Jenny Manning
Believe it or not, there’s more to eat on or near campus than the limited selection found in the EMU. Whether it’s foreign fare or more traditional comfort food, there’s plenty to eat in Eugene.
8th & Monroe
So you say you like burritos? Well, prove it by eating only the best. For five whole dollars you can stuff your face with some of the most delicious burritos this side of the border. Whether it is a burrito with plantains, mashed potatoes, or any other food you could imagine, you are sure to enjoy it as long as the lovely people at Laughing Planet made it for you. But they don’t only serve burritos here. Oh, no, don’t make that mistake; they also have a large variety of other scrumptious delicacies with which to please your palate.
7th & Monroe
No discussion involving eating at Laughing Planet would be complete without also mentioning getting dessert at Sweet Life. The pastries here are out of this world; you can’t go wrong. You could go for the tarts, the cheesecake, the crème brûlée, or some delicious gelato. It really is impossible to get something that you won’t enjoy. The staff is quick and helpful even when the line to order is going out the door, which happens quite a bit. If your friend’s birthday is coming up, the best gift is always a treat from Sweet Life.
9th & Pearl
I understand that Thai food is the new “it” food to eat and that all the coolest kids are doing it. I also understand that Sweet Basil is the coolest place to get the coolest food. But I don’t let that deter me from going there when I want to get my Thai on. Not only do they have food that pleases, but it also pleases the eyes. Some of their food is on fire. It’s awesome. Sweet Basil also has a fully stocked bar and some great cocktails to drink while enjoying your sweet sticky rice and mangoes.
W. Park & S. Park, 13th & Hilyard
A staple of every good Eugenian home is a Dough Co. menu. If it is 2 a.m. and you, for one reason or another, have a craving for something greasy and delicious, there is just one option. Dial a call to Dough Co. and get yourself one of 31 different calzones to die for, maybe throw in a batch of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and you got yourself a meal. But here’s the secret: A calzone is good for every meal. And don’t forget about $10 Tuesdays at the downtown location.
4th & Blair
First off, let me just say that Papa’s has the number one most beautiful menu in all of Eugene. I may only feel that way because I’m a graphic designer and not a restaurant reviewer, but holy dang, it is so pretty to look at with my eyes. Also, they have some simply amazing Southern cuisine. Fried catfish and cornbread with a big ole piece of pie for dessert, oh mama… er, papa, that just hits the spot, and it is sure to fill you up right. Also remember to try the barbeque pulled pork if you are looking to understand what heaven tastes like.
5th & Blair
Las Brasas claims to have the biggest burrito in town for only $4.50. I am here to testify that they are not lying about this and that they do, in fact, have the biggest no-frills burrito around. But that isn’t all you can get at this authentic Mexican cuisina; you should also try the amazing enchilada or the tacos. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you could even try the whole fried fish. This is Eugene’s best-kept secret as far as Mexican food goes, but it shouldn’t be, and I’m here to let the world know about it.
1525 Franklin
This was the first Indian restaurant I went to in Eugene and, so far, it has been the only one. I figure when you get it right the first time, why try to screw it up? Evergreen has a great selection of Indian food for great prices. This is a great place to go with a bunch of friends so that you can all get some naan and go crazy with the delicious curries. It is surprising to find a good restaurant on Franklin, but don’t be wary, it is better than the giant street outside would make you think.
13th & Kincaid
More commonly known as The Hot Dog Vendor on Campus, this little cart is all about selection. If you want to put a tomato slice and sauerkraut on your hot dog, feel free. You can have a hot dog (or polish sausage – selection!) any way you want it. The best part is that you can be in and out in no time at all. This is your best choice for a quick bite between classes.
13th & Kincaid
If we are talking about food carts near campus, then I absolutely have to mention Alexander’s Great Falafel. I have never in my entire life had a better falafel anywhere than at this little food cart. It takes a bit more time and costs a bit more money than the hot dog vendor, but oh, ding dang, is it worth the time and wait. Highly recommended is the Deluxe – best price for the best food.
17th & Willamette
Every single time I have a friend from out of town visit me, I take him/her to Brail’s for breakfast. There is just no better place in town to get a huge wonderful breakfast. There is a reason they recently added on a bunch of dining rooms; everyone understands that Brail’s is the best. With their large variety of signature omelets, you are sure to find one that tickles your fancy. Make sure you try the hashbrowns and biscuits and gravy, because you will never understand what they are supposed to taste like until you’ve had them at Brail’s.
8th & Lincoln
When going to The Vintage, I would highly recommend starting off with an appetizer of the vegetable and bread fondue. Follow that up with some savory crepes and then some dessert crepes. Top the whole meal off with a fruit and chocolate fondue and you have a belly full of deliciousness. The restaurant is small, but you will be in your own little world as soon as the food is put down onto your table. This is the best combination of foods, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you are doing yourself a huge disservice.
19th & Agate
I like to call this restaurant The Place I Go When Dad Visits. Beppe & Gianni’s could have made this list just for their antipasto, but no, they just keep making deliciously wonderful food for every course of the meal. I’m also not one to complain about huge portions, because that just means I’ll be able to eat the next day as well. The reason I only go to Beppe & Gianni’s when my dad visits is because there is no way I could afford to feed myself here on a daily basis, but oh, how I wish I could.
[email protected]