The Blacksmith Restaurant — Restaurant in Bend

I use a more defined rating as I believe there is a very large difference between a 4 and 5 star rating! Similar to magnitude when rating an earthquake. Overall Blacksmith rates a 4.2 star experience, a good experience overall with some room for improvement. The Blacksmith it appears has built the menu to highlight steaks within an Irish pub-like ambiance, cozy to degree. I sat at a high table for two. Comfortable enough with fairly close proximity to other tables in this area (smaller parties of 2.)

The meal started with a Cesar salad, accompanied by three cheese curd, fried on side and softer inside and a cheese infused thin biscuit of sorts. These were more pleasant to view than on palate. Minimal taste, however, they added a bit of crunch to an othwise over-saturated salad. I ate 55% of this mediocre presentation. Less dressing with a side of dressing perhaps and fresher salad would make a positive difference? The old fashion drink was very good, quality bourbon (Buffalo Trace) a nice presentation. The main course the Northwest Ribeye was cooked to order, medium rare with a large portion of garlic mashed potatoes. Only one bite of steak couldn't be chewed, gristle. The au juice/Demi glaze, was dark without a dominant taste. Could be room for improvement here? Potatoes were a bit overwhelming in quantity and the texture was too smooth. Some pieces would add required texture and make them more palatable.

I arrived when they opened so the service was good not impacted by multiple tables and ordered first or nearly. I was disappointed overall as the aesethics really do lend the positive basis for a better meal. The bathroom was clean enough and stocked with the appropriate...

Came here for the first time on Valentines. Very cute restaurant. Wonderful service. Delicious bread and phenomenal Ceasars salad - those crutons were amazing!

But I ordered pumpkin ravioli w pecans and sage. Unfortunately this is a dish that doesn't really deserve a spot on the menu. I strongly urge the restaurant to reconsider this item or at least make some adjustments to it.

It's a small small portion w 5 ravioli in it and offers no inclusion of any other protein or vegetable. Wouldn't hurt to add a chopped mushroom or green to beef it up a tiny bit so that the dish could actually be filling.

Back in the day I used to make my own Marijuana butter (it has a very distinct and not necessarily pleasant taste). The ravioli reminded me of my weed butter. I cook w sage often, perhaps adding in a few other seasonings (garlic maybe) could have helped reduce the strong medicinal herby taste the buttersauce took on?

And lastly there was maybe like 3 pecans crushed over the ravioli.

My date had steak lobster potatoes and asparagus on his plate vs my 5 measley flat raviolis.. lol I had to snag one of his asparagus so that I could pace myself to not finish my dish in 2mins and also help make it so I wasn't still hungry. His meal looked great!

I'm sure other menu items are fantastic, but the pumpkin ravioli just doesn't belong unless they find a way to add more to it and change some of...

More current review because I may have moved to Bend purely for this restaurant (I’m kidding…kind of): Our waitress (I believe her name was Ivy) was extremely personable and attentive. She was happy to chat while keeping things professional. She made great suggestions and conversation. The steak and fries was delicious. The chimichurri was one of the best I've had. Everyone in my party was thrilled and satisfied. I also want to add that they may have had one of the best chocolate mousses that I have ever had. It was rich, chocolatey, and so so yummy. This restaurant holds a special place in my heart.

I went here in November of 2021-- so this review is a bit late (I previously posted it on Yelp but thought I may as well share here too). This was a really great experience. The atmosphere is upscale, but not overly so. It's got a really nice ambiance. It is downtown so the location is great. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely go back again. My boyfriend got the tomahawk steak and he enjoyed it very much. I got the steak and fries and I'd highly recommend that dish as well. As a starter we also got the crab corn dogs (I don't eat sea food, but my boyfriend really liked them!). Dessert was great also. Our server was very kind. This is definitely an awesome restaurant and I can't say enough good things about it! Check it out, for sure. I would go back in a heartbeat if I lived...