Musicians, poets and coffee lovers need look no further than Cafe Paradiso in central Downtown Eugene to satisfy cravings for caffeine and eclectic entertainment.
Located at 115 W. Broadway, the venue is home to local artwork displays, rejuvenating mugs of java and unique music. Not only is the cafe a relaxing oasis to catch a quick breakfast or late-night latte, it also serves as a miniature theater and museum. New-music junkies can enjoy local bands throughout the week, and those looking to express their artistry in public can display artwork or release creative talents on stage on Tuesday nights during Cafe Paradiso’s open mike.
Cafe Paradiso promotes conversation and studying alike with its relaxed indoor/outdoor setting. Breakfast, including waffles, biscuits and gravy, and quiche, is served during the morning hours only. Sandwiches, salads, soups, hot pastas and appetizers, smoothies, pastries, truffles, espresso, beers and wines are served any time.
The veggie herb sandwich comes on thick, crusty Ciabatta bread and is stacked with a choice of cream cheese or humus, sun dried tomatoes, sprouts, cucumbers, shredded carrots and onions. Accompanied by tortilla chips, the meal leaves a bit of a dry taste on the palate. The starring beverage on the menu — the creamy, calming Green Tea Chai — is a rarity in espresso bars.
Sign-ups for Tuesday evening open mike begin at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. A variety of work can be seen here from artists of all ages, including poetry, music and comedy, with instruments ranging from guitars to bagpipes to ukuleles to vocals. Some serious performers take the on-stage opportunity to promote their CDs, while others participate just for the sake of expressing themselves artistically. New visual art is displayed in the cafe every month, and people interested in displaying their masterpieces can inquire with an employee of Cafe Paradiso.
Open mike night is a gamble — on my visit, I got my share of strong, less-than-stellar performers. But during the weaker numbers, chatting with friends, sipping coffee and enjoying the eccentric atmosphere ensured an enjoyable evening.