Although Eugene, Oregon may not be as famed for its coffee houses as other Pacific Northwest cities like Seattle and Portland, as a thriving college town, we have our share of great places to linger over a quality cup of java. It may seem like there’s a drive-through coffee kiosk on every corner and in every parking lot large enough to accommodate one in Eugene, but for the business meeting, or to linger over a steaming cup of coffee, try the following locations:
Perugino is an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Eugene. Housed in a renovated hotel at 767 Willamette Street, Perugino is centrally located for those working downtown and very handy to the Hilton and the Hult Center for Performing Arts. It has a great ambiance, with exposed brick walls and a rotating display of art. The coffee is quite good and this is a wonderful place for the early pastry and coffee or a mid-morning meeting. Call 687-9102 for hours and information.
Another Eugene secret is Triomphe Midtown Coffee at 1591 Willamette. Located in what used to be the L & L Market building, this is a bustling coffee house with a more laid-back clientele. A full coffee “bar,” pastries and newspapers – this is a great place to settle on a Saturday morning if you are over the age of thirty. Now that a consortium of arts groups and nonprofits have renovated and moved into buildings nearby, Triomphe should really be a happening place. Call 485-6244 for hours and directions.
For a really funky Eugene scene, but a great classic cup of coffee, The Strand is located inside the big building on the corner of Charnelton and 8th at 199 West 8th in the middle of downtown Eugene. This building houses a bookstore, a cyber café, Cozmic Pizza and is a regular performing venue (complete with stage) for local and visiting musicians. It tends to collect a more eclectic crowd with it’s large tables and soft furniture – this is the coffee shop where you can find a game of Chess or interesting conversation. The Strand serves breakfast (including a steaming bowl of oatmeal) and lunch, but it is the coffee that attracts the locals.
If you get out of the heart of downtown Eugene, there are still plenty of opportunities for a great cup of coffee – Dani’s Coffee and Espresso is located at 45 R. Division Street in Santa Clara. Although it is small, it gets a steady stream of folks in search of coffee and a muffin. Call 689-9460 for directions and hours. Likewise, in the Oakway mall area, a newer shop cleverly called Brewed Awakening serves up hot mugs of java in a shiny modern setting. There are some nice soft chairs here and although the parking is a little tight (since the shop shares a lot with several other shops and businesses,) it is worth a stop if you are heading into or out of town via Coburg Rd.
While Eugene has more than it’s share of Starbucks and other chain coffee purveyors, it’s not hard to find a great local shop with plenty of personality and a place to settle in to write that novel, lose yourself in a friendly chat, and sip a rich cup of coffee while you watch the seasonal rains through the window.
