Jack Harvel

(Reporter/Millennial)

OK, now we’re talking! The simplicity of this straight-forward, no-nonsense libation at this tucked-away, southside sports and live music bar was a welcome change of pace. The bourbon ruled this honest, three-ingredient, boozy cocktail that was all business and went down well with our potato skin and onion ring apps. Brilliant table conversation was bolstered by muted sports showing on every TV on every wall. This drink was the perfect nightcap to our adventure. Best of all, I learned two new words on this cocktail safari: falernum and orgeat -- both flavored, low-alcohol syrups. Cheers!

Nicole Vulcan (Editor/Generation Xceptionalism)

Drink: Mule Kickin’

Location: Big E’s, Bend East Side Ingredients: Bulleit Bourbon, ginger beer, lime

Big E’s is like if a rabid Oregon sports fan designed a bomb shelter. The windowless green room is full of sports memorabilia and old-timey photos, some of which make less sense than others (looking at you, historical photo of Wrigley Field). But this isn’t like the other fancy-schmancy bars we’ve been to; this is a place to drink and watch a game. And for that purpose, this is a good bar — the drink was strong and tasty and there’s enough TVs that you’ll never miss a moment of the action.

Allie Noland (Reporter/Gen Zer)

In the beforetimes (no, not the pandemic ones), I envision that Big E’s – formerly Kelly D’s – was one of those places where you embraced the haze of a smoke-filled bar, the cloying scent staying with you long after you’d called the cab you needed from drinking too many Jaegermeister shots. But alas, I don’t smoke anymore, smoking isn’t allowed inside anymore and the last time I had Jaeger I was still wearing the hemp dress I bought at Oregon Country Fair, so I’ll have to pontificate on the merits of the drink instead. Bar none, ginger beer makes everything better. These came in colorful mugs with a healthy, noticeable level of bourbon and lime. Sometimes, the simplest thing is the best thing.

I’ll have to admit, “old Bend” dive bars aren’t my go-to spot when going for drinks as a 20-something. Don’t worry, my boss took me to the D&D my first week on the job, and I’ve been to my fair share of bars in college. So, I am not completely clueless. Big E’s walls were painted a shade lighter than forest green. I’d recommend Big E’s to sports watchers, tap lovers, onion ring fanatics and those who like strong drinks, but maybe not to the cocktail connoisseurs. With an outof-the-park rating of booziness, the “Mule Kickin’” is a great way to kick off a fun time with your friends, but I wouldn’t call it the tastiest out of the series. I’d go back for a sports game and a basket of something fried.