Ax
Billy Grill & Sports Bar
American. $$$
From its perch atop the Downtown Athletic Club, the Ax Billy offers
impressive views of downtown. A creative cocktail list and a slew
of appetizer specials satisfy a typically full happy-hour crowd.
Its proximity to the McDonald Theatre makes it a great spot to grab
a pre-show snack. 999 Willamette St. 484-4011. Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner
Tue-Sat.
Bel Ami
Northwest. $$$-$$$$
With a recently revamped menu, Bel Ami’s strength is now its
regional cuisine, such as salmon stuffed with crab and bleu cheese.
The lengthy wine list and cocktail menu keep diners almost as warm
as the cozy fireplace in the dining room. 1591 Willamette St. 485-6242.
Beppe & Gianni’s
Trattoria
Italian. $$-$$$
Tucked into a vintage house near campus, this neighborhood trattoria
specializes in traditional Italian cuisine. Start with an antipasto
selection like bruschetta or roasted garlic. Primi plates include
homemade pastas, from savory ravioli to seasonal risotto, while secondi
range from fresh fish to grilled lamb chops. 1646 E. 19th Ave. 683-6661.
Wine and beer.
The Bier Stein Bottleshop & Pub
American. $-$$
With more than 850 bottles and 10 rotating taps, the Stein is a beer
connoisseur’s mecca. It’s easy to find the perfect brew
to complement the food—which is not to be overlooked. Standouts
include the German sausage, grilled panini, spinach salad and homemade
soups (try the beer cheese). 345 E. 11th Ave. 485-2437. Lunch Mon-Sat,
dinner nightly. Wine and beer.
Big River Grille at the Hilton
Northwest. $$$-$$$$
The renovated restaurant in the Hilton Eugene and Conference Center
has overhauled its menu and now specializes in Pacific Northwest
cuisine. Look especially for fresh seafood, including cedar-planked
salmon. Steaks are excellent as well. Walls are covered with antique
angling equipment. 66 E. 6th Ave. 342-2000. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner nightly.
Brail’s Restaurant
American. $-$$
The merits of this midtown diner are no secret to the crowd of regulars
who fill the booths for weekday breakfasts. It’s the weekend
packs of bleary-eyed youth that have earned Brail’s its recent
reputation as the best spot to cure a hangover. Meals come with buttery
hash browns, fluffy omelets and service that’s lightning quick
and friendly. It’s hard not to leave with a smile. 1689 Willamette
St., 343-1542.
The Broadway
Wine Bar and Bistro. $$
This downtown market offers high-quality deli fare ranging from phad
Thai to pastas, along with a huge selection of salads and sandwiches.
(Try the Italian.) The knowledgeable staff can recommend specialty
appetizers to pair with the outstanding selection of microbrews and
wines. 200 W. Broadway, 685-0790. Wine and beer.
Café Lucky Noodle
International. $$-$$$
The menu boasts a slew of Asian and Italian noodle dishes as well
as fancy cocktails to match the swank atmosphere. The nightly pasta
specials rarely disappoint; for dessert, try the house-made gelato.
The breakfast menu features crêpes, omelets and French toast.
207 E. Fifth Ave., 484-4777.
Café Soriah
Mediterranean. $$$
This jewel offers a splash of southern European warmth in an elegant
atmosphere. Graze on traditional Mediterranean fare like hummus,
baba ghanoush and stuffed grape leaves. House specialties include
flambéed steak Diane and tournedos de boeuf. Its intimacy
has earned Soriah a reputation as the city’s most romantic
restaurant. 384 W. 13th Ave., 342-4410. Lunch Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.
Café Zenon
International. $$-$$$
A downtown landmark that does it all well—from Sunday brunch
to late-night desserts and everything in between. The constantly
changing menu has an international flare and uses fresh local ingredients.
Zenon also features an extensive wine list, selected seasonal cocktails
and an enviable dessert case.
898 Pearl St., 343-3005.
Chanterelle
Continental. $$$-$$$$
Simplicity and consistency define this downtown classic. Fine, European-inspired
cuisine includes seafood, lamb, veal, beef and poultry as well as
seasonal wild game in an understated, elegant environment. 207 Fifth
Ave., 484-4065. Dinner Tue-Sat.
Chao Pra Ya
Thai. $-$$
Named for Bangkok’s river, this restaurant offers traditional
Thai cuisine—from crispy salad rolls and satay to an extensive
list of classic curries, noodle and rice dishes. House specials include
spicy catfish, pumpkin curry and pepper salt squid. This is a great
spot for takeout. 580 Adams St., 344-1706. Mon-Sat. Wine and beer.
Chapala Restaurante Mexicano
Mexican. $$-$$$
One of Eugene’s most popular south-of-the-border cafés
for 13 years, Chapala has locations in south and north Eugene. The
Pelayo family serves everything from enchiladas ranchera to a seafood
stew known as mariscos molcajete. A new lounge and appetizer menu
enhance the 29th Avenue restaurant. 68 W. 29th Ave., 683-5458; 136
Oakway Center, 434-6113.
Cornucopia
American. $-$$
This neighborhood bottle market is the home of Frog’s Wort
pale ale. The lengthy menu ranges from vegetarian sandwiches to homemade
soups, and burgers made with local organic beef and served with Cajun
fries. The cozy beer garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint and
a sandwich. There are daily happy hour and nightly food specials.
295 W. 17th Ave., 485-2300. Wine and beer.
The Dining Room at the Campbell House Inn
Northwest. $$$
The Inn features traditional Northwest cuisine that uses only local
poultry, beef, lamb and cheese. The menu changes daily and is complemented
by an all-Oregon wine list. Small tasting plates are available daily;
prix fixe dinners are served on Fridays and Saturdays. 252 Pearl
St., 343-1119. Wed-Sat. Wine and beer.
Excelsior Inn
Northwest/Italian. $$$
This charming European-style bistro features Italian and Northwest-inspired
cuisine. Diners enjoy the bounty of the Willamette Valley with entrees
like grilled lamb with a port reduction and Oregon rainbow trout
with tiger prawns and a proseco-pomegranate glaze. Look for an extensive
regional wine list and tantalizing desserts. 754 E. 13th Ave., 342-6963.
Breakfast and dinner nightly, lunch weekdays.
Glenwood Restaurant
American. $-$$
A local favorite known for its comfortable atmosphere, the Glenwood
offers such breakfast options as eggs Benedict, omelets and scrambles
with flare. The diverse selection of lunch and dinner fare includes
soups, sandwiches, salads and ethnic specials. 1340 Alder St., 687-0355;
2588 Willamette St., 687-8201. Breakfast, lunch and dinner nightly.
Iraila Mediterranean Rustica
Italian and Vegetarian. $$
Tucked in next door to Humble Bagel, Iraila offers a varied menu
of pastas, salads, soups and other dishes—a majority of them
vegetarian and vegan. This is a place where carnivores and their
non-meat-eating friends can go together and be very happy. 2435 Hilyard
St., 684-8400. Wed-Sun.
Jo Federigo’s Restaurant & Jazz Club
Italian. $$-$$$
Classic Italian fare is served in an intimate dining room that overlooks
the jazz club downstairs. Start with smoked gouda cheese, beer-battered
calamari or savory baked Brie. Entree selections include traditional
pasta dishes as well as pizzas and calzones. 259 E. Fifth Ave., 343-8488.
Breakfast on weekends.
Koho Bistro
International. $$-$$$
When Kim and Kevin Hylands saw a need in the Churchill neighborhood
for fine dining, they opened the KoHo. The classic bistro menu, changing
seasonally, features such dishes as a Dungeness crab and crayfish
strudel and a roast Long Island duckling, served with a brandy peppercorn
cream sauce. 2101 Bailey Hill Rd., 681-9335. Lunch weekdays, dinner
Mon-Sat. Wine and beer.
La Oficina
Latin American/Salvadoran. $$
Traditional Latin American and Salvadoran cuisine, made fresh, ranges
from homemade salsa to fish tacos, chicken mole and pork pupusas.
And with a selection of tequilas that will make you spin, it’s
easy to create a perfect margarita. 1491 Willamette St., 338-4621.
Lunch Tue-Fri, dinner Tue-Sat.
Marché
Northwest/French. $$$-$$$$
This elegant bistro showcases seasonal Northwest bounty and adds
a French accent. The constantly revolving menu features artful combinations
of locally grown and gathered meats and produce—for example,
grilled beef tenderloin with black truffle butter. It is complemented
by a superior list of regional and French wines. The exhibition kitchen
features a wood-fired oven. 296 E. Fifth Ave., 342-3612. Sunday Bunch.
Mazzi’s
Italian. $$-$$$
For 36 years, This authentic Sicilian-style Italian restaurant in
south Eugene has featured longtime family recipes that Frank Ernandes
inherited from his father, “Mazzi.” Their oustanding
Italian dishes feature fresh local ingredients and seasonal organic
produce from their own farm. Frank’s son, Mazzi, serves fresh
bread daily from his wood-fire oven. 3377 E. Amazon Dr., 687-2252.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner nightly.
McGrath’s Fish House
Seafood. $$-$$$
Born in Salem 27 years ago, this regional restaurant chain has grown
to embrace six states, with more on the way. The menu is heavily
seafood oriented and offers both traditional catches and more exotic
fishes. Chicken and steak are also available for those who don’t
care for seafood. 1036 Valley River Way, 342-6404.
McMenamins High Street
Brewery & Café
American. $$
Classic pub fare from the Portland brothers who brought you Oregon’s
first microbrewery since the Prohibition era. It’s lodged not
far from downtown in a century-old Victorian house, complete with
a backyard beer garden. The burger menu is worth a second look. 1243
High St., 345-4905.
Mekala’s Thai Cuisine
Thai. $$
Associated with Mekala’s in Portland, this restaurant offers
some traditional Thai dishes and some less frequently seen. There
are soups, salads, curries, stir-fries and grills. Try the phad kee
mao, “drunken noodles,” and be sure to specify how spicy
you want it! 1769 Franklin Blvd., 342-4872. Lunch Mon-Sat, dinner
nightly. Lunch Mon-Fri.
Napoli Restaurant & Bakery
Italian. $$
This is the campus-area spot to go to for pizza and pasta. The calzones,
stuffed with anything from spinach ricotta to chicken pesto, have
a loyal following, and the desserts are always tempting. 686 E. 13th
St., 485-4552. Mon-Sat. Wine and beer.
Newman’s Fish Company
Seafood. $
This midtown institution has been serving fresh fish since 1890.
Walk, bike or drive up to the outdoor window for a to-go order of
fish and chips (cod, halibut or salmon); it’s cooked fresh
and served with tangy tartar sauce, a hearty helping of fries and
slaw. Inside, the fresh seafood market offers a wide selection of
seasonal catches. 1545 Willamette St., 344-2371. Mon-Sat.
Oregon Electric Station
Northwest. $$$$
This national historic landmark boasts an antique dining car and
railcar-turned-wine cellar. The Northwest-inspired menu specializes
in prime rib and fresh seafood. 27 E. Fifth Ave., 485-4444. Lunch
weekdays, dinner nightly.
Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen & Blues
Joint
Barbecue. $-$$
Here’s a splash of southern comfort in the Whiteaker neighborhood.
Come here for pulled pork, ribs, fried catfish and hush puppies,
done right by a New Orleans-bred chef. You won’t leave hungry
... and you’ll hear live local blues on the cozy back patio.
400 Blair Blvd., 342-7500. Tue-Sat.
Poppi’s Anatolia
Greek/Indian. $$
Duck into this cozy downtown enclave to enjoy the best of traditional
Greek and Indian fare. The menu features a spectacular spanakopita
as well as other Greek favorites. Or warm up with a spicy curry dish.
992 Willamette St., 343-9661. Lunch Mon-Sat, dinner nightly. Wine
and beer.
Red Agave
Latin American. $$$
Latin fusion dishes meld exotic combinations of Caribbean and American
cuisine to match the warm and vibrant atmosphere. The swank bar is
the birthplace of the Richmond Gimlet, a locally famed cocktail.
454 Willamette St., 683-2206. Mon-Sat.
Ring of Fire & Lava Lounge
Thai/Pacific Rim. $$
The menu fuses flavors of the Pacific Rim, primarily Thai and Indonesian.
Start with Korean-style tempura, spring rolls or crispy tofu. Entree
selections range from Thai-style coconut curries to crispy-ginger
tilapia and fire-grilled shrimp satay. 1099 Chambers St., 344-6475.
Sam Bond’s Garage
American. $
This cozy spot in the heart of the Whiteaker neighborhood specializes
in organic pizza by the slice, salads, soups and pasta specials ...
as well as exceptional oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies. Wash it all
down with a microbrew; served in mason jars. 407 Blair Blvd., 431-6603.
The Savoy Truffle
Creative American. $$-$$$
Tucked into the back of a historic home, this eclectic restaurant
serves tapas-style small plates ranging from cheeses and smoked meats
to prime rib on weekend nights. All desserts are house-made. 460
Willamette St., 343-1586. Lunch Mon-Fri.Dinner Mon-Sat.
Sixth Street Grill
Northwest. $$-$$$
Casual fine dining is the hallmark of this restaurant, which offers
steaks, seafood and a variety of other dishes in the heart of downtown
Eugene. Regulars rave about the happy hour selections. 55 W. 6th
Ave., 485-2961. Breakfast Sat-Sun, lunch and dinner nightly.
Steelhead Brewing Company
American/Microbrew. $$
This comfortable downtown brewpub serves hand-crafted beer, brewed
on-site, and features a great outdoor seating area. The pub-style
menu offers light snacks like nachos and wings and features a wide
selection of burgers, pizzas, pastas and salads. 199 E. Fifth Ave.,
686-2739.
Sushi Station
Japanese. $$-$$$
The conveyor belt of sushi sends fresh-made plates around the bar
for guests to hand pick. House-special rolls include oishi (spicy
tuna and mango) and the Fifth Avenue roll (salmon, crab, avocado
and cucumber). There are several cooked options for those who don’t
want to go raw. 199 E. Fifth Ave., 484-1334. Lunch weekdays, dinner
Mon-Sat. Wine and beer.
Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
Thai. $$-$$$
A large floating-market mural creates a classy atmosphere for the
elegant Thai cuisine, from creative appetizers like the Oh My God
(a tortilla stuffed with crab, basil and cream cheese) to fresh salad
rolls. Entrees include classics like pineapple fried rice and phad
Thai and house specials such as salmon curry and spicy sea scallops.
941 Pearl St., 284-2944.
Sweetwaters on the River
Northwest. $$$-$$$$
Situated on the banks of the Willamette River, the Valley River Inn’s
restaurant offers Northwest scenery to match its cuisine. The menu
showcases the best of the valley, from Dungeness crab chowder and
roasted wild mushrooms to line-caught sockeye salmon. 1000 Valley
River Way (Valley River Inn), 743-1000. Sunday brunch.
Three Square Bar and Café
Northwest/French. $$-$$$
Chef-owner Sean Winder has matched his strong background in French
cooking to the seasonal availability of Northwest products, creating
a menu that ranges from Pacific halibut and tuna to Oregon-grown
beef and local organic vegetables. The bar features specialty cocktails
that rotate with the seasons. 2835 Oak St., 284-2825. Dinner nightly,
weekend brunch.
Turtles Bar and Grill
American. $$
You’ll get a wider variety of menu choices at Turtles than
you would at the typical bar and grill: Consider portobello burgers,
a blackened salmon salad, barbecued baby back ribs and garlic chicken.
Steaks, pasta and vegetarian entrees round out the range of offerings.
2690 Willamette St., 465-9038. Brunch weekends.
El Vaquero
Latin American. $$$-$$$$
You don’t have to leave the Fifth Street Market to take an
elegant trip south of the border and graze on tapas such as wild-mushroom
ceviche, lobster albondigas or a well-chosen cheese plate. The menu
features wine-and-tapas pairings; large plates include savory paella,
steak and chicken. 296 E. Fifth Ave., 434-8272.
The Vintage
Continental. $$
This charming downtown hideaway specializes in fondue (both cheese
and chocolate) and in sweet and savory crêpes. The menu also
features such options as pizza pot pie and original cocktails like
the Lava Rock. 837 Lincoln St., 349-9181. Breakfast weekends, lunch
Tue-Sun, dinner Tue-Sat.
Waterfront Bar & Grill
American. $$$-$$$$
Overlooking the waterways of Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium,
the Waterfront boasts an open kitchen with an oak-wood barbecue where
beef, chicken, pork and salmon are cooked to perfection. The bar
is a popular college hangout, especially on game days. 2210 Martin
Luther King Jr. Blvd., 465-4506. Lunch weekdays, dinner Mon-Sat.
Tapas bar menu and happy-hour specials Mon-Fri.
West Brothers’ River
Ranch Steakhouse
American. $$$
Need a beef fix? This is the spot. Whether you’re looking for
a hearty half-pound burger or—for dinner—a thick slice
of juicy prime rib au jus, you’ll find it at West Brothers’.
2123 Franklin Blvd., 686-2020. Lunch weekdays, dinner daily.
Willie’s On 7th
Continental. $$$-$$$$
Elegant international cuisine in a turn-of-the century house near
downtown is what Willie’s offers. Appetizers include European
classics like escargot and Italian sausage; there are such specialty
entrees as salmon with a champagne pink peppercorn cream sauce and
broiled Northwest lamb. 388 W. 7th Ave., 485-0601. Lunch weekdays,
dinner Mon-Sat.
