The Victorian Pantry was Established in 1983 as one of Bend's original local breakfast diners. For years it served traditional breakfasts to the locals of Bend's famous & quaint Westside neighborhood. In 1996 the name was changed to The Victorian Cafe and kept serving tasty but traditional breakfast entrees. Then in 2002 Proprietor John Nolan purchased the restaurant and his goal was to re-brand this traditional diner and bring in a new fresh look & attitude. John added a full bar, expanded the menu to include more upscale and eclectic creative cuisine. Since then, the Vic has become an institution in Bend as a place for locals and tourists to meet friends and enjoy a new dining experience.
John always believed what separates good restaurants and great restaurants is turning every meal into an experience with the food as the star of the show. "The Vic Experience" is a perfect balance of fun loving service, fresh quality ingredients, the most unique menu around, and finally very generous portions of the areas favorite gourmet cuisine! The Victorian is dedicated to the customer having a unique experience that you simply cannot get anywhere else! The Vic has great range that is sure to please any palette. They understand that one day you may be with adults that want a gourmet bloody mary (24oz Proud Mary with shrimp skewers) and Man-Mosas with Pacific Crab Benedict. The next day you may be with children that want something more traditional like eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, or french toast. Regardless of the situation The Victorian Cafe' offers something for everybody!
John Nolan - Proprietor:
John first started with The Victorian Cafe, commonly referred to by locals as "The Vic" in 1996 upon returning from Telluride, Colorado. In Telluride John worked as a sous chef in a fine dining restaurant as well as a head breakfast cook in a busy breakfast eatery. John worked at The Vic for several years creating dishes and managing the restaurant before being presented with the opportunity to buy the business. After purchasing The Vic in 2002 John decided to completely reinvent the idea of a breakfast restaurant and worked hard to create a diverse menu that successfully fuses classic breakfast fare with new, creative food combinations and unique flavors. This beautiful merger often twists popular dinner entrees into unforgettable omelets and egg benedicts. With the addition of the weekly revolving specials menu another dimension of creativity was added and challenges diners to break free of their breakfast stereotypes. In 2004 "The Vic Experience" was complete when the integration of a full bar introduced award-winning bloody marys and the legendary "Manmosa" crafted with Victorian Cafe private label champagne. John's goal has always been to create a memorable dining experience where customers walk out saying "Wow, that was awesome!" Today The Vic remains an institution in Central Oregon for locals and visitors alike, winning "Best Breakfast" over 13 times, and accumulating many awards for the signature Proud Mary Bloody Mary.
