Words by Delaney Rea | Photo by Jonathan Roensch
Our friendly neighbor to the east, Springfield, tends to carry a less than desirable reputation in some circles. While it may not be as big or bustling as our beloved Eugene, the city is home to more than enough positive features to warrant appreciation. Chiefly among them are the city’s restaurants, many of which are located in its charming historic downtown district. Here are a few of them that will have you clamoring to go to Springfield for your next meal.

Plank Town
Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Plank Town’s restaurant and brewery is a great place to start when exploring the city’s restaurants. They’ve taken up residence in a newly-restored Springfield restaurant, the Odd Fellows building. With a host of handcrafted microbrews on tap and Northwest-inspired, locally-sourced menu items like the popular pan-fried Steelhead salmon and oyster Po’ Boy, you won’t want your first visit to Planktown to be your last.
346 Main St., Springfield. Open Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Washburne Cafe
This is one coffee shop you might end up spending hours in if you’re not careful. The Washburne cafe is a specialty coffee house and handmade goods merchant. They serve coffee from Slightly Coffee in Eugene, fostering a connection from their community to ours. For food, Washburne offers pastries made fresh in house daily, gluten-free options from local bakers and a rotating menu of breakfast and lunch plates.
326 Main St., Springfield. Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Pump
Imagine you’re on a cross-country road trip. You’re on the Northwest leg of your journey, and you’re just passing through Springfield when you realize that you need some grub. Look no further than The Pump! This is a classic American-style cafe that’s perfect for a quick bite for breakfast or lunch. It’s great food at the right price.
710 Main St., Springfield. Open seven days per week, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wildwood Cafe + Bar
Do you take your coffee with a serving of trendy outdoor apparel? Wildwood specializes in both, so whether you seek a caffeine buzz or an adrenaline high, they’ll be at your service. Serving both coffee from Eugene’s Coffee Plant Roast and a rotating array of seasonal cocktails, Wildwood is a great place to kick your day in motion or end it with a nightcap among friends—it’s up to you which applies. Check out their Taco Tuesday game nights every week at 7 p.m., featuring trivia, bingo and discounts on tacos.
521 Main St., Springfield. Open Mon-Sat 3:30-10 p.m., closed Sunday.