Words by Skyla Patton | Photo by Jonathan Roensch
South Eugene is packed with exciting wildlife, beautiful parks and even more amazing places to grab a bite. In between taking a leisurely stroll through Amazon Parkway or stopping for a dip in the community pool, you’ll be craving a snack or something cool to drink. Check out these hidden gems in South Eugene for a few tasty bites.
Tradewinds Cafe
When you get a hankering for delicious packed-full pita, there’s no better place than a Greek cafe. Tradewinds Cafe offers a mouth-watering menu of classic mediterranean and American food, like spanakopitas overflowing with spinach and feta or an original gyro pita sliced fresh in the kitchen. Relax on a warmly lit outdoor patio while you enjoy your dinner or sit inside in a cozy, modern restaurant environment enhanced by smells wafting in from the kitchen. Either way, the food here is so good, you’ll falafel out of your chair.
3443 Hilyard St. Open seven days per week 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Newman’s Fish Company
Craving fish tacos or a batch of piping hot french fries? There’s no better place to go than Newman’s. Offering a wide range of the freshest seafood around, this upbeat restaurant is a classic in Eugene and a perfect place to take out-of-town friends or family. Pick your favorite swimmer for a basket of fish and chips like savory salmon and crispy cod, or take home a hulking Dungeness crab for dinner. Stop by on a sunny day and enjoy a beautiful outdoor patio and decorative flowers while you eat.
1545 Willamette St. Open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
The Pint Pot Public House
If you’re looking to don some green and watch a few rounds of golf, this pub is the place for you. Adorned with Irish memorabilia and packed full of more Guinness than you can handle, The Pint Pot is an authentic Irish pub with a classic feel. You’ll feel right at home sinking into lavish arm chairs and relaxing to the sound of bagpipes while you wait for your meal. Sample a pretzel slathered in mustard or go all the way with bangers n’ mash to really channel your inner Irishman.
195 East 17th Ave. Open seven days per week, 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
Mazzi’s
One of the oldest and most classic Italian restaurants in town just so happens to be one of the tastiest, too. Mazzi’s is so dedicated to cooking the most authentic and delicious Italian and Sicilian food around, they refer to the restaurant as “our home.” Most of their recipes come straight from the Italian kitchen itself. Homemade bread is baked fresh every morning, and it shows in the fluffiness and taste. This rustic environment is perfect for a family dinner or a romantic first date. Check out their specials menu for seasonal dishes like gnocchi or filet mignon, or check out their antipasti for savory dishes such as house made fettuccine and ravioli. 3377 E Amazon Dr. Open Sun-Thurs 5-9 p.m. and Fri-Sat 5-9:30 p.m.
Chef’s Kitchen
If you’re someone who appreciates food not only for being tasty, but for being art as well, you’re in for a treat at this worldly eatery. Chef’s Kitchen is renowned for its creative dishes and inventiveness in the culinary realm. Head cook, Bruno, experiments and later pioneers a new dish for each new menu. Their menu changes weekly and is posted each Monday, so be sure to call ahead and see what they have. Past listings have included veal parmigiana, swiss chicken and spaetzle or asparagus tomato pasta.
3443 Hilyard St. Open Tues-Sat 5-8:30 p.m.
The Bier Stein
A beer lovers paradise with mouth-watering food to boot, this South Eugene classic lunch and dinner spot is hard to beat. The Bier Stein is loved by all ages and backgrounds for its seemingly endless tap list and infamous beer cheese soup. You’ll be greeted by friendly, helpful staff upon entry and the specials menu is not something to miss. Sample their seasonal menu for limited-time-only grub or settle down with a salted pretzel covered in cheese. If you’re hungry, be sure to get there early — seating can sometimes be limited, and food is served until an hour before closing.
1591 Willamette St. Open Mon-Sat 11 a.m. to midnight, Sun 12 a.m. to 10 p.m.
