11 month old and order them a meal...?
(4)Cathy M.
I would give this place more stars if I could! They were packed on a Monday, but we walked around the city a little before heading to the bar for a drink before dinner. I asked the bartender for a cocktail with local vodka, and he suggested the Red Curry Martini. OMG this is one of the best cocktails I've EVER HAD! It was spicy (I mean really spicy!) with coconut, and some other subtle flavors. I LOVED it. Unique, warm and cool at the same time, it was awesome. For dinner, we ordered the Artichoke Corn Fritters, Cheese Plate with Fig Jam, Vegetarian Shepard's Pie and Steak (I don't remember which one). This was the best meal I've had in a LONG time. Fritters were FANTASTIC. The jam with the cheese plate was so good I ate it plain when everything else was gone. And the Shepard's Pie was a true meal, which for a vegetarian, it's often hard to find anything that isn't just a bunch of side dishes put together. I would recommend this place to everyone I know--which I just did!
(5)Jack N.
Excellent. First of all, the roasted clams are one of the most amazing things I've ever eaten. Secondly, if you bring your own bottle of either Oregon or Washington wine, they waive the corkage fee.
(5)Reynolds P.
Five of us enjoyed wonderful meals here the night before last (2 from the Bay Area, 2 from Portland, and 1 from Bend). All of our dinners were excellent as was the service from our waiter Michael. 2 of us had the blackened red fish, 1 had the ahi, 1 had ribs, and 1 a cheeseburger. That's a fairly good range to test a kitchen. All were first rate, including the beers and wines that were ordered. My wife and I are lucky to dine out often, and in many diff. cities. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we've had. We'd not made reservations, and it was a busy, warm summer night. We put our name on the list and walked two doors away to another place to sit and have a beverage outside. We'd just gotten our order when Zydeco called to say our table was ready. They graciously said it would be fine for us to finish our drinks and walk back. Zydeco is a plus for Bend. It has a broad menu w/ plenty of offerings from which to select. We will definitely be back.
(5)Frifri F.
Turned away for dinner at 8:40pm, was told kitchen was closed. Not tourist friendly.
(1)Drew H.
The food was excellent as usual I had one issue with part of my dish but it was fixed very quickly great service you get what you pay for a little expensive but great great great for our favorite restaurant in bed
(5)Nancy S.
We have been to this restaurant 4 times now since we moved to Bend 10 months ago. Numerous folks suggested it, and we are glad to say we too recommend it. Quality food and we will be back. Reservations are a good idea!
(5)Harriet L.
We have been here twice. The first time was 2 years ago and the second was this past weekend. Both times the service was good and the food was incredible. The red fish with dungeness crab and Zydeco sauce is a signature dish worthy of reaching everyone's table at least once. A thoughtful experience from start to finish with detailed apps and entrees. Bend has a lot great food and Zydeco is certainly a shining star in this town. If you visit Bend, this restaurant is well worth your time.
(5)Christina B.
I have been here several times, business lunch, date and a family celebration dinner. Everyone including my self has been very impressed with the food and drinks. I enjoyed the tri beet salad. The crab cakes and ribs with mac n cheese were also a table favorites. Even the weekend of Valentine's Day when they were fully booked with reservations they offer a long community table so my party of 4 was still able to get a table right away. I will definitely make a point to eat here again next time I am in Bend, OR.
(5)Lauren C.
My favorite restaurant in Bend. A must try!
(5)Bradley D.
Amazing drinks, desserts and food! You've got to try the grilled artichoke appetizer!
(4)Jessica C.
3.5 stars Pros: Great service, consistent quality of good food, outdoor seating. Cons: Plate on which a large prime rib was serviced on was not conducive to cutting. I ordered the burger with fries. Burger was juicy and not over done (I asked for medium). My husband ordered a prime rib. It was slightly overcooked. The main thing was being served on a plate that was too small. When he was cutting it, it would slide all over the place. The steak knife wasn't sharp enough either, which may have led to the sliding piece of meat. The service was good. If our server was busy, there was someone else that comes by and asks if we needed anything. The chef came out and asked how things were too, which I think is a nice personable touch. If we were to visit Bend again, I would go back here and try some other items on the menu.
(4)Vanna S.
By far, one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had the misfortune of paying for. Hubby and I visited this place for lunch on the last day of our Oregon vacation. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, and has a nice, clean upscale feel to it. Hubby ordered the chicken sandwich, and I ordered the etouffee. The waitress returned a minutes later, however, and informed me that they were "out of" the etouffee. WTF? How do you run out of a standard menu item at the very beginning of lunch service? I wound up ordering the cheese burger, as the rest of the menu items - mostly sandwiches and salads - seemed boring. Then began a forty - yes, forty - minute wait to get a burger and a sandwich. They seemed short staffed - two waitresses in the front of the house, and there appeared to be only one cook and one sous chef in the kitchen preparing food. I get it that shit happens - people call in sick, whatever, plus there were a couple of large parties ahead of us, so I totally understand the wait. The waitstaff was friendly, but not attentive, and never asked us how the food was, nor did they apologize for the long delay. A basket of bread and a "hey, thanks for waiting," would have gotten them a second chance. In fact, they never even came back to our table until it was time to pay. Here's why I'll never go back: The $11 cheese burger was cold. The bun, which was twice as big as the patty - was stale, and rubbery, and appeared not even to have been toasted. The fries were cold as well. It's as if the burger sat alone on the counter, waiting either for the waitress, or for the chicken sandwich to be done. I suspect the latter, since the chicken sandwich was hot. Unfortunately, being of adequate temperature couldn't save this sandwich from the incompetent hands of the chef. The chicken, though hot, was dry and rubbery. The flavors of the rest of the sandwich were mercifully overwhelmed by two strips of smoked bacon. I say mercifully because the chicken was over-charred (i.e., burned) in some places. Based on the reviews, I gather we just got them on a bad day, but I'll never be back.
(1)linda b.
Horrible food and even worse service. Stay away from this place. They pack you in like sardines and then rape your wallet!
(1)Michael S.
OK food. Poor service. Overall, an unpleasant dining experience.
(1)Bonnie N.
My husband and I had dinner here on a Sunday evening. We were told to have reservations, but they were not needed. It was relatively quiet when we got there (5:30). Service was great, and very speedy. Specials sounded yummy, but I did feel some sales pressure for the more expensive items on the menu. My husband loved the beer on tap...great local selection...I think he had an IPA. I got the steelhead, which was delicious, cooked in a lemon caper sauce with a generous serving of asparagus and mashed potatoes underneath. The fish was very fresh and cooked to perfection. The bread and flavored olive oil was also really yummy. My guy had the redfish, blackened, with spinach and mashed potatoes, which he also enjoyed.
(4)David F.
It's true, the ribs are amazing. They slather way the heck too much sauce on them though. There is no need to do this, people. It nearly ruins the dish. Put the sauce on the side by default. Another good one to try is the red fish. Pass on the flat bread pizza cracker thing. Flat bread is a fad that is getting out of control. The food here is very high end and very rich. Make sure you are in the mode for some serious eatin'. Save room for the key lime pie with pecan crust. Oh and the service is outstanding. You will be treated like a king and a good friend of the staff.
(4)Rachel P.
I don't give out 5 stars very often so you know it's good. The food- amazing! The kind of food you want to bathe in- but you can't because they serve reasonable portions :) Service is amazing. My only complaint is that my friends and I really brought down the average age- it's upscale and for special occasions. It's Bend so it's casual, but not ski-pants, workout clothes casual- like some other places (which is fine!) I might not be back, only because I did just about drop a C note on drinks, ap, dinner and desert- a special occasion indeed and I'm still giving it 5 stars! Ok, maybe I will be back!!
(5)Terry T.
I'd rank Zydeco among my top 3 Bend restaurants. The downtown location is nicer than their old haunt on 3rd street, and both the food, staff, and prices seemed to be no worse for the move. If I had to detract anything, it would be the noise and packed tables. The place is loud and happening on most nights, and reservations are ideal. Their drinks are good, the food is better, and the staff has provided consistently good service. They specialize in quasi-cajun food including jambalaya, catfish, etc. but their menu is broad enough to include really good american standards like shepard's pie, burgers, tenderloins, etc. Specials usually become the dealbreakers though, good stuff! As I said, the service is good and the waitstaff seems to have low turnover, which is always a good thing. Oh, and in the summer, inquire about rooftop seating!
(5)S. M. K.
Zydeco is an excellent foodie experience. I have eaten here many times and i am never disappointed. The Food: Steak medallions fantastic Fish specials have always delivered fresh, no smell dishes Shrimp ettouf- spicy but flavors blend. Vegan dish was also very good. Bread from the village baker is so perfect Salads the spinach is so good i just can't seem to order anything else. Apps BBQ shrimp I am a bit shocked by one review from some one stating that the food was not plated all that well- REALLY; and you really thought you could get Creme Brulee to go, serious. Go to enjoy the food this place presents! Wine list; this would be only complaint as they were out of 3 of the wines we attempted to order, hmmmm this could make me suspicious. What ever i will always come back!
(5)Brandon H.
I'm still confused about the interior, I'm not sure what that "style" is called, but the food is really the main attraction here. The flat-bread was very good, we got it with the sausage and chicken, and it all worked very well together. It was a bit more soggy from the cheese than I would prefer, but you can't win 'em all. Corn fritters were great, unique and well made. The filet medallions (of which there are two, just an FYI) were well cooked, spot-on medium-rare. They had a nice char to them, and had a good seasoning but the meat itself didn't have much flavor. The steel-head was also nicely prepared but was about average. Desserts were jolly-green-giant sized, and very good. It took me about 10 minutes to finish the carrot cake, and I eat fast. Save room for dessert! Overall the food was good. It's not going to bring Michelin to town anytime soon, but it met the expectations I had for it. Give it a try!
(3)Debbie B.
Roasted clams on mashed potatoes (from the gluten free menu), very tasty. Four of us dined here. Everyone enjoyed their entrees. Well worth visiting.
(5)Eric K.
One of my most favorite places to eat in Bend. The BBQ shrimp are simply awesome! I haven't had a bad, or even mediocre, meal here. You won't be worry you ate here.
(5)Rod J.
Thanks again fellow Yelpsters! Another great choice in a new town. Flatbread app one of the best I've ever had. Even the comp bread with oil and spices was unique. NY Strip with chimichurri sauce was excellent as well as the roasted veggies with carrots and sweet potatoes. The Dulce de Leche sundae was the perfect topper with spicy pecans, easily qualifying for the dessert hall of fame! Wonderful meal in a great city.
(5)Amber L.
All of the food was incredible here! We ordered the shrimp appetizer, duck fries, a beet salad, the steak and the duck. The portions were generous and everything was really flavorful and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the duck which was perfectly cook and expertly seasoned. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in Bend!
(5)RM K.
My husband and I love the dark ambiance and comfortable vibe. Drinks are amazing and food was delicious. I had the jumbo prawn risotto that was out of this world. Only reason for 4 stars in my opinion is the food is very competitive to our other Bend favorites but priced a tad higher.
(4)Sheri D.
The food overall was good! Highly recommend the shrimp with BBQ sauce (and bread to soak up the sauce). Duck fries are to die for. The service was great! Only thing was the redfish was way to salty. I couldn't finish because of this. I would give it another try - but order something else.
(3)Jimmy B.
The best meal I've ever had in Bend, and I've been traveling here for 20+ years. Unique menu with fantastic flavors! The staff was very attentive, the service was a little slow, but oh so worth the wait for such great food!!! The atmosphere is good, a little loud, but the food is incredible! Parking is on the street and can be a little tight. Park a block away and enjoy the sights of Downtown Bend. And if I haven't mentioned...the food is fantastic!
(5)Lee T.
Excellent dishes. Spendy, but worth the price. Treat yourself.
(5)Carmen L.
Very good. Had a nice lunch date with my hubby here. The atmosphere on the outside dining was very "bend" . We ordered the flatbread for the appetizer--so should you, it was delicious. Plus we shared a pulled pork sandwich. The fries were so-so. They like to put parsley on everything. We will go here again.
(4)Robert D.
Yes, the food is flavorful. The BBQ shrimp is to die for. I wanted to give this unique spot in Bend a 5 star review but they kept missing the mark. Reservations were - wait another 25 minutes and then you might get seated. Then remember to ask what they have run out of before ordering. (Out of mashed potatoes????) After deleting 6 items off the menu it was no longer curious. Seems the management still has not figured out how to order to supply the kitchen. Ribs were large, meaty and not warm. Other orders were up to par. Their policy on corkage fees is to be commended. No fee for northwest wines. All in all, if you know what you are getting into, this is a spot with great flavors and a nice spot to dine in Bend.
(4)Jeff P.
Great place- dishes you won't find at many places worth trying. Have been multiple times and never had a bad experience.
(4)Martha R.
And I'll agree with Kate M. - 4.5 stars would work for me too. I have to be careful with those 5-star reviews... because it has to be the best ever to get five stars. And this place is great... but not the best ever. The food is great, and the atmosphere is quite nice... but our service was just over average. And I feel like when you're in a place like this that you should have phenomenal service... and we didn't. I also wouldn't mind if the wine menu had a few more selections. I did find something that would work with my red meat but it would have been fun to try something a little "off the beaten path". The location is a little "different" than everywhere else you go in Bend. So I feel like it's the kind of place that you don't just stumble on... but very much worth the effort to head over there.
(4)Jenn G.
I'd heard very good things about this place, and while our meal was good, it wasn't awe-inspiring. Service, when it started, was fine, but it took awhile for our server to show his face, and longer to get our drinks and Village Baker bread. While my boyfriend got a beautiful looking house salad that was tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette, my spinach salad seemed a bit sloppily put together, with a slight drizzle of dressing over a generous portion of spinach that was difficult to toss on one's own. The entrees were all quite good, if rich. My people don't come from a southern background, so we're not used to the Paula Deen school of butter & cream in everything. My boyfriend's catfish was perfectly prepared, and his father's steak had some addictive (and well-cut) fries with them. The think that most impressed me about this place was that the chef is a local boy who went through the COCC culinary program. That as much as anything is a reason to support this place - even if, like me, your socks aren't knocked off.
(3)Tom F.
We really got lucky and snagged a sidewalk table on a walk-in. Our wait amounted to less than five minutes. A group of four ahead of us had already been waiting 40 minutes when we walked in. With a popular place I'll take the first available table. That's a good strategy at Zydeco which is crazy busy every night. People make reservations they may or may not actually keep just for their own convenience. As to the food it's actually average but with so many burger and beer places in Bend, Zydeco ends up being special by default. It's not special that food is properly prepared and correctly seasoned nor is it special that the plates are presented properly. Zydeco accomplishes this much. We ate the duck fries...Nothing special and the seasoning fell flat but the presentation was nice. The signature barbecue shrimp was..well..average with the exception of the tiny square of whitefish the shrimp were arranged around and sauce dressing the dish. Both were very good with just the right amount of sweetness and heat. The shrimp were obviously previously frozen and overcooked. Several here have spoken of the red fish prepared blackened. It's a good choice. The Jambalaya is full of spicy smoked pork sausage and jumbo shrimp. Order this if you are really hungry because they bring you are large bowl full to the brim. The cornbread that accompanies the jambalaya is incredible. So moist. So, do reserve. Do request an outside table. Do order a Sazarac cocktail. Enjoy.
(3)Desert D.
The food was fantastic all around. The drinks were also good. As far as the atmosphere goes: Who on this green Earth thought that it would be cool to cut a HUGE hole in the wall that shows and industrial kitchen with blinding florescent lights? I felt like I was at a dumpy Chinese joint. I may go back to the bar, but not the dining room. Also, I felt that it was more of a family atmosphere, so if you are into people watching with dinner, this is the place. If you are looking for something a bit more romantic, go to Jen's Garden in Sister's. That place is the best in the Northwest.
(3)Glenn K.
Our new Bend restaurant favorite. We visit my son a number of times every year and always make it a point to keep trying new places to eat. We ate at Zydeco the first night here this time and had to back the next night to keep working down the menu. There was no disappointment! Standouts; Étouffée, jambalaya, the new york steak, seafood pasta. And yes, those Artichoke Corn Fritters as appetizers were delicious as advertised. I personally wasn't crazy about the cream/BBQ sauce on the shrimp but they were highly edible nonetheless. Service, ambience and amenities were all outstanding as well ... and a pretty good price. I look forward to coming back to continue exploring their menu.
(5)Kelly D.
Great food and friendly service. BBQ shrimp and mushroom toast were amazing apps. Loved the macadamia seabass special for entree dish and fiance got the ribeye and thought it was great. Overall tasty food and fun experience.
(4)Michael S.
I am in Bend exhibiting at a medical conference. Read the reviews on Zydeco and stopped for lunch today. What an absolute treat. The chicken sandwich was beyond delicious - the side of coleslaw was the best ever tasted and the bowl of soup was excellent ---- service was delightful - I may even go back tomorrow before l leave - why waste a good thing :)
(5)Jack S.
Great food. Great staff. Great location. Simple as that.
(4)Mark P.
Great restaurant but the Wahoo special my wife had was way overcooked and dry. My corkscrew pasta and sausage was excellent
(4)Leslie T.
I have eaten here twice and both times have been amazing...This last time we had the steelhead salmon to start...I had the prime cut ribeye with grilled aspargas and au gratin potatoes. To end I got the flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter fudge ice cream and caramel sauce. This place is perfect for that special night out or if you just want some really exceptional food.
(5)Cathy S.
I would come back here in a heartbeat for dinner. My friends and I came here for dinner on our first night in Bend during Labor Day weekend. We stopped into the restaurant early in the evening to make reservations but found they were no longer taking reservations. So we decided to head out to dinner around 8:30PM in hopes that we wouldn't have to wait too long for a table. If you come here for dinner, make reservations a few days before! We only waited about 10 minutes at the bar before a table was ready for us. Our server was very attentive and explained some of the dishes very well. Our cocktails were very good and while I wished the duck's skin was a bit crispier, I really enjoyed my meal! Everyone's portions sizes were just right and the prices were just right for the entrees.
(5)Robert M.
This is probably the best resto in Bend. This place is solid and unique. A table of 7 and raves all around from some pretty discriminating taste buds. Good wine list, great bread (with a flavorful dipping oil) which is always a good start. For apps we got the highly recommended BBQ shrimp, and I have to say this was outstanding. Even people who are not huge shrimp fans would like the flavor of this dish. This came with a gritcake that was great. We also got the flatbread which was decent but not mindblowing. For the entree I had the Filet, which was pretty standard. Didn't have a ton of flavor to it but it was cooked right which is half the battle. It came with some simple greenbeans which were seasoned perfectly, and fries that were...well...fries. Overall my dish was decent but I think others at the table chose better off the menu. For dessert we got the flourless chocolate cake which was very good, and the Wet Almond Cake which ended up being the hit of the desserts. It reminded me of a Tres Leches Cake. This resto is worth repeat visits.
(4)Jason B.
Went back to Zydeco on 8/23/10 with my wife and another couple while staying at Eagle Crest for a few nights. I continue to be overly impressed with this restaurant. We sat outside under the warm heaters and had a fantastic dinner! I had the blackened catfish, which came with these incredible potatoes and wilted spinach. A 5-star dish! The wife had the ribeye, which was cooked med-rare to perfection. After dinner, we had some coffee and a flight of desserts: The flour-less chocolate cake was fantastic, as was the bread pudding. I didn't try the carrot cake, but it was massive and received raves at our table. You just can't go wrong at Zydeco as far as I'm concerned. Total tab for 3 entrees, two sides, one app, 3 desserts, 3 beers, and 2 coffees was $133.00.
(5)Bobby S.
Food was tasty but not outstanding. Nice environment and good service. We had the artichoke appetizer and it was fantastic - the highlight of the meal. We loved the bread as well but they only brought enough for a slice each and never brought more. I had the eggplant crepes. They were fine but not special at all. Others had the salmon (decent but unoriginal) and the chicken (average but good). For desert we had key lime pie which was too sweet for our liking. We left it unfinished.
(3)Lana R.
I grew up eating cajun fare in southwest Louisiana, so I was reluctant to eat at a Cajun influenced restaurant in Bend, Oregon of all places. I shouldn't have worried. They served a delicious barbeque shrimp appetizer and crab cake with roasted potatoes even if the food wasn't exactly down home authentic. The broccolini was a little too al dente for my tastes. My dining companions also really savored the meatloaf and a veggie tofu pasta dish. I enjoyed an especially delicious lemon blueberry cocktail. The menu is a little pricey but servings are exceedingly generous and can be shared by those with average appetites.
(4)Ryan B.
By far the best restaurant in Bend. No matter what you order the food will be great! Love the new downtown location. BEST APPETIZER: Get the flat bread! Yes it is a must! Artichoke Hearts, Chorizo, and Sun Dried tomatoes are the ultimate toppers for the flat bred. THE GOOD: The Duck and Salmon are great. Again perfectly cooked with amazing flavor. BEST DISH: Filet Medallion Medallions- always my favorite! Perfectly cooked meat and it comes with amazing crispy fries. BEST DESSERT: Well they did make me angry about taking away the cinnamon rolls errrrr! The Chocolate Peanut Butter molten cake is the best. Yummers THE BAD: Stick with the wine. The mixed drink are more like going to Jamba Juice then a real drink! Also the the menu says they charge a $15 corkage fee in order to support local wineries which is a little BS because 75% of the wines are from Washington and California!
(5)Mary K.
Amazing food. I'm gluten-free and loved that there were plenty of options for me, and that they wait staff was knowledgeable about the ingredients used in the meals. We came with a large group, and everyone was extremely happy with their meals. Service was good, and the gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate ginger sorbet with banana brûlée was amazing.
(5)Sig U.
Worth the price, amazing food, you must try the shrimp jambalaya.
(5)Scott S.
A very solid 4 stars. We started with onion rings which were amazing. I hate onion rings and I couldn't get enough of these. Obviously the onions were seasoned before they were battered. That batter? Amazing! Jayne had fried razor clams, which she absolutely adored. She was more confident in them once she had the onion rings. "These people know how to fry!" She exclaimed. My Dad had the beef stroganoff. Unfortunately, this dish lacked any "gravy" whatsoever. A dollop of sour cream is all he got. We asked for another dollop of sour cream and got it immediately but I should have also asked for a shot of vermouth and 2 shots of beef broth! That's why we went 4 stars instead of 5. No gravy on the stroganoff? That's what it's all about! I had the half chicken with macaroni and cheese as a side. This was definitely the best deal in the house and it was fantastic. Don't miss the macaroni and cheese. It is very, very good. Waitress was good and accommodating and a touch sassy while always being polite.
(4)Linda L.
consistently great food. Nice variety to menu so vegetarians can eat too.
(5)Amy R.
This place is the bomb!!! My sweetie had their special brisket sandwich with amazing fries. I had the beet salad with grilled chicken. So good!!! And the wait staff was spot on. Lorena was very sweet and helpful. Thanks for a great intro to Bend cuisine!
(5)Mia S.
Great service and food. Friendly to dietary needs.
(5)Lizzie V.
I would highly recommend eating here if you're in Bend. It's a bit spendy, but worth every penny. There bread is the best bread I have ever eaten. It's from the Village Baker. It is amazing, and I am not even a big bread person. Our waitress was sweet and could see how much I loved the bread, so she wrapped me up some extra to take home. Danny got Baby back ribs, and I got the red fish with dungeness crab. Both were excellent. I will be stopping here the next time I go back to Bend.
(4)Ellyn E.
Outstanding. The BBQ shrimp is better than I have had even in New Orleans. The service was friendly and attentive without being annoying. The rib eye steak was melt in your moth delicious. The homemade key lime pie could not have been any better. We will return to Bend just to eat here.
(5)Jane R.
Bottom line: YUM! (I'm here to save you time. Just go!)
(5)Steve S.
Yet another place I truly miss from Bend! Never had a bad meal there and the service always impeccable. I am sorry, but if you are in a hurry, go to Burger King! If you want to experience Cajun with a Bend flavor, hit them up, you won't be sorry.
(4)Rick J.
Been here a long time and have been through all the hype. Zydeco does and is the best value in town, drinks and food, without question. Enjoy what they are and the bar. Cheers ...
(5)Leigha T.
Gluten free dieters welcome! Two great choices of GF beer available, the dark was my pick and satisfied my craving. The Sheppard's pie was chock full of my favorite veggies roasted to a caramelized perfection. The carrots and peas swim together in a sea of wine sauce so flavorful my heart melted. Chef Steve came over to check on our meals and the pride he has for his food was evident. Thank you Zydeco for a meal I won't soon forget!
(5)Cole S.
I've been going to this restaurant several times a week for years! This is by far the best place for reasonably priced food in Bend. I have never once had a bad experience or a menu item that wasn't delicious. The ketchup that comes with the fries is homemade and simply the best I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. The Barbecue shrimp sauce is simply amazing and the flat bread is somewhat of a cool specialty item. The owner is super friendly. For desert they have amazing Carrot Cake, Almond Wet Cake, and when it's in season Key Lime Pie. If you only have time to eat at one restaurant in Bend. This is the one!
(5)Jessi H.
Went to Zydeco's for V-day and had a great time. Per the yelp suggestions we ordered the flat bread and I thought it was good...nothing special but worth trying. For dinner I had the red fish which was also good but not as good as I thought it would be. My husband had the special, which was tenderloin stuffed with crab it was amazing. This was something I will NEVER forget the taste of as it was absolutely amazing. Overall, I liked this place the tenderloin sealed the deal for me. The service was good and the wine was well priced.
(4)alyse s.
What a great spot! The woman who gave me a facial at Eagle Crest recommended Zydeco, she said the food was top notch and the service was fabulous. She was right on both counts. We had a late reservation, it was the only time available, so we arrived early and had a seat at a high top in the bar. Husband ordered a local beer and I ordered the red curry martini that was recommended by another Yelp reviewer. WOW, it was awesome. We had the corn artichoke fritters for a snack and were not disappointed. The server in the bar and several other servers stopped by to check on us, very personable, but not stuffy! When we were seated, we ordered a second round of drinks when we discovered that we could have brought our own wine. They don't charge a corking fee for Oregon, Washington or Idaho wines to promote local vinyards! I was told I had to try to BBQ shrimp for an appetizer, and BOY OH BOY were they right. The sauce must have crack in it, they were unbelievable and the bread they serve made a perfect sopper for the sauce! For dinner my husband ordered the filet medallions and said they were like "buttah." I had the ribs, I wish I had thought to ask them to leave the sauce on the side. The sauce was a bit sweet for me, but the ribs were fall of the bone tender. Everything about this experience was perfect, from the drinks to dessert, nothing disappointed!
(4)Melinda N.
Stay away from their "fresh fish" of the day. I had the salmon. It was either very overcooked or old. They did not cook the bugs out of it though; I was sick as a dog in the middle of the night from food poisoning. Other than that we had a good time and the service was good. For those that want a lot of food, my husband was happy with the quantity. Our server recommended a nice wine. The food was mediocre for the price and if I hadn't gotten sick from their food I would have given it 3 stars. Update: The owner saw this review and called me personally to apologize, which was very kind. He credited our charge card for the full dinner and offered to buy us dinner if we were ever in the area again. I was impressed with his willingness to hear my story and let us know how sorry he was about our experience.
(1)William R.
We went last Saturday night, made reservations. Got right in, excellent service, excellent food. Highly recommended! Good sized portions. I had the New York Steak, brussel sprouts and baby potatoes. $30 and worth every penny -- great flavor and presentation. My wife had a seafood/sausage pasta, huge portion. $22. She loved it.
(5)Brock K.
One of Bend's best places to get a drink and have a great dinner. I would have to say if you are not ordering the flat bread you are missing out. This is a must have starter when have dinner or drinks with friends. If you are in the mood for a off the charts hamburger make sure to order one up...you won't regret it. Summertime dining out front is great for watching the action downtown and and with the overhead heaters make it possible to handle the colder nights in Bend.
(4)Camille H.
I am so glad they moved downtown - closer to me. The cajun shrimp appetizer with a blueberry martini and you are off to a great start. Thoughtful and experienced staff add to the total experience of this restaurant. Great place! And now they are open for lunch.
(5)Alisan P.
My husband and I stopped here for dinner while in Bend. I would suggest reservations, but we were early enough that it didn't matter. We were seated quickly and the waiter was at our table with menus and water immediately. We both ordered salads and were quite pleased with both of them. Very reasonably priced. My husband ordered an entree and I ordered an appetizer, and both of those were quite tasty; we cleaned our plates. They have a good selection of beers, including one non-alcoholic choice. The wines were well considered, but I ordered by the glass. The waiter allowed me to taste a couple of different ones, since all the choices were ones with which I was unfamiliar. Very thoughtful. They also served a bread plate with olive oil and herbs for dipping, a welcome change from the EVOO/balsamic tradition. We enjoyed our evening here and were surprised at the reasonable tally for our table. The one thing I appreciated the most, however, was that the chef/owner came around throughout the evening to check in with each table. These days that's a rare and considerate thing to do.
(5)Lauren L.
Zydeco now tops my list of favorite dining experiences across the US. I loved everything about it - the outdoor seating, the grand open window, the service, the ambiance inside, the textures and colors awash with the light from the wine fridges on the wall. I ordered the mushroom toast to start with (was starving!) because it sounded interesting. A medley of wild mushrooms (such an oxymoron) atop toast, like a bruschetta with melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes. For my main course I picked on of the specials - a seared ahi tuna that was cooked to perfection. The entire dining experience was excellent and the next time I'm in Bend I'll definitely be returning.
(5)Shawnna M.
Zydeco was recommended to us from a friend and I am so glad we listened. Probably the best food I have had in a long time. First we had the corn/artichoke fritters and they were awesome. I also got a blueberry lemon drop, the best lemon drop I have ever had, it was AWESOME. I ordered the pork tenderloin and they made me a special sauce since I don't like mushrooms which it is made with. It was so good and the mash potatoes and grilled veggies were just as good! My hubby ordered the ribs adn the had to eat them with a fork because he couldn't even pull them apart without them completely falling apart! They were super moist and delish. We went there on our first night in town and actually opted to stay in for dinner the next night and eat our left overs at the hotel instead of oging back out because it really was that good!
(5)Larry S.
Wife loves this place. Food is pretty good, you won't be dissapointed. The last three times there, even with reservations, could not seat where we asked(I called days in advance). The last three times we had snooty servers, just venting, the food is pretty good, can't go wrong. A little pricey. Not my first choice to go, however my wife gives it a 5 star rating, she can write her own review. My wife had Zydeco cater one of her events at her place of business, they did a wonderful job, I was very impressed.
(4)Natalie L.
My boyfriend and I are from Berkeley and we did a little roadtrip all over Northern California and all the way up to Bend. We had no idea where we were going to stay or eat so I yelped and found Zydeco. I loved it! It was so lovely, romantic, delicious, and priced just right! Full bar and excellent service. It is a little weird that Francis Ford Coppola made champagne in a can named after his daughter but each to their own I guess- it was good but not so eco-friendly. The food was delicious and well portioned we definitely got what we paid for and didn't feel rushed at all! In fact our server was so friendly she even gave us a ton of places to check out and sleep at in Bend. Thanks for being so kind and patient with us. We will definitely come back if we visit Bend- thanks
(5)Robin S.
We celebrated our birthdays there and had an amazing dinner, great service, cocktails were perfect. We will be back to try it all. Our daughter recommended it and she was so right.
(5)Anna M.
Great restaurant, the food was delicious. It was a bit on the pricey side but amazing, I had the duck and I've never before had duck cooked this perfectly, amazing! We went to this place on Thursday night and while walking around down town area trying to pick a place we ended up going to the most crowded one, we figured the crowds (locals) knew where to go and it did not disappoint.
(5)Alex C.
What a fantastic place. Cool atmosphere, nice bar, friendly knowledgeable staff and the food was delicious. I love their concept of everything from scratch and organic/local if possible. The food delivers on the high expectations set by those statements. Everything we had was delicious. I would highly recommend saving room for dessert. The apple pear crumble was awesome and huge. The almond wet cake should not be passed up. This will definitely be one of my first stops when visiting Bend again. Cheers.
(5)Tom S.
Without doubt, this is Bend's finest restaurant! The service was great, even though the restaurant was crowded on December 26th. The baby back ribs were the hit at our table. However the Steelhead, Salmon & rib eye were also very good. One caveat: the flat bread should be shared by at least three people. Having read the prior reviews, I agree with the consensus : you can't go wrong at this first-class eatery.
(5)Danielle L.
My favorite restaurant in Bend. Always packed. Gluten-free menu! The BBQ shrimp appetizer is beyond delicious.
(5)Rob J.
A bit pricey and service is inconsistent but if you can overlook that stuff it's some of the best food in Bend. Definitely check it out. The Artichoke & Corn Fritters are unbelievable! And their flatbreads are some of the best I've ever had. The ribs are excellent too.
(4)Aaron F.
The evening got off to a bad start. Knowing that it's a popular restuarant, we booked in advance and arrived at the restaurant for our 7:30 pm seating. When we presented ourselves to the hostess, we were told that there is a 15-20 minute wait. This to me is a sign of poor management. If you are a busy restaurant with a good reputation to uphold, it is very important that you do not overbook and always make sure that tables are clear in time for your guests. Some places achieve this by telling their customers that they have the table for a limited time. If you are a solid restaurant then most customers should find this policy acceptable. Being a busy night, the waiter had to explain that they were out of a number of items - including the wine we wished to order. Despite these two points, we are giving Zydeco 4 stars for its professional service, and overwhelmingly good food. A near-guaranteed highlight for any visit to Bend!!
(4)Holly K.
We visited Zydeco on our first night in Bend, OR. The staff was friendly, sat us quickly (event though they were busy) and served us in a timely manner. Both my boyfriend and I enjoyed everything we had ordered, from the appetizers to the dessert! We both had what they were offering as a special that night - the flavor was amazing! Being a total foodie, I of course had to ask what ingredients were in each plate... They shared this info willingly and happily! Looking forward to another yummy visit!
(5)Joey S.
The best restaurant in Bend, now in a much improved LOCATION right in the heart of downtown. Having lived in Bend for about 4 years, I hate to admit that service at restaurants (even nice ones) is generally pretty bad. But not at Zydeco! I have had great SERVICE each of the 5-6 times I've been there. Servers are friendly and knowledgeable, your water glass stays full, and they're good at checking in on you without interrupting conversation or making you feel rushed. Another perk: you can bring your own bottle of Oregon, Washington or Idaho (!?) WINE for $0 corkage. Yes, no corkage for "local" wine. The flatbread, is their signature APPETIZER and you get to pick your 3 favorite toppings. The bbq'd shrimp and grit cakes are also very good. For the MAIN COURSE, it's hard to go wrong with filet medallions, especially if they appear in some combination as a special. The babyback ribs and the redfish are also both good, and two of the most popular dishes on the menu. I've also had the steak salad, which is solid if not memorable. They also seem to have at least a couple vegetarian options, and a complete gluten-free menu. Great location, fantastic service, a nice wine perk and exceptional comfort food make Zydeco the best restaurant in Bend.
(5)Patti D.
Great flatbread pizza!! Spinach saladYum! Ribs, eggplant and lamb all outstanding! Friggin' amazin'!
(4)Shaun B.
I visited this restaurant with a friend while in Bend on some business. The food was incredible and Stephanie, our waitress, was very knowledgeable and helpful. I ordered a shrimp dish and the sauce was one of the best I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone that is interested in eating well while in Bend.
(5)Randy S.
I have eaten at Zydeco on 3rd and in Downtown and the ambiance downtown is considerably better. The food is good, to say it is Cajun/Creole is a stretch. It is the PNW version and as I said the food IS good. I would expect with a restaurant with a name like Zydeco suggesting a Louisiana bent to lean to the Louisiana style and wonder where is the Lagniappe? I was told by the waitress that she had brought me water!
(3)Mitch G.
Flat out amazing food. Lets see the corn meal fried artichoke hearts, smoked salmon, cheese plate, all delicious. Rare rib eye covered in crab will make you cry it is so good. And the Jambalaya, kept them from getting five stars. Not that great and not even sure why it is on the menu or why the wife ordered it really. Skip this one and you will be alright. One plus was they had my favorite Bourbon Woodfords.
(4)cindy k.
Noisy, but nice restaurant. Definitely recommend reservations. Salads were excellent, but large & pricey. Good variety of entrees. I was a little disappointed with my rock fish, but others loved the duck breast & NY steaks. $200 for 4 with a bottle of wine.
(4)Sherryn A.
Last night, Zydeco earned its 5th star from me. Outstanding & friendly service from Caitlin was just one of the finer points of our evening last night. Not feeling terribly hungry, I went with two sides - the grit cakes with grilled vegetables. The crispy, flavorful crust on the cakes perfectly complemented the creamy smoothness of the grits inside; the grilled vegetables (you can make carrots taste like THAT?) made a simple meal fit for a foodie. My daughter had the cheeseburger and raved about it to the point that, while I don't regularly eat meat, I had to snag a bite. Forget the alchemy that Zydeco's chef uses to transform carrots, that was, in my 46 years, the best beef I've ever tasted. This does not make me happy because I want people to eat LESS beef, not more. And the pile of fries stayed crispy all through dinner (I know cuz I snagged a couple few of those too!) My husband had the grilled chicken with pecans and in between bites kept murmuring about the incredible layers of flavor. While I almost had a stroke when I learned the Key Lime Pie was off the menu (for now, Caitlin said, but I think she was trying to keep me from causing a scene), we made do with the bread pudding. Awesome job, Zydeco. Thanks!
(5)Todd A.
Everyone loves this place....and I do too not to be left out. Great care seems to be taken on the dishes here and I will always remember in the old location the chef telling me EVERYTHING was fresh. It tastes like it. Great dining ambiance here too. The kitchen is too busy and industrial to be a quasi "show" kitchen.
(4)Michael E.
Nice menu, cool decor.
(4)David K.
I had dinner last night at Zydeco, and I was pretty blown away. I come up here from San Francisco, and typically have been to, or heard thoughts on the best Bend has to offer. My parents tell me about Zydeco, and how he can't get enough of this shrimp appetizer with grits... hmm, sounds interesting... But I want to go get sushi at Deep. Well I couldn't wait as they were too busy, so Zydeco it is. We get in there, and a table for three was ready. It was a little crowded feeling, but not to bad once the table behind me left. The waitress was so-so, a bit cold, probably because we didn't want anything to drink but water, and hey, we had been in the sun all day, the last thing I needed was wine. So after a bit she brings us some fresh bread from the oven. It was delicious, very light, soft inside, crunchy outside, just how I like it. Nice little olive oil, and herb dip. She comes back to take our order. My Mom has the Red Fish w/ Crab, and Mashed Potatoes, and Spinach. My Dad goes for the Baby Back Ribs w/ Potatoes. I have the Ceasar Salad. We get the Shrimp appetizer as well. First comes the shrimp. It has a nice spice to it, the sauce is pretty rich, and most people will really enjoy that. Just the right consistency and spice. Then our entrees arrive. The Caesar is huge, covered in fresh parmesan, and looks great. I dive right in, and the first thing I notice is how light it feels. Some restaurants tend to put way to much dressing on a salad, and especially on a Caesar, if that happens, can make you over it real quick. The only gripe, they didn't offer fresh ground pepper. Oh well, still great. I tried my Mom's Red Fish, and it was really really good. I have just recently been getting into fish outside of the ahi tuna, halibut, and mahi realm. This was something. It had a nice spice to it. It tastes a bit like the fish taco's I get at Horizon's back in Sausalito. My Mom absolutely loved it, and the potatoes (I took a lot of hers) were fresh, and had a nice creamy taste. My Dad had the Baby Back Ribs, and nothing but compliments came from him. Luckily he filled up on the bread, and shrimp, so I am about to go finish off the leftovers. After our entrees were finished, the owner of the restaurant came around to make sure everything was good. She was very nice, caring, and informative. I feel that seeing the owner at an establishment always make a dinner more enjoyable when I can see that they enjoy what they do. We also found out that she in fact owns another nice restaurant in town called 28, which we will surely hit up this week. Then Dessert came...... Oh yeah :) We had a Berry Cobbler A La Mode. This was to die for. The food was great, the service was good, but this Cobbler, above and beyond greatness. HANDS DOWN THE BEST COBBLER MY LUCKY MOUTH HAS EVER TASTED! Overall, for a great dinner, in a nice cozy restaurant, come down to Zydeco, and be sure to get the Cobbler.
(4)Stephanie S.
Well, gave them a year and another try. And I was so glad I did. Went for dinner with some friends last night. Were seated at a table right by the kitchen, which was a HUGE improvement over the restroom table in the bar. Comfortable table, friendly attentive service and amazing food. So glad I tried again!
(5)Devin D.
Granted, I'm new to Central Oregon. But this place is delicious and has fresh, organic ingredients. A special added bonus is that it's walking (and biking) distance from my house. It's possible there are better restaurants than this joint. But I haven't been there yet. My favorite, as of yet, joint. Oh, and the cocktails will make you weep with joy (assuming you're a raging alcoholic.)
(5)Lacy C.
ALL GREAT, GO! Seriously the other half got ribs which are a MUST! I got chipino soup (the special of the day) which was good but not as good as the ribs. We both got drinks, I got a blue lemon drop which I HIGHLY recommend! For such a high class place the price was not bad! I am too full to even contemplate ever eating again but if I do I might just stop by again!
(4)Stephen B.
Only been here once, but we intend to go back.
(4)Eric M.
Zydeco...always good. That's all I say when leaving this place. While the menu does not change as much as I would like, everything on the menu is awesome...maybe that's why they don't change it! Hmm. I've been going to this resaurant since it first opened down on south 97 in the old Skipper's building. I love the artichoke and shrimp appetizers, the ribs, rock-fish and lamb entrees and the fries are the best in town. Not much bad to say except for a guy who likes to frequent the place would love more variety. I hear the burger is good too, but have not ordered it. Zydeco is constistent and is one of the top four resaurants in Central Oregon in my opinion-along with Jen's Garden (Sisters), Blacksmith, and Trattoria Sbandatti.
(5)Erik D.
Took my wife out for dinner on her birthday last week. We wanted to try something new (we've only lived in Bend for a year) so I searched Yelp and found Zydeco. The reviews were spot on. The food at Zydeco was amazing, the staff was pleasant, and the atmosphere was relaxing. I've already recommended it to friends and plan to go there again soon. I would put Zydeco on my list of top 10 restaurants in Bend (maybe top 5).
(4)Alex M.
Amongst confused decor, pseudo-political West Hills golfers, and high prices, great food would oft go unnoticed. Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails, however, a place rife with Bend's greatest non-culture (a young, but casual, neo-con dress code, a laughably Caucasian patronage, etc.) somehow, shines through. Southern-style food with an, for lack of a better descriptor, urban tinge and flashy cocktails make it all worthwhile. Maybe it's the food and drink that prompt one to forgo the surroundings and relish in Zydeco's raison d'être. Perhaps though, it's the missing puzzle piece; that thing which allows one to sink into one's surroundings and join the chardonnay-soaked, wild-mushroom-toast-and-$27-sockeye-stuffed rank and file. If it's an Establishment's stated or associated politics that gets your goat, I encourage you to overlook what Zydeco has to offer other than food, and drop by 919 Bond St. with your wallet full and your stomach empty.
(4)N H.
It's the french fries. They get me every time. And the vegetarian plate is excellent. The pulled pork sandwich was disappointing. The staff is professional and friendly. On occasion at lunch, they seem to check out and disappear, maybe it's a shift change? Overall, recommended for sure.
(4)A C.
I absolutely love this place, it never disappoints. Favorite thing? BBQ shrimp appetizer, usually have it as my meal with a salad. Service is always good, even when they are clearly slammed. Rooftop is great if the conditions are right.
(5)Beth W.
GREAT place for dinner in Bend! The food was excellent, good atmosphere, definitely want to go back!
(5)Catherine C.
Perfect. This place hit the spot exactly. We went for a nice dinner featuring good drinks, healthy fare, and good seafood. We got a beet/goat cheese salad, roasted root veggies in an awesome salty-spicy blend, salmon with capers and mashed potatoes, and fussili pasta with prawns and andouille sausage. My cosmo was great too. Really nice server, and comfy seats. The only thing I would gave liked more would be a cocktail menu. They had tons of good-looking liquor, but special drinks always help sell it.
(4)Melodie B.
The Red Fish could be my last meal and I would be happy.
(5)Lori H.
On my first visit to Bend some friends took us to dinner here and it did not disappoint! The food is incredible, the service is great and the atmosphere is upscale and trendy. Try the blueberry martinis.
(5)Big M.
Favorite restaurant in Bend. Great food. Great service. Great location. Best thing is their corkage fee for NW wines: First bottle has NO CORKAGE FEE!!!!
(5)Cally L.
This is my all time favorite restaurant in Bend. Our meals are always great. I have said that I would like the BBQ shrimp to be my last meal-it's that good. My husband always loves the ribs and my favorite is the chicken and greens-beyond yummy. We've had the jambalaya and it was great too! I only wish I could afford to go more often! It makes the cut for any celebration though.
(5)Steve S.
By Far the best restaurant in Bend. The shortribs are the way to go. Very fun atmosphere and prices are actually pretty good for the quality of the food. The appetizer to get is the flatbread - we ordered two the second time we went. But also the bbq shrimp was delicious. Baby back ribs are also good, but I imagine everything on the menu is tasty considering we did not find one dish we did not like. The chef walks around and greets people at their tables which is always classy. The only complaint is that both nights we waited before being seated even though we had reservations, but that is more of an attestment to the fun atmosphere of the restaurant and no one wants to leave.
(5)Jen F.
Food. Really good food. Seriously... after dining at Zydeco I am so full and happy that is all my brain can muster. We have dined with the family (including kids) and adult friends. Kids are welcome though the offerings for them are limited. Our server was friendly and attentive to the kids - really listened to their likes and dislikes and made it a fun experience for them. Zydeco is a fairly noisy restaurant so even people with infants tend to blend in. Now that's what I call "atmosphere"! The only problem with taking our kids to Zydeco? Now they beg to go back! Every good dinner starts off with good drinks. They offer Roy Rogers & Shirley Temple for the kids. (Tip: the kids are quieter if you dare them to tie cherry stems in a knot with their teeth & tongues.) Scott enjoyed a local microbrew. And a blueberry martini for me. We are talking about a serious martini folks. Wow. Not foofy like the ones at the Bendistillery that are sweet and lovely. Hello, vodka! Woo! On a more recent visit a friend recommended the blueberry lemonade martini which is also very good... more in the "sweet and foofy" category... cheers! The appetizers some of the most tempting of any restaurant. The cheese plate is a "must have". Actually calling it a "cheese plate" is an understatement. I have never been so excited to pay nine bucks for... umm... toast and jam. Imagine warm toasty artisan bread. With chunky jam and salty cheese. Accompanied by tasty, salty olives. As far as I am concerned these people can come fix me toast and jam whenever... wow. So very good. If the seared ahi (a special) is available I recommend that as well. Scott abhors sushi (and undercooked fish in general) possibly more than I abhor potato salad... and he loved the seared ahi. Entrees... A kids' cheese pizza served on an elevated tray. Grilled redfish with a rich red sauce, over mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Steelhead with potatoes and green beans. All beautiful and delicious. But not as good as the ribs. I am pretty proud of my cooking skills, but Scott is pretty sure that their ribs outdo mine. And I wholeheartedly agree. Picking up a rib to share, every speck of meat fell off the bone and onto the plate. Tender and flavorful, these ribs were like hunks of heaven. All of the food was first class, but the ribs are seriously... To. Die. For. Vanilla ice cream and a helping of almond wet cake make for a perfect finish. By then everyone was so full that a few bites was all we could manage. Everything was so good we will definitely be back over and over again... With or without the kids. ;) A few housekeeping details... You really need to have a reservation at Zydeco on any day of the week! They open at 4:30 so that might be a good bet on a weeknight as Bend seems to be a "late dining" town. It is not a large restaurant and it's extremely popular. Same-day reservations are do-able if you are flexible about your dinner time. The parking lot is TINY. If the lot is full - then try the Carrera (car dealer) lot if it's after they close. My car always looks so sad next to all the nice Porches and other high end vehicles... but hey a spot's a spot!
(5)Jeff M.
I enjoyed the exquisite swordfish special on 2/19/2010. Bend is suffering tough times, and some restaurants have closed over the past year. But Zydeco was busy, and we enjoyed the atmosphere.
(4)Joe V.
What a find this place was! Thank you YELP patrons! On a rainy Monday night in Bend, this place was still packed. And why? Eclectic menu items like fresh steelhead and wild boar. Major yum! The head chef circulates the busy restaurant to make sure his patrons are satisfied. This one gets my highest recommendation as a must-stop place in Bend.
(5)John M.
I'm tempted to give Zydeco five stars but am holding back until we've had another meal. My nephew and I showed up without a reservation, but were seated immediately at a communal table-- nice. The menu has a great range of dishes. We settled on the artichoke and corn fritters and the barbecue shrimp on a southern grit cake as appetizers. I order the blackened catfish as an entree, my nephew, the jambalaya. The fritters were light, crispy and flavorful with a wonderfully piquant dipping sauce-- am definitely wanting more of these. The barbecue shrimp were good, but the grit cake they were served on was just amazing. A great start to a great meal. The entrees showed up just as we were finishing our appetizers (good-- I hate to wait). The catfish had a perfectly crispy crust, with sweet, tender flesh. Mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach were a good partnering for this dish. My nephew had no complaints about the jambalaya. All in all, very well done food and attentive staff I will be taking visiting friends here in the future.
(4)Karen D.
Our favorite place in Bend! We go here often for dinner and although it can be expensive (about $60 pp with drinks), it is a nice treat and the food is very good. Go-to dishes include the filet mignon medallions and the free range roasted chicken. The ceasar salad is wonderful as are the house-made specialty cocktails. Service is top-notch.
(5)Heather T.
This is, by far, my favorite place to go for special occasions. We make up excuses for special occasions just to go ! Every meal my husband and I have eaten there has been perfectly delicious and beautifully prepared. The red fish is one of my favorites, and the steaks are great! I have eaten just about everything on the menu and love it ALL! Now that they are downtown...fabulous!
(5)kate m.
OK, really I want to give 4 1/2 stars (damn you yelp for no half stars!). The food here was really good, we had the spinach salad, the ribs, the grilled whitefish and the flourless chocolate cake (with marinated cherries, yum!!) Everything they say about the ribs is right. THEY ARE SO GOOD. Seriously, the best ribs I've had in many, many years. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, we sat at this great little two sided booth that was cozy and open to the rest of the restaurant at the same time. There were all sorts of different people here, from families with little kids to retired couples. Our waitress was a little distracted, but really nice. We had to wait a good 10 minutes in the middle of the meal with no water though, and she disappear for large amounts of time, busy with other tables I guess. All in all a good place to eat, I'd like to go back next time we're in Bend.
(4)C T.
Love this place! Whenever I can't decide where to go for a dinner out, I default to this place. Great drinks, food, french fries!!! Their old locations didn't feel very inviting, but now that they're downtown there's a much more comfortable feel about the place. Not to mention the outside seating in warm weather! Worth a try!
(5)Nicole B.
Love the atmosphere. Always great food. Last time I had the Shepard's pie. My usual order is the ribs. The new location and rooftop dining is fantastic. I am disheartened that 28 is no more though. I would love if Zydeco brought back some dishes from 28 like the beef stroganoff.
(4)Philip P.
Outstanding experience from start to finish! Showed up a little late for a mid-week dinner, but welcomed without hesitation. Server Regan was super helpful, aware of shellfish allergy issues, very attentive. Food was excellent. Girlfriend and I enjoyed wild boar tenderloin with chipotle butter, mashed potatoes and roasted veggies as well as rack of lamb with dijon cream sauce marble potatoes and asparagus. Yummy on both sides of the table. Thanks!
(5)Stephanie F.
This restaurant was recommended to us by some local residents and it was AMAZING. We ended up coming twice for dinner b/c it was so good! The ambiance is amazing, very fun, and lively. As for food, we started off with the shrimp and grits and flatbread for appetizers and they were both so GOOD! We ordered them both times. For dinner I had the redfish, which was delicious, but I have to stay my family ordered the shortribs and baby back ribs, which I HIGHLY recommend. I was trying to stay healthy so stuck to fish, but the ribs were amazing! Overall great experience!
(5)Heather S.
Very good. The place was packed, service was great and the ribs were AMAZING.
(4)Maureen K.
this is our first stop when we are ready for a restaurant. and we return over and over again. service is expert, friendly. Love the BBQ shrimp appetizer, the bread, the sturgeon, the key lime pie.....Bartenders are excellent, good wine and menu selection. never disappointed.
(5)Jeanne B.
Yum! Great location, food is wonderful, great value and I bring all of our out of town guest to dine, and they too are delighted. Love the mushrooms and pork!
(5)