While folks might occasionally find mechanics at Sam Bond’s Garage, they won’t find them fixing vehicles. The tavern and restaurant, located on the corner of Fourth Street and Blair Boulevard in the Whiteaker neighborhood, serves up food, drinks and music.
Sam Bond’s opened in July 1995 and is co-owned by Bart Carroll, Todd Davis and Mark Jaeger. The three, who were all friends before the beginning of the venture, had intended for it to become a brewery, but as business progressed, its focus changed to a music-oriented venue.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It was formerly Save Our Ecosystems, a copy shop and environmental center. This turned out to be fruitful for the current owners because it allowed them to cost-effectively turn the place into what it is now.
Jaeger, a 13-year resident of Eugene who was formerly a commercial fisherman, noted that the three had gone to Begin Recycling in Neighborhood Groups for supplies. The bar of Sam Bond’s was an old staircase, and the tables were formerly counters.
While the restaurant wasn’t serving organic food at the beginning of its tenure, now about the only inorganic things to be found are the furniture and a few varieties of the alcohol. Standards on the menu include a gourmet selection of pizza (including a vegan type), salads, soups and appetizers. The menu frequently rotates and always includes specials.
For better or for worse, all the food is vegetarian. Davis said that Sam Bond’s is an alternative to what the majority of restaurants have to offer.
“I think we’re the only tavern that’s all organic and vegetarian as well — people appreciate it,” he said.
Sam Bond’s became popular as soon as it opened. Carroll, a visual artist who previously owned a gallery, credits its success to the community surrounding the restaurant.
“The neighborhood was really ready for it,” Carroll said. “As soon as we opened, people were in there.”
The owners themselves are steeped in the local neighborhood: All three have houses within walking distance of Sam Bond’s, although Carroll also has a second residence in Cottage Grove.
On the music-front, there are events at Sam Bond’s every day of the week, including weekly theme events: A bluegrass jam at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, an old time jam at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and an Irish music jam on Sunday afternoons.
Davis said that once Sam Bond’s started hosting music, visitors came by word of mouth, with some minimal advertising. Both he and Carroll attributed the successful and diverse selection of performers to Sam Bond’s booking manager, Peter Wilde. Early performers visiting the tavern include Rebecca Gates, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and Peter Buck of R.E.M.
Ticket prices tend to be more economical than other venues. Typically, prices generally stay within a sliding scale of $2 to $10. Although shows have occasionally cost more, Davis said he considers $10 a high price.
Current capacity for shows is just more than 200 people. The building has been remodeled once to add a stage, complete with sliding glass back walls.
“It made it feel more like a viable music venue,” Jaeger said.
There are plans to change the current stage again, as well as upgrade the sound system.
Sam Bond’s opens at 4 p.m. daily. It closes when it stops getting busy, which tends to be about midnight to 2 a.m. Don’t forget to check out the art on the walls, too. Works by Heather Coburn will be on display for another month.
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