Words by Kelsey Tidball | Photo by Michael Davies
Downtown Eugene is quite literally the heart of Eugene cuisine. Just a short walk or bus ride away from the main campus area, you can find dozens of restaurants that offer an amazing range of prices, ambiance and food. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and start exploring downtown! You can start with these great restaurants.

Burrito Boy
This Eugene favorite opened its doors in 1992. The burrito joint has become a staple for UO students and Eugene residents, but not many people know that Burrito Boy began as a food cart. It eventually became so popular that they relocated across the street from the UO campus by the Duck Store. With their popularity growing even more, they were only in the location for a few months before opening their first official restaurant location on River Road.
Currently, all six Burrito Boy locations are family-owned and family-operated. Burrito Boy’s owner came from Los Angeles and her siblings all followed her to run each of the locations. Their recipes are all inspired by traditions passed down through the owner’s family for years. The company’s number one goal is to offer classic, affordable and delicious Mexican cuisine in the Eugene area. We recommend trying the Bacon Breakfast Burrito, Chile Verde Burrito or a Shredded Beef Taquito Plate if you’re trying out Burrito Boy for the first time.
510 E Broadway. Open 24/7.

Party Downtown

This locally-owned restaurant serves dishes inspired and provided by local farmers. Party Downtown prides themselves on their ethically sourced ingredients. The menu changes based on seasonal availability and is designed to reflect a distinct northwest taste with southern flair.
64 W. 8th Alley. Open Tues-Thurs 5-9 p.m. and Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.

The Cannery

This full-scale pub is a downtown Eugene favorite. Join them for Thirsty Thursdays when well drinks are $3 all day long. Their tasty parmesan-crusted Reuben sandwiches with homemade sauerkraut is something to stick around for. Also try their pickled plate, which comes complete with in-house canned and pickled veggies.
345 E. 11th Ave. Open Sun-Thurs 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Black Wolf Supper Club

This eclectic spot is located right next to the Hult Center, so it’s the perfect spot to grab a quick bite before your next date night at the theater. The menu is Cajun-inspired and the atmosphere is funky and dark. It’s a perfect place to try some adventurous southern cuisine!
454 Willamette St. Open Mon-Wed 5-9 p.m. and Thurs-Sat 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Marche

Feeling a little fancy? Maybe even a little Parisian? Marché is a perfect spot for a date with your sweetheart or lunch with your family when they come to visit. Their menu is centered around French cuisine, and they offer weekend brunch with dishes like smoked salmon hash. Their dinner menu boasts steaks, fish dishes and pasta dishes. Check Marché out for your next special occasion or Sunday splurge.

Fifth Street Market. Open Sun-Thurs 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Fri to Sat 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Provisions Market
Still feeling a little Parisian but not feeling like breaking the bank? At 5th Street Market, you can also find a cute little cafe and patisserie that serves coffee, ice cream, gourmet desserts, pizza, salads and sandwiches. The market is also complete with a wine bar, cheese bar and grocery section with organic and gourmet ingredients. Stop by for lunch and make sure you set aside time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. C’est trés chic!
Fifth Street Market. Open Sun-Thurs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fri-Sat 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Vintage

The Vintage is an intimate little restaurant with a lot of charm and a lot of great food. The menu boasts fondue, tapas and cocktails with brunch on the weekends. Its cozy and quaint atmosphere and made-for-two menu is perfect for date night. Check out happy hour from 4-5:30 p.m. for great deals!
837 Lincoln St. Open Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fri-Sun 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Killer Burger

Craving a killer burger? There’s no better place for it! Their downtown location is on W Broadway and is a perfect mix between fast food and gourmet burgers. Every killer burger is a one-third pound of 100 percent beef and comes with bottomless french fries.
50 W Broadway. Open Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fri-Sat 11-12 a.m.

Izakaya Oyazi
This sake bar and pub specializes in Japanese cuisine. Come in for authentic noodle soups, tempura, rice dishes, bento boxes, salads and more. It’s a great dimly kit and eclectic bar atmosphere perfect for date night or a night out with friends. Check out the happy hour Monday through Thursday from 9-11 p.m.
259 E 5th Ave. Open Tues-Sat 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sun 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Mon 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.