Tumalo Feed Company Steakhouse — Restaurant in Bend

Husband and I wanted to treat ourselves and try a place we haven’t before.

I honestly do not have a real complaint about the food as it was done to order, and just that. My real complaint lies in the price of the food compared to what is offered, a basic product. Nothing more is done to the food to make it outstanding. It is fine, and good, but nothing close to “wow!”. I do not feel like this is a place I will frequent. It did not wow me, but the food was just plain, and it was just fine.

We made a last minute reservation, and we were told there was quite the wait. We were just fine with that and opted to get some drinks in the bar and perhaps an appetizer.

We did. I was happy to see Avid BlackBerry Cider (Which was $6 for a can). Our server in the bar seemed quite distracted and just did her job. That’s it. No real issues there. They were preparing for a night of music.

Our table in the dining room became available before our appetizer was done. This was kind of confusing and a little annoying as we had to close out our tab in the bar, they were unable to transfer it to the dining room.

Our table was actually ready on time! So that was nice, we had expected to spend much more time in the bar. We wouldn’t have ordered an app had we known.

Our appetizer was served, and we got a new waitress in the dining room. The dining room was packed and so loud. It was hard to hear my husband sitting next to me. This is hardly the restaurants fault at all, but I just prefer quieter places. This place seems to be popular.

*Our server in the dining room was wonderful. We asked the odd request of please just slow everything down. No rush on anything. And she did great. She was really wonderful. *

We decided to order the onion rings because they are $1 per person with the order of an entree. They were fine but not great.

I ordered a steak with some grilled shrimp on top with veggies and mashed potatoes. The food was done just as I asked, but it was so plain and basic for the price. I was disappointed in the shrimp as all I could taste was the char of the grill. The meat was tender. They could add even a herb butter to add to the meat or something? To give it a little something extra?

With the prices I expected to be wowed, not put to sleep. Perhaps my expectations...

Coming to this place in early January, near freezing temperatures we entered to a lobby heated by a warming wood stove that acted like a cork sealing in the heat. There are no reservations here, it is first come first served. We were greeted with cheer and despite the busy atmosphere, and parking lot, we were seated in a relatively short order. First glance at the menu seemed misleadingly simple. The drinks were incredibly unique and well balanced. We ordered the filet and strip steak with an array of sides. We asked for a true medium, pink throughout and no red or translucency which was what was delivered. Meat had a wonderful flavor and char, though they were not particularly seasoned that was perfect to allow us to mix sides that were well seasoned or use seasoning as we liked. Regarding the sides, mushrooms were sublime with just the right amount of richness and savoriness. The mashed potatoes were well made though could have benefited from a bit more butter. The Mac and cheese was what I would expect from a BBQ place so good but not exceptional. The garlic side was a perfect addition to the filet and potatoes. The creamed spinach was not what I would expect, a mixture of what I could describe as heavy cream, cream cheese and blanched or slightly boiled spinach and well seasoned, not pulsed or blended in any way which was a fantastic surprise. Stand out s are Excellent service and...

Let me just say, going out to eat isn’t just about the food for me—it’s about the whole experience. And at Tumalo Feed Co., they absolutely nail it.

First, let’s talk about the staff. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, but Becky? She’s a total legend. She’s the kind of server who makes you feel like you’ve been friends forever, reads your mind before you ask for something, and somehow manages to be hilarious, efficient, and charming all at once. Honestly, Becky could teach a masterclass in hospitality—and I say we let her! Could be a solid side hustle. 😉

Now, the food. Oh my. Perfectly cooked steaks, hearty portions, and flavor for days. If your stomach isn’t growling just thinking about it, you may be broken inside.

Pro tip: Order one of their cocktails that comes with the mason jar shaker. It’s basically a legal life hack—you’re getting two drinks for the price of one. Who doesn’t love a generous pour and a little DIY bar flair at the table?

Bottom line: Tumalo Feed Co. is my happy place. When you find a spot with incredible food and even better service, you don’t let go. It’s rare these days. Too many restaurants have grumpy servers who look like they lost a bet just showing up to work. Maybe they should go take a lesson from Becky. I’d enroll.

Go hungry. Leave happy. And if Becky’s your server? Consider...