For a town whose image is inescapably linked to the prominence of its collegiate sports teams, downtown Eugene does not cultivate an atmosphere indebted to athletics.
But now, right smack in the midst of establishments like The Barn Light, Voodoo Donuts, Shoryuken League and The First National Taphouse comes Sidelines Grill and Sports Bar. Surrounded by the other companies, it’s safe to say that Sidelines is a fish out of water.
It’s an interesting choice of venue, but not one that detracts from its potential. If anything, the recently opened sports bar adds a measure of diversity of downtown. (And when is diversity a bad thing?)
In terms of temperament, Sidelines is like a downtown version of campus’ Webfoot Bar and Grill, but with more TVs and pool tables. For those unacquainted with Webfoot, Sidelines could be like a newer or more upscale version of The Cooler (but without the Fishbowls). If neither of those comparisons help, it’s pretty similar to Portland’s Blitz Sports pubs.
The dimness of the narrow entranceway is misleading once you get inside. The spaciousness of the rectangular room disappears into unseen depths and is only illuminated by the glow of numerous flat screen TVs hanging at intervals like paintings in a museum depicting NBA highlights and Cialis commercials.
Flags hang from the ceiling: Arizona State, USC and the usual Pac-12 suspects.
The place is populated by a mix of business types knocking back after-work Buds and whiskeys, younger folks wearing sports jerseys, people playing pool or darts, and looking like actors in a Buffalo Wild Wings commercial — but drunker.
The drink selection is pretty standard — they’re not making any strides in mixology nor do they have any specialty drinks sometimes associated with sports bars. But the beer selection is honest, featuring a variety of domestics and local craft beers and it’s moderately priced. They also have a happy hour from 4-9 p.m. everyday that’s very convenient for dropping in and watching a game.
Watching games at Sidelines is easy because there are TVs mounted on just about every available wall surface and plenty of space to sit or stand within range of their silently flashing narratives of gridiron glory and overtime free throws.
If watching sports isn’t your thing, Sidelines has a variety of activities to indulge in — including pool, darts, shuffleboard and beer pong. Work up an appetite during these activities? Sidelines has a wide selection of food that goes beyond being moderately priced and into the realm of very affordable.
The quality of the fare won’t have you scrambling to write home to mom, but it’s not bad and rarely does even the most expensive entrée break the $8 threshold.
It won’t revolutionize your Friday night, but if you’re downtown and want to watch a game with a cold beer and maybe play some pool — it should do just fine.