Eugene may not be the city that never sleeps. But bar hoppers and dancing machines bored with the same old scene can look beneath the surface to see a quirky world that only comes out after midnight. From playgrounds to porn stores, there are plenty of alternatives to that party on Alder Street.
Students searching for an “illuminating” nighttime activity can check out Strike City Lanes at 1170 Highway 99 N. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bowling alley on Franklin Boulevard stays open until 2:00 a.m. Wander in after midnight when all the white lights are shut off. Black lights bounce off everything from the balls to the pins to tabletops — creating a cosmic landscape and a truly unique bowling experience.
Lanes Manager Kathi Sutherland said this is a perfect time for college students to find an open lane.
“Around midnight, the younger crowd and teenagers head home, so there’s always plenty of availability,” Sutherland said.
Sporting a full lounge, Strike City is an appropriate place for the over-21 crowd to pick up a pitcher of beer, throw on a pair of glow-in-the dark shoes and bowl the night away.
After working up an appetite, students can cruise by a staple of the late-night restaurant scene, Shari’s — try the one at 2950 W. 11th. With greasy hash browns and chocolate milkshakes, the 24-hour diner is perfect for those looking to prevent tomorrow morning’s hangover. Other options include Lyon’s and International House of Pancakes. A slightly healthier alternative, The Pita Pit, located at 1087 Willamette Street, offers delivery and is located closer to campus.
Sex — a timeless diversion — is always popular after midnight. A visit to one of Eugene’s adult shops can set the mood for fun…or at least supply some laughs. Exclusively Adult owner Steve Mattick said the late night crowd often stops by his store to break the boredom of an uneventful evening. These folks turn the visit into an experience that is anything but mundane.
“There’s strength in numbers,” Mattick said. “The day crowd is usually repeat customers. But in the late-night hours, we get everything from groups of people stopping by for giggles and grins to couples wanting to spice things up.”
Another way to reinvigorate the bar experience is to visit one of Eugene’s watering holes on a theme night. Craig Keith, bartender and resident magician at Diablo’s Lounge, recommends the club’s Fetish Night, which takes place on the last Sunday of each month.
“There is a dress code,” Keith said. “Wear all black, and if you have any fetish gear, wear it. It’s a very, very alternative night.”
Bijou Art Cinemas has recently gotten in on the late-night act. After the Erotic Tales series finishes its run, movie-goers can check out Steven Soderbergh’s “Full Frontal,” which is expected to begin showing soon. The late showtimes may change slightly from week to week, but shows generally begin about 11:30 p.m.
If Eugene night owls have one useful tool at their fingertips, it is imagination. With a little creativity, quiet nights can become more than an excuse to stop by Blockbuster Video or to settle in to that comfortable bar stool.