Eugene is an eclectic city filled with a food and bar scene that is growing immensely. Over the years, the city has transformed from your average college town into a bustling up and coming one. From comfortable outdoor seating, to fun live music and the best cocktail drinks, Eugene celebrates the pleasure of going out with friends to grab a drink by creating a welcoming community at a variety of restaurants and bars. Whether you’re a University student or someone who has made Eugene their home, here are some lively and aesthetic places to go grab a bite to eat and have a drink with friends around the city.
The Beer Garden
West Eugene
Located in West Eugene, the Beer Garden is a place where you can find 42 taps of beer, wine, cider and tasty kombucha drinks. With an enclosed and heated patio along with a variety of food carts, you can enjoy a drink, a meal and live music all in one place. Between the twinkly lights, the greenery of plants and the fun events, the Beer Garden is one of the most aesthetic places to grab a drink with friends any day of the week.
The Barn Light Downtown
Downtown Eugene
The Barn Light is one of the most iconic places that brings Downtown Eugene to life. Functioning as a coffee shop during the day, The Barn Light transitions into a lively bar scene as a comfortable cocktail lounge with a variety of fun events from bingo night, karaoke and live music. The owners had a vision of creating a place where you can grab a cup of coffee or also a beer. Ultimately, they wanted to create a community, where people from Eugene and out of town can come together to relax, enjoy the company of friends and have fun. Between the American-rustic and vintage decor, the aesthetic style of The Barn Light fits perfectly with Eugene culture.
McMenamins East 19th Street Cafe
19th & Agate
Eugene has a variety of McMenamins restaurants scattered around the city, but on the corner of 19th and Agate, you’ll find a comfortable pub where you can enjoy their infamous cajun tots and drink a brewed Ruby ale. The East 19th Street Cafe has a laid-back vibe and rustic charm by incorporating shuffleboards, hanging plants, pool tables and twinkling lights with a fire pit outside for a cozy dining experience.
Izakaya Meiji Company
Whiteaker Neighborhood
Izakaya Meji company is a stylish Japanese tavern located in the heart of the Whiteaker Neighborhood. This cozy and aesthetic tavern is best known for their cocktail bar and whiskey drinks. They offer over 100 whiskey’s, a dynamic cocktail list, wine and small plates of Japanese comfort food perfect for sharing with company. With a country style theme and old-fashioned feel, Izakaya Meji Company is a great place to grab a drink and catch up with a friend.
Sam Bond’s Garage
Whiteaker Neighborhood
Also located in the vibrant and eclectic Whiteaker Neighborhood is Sam Bond’s Garage. They strive to provide a laid-back and fun atmosphere. Sam Bond’s Garage is known for hosting live performances every week from a variety of artists and genres such as jazz, folk, acoustic, to bluegrass and rock. Between the friendly staff and the comfortable environment, Sam Bond’s Garage brings a community together that enjoys live music in an intimate and welcoming space.