Eugene is not just a wine city. They are also known for their delicious farm-to-table fresh food. If you are looking for restaurants to try before and after the conference, try checking out the following:
Breakfast
Off the Waffle: “Off The Waffle wants to delight, confuse, impress and culinarily hug you with their authentic Liège waffles. Brothers Dave and Om started selling waffles out of their house in Eugene in 2009 and have since then opened three locations. They make the best Liège waffles and have done calculations to confirm that you will flip your lid. They make savory waffles as well as sweet and even in-between! One of their best sellers is the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy – A Liège waffle topped with one sunny-side up egg (oozing yolk), bacon and real maple syrup. Popular destination for breakfast and lunch!” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Jazzy Ladies: “Jazzy Ladies Cafe & Coffeehouse offer all homemade and handcrafted breads, soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. Serving breakfast and lunch six days a week with a coffee bar that offers specialty coffee drinks. Plenty of gluten and dairy free options. Located in downtown Eugene. Featuring “hot food, warm smiles and cool jazz.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Noisette Pastry Kitchen: The new darling of pastries, Noisette, which means hazelnut in French; is run by pastry chef Tobi Sovak formerly of both King Estate and Marche. Local translation? This place is delicious! Relying on local and seasonal ingredients, Noisette offers a plethora of pastries, breads and desserts along with sandwiches, salads and homemade soups.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Lion & Owl: “Lion & Owl serves up brunch and dinner for the fierce and wise. They started out serving out of a converted Airstream trailer in 2016 and have grown into a full-service restaurant and a local favorite. This upscale dining establishment offers an elevated dining experience that foodies will love. Located in the heart of downtown Eugene.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Excelsior Inn: “A dining destination not to be missed! Charming European-style 14 room inn, elegant Italian and Northwest cuisine, full bar, regional wines and desserts. In the university area with indoor and patio seating. Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
Lunch/ Dinner
5th Street Public Market: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert served here. “A local favorite – a social hub, and a must-visit destination in Eugene. Home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest cafés, restaurants, fashion, and gift stores. Restaurants include Marché & Le Bar, Provisions Market Hall, Northwest Burgers, Cafe Glendi Greek Eatery, Sushi Pure, Alesong Brewing, Thai Spice, and more. Offering wireless Internet access and ample parking.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Party Bar: “Party Bar is open daily for lunch, dinner, late nights and brunch on weekends. Try their oysters, fried chicken, organic burgers and extensive cocktail menu. Party Downtown is available for dinner Thursday through Sunday with the full Party Bar menu as well as a multi-course tasting menu. Call for menu details and reservations. Seasonal prix fixe menus, local ingredients and incredible food. Located in the heart of downtown Eugene.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- 6th Street Restaurant & Sports Bar: “Northwest-style restaurant right across from the Hult Center. Steaks, seafood, gourmet pastas, burgers, salads and more. Executive sports bar with flat screen HDTVs.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Rye: “The world is a village, welcome to ours. Rye is a comfortable “European village tavern”-inspired restaurant committed to fresh, local, seasonal ingredients; pre-Prohibition era bartending with a focus on whiskey, gin, vermouths and Amari; a quality wine list, excellent service and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Rye is located just off of Coburg Road on 3rd Avenue near downtown Eugene and across the river from Alton Baker Park.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- The Wheel Apizza Pub: “The Wheel Apizza Pub is a New Haven style pizzeria and West Coast Style brewery located in the Whiteaker Neighborhood. Founded to be both a brewpub and a pizzeria and bringing together these two artisan endeavors in the same friendly pub. The brewery offers a wide range of beer flavors to suit every palette.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
Dessert
Voodoo Doughnuts: Located in downtown Eugene is the famous Voodoo Doughnuts open 24 hours. Doughnuts include Captain Crunch, bubble gum, maple bacon, mango vanilla, guava coconut and soooo many more. If you’re not in an adventurous mood, you can always go for the classics like glaze, chocolate, sprinkles, or a vegan peanut butter and jelly.
- The Dough Co.: Open until 1 am The Dough Co. will surely satisfy your set tooth. They have cookies and ice cream and for those savory folks, you can pick up a late-night calzone.
- Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: It’s all in the name! Open until 10 pm, Handel’s serves a WIDE variety of ice creams, including banana cream pie, blueberry cobbler, brownie dough, lemon bar, praline pecan, pumpkin pie, and more!
Drinks
Falling Sky Brewing House: A Northwest brewery and gastro-pub inspired by the joyful atmosphere of Munich beer halls and the comfort of neighborhood London pubs. Sip dozens of handcrafted beer styles or custom sodas while munching on their special pub menus. Mingle at picnic-style tables in the beer hall or relax in the beautiful outdoor beer garden. When it rains, they pour pints at a 25 cent discount. Look for two additional locations; the delicatessen and the pizzeria. Catering available.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Civic Winery: “Civic Winery & Wines is downtown Eugene’s newest urban winery, wine bar and bottle shop, housed in a restored 1930s 10,000 square foot building. It is in the heart of downtown on 11th and shares space with Lion & Owl brunch restaurant. Civic focuses on organic and biodynamic grape production instead of industrial production. The beautifully finished building features the same unique wooden truss system that was used in the Civic Baseball Stadium. Even though the stadium burned down, the legacy lives on.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- The Tap and Growler: “These folks are fun. It’s more then just wine – they have 81 taps featuring craft beer, wine, cider, mead, kombucha, cold-pressed coffee and soda. But since you are here for the wine, explore taster trays or enjoy a glass of local favorites, regional and international selections. On Wine Wednesdays there are special wine tasting flights and discounts. Locally sourced food is served, growlers are filled to go and live music or themed events are frequently hosted.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Oregon Wine LAB: “Come here for yoga and mimosas (occasional Sundays), or just to enjoy the ultimate urban wine bar experience at one of Eugene’s most friendly wine establishments. The owner of Oregon Wine LAB not only pours his own very special wines under the William Rose label, he showcases other local high quality artisan brands that don’t have established tasting rooms. Come here to find yet-to-be-discovered wines from across the region! There is also another highly prized feature of this particular tasting room – the famed and award winning Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery food truck that is predictably on site daily.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.
- Capitello Wines: “Just a short stroll from Oregon Wine LAB is Capitello Wines tasting room where you can enjoy small-batch, handcrafted wines. Owner Ray Walsh brough his passion for winemaking all the way from New Zealand to Eugene where he is crafting award-winning wines – some of the areas best. Featured monthly events include Drag Queen Bingo and fun cooking classes. If you love Sauvignon Blanc, this is the urban wine bar for you.” From eugenecascadescoast.org.