Sunriver is just a hop, skip, and a small jump away from Bend. About fifteen miles south of town, this rural area has a bit of a reputation for being a resort destination. Not to say that isn't part of it, but it's not limited to just that. There are many residents of Sunriver who live there year-round. Most of the eateries available are located in The Village, which has come to be known as a high-end community center. Though occasionally visiting these shops and restaurants can be a treat, it is only in the last couple of years that there has been an increase in culinary choices within the greater Sunriver community. The Wallow Bar & Grill is one of these places.
Opening its doors in October 2014, The Wallow serves affordable homestyle meals in a friendly, relaxed environment. Sunriver resident and owner of The Wallow Greg Farfaglia says he and his wife, "...had run out of places to eat around here." They didn't want to wait around for an hour or so for a hamburger in The Village that cost more than they thought to be fair. "It's nothing against the places over there," says Farfaglia, "It's just that it wasn't for us." When the property opened up near their home, this already well-versed business owner saw his chance to give residents what he had been searching for, an affordable everyday dining option.
The menu is inspired primarily by home-style cooking. Think burgers, brews, and classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, a prime rib French dip, and wings, all with a Wallow twist. It should be mentioned, as well, that burger options are not just limited to regular beef burgers. This area is home to some of Oregon's most avid fisherman and huntsman, and Farfaglia acknowledges them with a couple of not-so-everyday meats deliciously accessible through burger. Bison and Elk game burgers are available as well as beef or chicken for those who are more classically-inclined in their meals.
The atmosphere is appropriately ranch-style, with a bar at the center of it all and tables available to seat couples on a date or families celebrating an event. Beer signs and hunting trophies decorate the walls, but don't feel overwhelming for patrons who prefer to hunt and gather their meals at eateries and shops. Although residents of Sunriver may live far apart, the people in the community are pretty close-knit. Regulars are greeted at The Wallow by name and newcomers are welcomed with just as much enthusiasm and smiles. Ladies-who-lunch, construction workers, retirees and families all enjoy The Wallow and that goes to show there are many different people who make up the Sunriver community. The Wallow Bar & Grill is a go-to for those looking for a good meal in a good town.
The Wallow Bar & Grill
17363 Spring River Rd., Sunriver
Hours: Mon. to Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat. and Sun., 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
