Now that May is coming to a close, graduation is becoming a much more tangible event that I am now realizing will happen whether I like it or not. I can say with 100% confidence that I will not be spending more than 48 hours in Eugene after graduation, and only plan on making a few short visits thereafter. Because of this, I have to prepare myself for the hardest goodbye of all: my favorite Eugene-only restaurants. During my four years here at the University of Oregon, I have discovered numerous new eating establishments, and here are my favorites.
1. Sweet Basil Express
I had never had Thai food before eating at Sweet Basil Express (Sweet Bae for short), but let me tell you that I think it was a great introduction. I started with the Teriyaki Chicken and eventually worked my way up to my go-to order of the Pad See Ew. If you need Thai food and you need it fast, Sweet Basil is the destination for you. Also, if you feel like treating yourself, be sure to order a side of the Oh My Gods, the name speaks for itself.
2. Brail’s Restaurant
The coffee is trash, but the eggs are delicious and that’s all I have to say about that.
3. Glenwood
Now, this is some coffee I respect. In addition to having some of the best breakfast food I have ever had the privilege to consume, Glenwood also has a super convenient and walkable location so no one has to get behind the wheel hungover come Saturday morning.
4. Cheba Hut
OK, so I know that technically there are other locations of Cheba Hut outside of Eugene, but none near where I plan on living post-graduation, so it counts. It’s hard to find a good toasted sandwich these days (R.I.P. Quizno’s), but Cheba Hut does it flawlessly. Also, the people that work there are some of the nicest staff I’ve ever encountered.
5. Studio One Café
I have never had better sweet potato fries in my entire life. I’m not kidding. Also, they carry Coke products here which is great news for me because Pepsi is TRASH.
6. Rennie’s Landing
Should I include a bar in this list of restaurants? Probably not. Am I going to do it anyway? Of course. I would have had such a different college experience if it weren’t for Rennie’s. Tuesday Trivia has become a staple of my friend group which we only miss if direly ill. The tater tots are unbeatable, and so are the pitcher beer prices.
