For the past three years, I’ve been discovering Eugene, the quaint college town I call home. The heart of any town is their local businesses and restaurants. Locally owned businesses are what makes our town so special. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot to eat or shop, here are a few of Eugene’s finest hidden gems.
Agate Alley Bistro:
Agate Alley Bistro is a small but timeless restaurant, located on 1461 E 19th Ave, Agate Alley, just a couple blocks from campus. It gives off a very warm and inviting appearance, with seating both indoor and outdoor. On the inside the walls are lined with artwork and vintage wall lamps. Its appearance changes from day to night with a dimming of the lights and tea light candles at each table. In one corner there is a bar with shelves full of beautiful glass bottles perched above a row of taps. The menu offers everything from brunch and lunch to dinner and desert. Agate Alley is truly a perfect spot for a night out on the town.
Mandy’s Family Restaurant:
Mandy’s is a family friendly diner, located on 1491 Willamette St. From the outside looking in, it gives off a very traditional diner vibe. The cheerful color scheme is a deep blue and fire truck red with white trim. Along the side of the building, dancing ice cream cones, burgers and shakes are painted in eye-catching colors. Mandy’s even has an ice cream walk up window, where you can order a sweet treat to go. On the inside of the restaurant, there are many tables and booths to choose from. Mandy’s menu offers a very wide selection of American dishes. They have every breakfast and lunch food you could imagine, along with a dinner and dessert menu. You can mix and match any breakfast or lunch item on the menu until the dinner rush, starting at 5pm and ending at 11pm.
Gotcha Burger:
Gotcha is the perfect mix of quick and delicious! They are located in West Eugene on 1702 W 7th Ave, and are owned by a lifelong resident of Eugene. They serve a classic burger menu, with side of fries, onion rings, and delicious shakes at an amazing price. They are a local favorite for grab and go grub. Because the kitchen and counter are confined to an area that is about the size of a small food truck, they offer a seating area that is separate from the cart. In the eating area you will find old arcade games that you can check out while you wait.
BNF Kombucha:
BNF is a tap room that serves all things kombucha, located on 2495 Prairie Rd unit A. They offer a wide variety of fun and fruity flavors, handcrafted in Eugene by their crew. In the tap room you will find 14 different taps that rotate seasonally, some are even limited edition. They are known for their high quality and local ingredients that are implemented into each brew. When you visit you can either sit and enjoy a glass of your choice, or take a jug of your favorite brew to-go. They are open from 11am-6pm Monday through Friday, as well as 11 am-2:30 pm and 3-6pm on Saturdays. The company radiates good vibes and healthy living as soon as you walk into the door.
Next time you are wanting to try something new, I hope you consider this short list of hidden gems! There are so many wonderful local businesses in Eugene that we have yet to explore.
