For date nights, late nights, hang spots and coffee shops, here are the 10 best places in Eugene to soak in surroundings:
There are hundreds of fabulous restaurants located throughout Eugene. The Daily Emerald suggests the Laughing Planet as one of the top 10 places to visit. (Courtney King/ Emerald).
1. Laughing Planet Cafe, 760 Blair Blvd.
On a planet, far far away (the Whiteaker), in a world of brightly colored furniture and potted plants, roam dinosaurs of all shapes and toy sizes, ready to be Instagram-ed alongside loaded rice bowls. Blast off into a twilight zone of joyously laughing food service employees, framed space memorabilia and a hanging, colorfully painted papier-mâchéd solar system. young minded and plastic reptiles alike will enjoy the out-of-this-world atmosphere this gastro-cafe has to offer.
There are hundreds of fabulous restaurants located throughout Eugene. The Daily Emerald suggests that Izakaya Meiji is one of the top 10 places to visit. (Courtney King/ Emerald).
Enjoy Japanese inspired comfort food small plates and drinks in the dimly lit, rustic atmosphere this Eugene dinner date hotspot has to offer. Wander the walls of the thematic decor and learn a bit of interesting history along the way.
There are hundreds of fabulous restaurants located throughout Eugene. The Daily Emerald suggests that Cheba Hut is one of the top 10 places to visit. (Courtney King/ Emerald).
4. Cheba Hut
Land of the free (from debilitating munchies) and “home of the blunts!” This hang out is popular for many reasons. Between large bites, student customer Miles Lewis describes Cheba Hut as “the cool place to go look at weed-themed stuff.” They make atmosphere an utmost priority. The large river wall mural will keep you entertained for much too long and the music is just as good and ska-centered as you’d expect.
5. La Oficina
Fresh, authentic Salvadorian/Mexican food and a whole, whole lot of interesting wall decor. Clear wall space is entirely covered by latin-themed artwork, an abundance of alcohol ad posters, glass shelves full of colorful collectibles and the biggest empty tequila bottles ever seen.
There are hundreds of fabulous restaurants located throughout Eugene. The Daily Emerald suggests that Sushi Pure is one of the top 10 places to visit. (Courtney King/ Emerald).
6. Sushi Pure
Beautiful plates, beautiful decor, beautiful wait staff — this place is gorgeous. Dimly lit and intimate, with string-picking, quietly humming Japanese background music, Sushi Pure has joined Eugene raw fish regality. It doesn’t get much more hot date spot-y than this.
7. Sam Bond’s Garage
This is an up-cycled barn type atmosphere, in the best way possible. Rustic white beams hold the roof and mismatched wooden furniture pieces seat the eccentric, live music listening, on-tap drinking Whiteaker community. Join for rowdy game nights and floor-rattling concert goodness.
There are hundreds of fabulous restaurants located throughout Eugene. The Daily Emerald suggests that Perugino Cafe is one of the top 10 places to visit. (Courtney King/ Emerald).
8. Perugino
Tastefully decorated in accordance to Italian Renaissance art maestro Pietro Perugino, this downtown chill spot coffee shop serves well to art history aficionados and coffee-philes alike.
There are hundreds of fabulous restaurants located throughout Eugene. The Daily Emerald suggests that Townsends Teahouse is one of the top 10 places to visit. (Courtney King/ Emerald).
9. Townshend’s Eugene Teahouse
Never will you feel as in touch with the art of tea brewing as you will here. Always sporting a crowd, the energy here makes for a great friend-meeting, hand-heating hang spot. Color-popping decor and big couches keep customers cozy and the on-Broadway location provides prime downtown people watching through the large front window wall.
10. Little Big Burger
Minimalism done right. Little Big Burger keeps it modern and simple, with anything-but burgers and fries. Watch your food being made and enjoy it in a clean, relaxing environment with a great variety of background indie tunes.