Now that winter is behind us, a cocktail, an appetizer and a good laugh with friends can be a fun way to jump-start the weekend. These Eugene bars and breweries are ready to welcome groups to happy hour across town.
Sunriver Brewing Company
Sourcing beer from Sunriver, this brewery at Oakway Center is ready to pour you a beer full of hops from Deschutes County. Sunriver’s deals are found during “Hoppy Hour,” which runs all day on Monday and Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m.
General Manager Sarah Shelton says that on sunny days, guests can visit the outdoor patio and enjoy $5 glasses of wine and $2 off draft beers. Sunriver Brewing also has a few specialty cocktails only available during the designated times.
Shelton says one of the exclusive drinks is called the Holy Cow, and is made with Sunriver Brewing’s Nitro Cocoa Cow chocolate milk stout beer. The drink is served like a martini, mixed with vodka and hazelnut liqueur.
Shelton explains how Sunriver has 19 beers on tap and only six are year-round. For the spring, Sunriver carries a “Mai Bok Bok,” a play on a seasonal spring lager. For a fruitier profile, try Sunriver’s award-winning beer, the Fuzztail, named after Fuzztail Butte in Sunriver, which is a popular hiking site.
Carlita’s Rooftop
This rooftop bar at the Gordon Hotel is often overflowing with guests when the weather gets nice.
Carlita’s offers Happy Hour everyday from 4 to 6 p.m., as well as from 9 p.m. to close on the weekdays. Tacos and cocktails are what General Manager David Palmermay says guests should visit Carlita’s Rooftop for.
Every month, Palmermay says Carlita’s Rooftop does a special on margaritas and tacos. For April, a hibiscus margarita will be paired with a tequila-lime marinated shrimp taco. Tacos are $5.25 during Happy Hour, and all drinks are $9.50.
“I’m a big mezcal guy, so I’d get our Ay Dios Mio, which is a little spicy,” Palmermay said. “Paired with some ahi ceviche, you get the citrus from the shrimp and the sweeter, spicy feel from the cocktail.”
Palmermay said that when the sun is out, the views from the rooftop are some of the best in Eugene. In terms of atmosphere, Carlita’s Rooftop may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing bars to enjoy with friends.
McMenamins North Bank
McMenamins has locations on High Street and East 19th Avenue, but if you’re looking for a drink with a view of the Willamette River, try checking out the North Bank location.
All McMenamins across town have Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close. During this time, beers are a dollar off, and cocktails are $2 off.
General Manager Lisa Brannon said their Tiki bar on the river makes for a fun atmosphere at happy hour. Brannon said their abundance of rum-based drinks are staples at the pub.
Moving into spring and summer, the seasonal taps will be a lighter selection of draft beers.
Whether you’re craving tacos, margaritas or a chocolate milk stout beer, these bars are ready to welcome you in. After all, it is 5 o’clock somewhere.
