The Old St. Francis School, conveniently located in the center of downtown Bend, has undergone a transformation from 1936 Catholic schoolhouse to lively destination hotel complete with classrooms-turned-lodging rooms, a pub, brewery and bakery, a movie theater, private meeting and event space and a truly fantastic soaking pool that beckons day travelers, shoppers, hikers, skiers and snowboarders alike.
This school offers 19 richly appointed guestrooms and four individual rental cottages with room for 2 to 10 people, perfect for group getaways. Old St. Francis School reopened in its current capacity in November 2004 and we honor the property’s former life by featuring extensive artwork that pays homage to the history of the school and the surrounding community.
Photos, memorabilia and students’ artwork adorn the walls, making the hotel a unique gallery of sorts. Take special note of the colorful orbs that punctuate the high wooden fencing around the property, the unusual custom-made light fixtures and absolutely stunning tile mosaics that surround the soaking pool.
The Old St. Francis Pub
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the pub’s deep booths and original artwork make for a comfortable spot to linger over any meal. Set in the former Catholic school’s main building, the pub offers hearty pub fare, handcrafted ales brewed right downstairs in the onsite brewery and seasonal weekly specials.
On warm days, guests can sit in the outside courtyard to enjoy their food and drinks al fresco. Or perhaps order some pizza to go for a picnic anywhere. Call (541) 382-5174 for pizza to go orders.
Old St. Francis School Brewery
The onsite brewery opened as part of the rejuvenated Old St. Francis School in 2004. Once the basement lunchroom of the former Catholic school, the area has been transformed to facilitate the creation of the handcrafted ales St. Francis’ patrons have come to know and admire. The brewery’s fermentation tanks are decorated with fantastical designs of mystical creatures and fairy-like imps.
Head Brewer Mike “Curly” White has been the resident brewer here since 2006, and his fine beers such as Father D’s Kolsch, Parson Brown & Gunslinger Pale Ale are all proven recipes savored by house regulars and those travelers passing through alike. During the summer months Curly is ably assisted by his unmistakably red-bearded Assistant Brewer Kevin Connell.
Old St. Francis Theater
Tucked away in the former parish hall of the old Catholic school is a place much more comfortable to sit than a hard wooden pew. The Old St. Francis School Theater, with seating for up to 150, offers visitors the chance to settle into an overstuffed chair or sofa and watch a recent release, cult classic or sporting event while enjoying a slice of pizza and a handcrafted McMenamins ale.
The Old St. Francis Theater offers pizza, snacks and, of course, popcorn. The full-service bar offers a wide variety of liquid refreshments to quench your thirst including McMenamins own handcrafted ales, wines and spirits. So sit back, relax on our cozy couches and chairs and take in all that the big screen has to offer.
Mcmenamins Old St Francis School
700 NW Bond St
Bend, OR 97701
Phone:(541) 382-5174
Website: www.mcmenamins.com/OldStFrancis
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