Hip Tips for Eugene
Eugene offers more than some might think. From great food, to pleasant stores, to great concert venues, Eugene offers something for everyone. Here are some of TEP’s favorites.
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Food and Drink
Barbecue
- Hole in the Wall BBQ: Authentic, no-frills barbeque at its best. With its friendly service, hearty portions, and reasonable prices, Hole in the Wall BBQ offers something you can’t find anywhere else in Eugene. [3200 W 11th Ave, 683-7378]
- Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen: Soul Food “So good it will make you wanna slap yo’ mamma.” Generous servings and great side dishes, Papa’s might be the best soul food in town. [400 Blair Blvd, 342-7500]
Bars
- The Bier Stein: A Tracktown icon to many and it’s easy to see why. They have a vast beer selection, dank food, and a chill atmosphere. [345 E 11th Ave, 485-2437]
- Eugene City Brewery: One of Eugene’s classic bars. Go on Wednesday for Bingo (buying beer equals free bingo cards) or Friday for trivia night (win prizes, get money off your bill). However any night promises good times. [844 Olive St, 345-4155]
- High St. Brewery & Cafe and East 19th St. Cafe: McMenamin’s pubs with great food, extensive selection of microbrews and outdoor seating. Be sure to try their famous Ruby Ale. [1243 High St, 345-4905; 1485 E 19th Ave, 342-4025]
- Jameson’s: A great place to get a drink, something to eat, play a round of pool or darts, and even look at some excellent local art. [115 W Broadway, 485-9913]
- Rennie's Landing: Gourmet hamburgers, specialty sandwiches along with appetizers and a full bar just a stone's throw away from Campus. Rooftop tables available to those who get there before the crowd. [1214 Kincaid St, 687-0600]
- Sam Bond’s Garage: Combine equal parts good beer and food, live music ranging from bluegrass to jazz to rock, and a relaxed atmosphere and you’ll have Sam Bond’s. [407 Blair Blvd, 343-2635]
- Steelhead Brewery: Good food, better beer, and awesome ambiance. Be sure to sample the amber ale and any of their seasonal brews. [188 E 5th Ave, 686-2739]
Coffee
- Allann Brothers: A friendly neighborhood coffee shop with a comfortable atmosphere, great customer service, and delightful coffee. [152 W 5th St, 342-3378]
- Dutch Bros.: A reliable coffee place where you can satisfy a late night or early morning caffeine and sweets craving. Their tea and smoothies are worth trying. [1701 W 11th Ave, 687-0774; 110 W 7th Ave, 484-9928]
- Espresso Roma: Delicious yet affordable coffee, a laid back atmosphere, and great customer service make Espresso Roma a hot spot for coffee near campus. [825 E 13th Ave, 484-0878]
- Full City: Dedicated to high quality coffee, Full City is a great place to get caffeinated. They also offer a variety of light meals and baked goods. [295 E 13th Ave, 465-9270; 842 Pearl St, 344-0475]
- Wandering Goat: It might not be the fastest or cheapest coffee in Eugene, but it could very well be the best. They also make delicious baked goods and have a hip atmosphere. [268 Madison St, 344-5161]
Latin
- El Torito: Authentic “American” Mexican food at its best. Huge portions, affordable prices, and a cozy area to get stuffed. Check out their extended happy hour (4-8pm) when entrees are half-off! [1003 Valley River Way, 683-7294]
- La Tiendita & Taco Loco: Delicious Mexican and Salvadorian food. Food is plentiful and affordable and will leave you wanting more and more. [764 Blair Blvd, 683-5531]
- Los Dos Amigos: You can count on Los Dos Amigos to be tasty, fresh, and affordable. The customer service is superb as well. [4730 Village Plaza Loop, 686-8455]
- Café Siena: Known for their awesome breakfast, Café Siena also has some the best Mexican food in Eugene. It’s close enough to campus you can go there for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal. [853 E 13th Ave, 344-0300]
Vegetarian/Vegan
- Café Yumm: Good food that somehow manages to be healthy, filling, and inexpensive. Café Yumm lives up to its name, with their cheerful atmosphere and wonderful food. [730 E Broadway, 344-9866; 1801 Willamette, 686-9866]
- Keystone Cafe: The "Best Breakfast in Town" is their motto, and who are we to argue? Great for a little breakfast before you run off for your Saturday fun, and even better for that big lazy Sunday brunch. [395 W 5th Ave, 342-2075]
- Morning Glory Café: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, or simply want to try something a little different, then check out Morning Glory Café. [450 Willamette St, 687-0709]
Asian
- Mekala’s: Worth every penny. Their food is not only delicious, but also authentic, and they have a variety of delightful drinks as well. [1769 Franklin Blvd, 342-4872]
- Ring of Fire: A wonderful restaurant with fantastic Thai food, great prices, accommodating customer service. Ring of Fire is committed to sustainability too! They use organic products whenever possible, use electricity from renewable sources, and practice in-house conservation. [1099 Chambers St, 344-6475]
- Sushi Station: If you have a sushi-aversion, Sushi Station just might convert you. They make delicious sushi, are affordable, and have a pleasant atmosphere. [199 E 5th Ave, 484-1334]
- Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine: Sweet Basil is definitely in the running to have the best Thai in Eugene! The restaurant has a modern, trendy atmosphere, and makes a mean cocktail. [941 Pearl St, 284-2944]
Continental
- 6th Street Grill: Great food, prices, and service – a winning combination! They offer something for everyone, from steak, to salads, to burgers, to booze. [55 W 6th Ave, 485-2961]
- Agate Alley Bistro: A laid back neighborhood bistro/bar with a subtle Asian/Latin influence. [1461 E 19th Ave, 485-8887]
- The Broadway: A more “upscale” deli known for their fantastic wine selection (though they offer other spirits). There is also a grocery section, where you can find organic foods and gourmet sweets. [200 W Broadway, 685-0790]
- Cornucopia: Cornucopia just might have the best burger in Eugene! With their great food and vast beer selection, it’s a great place for a casual hearty meal. [295 W 17th Ave, 485-2300]
- Davis’ Restaurant and Bar: Eat, drink, and dance the night away. It’s a little more upscale and expensive than run of the mill places, but it could be a great destination for a special night out. [94 W Broadway, 485-1124]
- Jo Federigo’s: Eugene’s local jazz club, where you can have a classy and delicious meal while listening to the best of Eugene’s jazz scene. [259 E 5th Ave, 343-8488]
- Turtles Bar and Grill: One of Eugene’s late night dinner gems. Turtles keep their full dinner menu until midnight or later every night. [2690 Willamette, 465-9038]
- The Vintage: The perfect place for a quiet drink, crepe, or a pot of fondue. It might get a little crowded during the dinner rush, but it’s worth the wait and there are always other times. [837 Lincoln St, 349-9181]
- ‘Wich House: Though known for their delicious sandwiches, they also offer tasty soups, drinks, and a number of other goodies. They have excellent services and extremely reasonable prices. [840 Willamette St, 434-9424]
Dessert
- Excelsior Cafe: Who would have thought that the nice building down the street from campus contains desserts to die for? Open late for the quasi-romantic rendezvous or the "I really deserve some mousse after reading that horrible book" kind of thing. [754 E 13th Ave, 342-6963]
- Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream: Prince Puckler’s is not your typical ice cream shop. While they make the standards, they also produce such delicious flavors as Eggnog, Pumpkin, and Velvet Hammer. [1605 E 19th Ave, 344-4418]
- Sweet Life Patisserie: If you have a sweet tooth, you might find yourself spending a lot of time here. Their delicious desserts are hand made from scratch and very reasonably priced. They also have animal product, wheat, and gluten free options. [755 Monroe, 683-5676]
Pizza
- Cosmic Pizza: A great pizza place devoted to organic ingredients, vegetarian and vegan offerings, and sustainable policies. They also have salads, wine, microbrews, soups, and desserts. [199 W 8th Ave, 338-9333]
- La Perla: One of the last restaurants offering authentic Neapolitan Pizza. Often packed, you might have to wait a while should you decide to go, but it will be well worth the wait! [1313 Pearl St, 686-1313]
- Mezza Luna: They offer New York styled thin-crust pizza, freshly tossed salads, and savory appetizers. Microbrewed beer is on tap, and they have a diverse wine selection. Desserts come from Sweet Life Patisserie. [933 Pearl St, 684-8900]
- Pegasus Pizza: Voted to be the best pizza in Eugene for over a decade, Pegasus Pizza offers a diverse and often quirky selection. They also offer salads, sandwiches, calzones, and a number of side dishes. [790 E 14th Ave, 344-4471]
- Pizza Research Institute: Pizza is more than just food to these guys – it’s a way of life. The pizza possibilities are nearly endless and often a little strange (pears on pizza?), and all can be made vegetarian or vegan. [1328 Lawrence St, 343-1307]
- Track Town Pizza: For those days of self-indulgence, try the pizza that eats like a meal. Lots of clever toppings and fresh ingredients, this is the quintessential UO pizza place. [1809 Franklin Blvd, 484-2799; 2620 River Rd #A, 484-1912]
Miscellaneous
- Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria: The consensus choice for best Italian food in town. Everything from the appetizers to entrees to desserts is delicious. Their also known for their excellent wine selection. It’s more expensive than the average restaurant, but might be the ideal location for a special occasion. [1646 E 19th Ave, 683-6661]
- The Black Rabbit Bistro and Bar: A casual chic bistro for grownups, with great food and atmosphere. They have some unconventional policies (e.g. no ketchup allowed), but the food makes up for it. [2864 Willamette St #300, 343-8226]
- Café Lucky Noodle: They pull of the improbable: a happy (and scrumptious) union between Asian and Italian food. The atmosphere is hip, portions are large, prices are good and the service is excellent. [207 E 5th Ave, 484-4777]
- Café Soriah: Great place to take your date for a special occasion. Food prepared with expertise and attention to detail, live music (often classical guitar), and a wonderful outdoor courtyard for summer evenings. [384 W 13th Ave, 342-4410]
- The Dough Co.: A Eugene Institution, Dough Co. serves a large variety of calzones as well as salads, and homemade ice cream and cookies. Open until 3am, Dough Co. is great after a late night of or before an early start to studying. [866 West Park St, 302-8212; 1337 Hilyard St, 485-7459]
- Poppi's Anatolia: Excellent Greek and Indian cuisine, affordable prices, and an intimate dining experience. You'll probably have to wait in line on a Friday or Saturday night at the peak dinner hour, so you might want to give their lunch a shot. [992 Willamette St, 343-9661]
Grocery
- Capella Market: Offering a nice selection of organic food in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. The customer service is phenomenal and will keep you coming back for more. [2489 Willamette St, 345-1014]
- Down to Earth: A unique home and garden store-the kind you want to take your out-of-town guests to on a tour of the city. Great pottery, cookware, linens, toys, candles, soaps, furniture, plants, and gardening supplies (more seed companies represented than anywhere else). [150 Shelton Mcmurphey Blvd, 485-5932]
- The Kiva: Organic produce, full line of health foods in bulk, other natural products, nice selection of wines, small and uncrowded. [125 W 11th Ave, 342-8666]
- Sundance Natural Foods: Offers a lot of bulk, mostly-organic goods, with a diverse wine selection, and has a great deli with vegetarian and vegan options. [748 E 24th Ave, 343-9142]
- Sunrise Asian Food Market: They offer a wide variety of Asian food at very reasonable prices. They focus more on Japanese and Korean food, but they certainly don’t limit themselves to that. The store is clean, well organized, and has friendly and helpful employees. [70 W 29th Ave, 343-3295]
Household and Clothes
- 5th Street Market: Offers everything from great food, to handmade wares, to home furnishings, and cookware. You could just walk around and go into any restaurant or store and find a treasure. [296 E 5th Ave, 484-0383]
- Buffalo Exchange: A “hip” used-clothing store. They manage to stock both vintage and modern styles at great prices. If you forgo a plastic bag, a donation is made to a local charity! [131 E 5th Ave, 687-2805]
- Goodwill: You can find everything from books, to furniture, to clothes here. [1015 River Rd, 984-3020; 855 Seneca Rd #1, 984-8812; 2909 Portland St, 984-8812; 1010 Green Acres Rd, 343-4332]
- Nobody’s Baby: Vintage clothing going back to the 1800’s. If you need a costume for a party or other social gathering, be sure to stop by. [365 E 13th Ave, 343-6842]
- Salvation Army: All of the Salvation Army’s earnings go towards charitable enterprises. Shopping here is an opportunity to save money and support a good cause. [640 W 7th Ave, 343-3328]
- St. Vincent de Paul: Restocked daily, St. Vincent De Paul carriers both new and used items ranging from household appliances to books to mattresses. They even have a car lot. [201 Division Ave, 762-7837; 555 High Street, 344-2115; 1880 West 11th Ave, 683-8284; 2345 West Broadway, 284-5024; 705 Seneca, 345-8036; Car Lot: 1175 Highway 99 North, 607-4541]
- Value Village: A huge and well run thrift store with an extensive and varied selection. [555 W Centennial Blvd, 747-8339]
- CD World: A wonderful place to buy CDs, records and DVDs. Their selection is vast, and highlights some local musicians. They also have in-store performances, posters, flags, tapestries, and more. [3215 W 11th Ave #B, 683-6902]
- Eugene Public Library: One of Eugene's most cherished possessions is the small, but ever resourceful local public library. [100 W 10th Ave, 682-5450]
- House of Records: By far the best place to sell/trade your old music. They have a broad selection of new and used CDs and records in their quaint and comfortable house. [258 E 13th Ave, 342-7975]
- Smith Family Book Store: Eugene's largest used book store, with campus and downtown locations. Smith's has something for everyone. It's the next best thing to driving up to Powell's. [768 E 13th Ave, 345-1651; 525 Willamette, 343-4717]
- Bijuo Art Cinemas: Contained by what used to be a church, Eugene’s local art house theater is a great place to unwind with a great film – something good is always playing. [492 E 13th Ave, 686-2458]
- Cuthbert Amphitheatre: The perfect summer companion. Enjoy a superb concert by some of the best acts around in the 4,000 capacity amphitheater. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to stake out a good seat. [North east corner of Alton Baker Park, south west of Autzen Stadium, 762-8099]
- Hult Center for the Performing Arts: Eugene's formal center for the performing arts. [7th & Willamette, 682-5087]
- Lane Events Center: A large establishment which houses Eugene's only ice ring, the summer annual fair, and numerous exhibits and events throughout the year. [796 W. 13th Ave, 682-4292]
- McDonald Theater: One of Eugene’s historic concert halls. It’s a great place for concerts and other events. [1010 Willamette St, 345-4442]
- The Shedd Institute: More than just a venue, the Shedd Institue is a cultural arts center offering concerts, music classes, and festivals. [868 High St, 687-6526]
- WOW Hall: This entertainment center is dedicated to providing diverse arts and educational events for Eugene, Oregon and Lane County. It also hosts a wide variety of musical bands and local talent. [291 West 8th Ave, 687-2746]
- Art & the Vineyard: This great festival is the primary fundraiser for the Maude Kerns Art Center. Sample art in various forms from more than 150 artists in the Artists’ Marketplace, polish your wine chops with some of the Willamette Valley’s best, and finish that off with a trip to the International Food Court. There are also live music and theatrical shows. [Eugene’s Alton Baker Park, 345-1571]
- Eugene Celebration: Exactly what its title says -- a celebration of our city. Music, food, parades, booths representing all kinds of issues, concerns and groups in our town. The parade is a homegrown mix of floats, cars with queens and princesses (the most spectacular of which is the "Slug Queen"), cowpeople on horseback, baton twirlers, unicyclists and a full range of the completely unexpected. Don't miss it!
- KLCC Microbrew Festival: What could be better than supporting local radio by drinking some awesome beer? The festivities also include some great food and music. [796 W 13th Ave, 463-6000]
- Lane County Fair: Happens every year in mid-August. It’s one of the Northwest’s largest county fairs and offers a plethora of sights, sounds, tastes, and thrills. [796 W 13th Ave, 682-4292]
- Mt. Pisgah Mushroom Festival: Celebrate the mushroom in style! During the fall this festival features a broad range of Oregon’s plentiful fungi. There are hayrides, craft vendors, mushroomy food, cider, wine, music, and more! [34901 Frank Parrish Rd, 747-3817]
- Oregon Asian Celebration: An annual festival that celebrates all things Asian. Go for cooking or crafts demos, art exhibits, martial arts exhibitions, tons of entertainment, and so much more! [796 W 13th Ave, 687-9600]
- The Saturday Market: There's no better place in town for quality, local produce. Get there early (opens at 10am) and check out the handicrafts, produce, live performances, and awesome food court. It’s open every Saturday in April until mid-November. [76 W Broadway, 686-8885]
- Scandinavian Festival: Make the short trip to Junction City to enjoy this homage to the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Find a treasured handicraft, observe colorful costumes, catch a show or dance, and of course eat some great food. [Junction City Oregon, 998-9372]
- 211 Lane County: If you feel like you need some help with anything from taxes to housing to food, 211 indexes local agencies that provide any kind of assistance you might need. On the site you can also find a number of volunteering opportunities
- Birth to Three: They organize free parenting groups, weekly parenting workshops and seminars, and a quarterly activity guide for parents and children that highlight free local events. Birth to Three also has many volunteering opportunities. [86 Centennial Loop, 484-5316]
- City of Eugene Information: Now you can find all the information you ever wanted to know about this lovely city. There is resourceful information about local events and politics, not to mention how to get involved with local volunteer services.
- City of Springfield: Don’t limit yourself to Eugene – check out Springfield too!
- Emerald City Roller Girls: Eugene’s all-female flat-track roller derby league. Their mission is “To promote athleticism, sportswomanship, and derby by producing family friendly roller derby, as well as to support our local community through activities, events and service involvement.” [EmeraldCityRollers@gmail.com, Order Tickets]
- Eugene Emeralds: The local minor-league baseball team for the city of Eugene. Their facility provides a nice atmosphere to relax and enjoy an afternoon game, and the chance to get acquainted with other baseball fans. [2077 Willamette St, 342-5367]
- The Tango Center: Whether a novice or expert, this is an excellent place to experience the music and dance of the Argentine Tango. They also have local organic Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Friday. [194 W Broadway, 349-8682]
- UO Outdoor Program: The Outdoor Program invites outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels to participate in exciting cooperative adventure outings! For over 40 years, the Outdoor Program has been bringing people together in a wide range of outdoor pursuits and environmental settings, providing a diversity of rich experiences for UO students, staff and community members. There are no dues for UO students. [37 EMU, 346-4365]
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
11/17/09