Hello and welcome to the University of Oregon, my name is Alice and I am lucky enough to be a campus ambassador and my number one asked question after a tour is “Where should we eat?” Eugene is actually the second largest city in the state of Oregon and is blessed with a wonderful and massive array of fun dining options. After taking one of our walking tours around campus, it its easy to work up an appetite, but never fear there are a ton of great options in walking distance and less than a 15 minutes drive away. Check this list out to find a place with the right vibe for you and your group.
Mood: Just Want to Eat Right Now
Little Big Burger
Photo courtesy of @littlebigburger on Instagram
Little Big Burger is only two blocks from the Ford Alumni Center and a great option for a bit more of an upscale burger experience without a pretentious dining atmosphere. You can never go wrong with a brioche bun and goat cheese. Plus you have to try the truffle fries, some serious fire.
Maru Asian Tapas Bar
Photo courtesy of @ttranvy on Instagram
Seriously located directly across Franklin Boulevard from the Ford Alumni Center, Maru has great lunch prices for its sushi, Korean barbecue, and bento boxes. Maru is extremely proud of the quality of its ingredients and continues to have delicious and fresh food. Maru also has outdoor seating and after take a look into Hirons and pick up some affordable off-brand Ducks apparel.
Wild Duck Cafe
Photo courtesy of @ytzlmm on Instagram
If you want to feel some serious Oregon pride waddle no further. Wild Duck is just around the corner from campus and is a great option for football friendly families offering appealing options for all ages from the Fish & Chips to the Green Goddess Salad. It also has outdoor seating and is in great proximity to the residence halls and the Graduate Village.
Mood: Close To The Duck Store
Marché Museum Cafe
Photo courtesy of @mizzzz_jones on Instagram
This cafe is on the right side of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is one of the best places to sit outside on campus and enjoy some insanely delicious french cuisine. Our favorites are the French Onion Soup, the BLAT and any of the quiches. After go check out the Knight Library; the 2nd and 4th floors have some great views.
Pegasus Pizza
Photo courtesy of @itstaraleigh on Instagram
If you are interested in taking a look at a few of the fraternities and sororities surrounding campus several of them are within walking distance from this beloved pizza place. Split a small pizza with one or two people and try the delicious Caesar or Gorgonzola Pear salad, while enjoying a spot out on the deck to watch the ducks walk by. Fun Fact: Pegasus was built inside a former fraternity house!
Sweet Basil Express
Photo courtesy of @platesbysage on Instagram
“Sweet Bae” is a student favorite for Pad Thai, Tom Kah Gai, and fresh wraps. Plus it has multiple gluten-free and vegan options! From here if you head toward 11th Avenue and take a left you can check out a few more of the fraternities and sororities as well as our two off-campus residence halls.
Mood: Want to Sit Outside
McMenamins High Street Brewery & Cafe
Photo courtesy of @ellamufasa on Instagram
With a front porch and a backyard fire pit, this McMenamins has all your outdoor needs covered. It’s in a student neighborhood, so scope out some of the surrounding cute houses, townhouses, and new apartment buildings. We recommend the High Street Pasta, Dilly Tuna Salad and any of the burgers because you seriously can’t go wrong. There is also two other locations within walking distance of campus, the closest to campus is McMenamins East 19th Street Café and the one near Autzen Stadium is McMenamins North Bank. All of them are awesome with great outdoor areas.
Cornucopia on 5th Ave
Photo courtesy of @randygehrig on Instagram
Take a drive down to the historic part of Eugene and enjoy a spot out on the sidewalk with a view of Skinner’s Butte. It’s known for its delicious burgers, but the salad menu is also crackin’ and they are known for having awesome fish tacos. Check out 5th Street Public Market while you’re down there and check out the St. Vinnie’s Boutique Store for some seriously cheap vintage Oregon finds. You won’t regret it!
Elk Horn Brewery
Photo courtesy of @mizzzz_jones on Instagram
Take a beautiful stroll through campus or a very short drive, to Elk Horn Brewery and enjoy a seat on their large patio. The Pulled Pork Mac ‘N’ Cheese is fantastic, but the huge plate is definitely shareable. Elk Horn is also one of the many local breweries that Eugene boasts and serves up some creative comfort food. If you are feeling up for it, you can walk along the Willamette River back to the Ford Alumni Center if you left your car in the lot. Plus they have board games for people to play while they wait.
Mood: Feel Like Exploring
Tacovore
Photo courtesy of @iris.tian on Instagram
Take a drive to the Whiteaker neighborhood of Eugene for some seriously great tacos and look at one of the cool non-university areas of the city. If you want some seriously refreshing flavors, you have to try the carnitas taco and the hibiscus agua fresca. Also don’t be afraid to try the tortas on the back, they are really just sandwiches with the pulled meats from the tacos on a ciabatta bun and are so flavorful.
Bill & Tim’s Barbecue
Photo courtesy of @mizzzz_jones on Instagram
Located in the student residential area, this BBQ spot has great priced mixed meats place and sandwiches. I always go for the half rack of ribs with the sides of mac ‘n’ cheese and coleslaw. Also, you have you have to try a slice of an ice cream pie for dessert. Bonus: plus all UO students get a free Arnold Palmer. There’s also two great thrift stores a block away on either side, Eugene Jeans and Nobody’s Baby.
Fisherman’s Market
Photo courtesy of @spoonnoodle on Instagram
“Fresh Catch, Served Daily” is truly a genuine catch phrase of this wonderful seafood restaurant has some crazy fried oysters and fish and chips, but its also known for their seafood tacos and charbroiled fish sandwiches. If you have time, run across the street and take a peek into Hollywood Treasures & ReRuns for another great example of some awesome thrifting we have in Eugene.
Mood: Want to See Downtown
Belly Taqueria
Photo courtesy of @sophiekreitzberg on Instagram
Drive over to the Historic part of town, enjoy a walk down 5th avenue and listen to the trains go by while enjoying some of the best Mexican food in Eugene. People can’t stop talking about the carnitas tacos and the tortilla soup, but you have to try the side of elote and the watermelon salad. It also has outdoor seating and a great environment for people all ages.
Killer Burger
Photo courtesy of @jaclouse on Instagram
Killer Burger is in the heart of downtown, so be ready to see a few travelers asking for a helping hand. It is known for its crazy flavor combination like the Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon burger or the Black Molly with Philly Cheese Steak on top of the patty. However, they do the classic options really well plus offer a “girlie size” of the burger if you want a smaller portion.
Provision Market Hall
Photo by Marissa Arnett
If you want a great salad, sandwich or slice of pizza, look no further. Provisions Market Hall has great options for a family, plus has a fun open environment so you can explore all the baked goods, ice cream and fresh produce they offer. Hit the amazing salad bar, before grabbing a seat in the courtyard to enjoy some sunshine and flowers. Take advantage of the ample free parking and explore the 5th Street Public Market and walk over to see the beautiful Shelton-McMurphey House at the base of Skinner’s Butte.
Mood: Something More Upscale
Sushi Pure
Photo via http://www.sushipureeugene.com
Known for its purple rice, Sushi Pure is some of the best sushi in town and always has beautiful, colorful, but most importantly flavorful sauces to accent the creative plating (#doitforthegram). The Ahi Tower is a crowd favorite, but my favorite is the Victoria Secret roll with scallops or Love Affair roll with crab on top.
Rye
Photo courtesy of @judiaann on Instagram
Rye is mostly known for its dinner, but they seriously have some great lunch prices for high quality French and Italian inspired dished. We are crazy about the Moroccan lamb sandwich and the warm chevre and roasted beet salad.
Pizza Research Institute
Photo by Marissa Arnett
Also in the Whiteaker neighborhood, the Pizza Research Institute offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free pizza options that will impress any meat-eater with its creative topping combination. It also has a great outdoor seating area and is a great spot for an early dinner, operating from 4pm to 9:30pm, Wednesday through Sunday.