After the Olympic Trials have ended for the day, do yourself a favor and venture outside of Hayward Field to discover the varying bar and club experiences that Eugene has to offer.
? Rennie’s Landing
1214 Kincaid St.
Only a short walk from Hayward Field, Rennie’s is arguably the most popular (or at least well liked) campus bar. The friendly bar staff and laid-back atmosphere make this the perfect place to cool off after a long day watching hurdles, javelins and long jumps, and its proximity to campus means that you’ll often find yourself rubbing elbows with Eugene locals. Also, minors are allowed until 3 p.m. Make sure you beat the crowd, and don’t miss out on the bar’s signature Rennie’s Lemonade.
? Villard Street Pub
1417 Villard St.
Villard Street Pub is a lesser known watering hole located on the east end of campus and draws a much smaller crowd than Rennie’s. Then again, the pub’s live music, Monday trivia nights and robust menu are starting to make a mark on the University’s bar-going crowd. Drop in and order a mammoth Falconer burger and wash it down with a local microbrew. You might even want to pick up a board game by the entrance and play a quick game of Sorry! during your visit. Villard Street Pub is also hosting the Oregon Microbrew and Wine festival during the Trials.
? The Starlight Lounge
830 Olive St.
One of the biggest draws of the Starlight Lounge may be its $2 Patron shots from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. every night, but there’s more to it than cheap drinks. Its dark yet comfortable atmosphere is enhanced by numerous comfortable couches, stunning black-and-white photography of campus locations and delicious signature cocktails, making the Starlight the perfect place to relax with friends at the start of a night of drinking.
? Indigo District
1290 Oak St.
If you’re looking for a dance floor in Eugene, the Indigo District is the place to be. Weekends at Indigo mean a live DJ who spins a wealth of tunes ranging from hip-hop and top-40 to favorites from the ’80s and ’90s. There’s a little bit of something for everyone. The seating is limited, though, so if you’re not in the mood to dance, make sure you get there before everyone else.
? Club Snafu
55 W. Broadway
If you’re able to find the entrance to Eugene’s only gay club (the neon rainbow sign in the window helps), then you’re in for a good time. Snafu may be small, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in character. Animal prints adorn the bar’s seating and a plethora of multicolored moving lights populate the dance floor, which takes up most of the space. The wide range of ages present also make Club Snafu an interesting and diverse experience.
? Diablo’s Downtown Lounge
959 Pearl St.
Great food and a relaxed atmosphere make this downtown bar a favorite for many, and full bars on the building’s two levels mean there’s plenty of room for everyone. Diablo’s may attract a specific crowd during its Fetish Ball each year, and the downstairs level is more of typical club, but Diablo’s also plays host to diverse events like poker tournaments, karaoke and BINGO nights.
? The Moxie
201 W. Broadway
If you’re looking for a stiff drink and a trendy cut-and-color, you’re in luck – The Moxie is a uniquely chic downtown establishment that combines the unlikely duo of cocktail lounge and hair salon. During the day you can sip a martini while the friendly staff goes to work on your hair, and at night the salon shuts down, leaving the bar open for lounge lizards. With specialty cocktails named “The Rachel” and “Dye Hard,” how can you resist?