The Pacific Northwest is famously known for its diverse, eclectic and inexpensive food options. From food carts to bakeries to vegetarian establishments, Eugene is no exception. If you’re looking for a place to get some tasty grub on a budget, here are a few places that might tickle your fancy.

Espresso Roma is the place to be. What used to be quite small has expanded in the last year to offer an extra room that has doubled the amount of seating, filling the space with students enjoying some of the most delicious coffee, pastries and bagel sandwiches in town. Made with fresh ingredients, bagel sandwiches cost under $4 and are always packed with tasty ingredient combos. Try the Everything Bagel, which includes cream cheese, avocado, tomato and spinach. Espresso Roma also serves up fresh-fruit smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices and a plethora of delicious baked treats. Expect to hear an earful of Spanish@@Why? Are the cafe operator’s Spanish?@@ at any given time here, and when the sun is out, make sure you enjoy your food on the outdoor patio.
The Caspian: 863 E 13th Avenue
This Mediterranean grill serves up large portions for little money until the wee hours of the night. If you’re hungry and most food places are closed, make sure to double-check The Caspian — chances are someone’s there catering to the night owls of Eugene.
“The Caspian is my favorite place to get a scramble. It’s right off campus, and I know I’m always going to get a big, filling meal that’s not going to set me back much money,” said Kimbrough Breitenstein, University graduate@@Graduate student or a graduate of the University?@@.
For a quick meal to go, try the gyro, which is loaded with meat, veggies and tzatziki sauce. Or for a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with falafel. Other options worth mentioning are their cheap, delicious burgers, breakfast burritos and egg scrambles.
Holy Cow: EMU
Holy Cow is the jackpot if you’re looking for fresh, local, vegetarian, organic cuisine that won’t cost you a fortune. Holy Cow’s vegan pad Thai is a cooked to perfection with the ultimate veggie/sauce/noodle combination. For a smaller portion, try the veggies and brown rice for only $3.50, or add a hearty portion of peanut sauce on top for only a buck more. Added bonus: Ask any of the Holy Cow employees who picked the veggies you’re enjoying. It’s guaranteed they’ll be somewhere within the vicinity.
Barry’s Espresso and Bakery: 804 E 12th Avenue
This kosher bakery radiates aromas of fresh baked goodies for blocks. The smell alone is advertisement enough for this little gem. Drop into Barry’s at any point in the day and expect your mouth to water. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, high-quality, huge sandwich, look no further than Barry’s. Beware though: Even someone with a big appetite might want to consider ordering a half-sandwich, as portions are enormous. Stick with the kosher theme, and you won’t regret putting your meat/veggie/sauce combo on sweet Challah bread, baked daily within the store. Another inexpensive favorite is the breakfast sandwich, which is toasted with eggs, pesto, cheese and bacon on your choice of bread.  Don’t deny yourself of the baked goods either; you won’t be sorry once you bite into one of their fresh, hot cookies.
Tasty Thai Campus: 1308 Hilyard St.

If you make it into Tasty Thai Campus before 4:30 p.m., you’ll get to choose from dozens of fresh, authentic Thai entrees for under $6. With no lack of Thai restaurants in Eugene, Tasty Thai Campus stands out as a cheaper option without having to compromise on quality or flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their original and unique recipe of white pad Thai. Also, Drunken Noodles made with wide noodles, veggies and a choice of Thai hot basil or pad see eu — cooked with wide noodles, garlic, broccoli and egg — are two options to guarantee satisfaction. Be sure to try bubble tea as well; the lychee flavor is the perfect finish to a big Thai meal.
Garbanzo Grill: 394 Blair Blvd.
If you’re willing to travel off the beaten path to find a flavorful, inexpensive meal, try heading to the Whiteaker neighborhood and hunting down the Garbanzo Grill food cart, where chef Jonathan Terry has pledged to serve up vegetarian masterpieces to the hungry citizens of Eugene. Forget what you know about meatless burgers: Terry’s version of a veggie burger is sure to blow your mind. For the best $6 you could spend on food, you’ll get a gourmet, fresh, juicy burger that will make you think twice about any traditional beef burger you’ve ever eaten. For a smaller portion, try the macaroni and cheese or the daily soups and wash it all down with his @@Would it be “their” or “his”?@@ home-brewed kombucha tea. Should you be a carnivore, don’t be intimidated by the vegetarian nature of this food cart — you surely will not go home hungry.