(Boxwood Kitchen Summer Ribs | Photo courtesy of Old Mill District)
Bend’s Boxwood Kitchen is putting a new, quicker twist on its popular menu this summer, catering to concertgoers and others with jam-packed summer schedules.
The Old Mill District restaurant is also partnering with Hood River’s pFriem Family Brewers for a summer-long tap takeover.
“People want to quickly get in and out for drinks and food before the concerts,” said co-owner Riane Rud. “We wanted to shift our format to quick service, counter service and changed up the menu to be heavy on small plates and shareables.”
Guests this summer will order at the counter, have a seat and a server will bring out their food. An express counter of sorts will be available for those wanting another round of drinks or an additional plate of appetizers. “We’re really excited about it,” Rud said about the changes. “It’s not too far from who we are and what we’re about, but it is something different.”
Boxwood Kitchen is located just a short walk across the Deschutes River from Bend’s popular Hayden Homes Amphitheater, which is set to host 52 concerts this summer. Rud said with the number of concerts seemingly growing every year, the restaurant wanted to make it easier for people to get a great meal before enjoying the music.
The new all-day summer menu includes crowd favorites like the Boxwood Burger with bacon jam or the half rack of Baby Back Ribs alongside some fresh, lighter fare perfect for summer patio dining – think Grilled Shrimp or a crispy Thai Salad.
You can wash it all down with a diverse selection of pFriem’s delicious beers including a Czech lager, IPA, Hazy, Pale Ale and Belgian Style Blonde Ale.
The Boxwood-pFriem relationship started last summer when the two joined up at Bend Brewfest. “We loved their beers to begin with,” Rud said. “We met the team and they’re just wonderful people who have an excellent product and care about their employees and customers. Everything they’re about, we appreciate as customers and partners. It’s a brand we’re proud to stand our brand up next to.”
Boxwood’s executive chef and co-owner Eric Rud is known for his unique twist on southern comfort food. And his dishes are perfect for an upscale night on the town or for a grab-and-go treat on the way to an adventure in the Cascades.
“The summer is really busy for us in the Old Mill District. There’s so much to do,” Riane Rud said. “How do we maximize on the season and not lose sight of the product quality?”
Boxwood Kitchen opens for lunch and dinner service daily at 11 a.m. with a variety of libations available to sip on from craft beer to wine and several specialty cocktails. If you’re not in a hurry, stick around and enjoy complimentary WiFi. Customers looking to expedite the experience even more can order online for pickup or delivery.
Rud said the new menu and counter service is a summer experiment, but it might stick around.
“If it’s something our staff and customers are happy with, it’s something we’d consider,” she said, adding that following the pandemic, customers have been more open to businesses trying things out. “We’re trying to adapt to the environment from the employment perspective, the concerts ramping up and do something our customers want. We won’t know until we try.”
About Boxwood Kitchen:
Boxwood Kitchen developed a fierce fan base for its delivered meals out of Bend’s Widgi Creek Golf Course in its early days, and is now a full, upscale yet casual lunch and dinner restaurant in the Old Mill District. The restaurant is located catty-corner to Saxon’s Fine Jewelers on the north end of the Old Mill District and features culinary creations by executive chef Eric Rud. Boxwood Kitchen is open daily for dine-in, takeout and delivery from 11am to 9pm, reservations are needed for parties of six or more.
About the Old Mill District:
Celebrating 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional, and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home.
