ENJOYABLE EATS
Welcome to dining hall eating. With only seven options (Carson, Barnhart, Dux Bistro, Grab ‘n’ Go, Fire ‘n’ Spice, Common Grounds and Big Mouth Burrito), on-campus dining is a love-hate relationship with a lot of abuse on both sides. University Housing has successfully created varied food options, but monotony — that unintentional, repetitious lack of variety — can often set in after nine solid months of the same. Taking time off from on-campus dining gives a much-needed reprieve.
Fortunately, just west of campus, along 13th Avenue and Alder Street, exists a haven for college-sized hunger. Almost every restaurant in this area is a tried and true, can’t go wrong experience with choices that reflect practically all cuisines, taste preferences and budgets.
There are, of course, plenty of other great eating options that may lead to the slight enlarging of your waistline. (Papa’s Soul Food is one of the delectable culprits. Google it, go to it).
When eating in the dorms is not going to fly for one reason or another, get out and explore the off-campus food scene. The more you go, the more you’ll find a love for Eugene’s food culture.
Barry’s Cafe
Barry’s Cafe is a quieter option than Cafe Roma. While walking by, it’s almost impossible not to be lured in by the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries in the morning. The friendly staff is always great company, whether you’re eating alone or want an extra member to join in on a group conversation.
Sy’s
If you have a pizza addiction, Sy’s New York Pizza is a great place to get your fix. Perfecting the basics, the pepperoni and cheese slices are great, but they also make more adventurous options.
Campus Sub Shop
At the Campus Sub Shop’s newly remodeled frozen yogurt bar, fro-yo lovers can mix and match with the limitless variety of flavors and toppings. Although it’s best during the summer, frozen yogurt is a great end to a meal any time of the year.
Ron’s Hawaiian
If you haven’t had Hawaiian barbecue before, a trip to Ron’s Hawaiian is a must. The student special, which runs until 4 p.m. daily, is the best deal and most ordered item. But there are plenty of other, albeit more expensive, menu choices.
Sweet Basil Express
Some of Eugene’s best Thai food is at Sweet Basil. Dinner-sized portions range from $8 to $12. The menu options offer a great introduction to eating Thai food if there’s a novice in the group — because almost anyone can enjoy an order of pad Thai.
Coffee/Sandwich/Burrito
Rounding out the west side of the 13th Avenue restaurant district is a Starbucks/Quiznos combination, along with the Qdoba located across the street.
Cafe Roma
Complementing Siena is Cafe Roma right next store. Unlike the contrived, manufactured feel of Starbucks, Roma’s atmosphere is local and homegrown. The outdoor and indoor seating provides a comfortable setting for grabbing a cup of coffee between classes. The cafe also stands as a great setting to meet with groups, especially if it’s Spanish- or Portuguese-related, as the staff is fluent in both.
Cafe Siena
If you’re ending the night at the Caspian, beginning the morning right next door at Cafe Siena is ideal. Offering breakfast all day, the cooks whip up delicious, favorite crepes, huevos rancheros and Mexican-style breakfast.
The Caspian
Just past the Duck Store, the first stop for food seekers in the Caspian. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as gyros, as well as American cuisine, such as Philly cheese steaks and French toast. Nothing beats the double cheeseburger special with fries and a drink for $6, which is especially key on weekends when the Caspian leaves its doors open until 2:30 in the morning.
East Meets West
Sitting a little farther down the street, East Meets West is a new addition adding promise to a rather bleak Chinese food selection on 13th Avenue. East Meets West has all of the Americanized favorites, such as fried rice and sweet and sour chicken, while also carrying some traditional Chinese dishes. The lunch special is one of the best deals, where a large portion of rotating menu options are only $5.
Indian and Japanese
Bombay Palace’s Indian menu offers a daily lunch buffet with all-you-can-eat naan, a college student’s best friend, and delicious butter chicken. Bombay also offers a full menu for lunch and dinner, and you can comfortably split two or three main dishes among a few people. Sakura Japanese restaurant a couple doors down has a specific menu catering specifically to Sushi lovers.
Milky Way
Doughnut lovers should keep Milky Way on the radar because they serve oversized versions of maple bars, Boston creams and bear claws, while also offering a great selection of bubble teas, smoothies and bagels.
Glenwood
Rounding out the Alder Street selection is the Glenwood. Far more expensive and upscale than other eating spots directly off campus, the Glenwood is ideal for romantic occasions or food with visiting parents who are willing to pick up the check. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant is always crowded, but the wait is almost always worth it.
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Ducking out from Dux
Daily Emerald
July 11, 2010
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